Rau's NOVEMBER Magazine - 2023

https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.
com/
https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/





CONTENTS
FOREX SWAP AUCTION
Part One #Banking #ExternalSector 15
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
Current Affairs Analysis 15
02 17
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONSTITUTION, POLITY AND GOVERNANCE
#GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper III (Main) #GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper II (Main)
INDIA’S AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS UAPA
#Agriculture 02 #freedom #preventive detention 17
GOVERNMENT NOTIFIES BANKRUPTCY CODE CHANGES TO FREEDOM ON THE NET 2023: THE REPRESSIVE POWER OF
MAKE AIRCRAFT RECOVERY EASIER ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE #Rights Issues 18
#Industry 03
WOMEN RESERVATION BILL
SMALL SAVINGS SCHEME #Political Justice 21
#Inclusivegrowth #Mobilisationofresources 04
MONEY BILL AND SPEAKER'S DISCRETION
BOND YIELD #parliament 23
#Mobilisationofresources 05
FREEBIES: POLITICAL DIMENSION
NOBEL PRIZE IN ECONOMICS #Elections 26
#Inclusivegrowth 05
PROPOSED DIGITAL INDIA ACT, 2023
PLFS REPORT 2022-23 #Polity and Governance, Government Schemes and Policies
#Unemployment #Employment 07 28
INDIA'S DIRECT TAX COLLECTION PRESS FREEDOM IN INDIA
#FiscalPolicy #ResourceMobilisation 09 #Rights Issues 30
DEVELOPING CORPORATE BOND MARKET IN INDIA SCHEDULE AREAS UNDER FIFTH SCHEDULE OF THE
#ResourceMobilisation 11 CONSTITUTION #Scheduled areas 31
BIMA TRINITY LAW COMMISSION REPORT ON POCSO ACT

#InclusiveGrowth 13 #POCSO 34
NET INTEREST MARGIN (NIM) POLITICIZATION OF BUREAUCRACY

#Banking 13 #Role of civil services 35
NON-CALLABLE DEPOSITS ARTICLE 142 OF THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION

#Banking 14 #Supreme court 36
CREDIT INFORMATION COMPANIES (CICS) REMOTE ELECTRONIC VOTING MACHINE (RVM)

#Banking 14 #Elections 39
BULLET REPAYMENTS ETHICS COMMITTEE OF LOK SABHA AND RAJYA SABHA

#Banking 14 #Committee System 39
WITHDRAWAL OF ₹2000 CURRENCY NOTES

#Banking 15

NCBC HEARING ON BENGAL DEMAND TO INCLUDE 87 ADULT LITERACY

CASTES IN OBC LIST
#Social Justice#Education 59
#Constitution and polity of India 40
GLOBAL HUNGER INDEX 2023
PRACTICE QUESTIONS 42 #Social Justice 60
PROTOCOL FOR IDENTIFICATION AND MANAGEMENT OF

43 MALNUTRITION IN CHILDREN HEALTH 64
APAAR ID
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & Security #Social Justice#Education 65
# GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper II & III (Main) INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR POPULATION SCIENCES
DESPITE CHALLENGES, WHY THE USA CONTINUES THE (IIPS) 65
GLOBAL HEGEMON? #International Relations 43 PRADHAN MANTRI AWAAS YOJANA-GRAMIN
ISRAEL – PALESTINE RELATIONS #Social Justice #Welfare mechanism 66
#Middle East #Extended Neighborhood 45 TELE MENTAL HEALTH ASSISTANCE AND NETWORKING
SHUTDOWN OF THE AFGHAN EMBASSY IN INDIA ACROSS STATES (TELE-MANAS)
#neighbourhood 47 #Social Justice#Health 67
REFORMING THE MULTILATERAL DEVELOPMENT BANKS INDIAN SIGN LANGUAGE

#International Organisations 48 #Social Justice #Welfare Mechanism 67
BANGLADESH GETS ITS FIRST BATCH OF URANIUM UMMEED: COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL PLAN FOR SUICIDE
#International Relations 51 PREVENTION
#Social Justice #Vulnerable sections 68
GEOPOLITICS OF SOLOMON ISLAND
#World Locations 51 PRACTICE QUESTIONS 70
INDIAN OCEAN RIM ASSOCIATION

#International Organisations 52
72
LAWS OF WAR
#Intertnational Law 53 Geography, Environment, Biodiversity &
GLOBAL TERRORISM INDEX
Disaster Management
#Index 53
# GS Paper (Prelims) and GS Paper I & III (Main)
WHO REGIONAL OFFICE
ATR PANEL ASSESSES PROGRESS OF TIGER REWILDING
#International organisations 54
PROJECT #prelimsnuggets # Environment and Ecology 72
VIENNA CONVENTION
INDIA’S GREEN HYDROGEN MOVE MAY WORSEN
#International Law 54
POLLUTION #prelimsnuggets Pollution
PRISONER’S DILEMMA #Environment and Ecology 73
#International Relations 55
EFFECTIVENESS OF SMOG TOWER
OLYMPIC CHARTER AMENDED BY IOC SESSION IN MUMBAI #prelimsnuggets Air pollution
#International Relations 55 #Environment and Ecology 75
PRACTICE QUESTIONS 56 EFFECTIVENESS OF SUPPRESSANTS TO CONTROL DUST
# prelims Pollution#Environment and Ecology 76
DEEP UNDER ANTARCTIC SEA, AN ANCIENT LANDSCAPE

58 #prelimsnuggest Geomorphology
SOCIETY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE #World Geography 76
JAMRANI DAM
# GS Paper I & GS Paper II (Main)
#Prelimsnuggets Dam#Geography 78
GENDER WAGE GAP
IDUKKI
#Social Justice #Gender wage gap 58
#Prelimsnuggets #Geography 79

DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

#prelimsnuggets National Park # Environment and Ecology
101
80
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
BALL LIGHTENING
# GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper III (Main)
#prelimsnuggets #Science and Technology 80
MULTIMODAL ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
CENTRAL POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD AND VAPOR
#New Emerging Technologies 101
RECOVERY SYSTEM #prelimsnuggets -Environmental
EVIDENCE-BASED TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
Organizations. # Environment and Ecology 81
#Health 102
FACTORY FISHING IN ANTARCTICA FOR KRILL TARGETS THE
FAST RADIO BURSTS
CORNERSTONE OF A FRAGILE ECOSYSTEM
#Astronomy and Space Technology 104
#prelimsnuggests ecosystem and its flora and fauna
CARBON NANOFLORETS
#Environment and Ecology 82
#Nanotechnology 105
SENSITIVE ECOSYSTEM IN CAUVERY’S BIRTHPLACE CRIES
FOR ATTENTION AMID DEFICIT RAINFALL WHITE PHOSPHORUS
#Miscellaneous 106
# prelims nuggets Indian River system #Geography 83
OSTEOPOROSIS
FIRECRACKER INDUSTRY-SPARKS OF DANGER
#Health 107
#prelims Indian Polity #Regulatory bodies 84
CHINA TO DOUBLE THE SIZE OF TIANGONG SPACE STATION
TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT 85
#Astronomy and Space Technology 108
RapidX
eSIM CARD AND ITS WORKING
#prelims Infrastructure and transport #Economy 86
#Internet and Communication Technology 109
SEVERE SPELL OF DROUGHT IN THE AMAZON:
THALLIUM
CAUSES,IMPACT, WARNING BELLS
#Miscellaneous 109
#Preliminary-Ecosytem #Disaster management,Rainforest
PHONOTAXIS
87
#Miscellaneous 110
GI TAG FOR THE CASHEW INDUSTRY IN GOA
PRACTICE QUESTIONS 110
#prelims food processing industry #Geogrpahy 87
DOES THE BIO DECOMPOSER HELP? IT’S ALL IN THE TIMING,

SAY FARMER IN CAPITAL.
112
#prelims question -Pollution # Environment and Ecology
88 HISTORY, HERITAGE & CULTURE
‘MAOISTS’ OPEN FIRE AT ARALAM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY # GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper I (Main)
#Environment & Ecology #Prelims Nuggets 89 THEYYAM
RESEARCHERS IDENTIFY A NEW MUSHROOM SPECIES #Art&Culture #Folkdances 112
FROM THE WESTERN GHATS BABA BANDA SINGH BAHADUR
#Prelimsnuggets #environment 90 #Personalities #ModernIndia 112
ED ROPES IN ISRO, IIT KANPUR TO PROBE ILLEGAL SAND DHORDO IS RECOGNISED AS A BEST TOURISM VILLAGE
MINING 91 #Heritageandculture #Placesinnews 113
ADANI PORT LEGEND OF SAMMAKKA-SARAKKA
#prelimsnuggets ports #Geograhy 92 #Indianheritage #Culture #Festivals 115
BEHIND MUMBAI’S AIR POLLUTION NOBEL PRIZE IN LITERATURE
#Environment #mainsexhaustive 95 #Personalities 115
WORLD FOOD DAY - ‘WATER IS LIFE, WATER IS FOOD’ 96 OPERATION POLO IN HYDERABAD
PRACTICE QUESTIONS 98 #Intergrationandconsolidation #PostIndependence 116

SIR SYED AHMAD KHAN

#Personalities #Modernhistory #Reformmovement 118
Part Three
MAHABODHI TEMPLE COMPLEX, BODH GAYA
#Buddhistsites #Artandculture 119
Essays of the month
PRACTICE QUESTIONS 121
129
EDUCATION IS WHAT REMAINS AFTER ONE HAS
Part TWO FORGOTTEN WHAT ONE HAS LEARNED IN SCHOOL
#Philosophical #SocialIssues
Ethics, Integrity and SUBMITTED BY: JAIKRIT VATSAL 130
MATHEMATICS IS THE MUSIC OF REASON

Aptitude #PHILOSOPHICAL SUBMITTED BY: KRISHNA PAL 131
NOT ALL WHO WANDER ARE LOST

123 #Philosophical
SUBMITTED BY: SHASHANK SHEKHAR SINGH 133
RULE OF LAW
#Ethics #Integrity #Aptitude 124
CASE STUDIES for Practice

MAINS GS PAPER IV 126


Part ONE
Current
affairs
analysis
logical .simple .targeted
analysis & explanation
of all relevant news of the month

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
 Provide an institutional mechanism for pursuing
INDIA’S AGRICULTURAL market access, tackling barriers and deal with
sanitary and phytosanitary issues.
EXPORTS
 Strive to double India’s share in world Agri-exports
#Agriculture by integrating with the global value chain at the earliest.
CONSTRAINTS AND CHALLENGES
Indian has recently imposed ban on export of food The Agricultural Exports Policy 2018 has sought to double
commodities like Wheat and Rice which had an impact on the agricultural exports from present ~US$ 30+ Billion to ~US$
global as well as domestic markets. In this context, let us 60+ Billion by 2022 and reach US$ 100 Billion in the next
understand the status of Agri-exports from India and few years. However, it would face number of challenges
challenges faced by them.
PRESENT STATUS OF AGRI-EXPORTS
 India’s agri-exports touched $43.27 billion in 2013-14,
up from $8.67 billion in 2004-05. This was almost a five-
fold growth in 10 years. If the same momentum had
been maintained, agri-exports would have touched
$200 billion. But in reality, it may not touch even $50
billion this year (2023-24) because of:
○ Lower share of Global Exports: In spite of being
one of the largest producers of Food grains and
Fruits and vegetables, India's share in global export
of Agri-commodities stands at merely 2% (9th Rank).
○ Lack of Diversified Export Basket: India's export
basket is basically dominated by Basmati Rice and
Marine Products.
 Supply-Side:
○ Low Value Addition: Majority of its exports are low
○ Lack of stable and reliable export policy. More
value, raw or semi-processed.
focus on price stabilisation and food security and
AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS POLICY 2018 not on exports.
 Double agricultural exports from present ~US$ 30+ ○ Lack of Market Intelligence related to consumer
Billion to ~US$ 60+ Billion by 2022 and reach US$ 100 preference in export markets. For example, higher
Billion in the next few years. sweetness in Indian mangoes is not necessarily in
 Diversify our export basket, destinations and boost demand in many countries.
high value- and value-added agricultural exports ○ Identification Challenges: Absence of state level
including focus on perishables. export data precludes us from identifying potential
 Promote novel, indigenous, organic, ethnic, traditional export clusters within a state to provide suitable
and non-traditional Agri products exports. incentives.
FOCUS | NOVEMBER 2023 | RAU’S IAS 2

Economic Development
○ Lack of aggregation of low marketable surplus due Further, recommendations of the High-Level Expert
to significant variation in terms of varieties Group (HLEG) to boost Exports can also be implemented:
cultivated.  State-led Export Plan - Business plan for a crop value
○ Training and Skill Development: Unregulated chain cluster. Plans should be collaboratively prepared
chemicals usage; Inadequate post-harvest with private sector players and Commodity Boards.
management; Lack of awareness leading to rejection  Focus on 22 crop value chains through a demand
of Indian Products in overseas markets. driven approach.
○ Fragmented and restrictive APMC regime.  Private sector should play an anchor role in driving
○ Poor Infrastructure and Logistics makes Indian outcomes and execution.
products uncompetitive.  Centre should be an enabler. It should enable state-
 Lack of coordination among multiple agencies led plans.
involved in export of Agri-commodities such as the  Robust institutional mechanism to fund and support
Ministry of Agriculture, Commerce Ministry, FSSAI etc. implementation.
 Demand-Side:  Funding through convergence of existing schemes,
○ Restrictive Exports Policy: Through outright bans Finance Commission allocation and private sector
on export or by putting a minimum export price on investment.
rice and wheat. However, this inflicts a large “implicit
tax” on our farmers, thereby making our export
products less competitive in export markets.
GOVERNMENT NOTIFIES
○ Indiscriminate application of sanitary and BANKRUPTCY CODE
phytosanitary measures by other countries
against Indian products. CHANGES TO MAKE
○ Surge in agricultural imports after signing of FTAs.
AIRCRAFT RECOVERY
WAY FORWARD
Export markets are premium markets and need to be EASIER
developed and maintained over years. Hence, following #Industry
measures can be taken to improve the farm
productivity - this will help ensure adequate supply of
food grains for both domestic and international The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has issued a notification
markets. stating that certain provisions of the Insolvency and
Bankruptcy Code (IBC) will no longer apply to aircraft, their
 Investments in agriculture R&D, seeds, irrigation,
engines, airframes, and helicopters.
fertilisers, better farming practices including
precision agriculture: India’s overall investment in BACKGROUND
agriculture R&D, both of the Centre and of states When Go First airlines filed for voluntary insolvency in the
together, hovers around 0.5 per cent of the agri-GDP. It month of May(2023), the companies (lessors) who had
needs to be immediately doubled, if India is to become leased aircrafts to the airline applied to DGCA to
a powerhouse of agricultural production as well as agri- deregister those aircrafts from the airlines and repossess
exports. them. But DGCA didn’t approve their requests and kept
 Revisiting Minimum Export Price (MEP): The export their applications in abeyance.
price of basmati rice normally hovers between $800 to Under section 14 of India’s Insolvency and Bankruptcy
$1,000/tonne. By putting an MEP of $1,200, much of the Code (IBC), the admission of an insolvency plea by the
basmati export is restricted. There is a need to revisit National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) results in an
and revise this, preferably fixing it at $800 to immediate and complete moratorium on recovery of
$850/tonne range. assets leased to the debtor (Go First in this case).

CONCERNS SIGNIFICANCE
Inability of the lessors to take back their aircrafts results  Social Security: In a country where more than 90% of
in: the workforce belongs to informal sector and are not
 Violation of Cape town convention: India is a signatory covered under any statutory social security benefits,
to the Convention on International Interests in Mobile small savings schemes provides such social security net
Equipment and the related protocol, commonly known to the marginalised sections.
as the Cape Town Convention (CTC), as per which  Savings rate: Small savings schemes owing to their
lessors can seek deregistration and export of aircraft high interest rates, implicit sovereign guarantee and
without consent of the airline when lease payments are tax benefits attracts marginal sections and enhances
defaulted. household savings rate of the economy.
 Impacts aviation market: It impacts the reputation of  Mobilization of resources: Increased small savings
India’s aviation market and may increase risk would enable the government to borrow its fiscal
premiums for other Indian carriers. This may increase deficit from National Small Savings Fund instead of
cost of operations for Indian airlines which are already depending upon market borrowings.
reeling under the pressure of volatile fuel prices and CHALLENGES WITH SMALL SAVINGS SCHEMES
cut throat competition.
 Overlapping instruments: At present the small
Thus the recent changes to the IBC to exempt leased savings schemes basket comprises 12 instruments with
aircrafts under the protection given to debtors, came as a overlapping objectives of promotion of savings among
relief to the aviation sector. ̳small income groups.
 Viability of NSSF: The asset liability mismatch of NSSF
SMALL SAVINGS SCHEME in terms of tenure and increased gap between income
of the fund and its expenditure.
#Inclusivegrowth  Monetary Policy transmission: As the returns on
#Mobilisationofresources small savings are typically higher than the bank
deposits, the cost of funding for the banks increased
and are unable to reflect the change in policy rates in
Collections under small savings schemes have seen a pickup their lending rates.
in April-September, with deposits for the Senior Citizens
Keeping in view of the above challenges, the government
Savings Scheme surging over 2.5 times year-on-year to Rs
rationalised the small savings schemes and since 2016,
74,675 crore. This marks a 160% increase over Rs 28,715
interest rate resetting has been done based on yields of
crore collected in the corresponding period a year ago.
government securities of corresponding maturity with
SMALL SAVINGS SCHEMES some spread on the scheme for senior citizens, as advised
The Government formulated a basket of small savings by the Shyamala Gopinath Committee.
schemes to meet the varying needs of different groups of
small investors. They Include:
 Postal deposits
BOND YIELD
 Savings certificates (National small savings certificate #Mobilisationofresources
and KVP)
 Social Security Schemes (PPF and Senior Citizens’ The yield on 10-year government bonds in the US, the
Savings Scheme) benchmark for asset prices across the globe, rose to hit 5.02
 Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme per cent, its highest level since July 2007. The yield of the
All the collections under the schemes are accrued into a Indian 10-year benchmark Government Security (G-Sec) also
National Small Savings Fund (NSSF) in the Public Account hardened to 7.50%, tracking the rise in US Treasury yields,
of India. which are reacting to expectations of heavy bond supply due
to a jump in the fiscal deficit, continuing price pressures.

Bond is debt instrument issued by governments and  Loss to the banks: Since commercial banks in India
corporates to raise capital. The value at which the bond is hold significant size of g-secs owing to their SLR
issued is regarded as its face value and the value at which requirements and LAF purposes, increasing bond yield
the bond is traded in the secondary market is referred to as a rise in yields leads to a fall in bond prices and
as its market value. therefore these losses have to be booked by the banks.
Bond Yield: The return received by the investor on the  Loss to the mutual funds: Mutual funds holding
capital invested on a particular bond. The yield of the significant size of g-secs also face similar losses.
bond depends on the market value of the bond.
 Increased cost of borrowings:
 If the market value increases above the face value of
○ Higher yield on G-secs would mean that the
bond (the price at which it is purchased in the primary
government will have to offer higher interest rates
market when it was issued), then the rate of returns on
on fresh borrowings.
the purchase of the bond in secondary market
○ Corporates also need to increase interest rates on
decreases. This phenomenon is often known as
their bonds as result of increasing bond yields in the
softening of bond yields.
market. Since Indian banks follow interest rates of
 On the other hand if the market value decreases below
long term G-secs to fix their lending rates, hardening
the face value of the bond, then the rate of returns on
yields of g-secs may increase their lending rates as
the purchase of bond in secondary market increases.
well.
This phenomenon is known as hardening of bond
yields.  Impact on equity market: As bond yields rises, the
opportunity cost of investing in equities goes up and
Demand for the bonds
therefore equities become less attractive.
NOBEL PRIZE IN
Decreases Increases ECONOMICS
Market price of the bond Market price of the bond #Inclusivegrowth
decreases decreases
Bond Yield increases Bond yield increases

Claudia Goldin bagged this year’s Nobel prize in economics
(Yield hardening) (Yield softening)
for her pioneering research that advances our understanding
Reasons: Reasons: of labour market outcomes for women.
 Increased Inflation  Deflationary trends in
GOLDIN’S ‘U’- SHAPED CURVE HYPOTHESIS ON FEMALE
 Sale of G-secs by the the economy
LABOUR PARTICIPATION RATE
central bank under  Purchase of G-secs by
open market the Central bank under  Claudia Goldin (1994) had stated that Female labour
operations open market force participation rate (FLFPR) exhibits a U-shape
 Increased borrowings operations during the process of economic development. The

by the government  Reduced borrowings downward trend in ‘U’ was due to rise in Household
(Increased fiscal deficit) by the government incomes because of expansion of markets and shift
Loss to the bond holder No loss to the bond holder from farm activities to factory work. However, when
educational level rises and economy moves towards
IMPACT OF HARDENING OF BOND YIELD
service sector, as value of women’s time in the market

increases further, they move back into the paid labour 25.9% of all women worked in 1999-2000, female labour
force. force participation rate in 2020-21, according to PLFS
report, is only 25.1%.
REASONS FOR LOW FEMALE LABOUR FORCE
PARTICIPATION IN INDIA
 Rising Household Incomes: Rising incomes allow
women to escape harsh labour on farms and
construction sites and focus on their families.
 Agrarian crisis: Declining farm sizes, rising
mechanisation and agrarian crisis are pushing women
out of agricultural workforce.
 Lack of Rural connectivity: Lack of transport network
to villages may prevent women from taking non-
agricultural work in Neighbouring towns. Lack of
transport services effect women more than men.
 Increased Education levels of women: Growing
enrolment of women in Higher education and lack of
adequate well paid formal jobs in the market.
 Nuclear families: Growing trend of nuclear families
keeping childcare left to women with no support from
elders of the family.
 MSME crisis: MSME sector offers significant
employment opportunities to women. But rigid labour
 Gender inequality at work: Goldin’s findings also laws and other protective policies of govt hindered the
showed that despite increasing FLPR with the rise of growth of MSMEs.
service sector, the gender gap in earnings remained  Patriarchal norms: Patriarchal norms of society
high—in fact, the difference between men and women determines Domestic division of labour. Women are
workers in the same occupation rose with the birth of expected to take care of domestic chores while men go
the first child. out for work.
GENDER INEQUALITIES IN EMPLOYMENT  Childcare: Most education drop out of labour force due
to childbirth and care.
 Other factors: Glass ceiling at workplace which limits
work opportunities for females at senior levels, sexual
harassment at workplaces inducing fear among
females. Lack of access to marketable skills in an
economy which is driven by service class.
WHY THERE IS GENDER PAY-GAP IN INDIA?
 Education and skill gap:
○ According to the 2011 census, the overall male
literacy in India was 80.89%, whereas women's
literacy rate was just 64.64%.
INDIA’S EXPERIENCE ○ The increased female literacy rate over the period
Despite experiencing structural changes such as decline didn’t result in an increased female labour
in fertility rates and expansion of women’s education, participation rate. Once they attain the moderate
Indian FLFPR has been stagnated. While NSSO found that
level of education, women do not work in manual

labour and there is an increase in demand for white-  Formalising the informal economy: The pay gap
collared jobs among them. These jobs would be between workers in the informal and formal sectors
available only to women with the highest levels of can be reduced by incentivising enterprises to make
education. Because there is a limited supply of such the transition from the informal to the formal
jobs, women with moderate levels of education are economy.
left out of the labour market.  Sharing of Cost of maternity benefits: Government
○ Although, as per the AISHE report, the Gross should share the cost of maternity benefits provided by
enrolment ratio of women increased in Higher the small firms so that they don’t reduce the wages of
education, their representation in STEM is female employees to compensate for the costs
significantly lower than men. incurred.
 Occupational segregation: Lack of skills required to get  Digital literacy: Reduce the digital divide between men
gainful employment in the manufacturing sector and and women so that women can take up the
Digital Economy and Gender socialisation from opportunities in the future digital economy on par with
men.
childhood resulted in the concentration of female
labour in sectors like beauty, retail, hospitality etc,  Mandatory disclosure of pay gap: Make it mandatory
which offers less pay compared to men working in for organizations employing more than 50 employees
mechanised, technologically advanced sectors. to disclose gender pay gap data. This will help us gauge
the level of the actual problem, make employers
 Feminisation of Informal sector: Women's
acknowledge the existence of the gender pay gap and
employment in India is overwhelmingly informal. As
prod them to take remedial steps.
per PLFS-2017-18, Over 90% of all women workers are
employed in the informal economy, which offers less Closing the gender pay gap is key to achieving social
wages compared to the formal sector. justice for working women and eventually realising the
sustainable development goal of Gender equality (SDG-5).
 Low bargaining power: Inadequate skill, unorganised
nature of employment and lack of trade unionism
reduce the bargaining power of the women labour PLFS REPORT 2022-23
force to demand higher wages.
#Unemployment #Employment
 Part-time nature of employment: Due to domestic
work burden, women tend to choose part-time work,
which reduces their income potential.
NSSO has released Periodic Labour Force Survey for the year
 Glass ceiling: Glass ceiling refers to intangible 2022-23.
discriminatory barriers that prevent women, though Considering the importance of availability of labour force
qualified, from rising to higher positions in a data at more frequent time intervals, National Sample
corporation. The OECD concluded that about 60% of Survey Office (NSSO) launched Periodic Labour Force
the gender pay gap is the result of a glass ceiling. Survey (PLFS) in April 2017.
STEPS TO BE TAKEN TO NARROW THE GENDER PAY- The objective of PLFS is to estimate key employment and
GAP unemployment indicators like Labour force participation
rate, unemployment rate and Worker-population ratio
 Promoting equal pay for equal work: Equal pay for men
etc.
and women needs to be promoted through the
This is the sixth Annual Report being brought out by NSSO
effective implementation of laws, enhancing
on the basis of data collected in Periodic Labour Force
awareness, and combating gender-based stereotypes
Survey for the period July 2022 - June 2023.
about women’s roles and aspirations.

Working age population

(Population above 15 years of age)
Labour Force (Actively seeking work) Not in the Labour force
Employed: Unemployed
 Self-employed
 Casual labour
 Salaried employees
 Unemployment rate = Unemployed people / Total labour force

 Labour participation rate = Labour force / Total population
UNEMPLOYMENT MEASUREMENT METHODOLOGY approach, all individuals who have worked for a minor
Unemployment is measured through labour force surveys period of not less than 30 days during the reference
using the following indicators: year are classified as employed.
 Usual Principal Status (PS): It measures the status of  Current Weekly Status (CWS): In this approach
activity on which a person has spent relatively longer current activity status relating to the week preceding
time of the preceding 365 days prior to the date of the date of survey and those persons are classified as
survey. E.g., An individual who is reported to have been unemployed who did not have gainful work even for an
employed for more than a total of six months will be hour on any day in the preceding week.
treated as employed. The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) conducted by the
 Usual Principal and Subsidiary Status (PS+SS): More National Statistical Office (NSO) measures the
inclusive measure as compared to Usual Principal unemployment status using Usual status (PS+SS)and
Status, since it also measures the activity status of an Current weekly status (CWS) annually.
individual during non-majority time. Under this
Activity status Reference Period Criterion
Principal status (PS) Last 365 days Majority time criteria (more than 6 months)
PS+SS Subsidiary status (SS) Last 365 days Minor time period (Not less than 30 days)
Weekly status Last 7 days At least 1 hour

KEY FINDINGS OF THE REPORT CONCERNS WITH INCREASING SHARE OF SELF-

 Labour force participation rate: EMPLOYED
The LFPR in urban areas increased from 47.5% in April-  Increasing share of self-employed often reflects the
June 2022 to 48.8% in April-June 2023. lack of sustainable alternative employment
opportunities.
 Unlike salaried employees, self-employed are deprived
of institutional social security benefits such as pension,
insurance etc.
 Since self-employed do not receive regular salaries and
no job security they are often deprived of institutional
 Worker-Population Ratio: credit.
 As per PLFS reports over the last five years, Gender
earnings gap is highest in self-employment category.
 Unemployment rate:
 Composition of employment:
Keeping in view of the rising self-employed category of

workers in the economy, government has taken several
measures including Pradhan Mantri Shram yogi Maan-
21%
dhan yojana and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and
Self-employed
Wage code (2019).
22% 57%
Salaried employees
Casual labour INDIA'S DIRECT TAX

COLLECTION
#FiscalPolicy #ResourceMobilisation
Based on the PLFS report, it is clearly evident that the
share of “self-employed” is higher than salaried India’s net direct tax collections have grown 18% in the first
employees or casual labour. In fact, the share has been half of this financial year. Whereas, the overall number of
increasing over the few years. The overall rate of self- income tax (I-T) returns filed by individuals has risen from
employed people increased to 57.3% in 2022-23 from
3.36 crore to 6.37 crore through assessment years 2013-14 to
55.8% in 2021-22 and 55.6% in 2020-21. It was around 52%
2021-22. There is also an increase in the number of returns
in 2017-18 and 2018-19.

filed by individual taxpayers across various ranges of gross

total income.
FACTS RELATED TO TAX COLLECTIONS
 As of the fiscal year 2023, India's tax-to-GDP ratio

stands at 11.1%.
 Of this, direct taxes constitute approximately 6% of the

GDP, while indirect taxes account for 5.1% of the GDP.
 However, India's tax-to-GDP ratio falls short of the

emerging market economy average, which stands at
21%, as well as the OECD average of 34%.
WHAT IS A TAX-TO-GDP RATIO? FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO INDIA'S LOW DIRECT TAX

SHARE COMPARED TO OTHER NATIONS
 The tax-to-GDP ratio represents the proportion of a
country's tax revenue concerning its Gross Domestic
Product (GDP).
Higher tax
rates
 A decline in this ratio could signify a slowdown in (Lower tax
yields)
economic growth.
Low per
Missing
capita
middle
income
Reasons
for low
share of
direct
Tax
Informal
avoidance
WHAT ARE DIRECT TAXES? economy
(BEPS etc.)
 Direct taxes are those taxes paid directly to the
government by the taxpayer. E.g. Income Tax, No tax on
Agricultural
Corporate Tax etc. income
 In this system, the burden of taxation falls upon the
same entity that cannot transfer it to another party.
 Size of Informal Sector: Many transactions in the
 It is a form of progressive tax, meaning the tax informal sector are conducted in cash, making them
liability increases as an individual or entity's challenging to track for tax purposes.
income rises. A higher share of direct taxes is  Tax Exemptions for Agriculture: This sector serves as
considered a hallmark of progressive tax burden. the primary source of income for nearly 60% of the
Indian population, and it enjoys tax exemptions.
 Budget Estimate (BE) numbers for 2023-24 put the
 High Incidence of Tax Litigation: India grapples with
share of direct taxes in Gross Tax Revenue (GTR) at
around 5 lakh pending tax litigation cases.
54.2%. Even though the share of direct taxes in gross
 Low Per-Capita Income: India has a low per-capita
tax revenues of the Union government is more than
income and hence it has a low direct tax base.
that of indirect taxes, it is still lower compared to
 High Tax Avoidance: Despite growth in the Indian
some developed countries.
economy, it has not resulted in corresponding growth

in direct tax-to-GDP ratio. Hence, only about 5.3% of Banks have called for deepening corporate bond markets as
the total population files income tax returns. it will help in effective financing of India’s energy transition
goals.
 High Tax Rates: India has a high personal income tax
rate. High tax rates discourage employment, thereby WHAT IS A BOND?
leading to low revenue collection in the long-term  A bond is a debt instrument that represents a loan
(Laffer Curve) made by an investor to a borrower (who is typically
corporate or governmental).
 Governments (at all levels) and corporations commonly
use bonds in order to borrow money as they need to
fund roads, schools, dams, or other infrastructure. The
sudden expense of war may also demand the need to
raise funds.
 Similarly, corporations often borrow to grow their
business, to buy property and equipment, to undertake
profitable projects, for research and development, or
to hire employees.
 The problem that large organisations run into is that
they typically need far more money than the average
 Insufficient Technical Expertise and Resources: Lack
bank can provide. Therefore, corporations issue bonds
of efficient tax administration has resulted in high to borrow money from institutional and retail
expenditures on tax collection. investors.
GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES TO EXPAND THE DIRECT NEED FOR DEVELOPING CORPORATE BOND MARKET?
TAX BASE  Meet Investment Needs: Economic Survey 2018-19
 Cross-seeding of PAN (Permanent Account has highlighted that India needs to shift gears from
Number) with bank accounts and Aadhaar: This aids consumption-driven economy to investment-led
the government in monitoring all formal transactions economy wherein private sector investment has to
conducted through banks. become key driver of Indian Economy. The
development of the corporate bond market can
 Increasing the tax rebate limit and extending the
significantly enhance investment rates and enable
benefits of standard deduction in the new tax India to become a $5 trillion economy by the end of
regime: This has made the new tax regime more 2024-25.
appealing than the old one.  Reduce Pressure on Government and Banks: In most
 Introduction of an e-Appeals scheme: This scheme international markets such as the USA, the corporate
aims to reduce pending appeals and streamline the bond market is well developed, and this enables
appeals disposal process. companies to raise funds across different maturities
including for infrastructure projects with long gestation
 Implementation of a Common IT Return Form:
periods. In India, given the absence of a well-
Simplifying the tax return process for individuals and
functioning corporate bond market, the burden of
entities. financing infrastructure projects such as roads, ports,
and airports are more on banks and the government.
DEVELOPING CORPORATE  Asset-Liability Mismatch in Financial Sector: Banks

use short term deposits (3-5 years maturity period) to
BOND MARKET IN INDIA fund long term infrastructure projects with long
gestation period leading to asset-liability mismatch.
#ResourceMobilisation Thus, an active corporate bond market helps in the
diversification of risks in the financial system.

 Lower Cost of Capital: Corporate bond markets can  Private Placement Issues: In India, over 95% of
help borrowers reduce their financing costs as they issuances are through private placements. Small &
enable the corporates to borrow money directly from medium corporate issuers generally raise resources
the investors and facilitate bank disintermediation, through the private placement route given cost
thus removing the “middleman” and related costs. considerations, ease of issuance, greater institutional
 Reduce Foreign Currency Exposures: Corporate demand, and less retail interest.
bond market enables firms to borrow for longer  Absence of Longer Maturity Bonds: Corporate Bond
maturity periods in local currency to meet their market is basically dominated by bonds with average
investment needs and avoid foreign currency maturity period of 2-5 years. Corporate bond market
exposures. has not been able to cater to the needs of long-term
 Provide Long Term Financial Assets: An active investors such as pension and insurance fund
corporate bond market could provide institutional companies through issuance of long-term maturity
investors such as insurance companies and provident bonds. This problem was primarily in the news when
and pension funds with quality long term financial IL&FS defaulted as it had borrowed funds mostly by
assets, helping them in matching their assets and issuing bonds having short maturity.
liabilities.  Lack of Risk Management Market: Absence of
PRESENT STATUS OF CORPORATE BOND MARKET IN interest rate/ credit derivatives which can efficiently
INDIA transfer the risks arising out of interest rate
movements and default probabilities.
 Corporate debt-to-GDP ratio in India stood at around
17% in 2017 as compared to 123% in the US and 19% in  Taxation Structure: Stamp duties on corporate bonds
the case of China. across various states have not been standardised.
 The proportion of firms using banks as the primary WAY FORWARD

source of working capital is higher than most Several reports by expert committees on development of
developed countries. corporate bond markets in India such as R. H. Patil
 This shows that the corporate bond market in India is Committee (2005), High Powered Expert Committee
underdeveloped. on Making Mumbai an International Financial Centre
in 2007 (Percy Mistry Committee), H.R Khan
REASONS FOR UNDERDEVELOPED BOND MARKET IN
Committee on Corporate Bond Market. Important
INDIA
Recommendations are:
 Narrow Investor Base: Demand for corporate bonds
 Easing the Process of Bond Issuance: To incentivise
as an investment is mostly confined to institutional
corporates to raise a part of their requirements
investors with retail investors accounting for only 3% of
through bonds, time and cost for public issuance and
outstanding issuances.
disclosure and listing requirements should be reduced
 Dominance of Government Securities: Central and
and made simpler.
State Government securities constituted almost half of
 Enhancing Investor Base:
the total investment in the Bond Market.
○ The scope of investment by provident/pension/
 Constraints on Foreign Investors: Investment limit
gratuity funds and insurance companies in
for FPIs in corporate bonds has been enhanced along
corporate bonds should be enhanced.
with a reduction in the withholding tax. However, FPIs
are not fully utilising enhanced limits due to limited ○ Retail investors should be encouraged to participate
liquidity in the market. in the market through stock exchanges. Such
investors should also be encouraged to participate
 Higher-Rated Companies Dominate Corporate
in the corporate bond market through mutual funds.
Issuance: In Indian corporate bond markets almost
70% of bonds outstanding by value are rated AAA. This ○ Investment in corporate bonds should be
indicates that the number of sub investment grade considered as part of total bank credit while
issues is minimal and the proportion below AAA is computing credit deposit ratio by banks.
small.

 Bonds Primary Issuance Database: A centralised investors and increase their liquidity in the secondary
database of all bonds issued by corporates; made market.
available free of cost to all the investors.  Strengthening of Credit Default Swaps (CDS): A
 Acceptance of corporate bonds under LAF repo of credit default swap (CDS) is a financial swap agreement
RBI: Encourage Banks to invest in Corporate Bonds and that the seller of the CDS will compensate the buyer in
then use them to borrow loans from RBI through the event of a debt default (by the debtor).
Repos.  Municipal Bond Market: Municipal bonds may be
 Credit enhancements of bonds by setting up of given some fiscal support in the form of bond
Credit Guarantee Enhancement Corporation: Bonds insurance or providing credit enhancement so that
with good credit ratings will make them attractive for municipalities are encouraged to issue such bonds.
Prelims Snipets
stage can pursue service requests and settlement of
BIMA TRINITY claims through the same portal.
#InclusiveGrowth  Bima Vistar: It aims to provide ‘affordable, accessible
and comprehensive cover’ in the form of a bundled
risk cover for life, health, property and casualties or
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India accidents.
(IRDAI) issued guidelines on Bima Vahaks.  Bima Vahaks:
NEED FOR INSURANCE IN INDIA ○ It is a women-centric, dedicated distribution
 Missing Middle: The ‘missing middle’ includes the self- channel to enhance insurance inclusion with a focus
employed informal sector in rural areas, and a broad on rural areas.
array of occupations – informal, semi-formal, and ○ Each Gram Panchayat would have a ‘Bima Vahak’
formal – in urban areas. 30% of the eligible population who would be tasked to sell and service insurance
constitute the ‘missing middle’ are deprived of the products.
facilities of financial aid and insurance.
○ It aims at identifying and developing resources
 Protection Gaps: There are huge protection gaps that locally who understand and appreciate local needs
need to be bridged as about 50% of vehicles are and enjoy the trust and confidence of the local
uninsured in addition to minuscule coverage of population of their village/gram panchayat.
property insurance. Additionally, the MSMEs are also
inadequately covered by insurance products.
BIMA TRINITY WILL INCLUDE THREE COMPONENTS NET INTEREST MARGIN
 Bima Sugam:
(NIM)
○ Platform to integrate insurers and distributors on
to one platform.
#Banking
○ It will enable easy access under a single roof for
insurance companies, agents, brokers, banks and Banks are likely to see a reduction in their net interest margins
aggregators. It will further enable individuals to buy (NIM) in the second quarter of the current fiscal due to higher
life, health, motor or property insurance policies cost of deposits.
online. IMPORTANT TERMS
○ The platform is a centralised database that acts  Bank balance sheet tells us about the assets,
as a one-stop shop for customers, who at a later liabilities, and bank capital for an individual bank. The

balance sheet is identified as: (Assets = Liabilities +

Capital)
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed credit
 Assets are items that the bank owns. This includes
information companies (CICs) to alert customers when their
loans, securities, and reserves.
Credit Information Report is accessed by banks and non-
 Liabilities are items that the bank owes to someone banking finance companies (NBFCs).
else, including deposits and bank borrowing from other
WHAT ARE CICs?
institutions.
 Regulated By: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under Credit
 Capital is sometimes referred to as “net worth”, “equity Information Companies (Regulation) Act, 2005 (CICRA
capital”, or “bank equity”. Bank capital are funds that 2005).
are raised by either selling new equity in the bank, or
 Functions: CICs collect public data, credit
that come from retained earnings (profits) the bank
transactions and payment histories of individuals and
earns from its assets net of liabilities.
companies regarding loans and credit cards. Based
 Net Interest Margin (NIM): It is the difference on the collected data, CICs form a credit report and
between the interest earned and the interest paid generate a score.
by a bank.  Importance: Banks and NBFCs refer to the CIC’s report
and credit score to decide borrowers’
creditworthiness before granting a loan or issuing a
NON-CALLABLE DEPOSITS credit card.
#Banking  A customer can get a loan at a relatively attractive rate

if their credit score is high. If the credit score is low —
due to defaults on earlier loans — they may not get a
Reserve Bank of India has issued directions on interest rate of
loan or a credit card.
Non-Callable Deposits.
 TransUnion, CIBIL Ltd, Equifax India, and CRIF High
WHAT ARE NON-CALLABLE DEPOSITS? Mark are some prominent CICs in India.
 The fixed deposits (FDs) made by the depositor can be
withdrawn before the maturity date are termed as
callable deposits. Depositors can withdraw these
BULLET REPAYMENTS
deposits in case of emergency by paying a penalty,
#Banking
which differs from bank to bank.
 Whereas fixed deposits that cannot be withdrawn
before the maturity date are called non-callable The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased the existing limit
deposits. of gold loans under the bullet repayment scheme from Rs 2
 Benefits: The interest rate provided on non-callable lakh to Rs 4 lakh in certain urban co-operative banks (UCBs).
deposits is at a premium to the regular callable WHAT IS A BULLET REPAYMENT SCHEME?

deposits.  Known as “balloon payment” or bullet repayment
 Shortcomings: Non-callable deposits are illiquid and option, here borrowers are required to repay the
not eligible collateral deposits. entire principal and interest amount at the
conclusion of the loan tenure.
 Though the interest on the gold loan is calculated
CREDIT INFORMATION monthly throughout the tenure, the borrower is
obligated only to make a single payment of the total
COMPANIES (CICs) principal and interest at the end of the loan term.
#Banking

 Unlike traditional loans with monthly EMI schedules, The ₹2000 banknote will continue to maintain its legal
this option eliminates the need for periodic tender status.
payments during the loan term. WHO HAS THE POWER TO WITHDRAW BANKNOTES?
Under Section 24(2) of Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934
(RBI Act), the Central Government, on the
WITHDRAWAL OF ₹2000 recommendation of the Central Board of RBI, may
CURRENCY NOTES direct the non-issue or the discontinuance of issue of bank

notes.
#Banking
FOREX SWAP AUCTION
The Reserve Bank of India has extended the deadline to
exchange or deposit ₹2000 notes.
#Banking #ExternalSector
WHY WERE ₹2000 CURRENCY NOTES INTRODUCED?
The ₹2000 denomination banknote was introduced in In April last year, the RBI conducted a dollar/rupee (USD/INR)
November 2016 under Section 24(1) of Reserve Bank of sell-buy swap auction for an amount of $ 5 billion which
India Act, 1934 (RBI Act) to meet the currency matured in October, 2023.
requirement of the economy in an expeditious WHAT IS A FOREX SELL/BUY SWAP AUCTION?
manner after withdrawal of the legal tender status of all
 It is a forex management tool under which the Central
₹500 and ₹1000 banknotes in circulation at that time.
Bank (RBI) sells foreign currency (US Dollar) to banks
WHY ARE THESE NOTES BEING WITHDRAWN? and then buys the same from the bank at a later date.
 Availability of Other Banknotes: Banknotes of other  Thus, under the Dollar-Rupee sell/buy swap, RBI sold
denominations are available in adequate quantities. $5 billion dollars to Indian banks in exchange of
Therefore, printing of ₹2000 banknotes was stopped in rupees and immediately entered into an agreement
2018-19. with dollar buying banks. promising to buy dollars at
 Clean Notes Policy: Whereas, a majority of the ₹2000 a later date.
banknotes were issued prior to March 2017 and are at SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MOVE
the end of their estimated life-span of 4-5 years. Hence,
 The issuance of Forex sell/buy swap reduced the
the RBI wants to ensure the availability of good quality
availability of rupee in the Indian markets and
banknotes to members of the public.
reduced inflationary pressures on the Indian
 Non-usage in Daily Transactions: It was also economy.
observed that ₹2000 banknotes are not commonly
 This helps to control inflation without increasing
used for transactions.
the Repo Rate which hurts the businesses.
CURRENT LEGAL STATUS OF ₹2000 CURRENCY NOTES
 The issuance of Forex buy/sell swap also strengthened
the demand of the rupee vis-a-vis the dollars.
Practice questions
MCQs
Q.1) Consider the following statements: childbirth as significant factor leading to wage gap
Statement I: Nobel Prize 2023 in Economics between male & females.
winner Claudia Goldin highlighted the role of

Statement II: As women had to shoulder more of 1. The WCO developed the harmonized system for
the parenting responsibilities once a child was classification of international products.
born, they were also punished for this at the work 2. The WCO does not regulate matters concerning
front in terms of a slower rise on the payscale. ‘Rules of Origin’ in international trade.
Which of the following is correct, based on the above Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
statements? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Statement-II is the correct explanation for
Statement-I Q.4) Consider the following statements about
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Pension Fund Regulatory & Development
Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Authority (PFRDA):
Statement-I 1. It is a non-statutory regulatory body.
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect 2. It regulates the National Pension Scheme which can
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct be subscribed only by government employees.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q.2) Consider the following statements about ‘Debt (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Service Ratio’ (DSR): (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
1. It measures the proportion of income used to repay
the debt-related obligations.
Q.5) Consider the following statements about
2. A higher DSR indicates better sustainability and a Dollar-Rupee sell/buy swap auction:
more manageable level of household debt.
1. Under this RBI, first buys dollars from banks and
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? then sells these dollars to the banks on
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only predetermined dates.
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 2. Issuance of these bonds can boost inflation in the
economy.
Q.3) Consider the following statements about World Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Customs Organisation (WCO): (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Descriptive Questions
Q1. Highlight the key challenges of the Indian Railways. Also, highlight the steps taken and suggestions to make Indian
railways a world class railway system.
Q2. Discuss the various issues with measurement of employment and unemployment in India. Also, suggests steps to
improve employment intensity of Indian economy.
Answers: 1-a, 2-a, 3-a, 4-d, 5-d

CONSTITUTION, POLITY AND

GOVERNANCE
# GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper II (Main)
ABOUT THE UNLAWFUL ACTIVITIES (PREVENTION) ACT,
UAPA 1967 (ACT)
#freedom #preventive detention  Act defines “Unlawful activity” as “any action taken by
individual or association that leads to cession of a part
of the territory of India, questions the sovereignty of
Arrests and questioning of individuals associated with
India or disrupt the integrity of India etc.
NewsClick, a news portal, have highlighted concerns about the
 Powers with the government: Under the Act, Central
potential misuse of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention)
government can declare a person or an organization as
Act (UAPA) of 1967 and its implications for freedom of
a terrorist/ terrorist organisation, if it/ he:
speech and expression.
o commits or participates in acts of terrorism,
UAPA, although originally designed to combat
terrorism with a focus on national security, has prepares for terrorism, promotes terrorism, or is
evolved over the years into a tool criticized for otherwise involved in terrorism.
suppressing dissent. It faces criticism for its vague o Government can impose all-India bans on
definitions and the extensive discretionary powers it associations which are declared ‘unlawful’ under the
grants to the government in designating individuals as Act.
terrorists. o Both Indian nationals and foreign nationals can be
In this article, we will delve into the details of the UAPA, its charged under the Act.
amendments, and the significance of this law in o Also, Act holds offenders accountable in the same
contemporary India, as well as the challenges it poses to manner if crime is committed on foreign land outside
fundamental rights and civil liberties." India.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND  Investigating powers: Cases can be investigated by
 UAPA was first introduced, during the British era, in both State police and National Investigation Agency
the form of the Criminal Law Amendment Act of 1908, (NIA).
aimed at curbing dissent against the Crown.  Appeal mechanism: It provides for tribunal to review
 Post-independence, it remained in place, and in 1967, or to hear an appeal against the ban.
after wars with Pakistan and China, it was expanded to
AMENDMENTS TO UAPA
grant extensive powers for identifying unlawful
associations and penalizing those involved in activities  Amendments in 2004: Criminalized indirectly
supporting India's secession. supporting a terrorist organisation by raising of funds
for a terrorist act or membership of a terrorist
 Amendments in 2004 introduced a chapter on
organization etc.
'terrorist activities,' while post the 2008 Bombay
attacks, further amendments allowed for prolonged  Amendments in 2008: Broadened the scope of the
detention based on personal information, restricted provision of “funds” to ensure a wider coverage of the
anticipatory bail, and permitted the categorization of financing of terrorism offences.
individuals as 'terrorists' in the 2019 amendment.

Constituti0n, Polity and

Governance
 Amendments in 2012: Expanded the definition of principles by not upholding the right to be considered
“terrorist act” to include offences that threaten the innocent until proven guilty, which is a fundamental
country’s economic security. tenet of justice.
 Amendments in 2019:  Excessive Discretionary Authority: There is a lack of

objective criteria for classifying individuals as terrorists
Government is empowered to designate individuals
grants the government almost unchecked authority to
as terrorists. Earlier, only organisations could be
designate anyone as a terrorist, posing a significant risk
designated as terrorist organisations.
of misuse of power.
If an investigation is conducted by an officer of the
 Ambiguous and Unclear Definitions: Vagueness in
National Investigation Agency (NIA), approval of the
definitions of terms like "terrorism" and its broad
Director General of NIA would be required for seizure
definition of 'unlawful activity' create confusion and
of property connected with terrorism. (Earlier,
leave room for differing interpretations, impacting the
approval of the Director General of Police was
Act's effectiveness and fairness.
required).
 Concerns in the Appeals Process: While the Act
Empowered officers of NIA, of rank of Inspector or
provides for appeals, the establishment of a
above, to investigate cases.
government-appointed three-member review
Added International Convention for Suppression of committee, potentially including serving bureaucrats,
Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (2005) to the Schedule raises concerns about the independence and fairness
under the Act. of the appeals process.
SIGNIFICANCE OF UAPA LAW IN THE CONTEMPORARY  Low Conviction Rates: The fact that less than 3% of
TIMES FOR INDIA cases registered under the UAPA Act between 2016
 To uproot terrorism from India: Terrorists and and 2020 (PUCL report) resulted in convictions
insurgents continue to receive material support and underscores significant challenges in effectively
funds. prosecuting cases under the Act, although this is less
 Focus on individuals: Not designating individuals as immediate but still a notable issue.
terrorists, would give them an opportunity to With a low conviction rate and concerns regarding the
circumvent the law and they would simply gather under appeal process, the UAPA remains a subject of intense
a different name and keep up their terror activities. debate, where striking a balance between national
o This is also important in the context of lone wolf security and safeguarding civil liberties remains a
attacks, which do not belong to any organisation. challenging task. The ongoing dialogue surrounding the
UAPA highlights the need for continued scrutiny,
 Quickens process of justice delivery by empowering
refinement, and thoughtful consideration of its
officers in the rank of Inspector to investigate cases and
provisions to ensure a just and equitable legal
investigation has to be completed within 90 days.
framework in India.
 Reduces delay in attaching proceeds: Act allows
seizure of property connected with terrorism without
taking approval of Director General of Police in case FREEDOM ON THE NET
investigation is conducted by an officer of National
Investigation Agency (NIA). 2023: THE REPRESSIVE
CHALLENGES POSED BY THE UAPA ACT, 2019
 Erosion of Fundamental Rights, including Article 14,
POWER OF ARTIFICIAL
19(1)(a), 21: The Act denies individuals labeled as
terrorists the opportunity to present their case before
INTELLIGENCE
arrest, allowing detention for up to 180 days without a #Rights Issues
formal charge sheet, thus significantly infringing upon
their fundamental rights.
The report, titled “Freedom on the Net 2023: The Repressive
 Contrary to the Principle of 'Innocent Until Proven
Power of Artificial Intelligence”, has raised the issue of
Guilty': The Act contradicts universally recognized


Governance
increasing use of artificial intelligence by governments for  Blocks on VPNs.
censorship and spread of disinformation.  Forced removal of content.
FREEDOM ON THE NET 2023 REPORT
FREEDOM HOUSE ORGANISATION
The report is an annual study of human rights online
conducted by Freedom House, a non-profit organisation. Freedom House is a Washington based non-profit
organisation.
It evaluates Internet freedom in 70 countries on a range of
1 to 100, where ‘100’ represents the highest digital It was founded in 1941 to rally policymakers and a
freedom. broadly isolationist American public around the fight
EVALUATION CRITERION against Nazi Germany, and to raise awareness of the
fascist threat to American security and values.
The report evaluates countries on five censorship
methods: Since then, it has established itself through its advocacy,
programs, and research as the leading American
 Internet connectivity restrictions.
organisation devoted to the support and defence of
 Blocks on social media platforms. democracy around the world.
 Blocks on websites.
GLOBAL FINDING
INDIA SPECIFIC FINDINGS  According to a report India is found to engage in all the
 India's Internet freedom is ranked at 50 on a scale of 1 methods used for censorship except VPN blocking.
to 100. In contrast, Iceland has the highest Internet  The report said that AI-enabled digital repression in
freedom score of 94. India has incorporated censorship, including the use of


Governance
automated systems, into the country’s legal easy to use, leading to escalation of disinformation
framework. tactics.
o For example, The Information Technology  AI can serve as an amplifier of digital repression, making
(Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics censorship, surveillance, and the creation and spread of
Code) Rules require large social media platforms to disinformation easier, faster, cheaper, and more
use AI-based moderation tools for broadly defined effective.
types of content.  Automated systems have enabled governments to
 India also figured among the list of countries that conduct more precise and subtle forms of online
blocked websites hosting political, social, or religious censorship.
content and conducted technical attacks against human  Suppliers of disinformation are employing AI-generated
rights organisations. images, audio, and text, making the truth easier to
THE CENSORING POWER OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE distort and harder to discern.
Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are amplifying a crisis  Sophisticated surveillance systems using AI rapidly
for human rights online. AI has allowed governments to trawl social media for signs of dissent, and massive
enhance and refine their online censorship. datasets are paired with facial scans to identify and
 AI-based tools that can generate text, audio, and images track pro-democracy protesters.
have quickly grown more sophisticated, accessible, and  AIs uptake has increased the scale, speed, and
efficiency of digital repression.
WAY FORWARD experts from around the world should establish strong
 To protect the free and open internet, democratic human rights-based standards for both state and
policymakers working side by side with civil society nonstate actors that develop or deploy AI tools.


Governance
 To protect internet freedom, democracy’s supporters the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and state Legislative
must adapt the lessons learned from past internet Assemblies.
governance challenges and apply them to AI. This Act is similar to the previous attempt in 2010, The
 Democratic policymakers should establish a positive Constitution (One Hundred and Eighth Amendment) Bill,
regulatory vision for the design and deployment of AI 2008, which was passed by the Rajya Sabha but not taken
tools that is grounded in human rights standards, up by the Lok Sabha.
transparency, and accountability. HIGHLIGHT OF THE ACT
 AI carries a significant potential for harm, but it can also The Act seeks to introduce three new articles and one new
be made to play a protective role if the democratic clause in the Constitution and has a sunset clause.
community learns the right lessons from the past
 New Clause in 239AA: This clause mandates the
decade of internet regulation.
reservation of seats for women in the Delhi Legislative
Assembly.
WOMEN RESERVATION o Additionally, one-third of the seats reserved for

Scheduled Castes (SCs) shall also be reserved for
BILL women, as well as one-third of the total number of
#Political Justice seats to be filled by direct elections.
 New Article - 330A: This article focuses on the
reservation of seats for women in the Lok Sabha.
The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-eighth
o It specifies that one-third of the seats reserved for
Amendment) Bill, 2023 that was passed by overwhelming
SCs and STs shall be reserved for women.
majority in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha received the assent of
the President of India. This article explores the 106th o Furthermore, one-third of the total seats to be filled
amendment to the constitution, reason for its introduction by direct elections to the Lok Sabha shall also be
and provisions of the amendment act. It also explores the reserved for women.
concerns associated with the amendment and suggests some  New Article - 332A: This article pertains to the
way forward. reservation of seats for women in every state Legislative
REASON FOR INTRODUCTION OF THE BILL Assembly.
o It follows a similar pattern, reserving one-third of the
 The representation of women in the Indian Parliament
seats for SCs and STs for women, as well as one-third
and state assemblies is significantly lower than their
of the total seats to be filled by direct elections to the
share of the population.
Legislative Assembly.
 According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, India ranks
 New Article - 334A: This article deals with the
148th out of 193 countries in terms of women’s
implementation of the reservation.
representation while the global average is 26.5%.
o It specifies that the reservation shall come into effect
 Women’s representation in state assemblies is also
after the delimitation is undertaken following the
dismal, ranging from 3.1% in Nagaland to 23.1% in
publication of relevant census figures.
Bihar.
o There will also be a rotation of seats for women after
 In the Lok Sabha, women make up less than 15% of the
each subsequent exercise of delimitation.
total strength.
 Sunset Clause: The Act has a sunset clause, which
 In the Rajya Sabha, women's representation is around
means that the reservation for women will be in effect
14%.
for a period of 15 years from the commencement of the
WOMEN RESERVATION ACT, 2023
Act.
The Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment)
ADVANTAGES OF THE ACT
Act, 2023 also known as Women Reservation Act, 2023
 Gender Equality, representation and
aims to provide 33 percent reservation to women in both
Empowerment: by ensuring that women have equal


Governance
access to decision-making positions in the
public goods and ensure increased women’s
government.
participation in panchayat meetings.
 Accommodative Decision Making: by Increased
2008 paper by Vijayendra Rao and Radu Ban: It found
representation of women in politics bringing diverse
that women leaders perform no differently than their
perspectives and experiences to the table. Women's
male counterparts in south India and instead
unique insights into issues such as healthcare,
institutional factors such as the maturity of the State’s
education, gender-based violence, and family welfare
panchayat system were more relevant.
can result in better-informed legislation.
2010 paper by Pranab Bardhan and others: It found
 Role Models: When women hold prominent political
that women’s reservations worsened the targeting of
positions, it sends a powerful message to the entire
welfare programmes for SC/ST households and
nation, inspiring women and girls to pursue leadership
provided no improvement for female-headed
roles in various fields.
households.
 Social Development: Research indicates that
Study in 2011 across 11 States by Ms. Duflo and
countries with higher levels of women's political
others: It reaffirmed that women-led panchayats made
representation tend to have better outcomes in areas
higher investments in public services like drinking water,
such as healthcare, education, and poverty reduction.
education, and roads.
 Fostering Inclusivity: By encouraging political parties
2020 paper by Alexander Lee and Varun Karekurve-
to field more women candidates it can lead to a broader
Ramachandra : It examined reservations in Delhi and
spectrum of women from different backgrounds,
found that constituencies reserved for women are less
including those from marginalised communities,
likely to elect OBC women and more likely to elect
entering politics.
upper-caste women.
 Enhanced Accountability: With increased women's
representation, Women lawmakers may prioritise CONCERNS WITH THE ACT
issues such as women's rights, healthcare, and
Legal and Constitutional Concerns:
education, leading to greater accountability in
 Contingent on Delimitation: The reservation will take
governance.
effect post-delimitation following the publication of the Act
 Legal Protections: Women in politics can protect
and post delimitation census figures.
women's rights, such as laws against gender-based
o If the reallocation of seats between States is purely based
violence, workplace harassment, and discrimination.
on population, the southern States’ share in the
 Global Recognition: Passage of the Act would enhance
Parliament will drastically reduce which is likely to open
India's global image as a nation committed to gender
the fault lines of India’s delicate federal relations.
equality and aligns with international goals, such as
o This could also delay the implementation of women's
those outlined in the Goal 5 of Sustainable
reservation, possibly until 2029.
Development Goals (SDGs).
 Identification of reserved seats: The Act does not specify
 Long-Term Impact: The act by reshaping traditional
the method regarding identification of the reserved seats
gender norms and expectations can contribute to a
for women.
more equitable and inclusive society where women
have greater opportunities for leadership and decision- Political Concerns:
making.  Opposition from Political Parties: They argue that
women from marginalised communities like Other
CASE STUDIES ON PRESENT RESERVATION FOR Backward Classes (OBCs) should also have reserved seats
WOMEN IN LOCAL GOVERNMENTS within the women's quota.
2004 paper by Esther Duflo and Raghabendra  Lack of Consensus: Despite support in principle by
Chattopadhyay on panchayats in West Bengal and political parties, disagreements on the implementation
Rajasthan: It found that women leaders invest more in details and sub-reservations have hindered the Act's
passage.


Governance
 Impact on Existing Power Structures: Increasing the
representation of women may necessitate a shift in
MONEY BILL AND
political dynamics and party hierarchies which could SPEAKER'S DISCRETION
affect existing power structures.
#parliament
 Lack of Deliberation and Analysis: The introduction
and passing of act surreptitiously through a
“supplementary list” in a hastily organised Parliament In response to challenges against the Centre's use of the
session shows the lack of deliberation and analysis. money bill route to pass significant legislations, Chief Justice
of India DY Chandrachud has announced the formation of a
Social Concerns:
seven-judge bench. Money bills, as defined by Article 110 of
 Representation of Diverse Groups: The concerns the Constitution, encompass provisions related to taxation,
have been raised about the need for diversity within the borrowing of money, fund custody, appropriation,
women's quota from diverse backgrounds, including expenditure declarations, and more. They hold a unique
different castes, religions, regions, and economic status in India's parliamentary process, with a special
procedure for their passage. Only the Lok Sabha can
strata.
introduce money bills, which require the President's
 Empowerment vs. Tokenism: Some critics argue that recommendation and the Speaker's certification. The Rajya
merely reserving seats may not necessarily empower Sabha can offer recommendations but cannot amend or
women unless they have a meaningful role and voice in reject them. This distinction between money bills and ordinary
decision-making processes. bills, along with the Speaker's crucial role, has been a subject
of judicial review, with the Supreme Court providing guidelines
 Social Norms and Stereotypes: Deep-rooted social
on when and how the Speaker's decisions can be challenged,
norms and stereotypes about women's roles in society
ensuring the constitutional checks and balances are upheld.
and politics can be a barrier to the effective
WHAT IS A MONEY BILLS?
implementation of the Act e.g., issue of Sarpanch Pati.
Article 110 of the Constitution deals with the definition of
o Changing perceptions about women's capabilities
money bills. It states that a bill is deemed to be a money
and roles in leadership positions is a long-term
bill if it contains ‘only’ provisions dealing with all or any of
challenge. the following matters:
 Inclusivity of Marginalised Groups: The Act's 1. The imposition, abolition, remission, alteration or
implementation left out the marginalised groups of regulation of any tax;
women, such as those with disabilities, LGBTQ+ 2. The regulation of the borrowing of money by the Union
individuals, and women from indigenous communities. government;
The Act’s aim of providing women representation is a way 3. The custody of the Consolidated Fund of India or the
to promote social justice in India. This can be contingency fund of India, the payment of moneys into
supplemented by providing special quotas to marginalised or the withdrawal of money from any such fund;
women to make it more representative and inclusive. The 4. The appropriation of money out of the Consolidated
Act is an important step in the direction of promoting an Fund of India;
enabling environment for the participation of women from 5. Declaration of any expenditure charged on the
all backgrounds in public life which can have profound, Consolidated Fund of India or increasing the amount of
any such expenditure;
positive implications for society as a whole. The Act is an
important step towards implementation of the 6. The receipt of money on account of the Consolidated
Fund of India or the public account of India or the
Sustainable Development Goals as well as India’s
custody or issue of such money, or the audit of the
obligations under the UN Convention on the Elimination of
accounts of the Union or of a state; or
All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.


Governance
7. Any matter incidental to any of the matters specified  It cannot reject or amend a money bill. It can only
above. make the recommendations. It must return the bill to
However, a bill is not to be deemed to be a money bill the Lok Sabha within 14 days, whether with or without
by reason only that it provides for: recommendations. The Lok Sabha can either accept or
reject all or any of the recommendations of the Rajya
1. The imposition of fines or other pecuniary penalties, or
Sabha.
2. The demand or payment of fees for licenses or fees for
 If the Lok Sabha accepts any recommendation, the bill
services rendered; or
is then deemed to have been passed by both the
3. The imposition, abolition, remission, alteration or
Houses in the modified form. If the Lok Sabha does not
regulation of any tax by any local authority or body for accept any recommendation, the bill is then deemed to
local purposes. have passed by both the Houses in the form originally
If any question arises whether a bill is a money bill or not, passed by the Lok Sabha without any change.
the decision of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha is final.  If the Rajya Sabha does not return the bill to the Lok
His decision in this regard cannot be questioned in any
Sabha within 14 days, the bill is deemed to have been
court of law or in the either House of Parliament or even passed by both the Houses in the form originally passed
the president. When a money bill is transmitted to the by the Lok Sabha. Thus, the Lok Sabha has more powers
Rajya Sabha for recommendation and presented to the
than Rajya Sabha with regard to a money bill. On the
president for assent, the Speaker endorses it as a money other hand, both the Houses have equal powers with
bill. regard to an ordinary bill.
WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR PASSING OF MONEY
Finally, when a money bill is presented to the president, he
BILL IN PARLIAMENT? may either give his assent to the bill or withhold his assent
 The Constitution lays down a special procedure for the to the bill but cannot return the bill for reconsideration of
passing of money bills in the Parliament. A money bill the Houses. Normally, the president gives his assent to a
can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha and that money bill as it is introduced in the Parliament with his
too on the recommendation of the president. Every prior permission.
such bill is considered to be a government bill and can
be introduced only by a minister.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MONEY BILL AND ORDINARY BILL
S.N. Money Bill Ordinary Bill
1. It can be introduced in the Lok Sabha only not in the It can be introduced in either house of parliament.
Rajya Sabha
2. It can be intruded in the Lok Sabha only by a minister. It can be introduced either by a minister or by a private
member
3. It can be introduced only of the recommendation of Recommendation of president is not required.

the president.
4. It can’t be amended or rejected by the Rajya Sabha. It can be amended or rejected by the Rajya Sabha.
The Rajya Sabha should return the bill with or without
recommendations, which may be rejected or
accepted by the Lok Sabha.
5. It can be detained by the Rajya Sabha for a maximum Rajya Sabha can detain it for a maximum of 6 months.
of 14 days only.


Governance
6. It requires the certification of Lok Sabha speaker If it is originated in the Lok Sabha, it does not require
when transmitted to Rajya Sabha. approval of speaker when transmitted to Rajya Sabha.
7. It is sent for approval of president even if it approved It is sent to the president only when it is passed by the
by the Lok Sabha only. There is no provision of joint both houses of parliament. In case of deadlock between
sitting of both houses in this regard. two houses, a joint sitting of both the houses can be
called by the president.
8. If this bill is defeated in the Lok Sabha, then the entire Its defeat in the Lok Sabha may lead to the resignation
council of ministers has to resign. of the government if it is introduced by a member.
9. It can be rejected or accepted but can’t be returned It can be rejected, accepted or returned for
for reconsideration by the president (because earlier reconsideration by the president.
permission is taken from him).
ROLE OF THE SPEAKER  Keshav Singh’s case: It held that while legislative
 The speaker plays a powerful role in the matter of the bodies are not subject to judicial control as far as
money bill. If any question arises whether a bill their internal procedures are concerned, there are
introduced in Lok Sabha is a money bill or not then in certain caveats to such a proposition. It was held that a
such circumstances, the Speaker of Lok Sabha has court of law may question legislative procedure if the
the authority to declare and certify the bill as money impugned action rests not on mere irregularity, but
bill before transmitting it to Rajya Sabha. from an ‘illegality’ or ‘unconstitutionality’ of
procedure.
 The speaker is under no obligation to seek advice in this
regard from anyone before arriving at any decision and  Ramdas Athavale v. Union of India: the Supreme
his decision thereupon is final which cannot be further Court extended that standard to article 122, as it
challenged. The purpose of certification of Money Bill is pertains to procedural actions of Parliament.
to ensure that the upper house cannot amend it by  Raja Ram Pal v. Speaker, Lok Sabha: the Court had
adding anything which is beyond the provisions of applied this standard to article 105 (3), which sought to
Article 110(1). If the speaker does not certify the bill as import those privileges, powers, and immunities
money bill then it will be considered just as a financial enjoyed by the House of Commons into the Indian
bill only. scheme (as an interim measure, until the Indian
ROLE OF THE HIGHER JUDICIARY IN REVIEWING THE Parliament itself legislates on those matters). This case
SPEAKER’S DECISION dealt with the expulsion of certain members of
Parliament, by the Speaker. A plain reading of this
 Article 122 explicitly bars courts from inquiring into
clause and Parliamentary practices in the House of
the proceedings of Parliament. As the text of clause
Commons might suggest a finality to procedural
(1) suggests, this bar applies to any question on the
decision of the Speaker in confirming the expulsion, in
ground of “irregularity of procedure”. The Supreme
terms that are analogous to article 110. The Speaker’s
Court has, on several occasions, opined on the contours
decision was held to be open to judicial scrutiny, and
of this restriction.
the expelled members were reinstated by the Court.
What has been the precedent of the Supreme Court?
COMPARISON OF SPEAKER OF LOK SABHA WITH SPEAKER OF HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE

A handful of Republicans in the US House of Representatives on Tuesday ousted Republican Speaker Kevin McCarthy,
as party infighting plunged Congress into further chaos just days after it narrowly averted a government shutdown.


Governance
The syllabus of GS Paper II contains “comparison of Indian constitution with those of other countries”. This makes it
important for us to understand the comparison of the positions of the speaker of Lok Sabha and the Speaker of House
of representatives.
Parameter Speaker of Lok Sabha (India) Speaker of House of Representatives (USA)
Appointment
Elected by Lok Sabha members Elected by House members
Process
Political Affiliation Expected to be impartial Prominent member of majority party
Term of Office Renewable; typically 5 years Elected at the beginning of each Congress (2 years)
Can be removed by a majority vote of

Removal Process Can be removed by a majority vote of House members
Lok Sabha members
Primarily procedural and ceremonial;

Powers and Significant influence over legislative agenda; controls
limited influence over legislative
Influence committee assignments; shapes legislative priorities
agenda
Ensures orderly proceedings, Actively participates in legislative process, determines

Role in Legislative
impartiality, and represents Lok Sabha which bills are considered, and influences legislative
Process
to the President priorities
Voting on Typically does not vote except in the Can vote on legislation, but typically refrains from
Legislation case of a tie doing so
Expected to resign from political party Prominent member of their political party, actively
Party Politics
upon assuming office involved in party politics
Representation to Represents Lok Sabha to the President Represents the House of Representatives to the
President of India President of the United States
Succession to Not in the line of succession to the In the line of succession to the presidency after the
Presidency presidency Vice President
Enjoys certain privileges such as a

Enjoys privileges such as a spacious office, staff
Privileges and Perks residence (official bungalow) and
support, and security
security
Expected to maintain impartiality and Can be openly partisan due to their role in party
Neutrality
neutrality politics
FREEBIES: POLITICAL Supreme Court sought a response from the States of Madhya
Pradesh and Rajasthan on a plea that public funds are being
misused to offer irrational freebies ahead of elections.
DIMENSION
FREEBIES
#Elections The dictionary meaning of the word freebie is something
that you’re given free. But in practice, there is no precise
definition of freebies. The services or provisions provided


Governance
by the state or union government, such as free electricity, releasing election manifestos for any election to the
free water, free public transportation, waiver of pending Parliament or State Legislatures, shall adhere to the
utility bills, and farm loan waivers, etc., straining their following guidelines:
resources in the hope of electoral benefits, can be
regarded as freebies. Provision
It is important to distinguish them from public-merit

“The election manifesto shall not contain anything
goods, expenditure on which brings economic benefits,
repugnant to the ideals and principles enshrined in the
such as the public distribution system, employment
Constitution and further that it shall be consistent with
guarantee schemes, states’ support for education and
the letter and spirit of other provisions of the Model Code
health.
of Conduct.”
ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH FREEBIES
 Election Commission observed that the distribution of “Provides that political parties should avoid making those
freebies undoubtedly by influencing the decision of promises which are likely to vitiate the purity of the
electorate shakes the root of free and fair elections. election process or exert undue influence on the voters
 Governments resort to the freebie culture to cover up in exercising their franchise.”
their failure in providing adequate jobs or skilling or
ensuring decent livelihood to citizen. “In the interest of transparency, level playing field and
credibility of promises, it is expected that manifestos also
 Critics argue that freebies disrupt state finances and
reflect the rationale for the promises and broadly
throw governments into a debt spiral.
indicate the ways and means to meet the financial
 It undermines credit culture and promotes rent seeking
requirements for it. Trust of voters should be sought only
behavior among citizens.
on those promises which are possible to be fulfilled.”
 It distorts prices through cross-subsidisation eroding
incentives for private investment. In the case of single-phase election, manifesto shall not
 It disincentivise work at the current market wage rate be released during the prohibitory period, as prescribed
leading to a drop in labour force participation. under Section 126 of the Representation of the People
 The widespread practice of offering freebies by Act, 1951.
politicians, across party lines and for electoral benefits,
In case of multi-phase elections, manifesto shall not be
drains public finances that can be used instead for
more concrete policy initiatives. released during the prohibitory periods, as prescribed
under Section 126 of the Representation of the People
o For example, Punjab’s electricity subsidy and its
Act, 1951, of all the phases of those elections.”
rising cost to the state exchequer is over 16 per cent
of total revenues. SUPREME COURT CASES
 Indira Nehru Gandhi v. Raj Narain (1975)
SECTION 126 OF THE RP ACT
It prohibits displaying any election matter by means, o In this case the Supreme Court held “free and fair
inter alia, of television or similar apparatus, during the elections” to be a basic structure of the
period of 48 hours before the hour fixed for conclusion Constitution.
of poll in a constituency.  S. Subraminam Balaji v. State of Tamil Nadu &
Others (2013)
STEPS TAKEN
o In this case, the Supreme Court ordered the Election
Guideline Issued by Election Commission Regarding Commission to develop election manifesto
Manifesto and Freebies
guidelines after discussing with all recognised
The Commission, in the interest of free and fair elections political parties.
directed that Political Parties and Candidates while


Governance
o In light of this, the Election Commission created the democracy where the voter’s judgement is paramount.
rules and included them in the Model Code of The interference perceived or real, of non-elected
Conduct. institutions can distort the dynamics of electoral
o The court determined that while the promises made democracy. It also belittles the electorate’s agency and
in the election manifestos cannot be considered sense of judgement undermining the basic principle of
“corrupt practices” under Section 123 of the democracy. So, while regulation of freebies is a necessary
Representation of People’s Act, 1951, it is evil, political education should be promoted among
unavoidable that the giving away of freebies of any citizens at the same time.
kind impacts voters.
 Ashwini K Upadhyay v. Government of National PROPOSED DIGITAL INDIA
Territory of Delhi (2021)
o In this case, the Apex Court observed that a poll ACT, 2023
manifesto does not have statutory backing and, #Polity and Governance, Government
hence, its enforceability is not within the purview of Schemes and Policies
the courts.
o So, the court cannot give directions to any
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
Government to pass or provide anything that is
suggested enactment of a Digital India Act 2023 to replace
promised by political parties in their party
Information Technology Act 2000.
manifesto.
REASON FOR INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED DIGITAL
WAY FORWARD INDIA ACT, 2023 (DIA)
 The Election Commission has said the issue of freebies Information Technology (IT) Act 2000 is a 22-year-old law
should be left to voters as it cannot regulate state crafted during a time of internet infancy that has struggled
policies and decisions which may be taken by the to keep pace with the rapid changes in technology and
winning party when they form the government. Such an user behaviour.
action, without enabling provisions in the law, would be
Internet in 2000 Internet Now
an overreach of powers, the commission has said.
 For a country with high poverty rates and persistent 55 Lakhs Indians on 85 Crores Indians on Internet
economic disparities, welfare schemes are a lifeline for Internet making it world’s largest
huge populations that demand that a clear definition of digitally connected democracy
freebies differentiating them from the welfare

One type of Multiple types of intermediaries
programmes should be arrived at.
intermediary -eCommerce, digital media,
 The democratic forum such as inter-governmental social media, AI, OTT, Gaming
institutions can frame the freebies debate and build a etc.
political consensus.
Space for good, allowing Space for criminalities and
 The parliament, as a representative body, can debate
citizens to interact illegalities
on the freebies and legislate policies to regulate them.
 It is essential that political consensus are built, involving Traditional forms of New Complex forms of User
the Centre as well as states, to arrest the misuse of User Harms: Harms: Catfishing, Doxing,
Cybercrime, Cyber- Cyber stalking, Cyber trolling,
welfare schemes and the resultant adverse impacts on
security, Hacking, etc. Gaslighting, Phishing, etc.
the country’s fiscal health.
The promises of welfare made by political parties to their Source of Information Proliferation of Hate Speech,
electorates are part of the key process of bargaining in a and News Disinformation and Fake news


Governance
LIMITATION OF IT ACT 2000 (TRAI) or the Securities and Exchange Board of India
 Lack of comprehensive provisions on user rights, trust (SEBI).
& safety.  Designating Punishable Offences: Under DIA, MeitY is
 Limited recognition of harm and new forms of empowered to designate certain activities as
cybercrimes, without any institutional mechanism for punishable offences. Which enables MeitY to prevent
awareness creation.
and penalize individuals or entities involved in these
 Lack of distinct regulatory approaches for harmful and
harmful activities.
illegal content.
 Penalties for Violations and Emerging Technologies:
 Lack of adequate principles for data or privacy
Provide for any potential misuse, breaches of
protection.
regulations, or negative consequences that may occur
 Lack of coordinated cyber security incident response
in the context of technologies like AI platforms.
mechanisms.
 Modifications to Existing Internet Platform Rules:
OBJECTIVE OF PROPOSED DIGITAL INDIA ACT, 2023
To adapt the existing rules to the evolving digital
 To replace the two-decade-old Information Technology
landscape and address emerging challenges it provides
Act of 2000 (IT Act) and bring India’s regulatory
for revision of safe harbour norms.
landscape in sync with the digital revolution of the 21st
century.  Ensuring Platform Accountability: DIA empower the
 To address the challenges and opportunities presented government to ensure that platforms are held
by the dramatic growth of the internet and emerging accountable for hosting prohibited content
technologies.
 To provide a comprehensive legal framework to
address the challenges like user harm, fake news, unfair
trade practices etc.
KEY COMPONENT OF PROPOSED DIGITAL INDIA ACT,
2023
BENEFITS OF PROPOSED DIGITAL INDIA ACT 2023

 Addressing Current Challenges: The DIA seeks to
address contemporary challenges by providing a more
KEY PROVISIONS OF PROPOSED DIGITAL INDIA ACT, comprehensive and up-to-date legal framework.
2023
 Proactive Regulation: It regulates online content,
 Classification of Intermediaries: DIA categorise them establishes mechanisms for content takedown, and
into various groups based on their risk and size. E.g., E- contemplates reviewing the "safe harbor" principle
reflecting a more proactive stance towards regulating
commerce, AI, OTT platform etc.
online platforms compared to the IT Act.
 Risk Assessment for Intermediaries: DIA mandates
 Balancing Act: By safeguarding fundamental rights,
intermediaries to perform risk assessments, which are including freedom of expression and privacy and
then utilized to classify them based on their respective regulating the digital ecosystem effectively.
levels of risk.  Protection of Minors: The DIA's provisions for age-
 Dedicated Internet Regulatory Authority: DIA gating, regulation of addictive technologies, and
mandatory "do not track" requirements for advertising
provides for the establishment of a dedicated internet
targeting children will create a safer digital environment
regulator like Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
for the young generation.


Governance
 Digital Innovation: By providing a conducive promote digital literacy will empower individuals to make
environment for emerging technologies like AI, informed choices and use digital technologies effectively.
robotics, and virtual reality, the DIA can support the  Balancing Act: Striking the right balance between free
development of cutting-edge solutions and boost the expression of individual and accountability of
digital economy. intermediaries is a delicate task and should involve careful
 E-commerce Growth: Regulation of dominant consideration of its implications through debate,
platforms and ensuring non-discriminatory access to discussion and deliberation.
digital services can promote a healthy e-commerce  Effective Implementation: The implementation and
ecosystem. potential repercussions of DIA warrant vigilant monitoring
 Cybersecurity: DIA's emphasis on enhancing and adaptability to avoid unintended consequences.
cybersecurity measures is crucial to protect individuals, The DIA is a crucial step towards ensuring a secure,
businesses, and critical infrastructure from accountable, and innovative digital future for India
cyberattacks and data breaches. representing a forward-looking approach to regulation in an
 Data Protection: DIA provides for establishing clear age of constant change and has the potential to shape the
guidelines for data protection and privacy that can country’s digital landscape for generations to come.
enhance user trust and confidence in digital services.
 Responsive Digital Ecosystem: Establishing dedicated PRESS FREEDOM IN INDIA
inquiry agencies and dispute resolution frameworks, it #Rights Issues
emphasise the importance of an accountable and
responsive digital ecosystem.
 Global Alignment: The DIA seeks to align India's digital The article discusses the dangers of digital data search and
regulations with international standards this alignment seizure in the context of recent raids and arrests of journalists
can facilitate international cooperation, cross-border from NewsClick by the Delhi police. It argues that the current
data flows, and cybersecurity efforts, reflecting a global legal framework is inadequate to protect the fundamental
perspective absent in the IT Act. rights of individuals in the age of digital technology. The
author suggests that the Supreme Court should intervene to
CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH PROPOSED DIGITAL
INDIA ACT 2023 provide clear guidelines for search and seizure of digital data,
similar to those laid down in the D.K. Basu case. The author
 Balancing Innovation and Regulation: Stricter
also criticizes the judiciary for its inaction in addressing cases
regulations have the potential to stifle innovation and
related to digital privacy, such as the Pegasus spyware case.
deter foreign investments.
The author concludes by calling for judicial courage to uphold
 Safe Harbor Review: The review of the "safe harbor"
the constitutional framework of India in the face of digital
principle is significant, as it can impact online platforms'
authoritarianism.
liability for user-generated content.
This article has brought into limelight the issue of
 Enforcement Challenges: Effective enforcement of
press freedom and media independence in India. In
digital regulations is a complex task, which requires
2023, India's ranking slipped from 150 in 2022 to 161, out
substantial resources, expertise, and infrastructure that
of 180 countries, in terms of press freedom according to
depend on the government's ability to enforce its
the Reporters Without Borders' Press Freedom Index, with
provisions effectively.
the organisation stating that the situation for journalists
 Balancing Stakeholders’ Interest: Balancing the was “very serious” in the country. The safety of journalists
interests of various stakeholders, including tech giants,
is a grave concern in the Indian media landscape. Various
while ensuring the protection of citizen rights, poses a
independent international bodies position India as a
significant challenge.
dangerous country for journalists.
WAY FORWARD
RELATION BETWEEN PRESS FREEDOM AND
 Promotion of Digital Awareness: Digital literacy and DEMOCRACY
awareness are essential for ensuring that all segments of
 Press freedom and democracy are intertwined and
society can participate in the digital age. Measures to
reinforce each other; press freedom empowers citizens,


Governance
ensures accountability, promotes diverse voices, and  Ownership Concentration: Many media organizations
serves as a democratic check. in India are owned by powerful business
 A free press disseminates vital information, acts as a conglomerates or political figures, leading to
watchdog, fosters diversity of viewpoints, and concerns about editorial independence and bias in
maintains checks and balances in a democracy. reporting.
 Transparency, individual rights protection, and o The Reliance industries has controlling stakes in
facilitating peaceful transitions of power are key roles majority media channels.
played by press freedom. o Many prominent political leaders from both
 Additionally, press freedom enhances a nation's Congress and BJP run media channels.
international reputation, and threats to it can  Lack of Protection for Whistle-blowers: India lacks
undermine democracy and citizen accountability. comprehensive protection for whistle-blowers, making
The condition of press freedom in India is dependent on it risky for insiders to expose corruption or wrongdoing
factors such as the lack of proactive measures from the in government or corporate sectors.
government, the silence of the civil society, weak legal These issues collectively contribute to a complex
framework, corporatization of media, etc. environment for press freedom in India, where journalists
ISSUES WITH PRESS FREEDOM IN INDIA INCLUDE often work under challenging conditions to fulfill their vital
role as watchdogs and informants in a democratic society.
 Legal and Governmental Restrictions: India has laws
that impose restrictions on press freedom, such as PROTECTING FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND
defamation laws (Section 499 IPC) and sedition INFORMATION IN INDIA REQUIRES A MANY STEPS TO
charges (Section 124A IPC), which can be used to BE TAKES:
suppress critical journalism. The government can also  Review and reform existing laws that can be misused to
exert indirect pressure on media organizations through curtail freedom of expression, such as defamation and
regulatory bodies. sedition laws.
 Violence Against Journalists (refer graph) in form of  Implement comprehensive whistleblower protection
physical attacks, threats, and intimidation, particularly laws to encourage individuals to expose corruption and
when reporting on sensitive issues or criticizing political wrongdoing without fear of retaliation.
figures. This climate of violence leads to self-  Enforce regulations that prevent undue concentration
censorship. of media ownership to maintain editorial independence
o According to UNESCO 117 journalists killed in 2020- and diversity of viewpoints.
2021, 78%, or 91 journalists, were killed while away  Strengthen independent regulatory bodies for media,
from their offices. ensuring that they are impartial and transparent in their
 Censorship and Self-Censorship: Some media outlets decision-making processes.
in India practice self-censorship due to fear of reprisals,
leading to a lack of robust reporting on certain issues.
Additionally, the government has been known to SCHEDULE AREAS UNDER
impose censorship, ban news outlets, and restrict
access to information, especially in conflict areas. FIFTH SCHEDULE OF THE
o Freedom House's Freedom on the net 2022 report
gives India a Freedom on the Net status of "Partly
CONSTITUTION
Free" with a rating of 51 (0-100, lower is better), #Scheduled areas
increased from 41 in 2017.
o In April 2023, new regulations were enacted that Despite demands from many states, scheduled tribal
will require online intermediaries to censor and populations of India have been left out of fifth schedule’s
remove content that is deemed to be false or
protection awaiting approval from the Indian government.
misleading by a body appointed by the Ministry of
Under Fifth schedule the constitution of India provides
Electronics and Information Technology.
that “in this Constitution, the expression “Scheduled


Governance
Areas” means such areas as the President may by order judgement held that the identification of Scheduled Areas
declare to be Scheduled Areas.” These areas are primarily is an executive function, and it lacks the expertise to
inhabited by Scheduled Tribes in any State other than scrutinise the empirical basis of the same.
Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram, which are But based on the 1961 Dhebar Commission Report, the
indigenous or tribal communities. These areas are subject following are the guiding norms for their declaration:
to special constitutional provisions and safeguards to
 Preponderance of tribal population.
promote the welfare and advancement of the Scheduled
Tribes living in these regions.  Compactness and reasonable size of the area.
 A viable administrative entity such as a district, block or
KEY FEATURES OF SCHEDULED AREAS UNDER FIFTH
taluk.
SCHEDULE
 Economic backwardness of the area relative to
Tribal Advisory Council
neighbouring areas.
 Each state with Scheduled Areas must establish a Tribes
DECLARATION OF A SCHEDULE AREA
Advisory Council, consisting of not more than twenty
members of whom, as nearly as may be, three-fourths The process of designating an area as a Scheduled Area in
shall be the representatives of the Scheduled Tribes in India involves a series of steps.
the Legislative Assembly of the State.
 Before issuing the Presidential
 This council advises the Governor on matters related to Order, the President usually consults
the welfare and development of Scheduled Tribes in the with the concerned State
state. Government.
Consultation
Regulations  This consultation is aimed at
with State
 The Governor of the state has the authority to make considering the views and
Governments
regulations specific to Scheduled Areas. recommendations of the state
 These regulations can include restrictions on land government regarding the proposed
transfer, land allotment, and the regulation of money- designation of the area as a
lending practices, among other aspects, to protect the Scheduled Area.
interests of Scheduled Tribes.
 The initiation of the process typically
Laws and Their Application begins with a Presidential Order.
 The Governor can issue notifications exempting or  The President of India can, by issuing
modifying the application of certain laws passed by an order, declare that a specific
Presidential
Parliament or the State Legislature in Scheduled Areas. geographical area or region is to be
Order
 Additionally, the President has the authority to declare, designated as a Scheduled Area.
modify, or rescind Scheduled Areas.  This initial order specifies the
Amendment boundaries and details of the
 The Fifth Schedule itself can be amended by the Indian Scheduled Area.
Parliament, but such amendments do not require the  After the Presidential Order is
special amending procedure outlined in Article 368 of issued, it needs to be approved by
the Indian Constitution. the Parliament of India.
Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996  The order is typically laid before both
 PESA empowered the gram sabhas to exercise Parliamentary houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and
substantial authority through direct democracy and Approval Rajya Sabha) for discussion and
stated that structures “at the higher level do not assume approval.
the powers and authority” of the gram sabha.  This step ensures that there is
Criteria For Declaration of a Scheduled Area legislative scrutiny and debate
Neither the Constitution nor any law provides any criteria regarding the designation.
to identify Scheduled Areas. The Supreme court in a


Governance
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Himachal
 If Parliament approves the
Pradesh. Kerala has proposed to notify more areas,
Presidential Order, it becomes part
pending approval.
of the Fifth Schedule of the Indian
Constitution. CHALLENGES FACED BY SCHEDULED AREAS
 Any changes to the Fifth Schedule,  Land Alienation: Land disputes, inadequate
Amendment including the addition or alteration implementation of land reform policies, are persistent
of Scheduled Areas, require a issues in scheduled areas. Due to lack of awareness
majority vote in Parliament but do about land rights communities often struggle to assert
not require the special amending their land rights depriving them of their traditional
procedure outlined in Article 368 of means of livelihood.
the Indian Constitution.  Inadequate Implementation of Laws: Due to
bureaucratic hurdles, corruption, and lack of awareness
 Once the area is designated as a there is an ineffective implementation of laws and
Scheduled Area under the Fifth provisions that protect the rights and interests of tribal
Schedule, the government issues a communities.
notification specifying the
 Lack of Political Representation: Despite reserved
Notification boundaries and details of the
seats in legislative bodies, tribal communities often face
Scheduled Area.
challenges in electing representatives who genuinely
 This notification is essential for the advocate for their interests leading to lack of voice in
implementation of special provisions decision making.
and regulations in that area.
 Naxalism and Conflict: Some Scheduled Areas are
After that the administration of the Scheduled Area is affected by left-wing extremism or Naxalism, which
regulated as per the provisions of the Fifth Schedule. The disrupts governance, development, and security. These
Governor of the state in which the Scheduled Area is areas face a unique set of challenges related to
located plays a significant role in its governance, and a insurgency and counterinsurgency operations.
Tribes Advisory Council is often established to advise on RECOMMENDATION OF XAXA COMMITTEE ON
matters related to the welfare and development of SCHEDULE AREAS
Scheduled Tribes in the area. The Xaxa Committee, officially known as the "High-Level
FACTS ABOUT THE SCHEDULED AREAS Committee on Socio-economic, Health, and Educational
Status of Tribal Communities of India," was constituted to
examine the status of tribal communities in India,
particularly in Scheduled Areas.
Land Rights and Livelihoods
 Ensure the effective implementation of the Forest
Rights Act and Land Acquisition Act to protect tribal land
rights.
 Recognize and protect the rights of tribal communities
over minor forest produce and traditional occupations.
 Promote sustainable and community-based livelihood
options such as agroforestry and non-timber forest
 India has 705 Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities, produce collection.
comprising 8.6% of the country's population. They are Governance and Participation
spread across 26 states and six Union Territories.
 Strengthen the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in
 Scheduled Areas cover 11.3% of India's land area and Scheduled Areas and ensure that they have adequate
are notified in 10 states: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, resources and decision-making powers.
Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh,


Governance
 Promote tribal participation in local governance and  Most people adversely affected with this provision are
decision-making processes. youth from poor and marginalized population, with
 Establish effective mechanisms for the implementation adverse consequences particularly for girls.
of tribal welfare schemes and monitor their progress.  A study by UNICEF India conducted in WB, Assam and
Legal and Land Reforms Maharashtra found that one is every four cases under
the POCSO Act constituted “romantic cases” and
 Undertake land and tenancy reforms to protect tribal
land rights and prevent land alienation. consensual relationships.
 Review and repeal laws that are detrimental to tribal  Often when the children (below 18) who elope or marry,
interests. the male partner is sent to jail and the women is
usually pushed towards a life of poverty and destitution
 Provide legal aid and support to tribal communities in
(observed in Veekesh Kalawat vs State of MP)
land-related disputes.
 State has no obligation under POCSO to provide basic
Women's Empowerment
minimum required for survival of the female and/or her
 Promote the participation of tribal women in decision-
child.
making processes at all levels.
VIEWS OF LAW COMMISSION AGAINST REDUCING AGE
 Implement programs to address issues of gender-
OF CONSENT
based violence and discrimination in tribal areas.
 Existing age of consent (18 years) should not be
tinkered due to dangers of child abuse, trafficking, and
LAW COMMISSION REPORT prostitution.

 Consent can be manufactured, thus a lot of genuine
ON POCSO ACT cases falling under POCSO might not see trial on
account of agencies declaring them to be cases of
#POCSO
consensual romantic relationships.
 In many cases, “consent” arises after the occurrence
Law commission has recently come up with Report #283 of alleged offence, thus reducing age of consent can
Titled: Age of Consent Under the Protection of Children from provide escape to child abusers.
Sexual Offenses Act, 2012, in which it has advised against  Can lead to negative fallout on fight against child
changing the present age of consent under POCSO act which marriages.
is 18 years. (Section 2(1)(d) of POCSO act defines: “child”
 Emerging trends of grooming and cybercrimes such as
means any person below the age of eighteen years.)
sextortion against women, increase vulnerability of
ISSUES RELATED TO AGE OF CONSENT UNDER POCSO children to sexual exploitation necessitate a need for
ACT stringent protection.
 POCSO imposes a mandatory minimum sentence of 10  Provide a gateway to abuse of law leading to coercion
years for statutory rape without regard to minor’s (16- of minor girls into subjugation, marital rape, and
18) consent (POCSO is a gender-neutral act). trafficking.
 POCSO Act, 2012 has led to the increase in age of WAY FORWARD/SUGGESTION
consent from 16 to 18 years. This has increased the
 Law Commission has suggested for introducing guided
number of prosecutions of adolescents for indulging in
judicial discretion to deal with situation in case where
consensual sexual activities among minors.
there is tacit approval on part of child aged between 16
This has following concerns: to 18 years.
 Leads to shame and stigma associated with  However, scholars have emphasized placing the child at
criminalization of consensual sexual activity. the center while formulating laws, while POCSO serves
 While these cases do not necessarily lead to conviction, protection of young from sexual abuse, equally
the stringent law results into denial of bail and important is to protect young from being shamed,
prolonged incarceration.


Governance
punished and jailed for exploring what is REASONS FOR POLITICIZATION OF BUREAUCRACY
developmentally appropriate for their age.  Patronage based appointments: While the
 Age-appropriate sexuality education should be given in recruitment is done based on open competitive
schools. examination, the power of transfer and posting rests
 Access to confidential medical counselling. with political executive.
 Prohibiting laws from criminalizing consensual sexual  High degree of discretion: Civil servants enjoy high
activity with peers. degree of discretion with no oversight. This leads to lack
of answerability makes civil servants susceptible to
 Courts to address these matters with sensitivity and
poetical pressure.
increased public dialogue.
OUTCOME OF POLITICIZATION OF BUREAUCRACY:
 “Close-in age” exception in case of consensual
relationships as followed in USA and Canada can be Individual level:
looked into.  Undermines the principle of neutrality and
impartiality: The foundational principles of political
neutrality and impartiality is violated.
POLITICIZATION OF  Harassment: Leads to individual arm twisting and
BUREAUCRACY harassment of honest officers.

 Integrity: It compromises the integrity of honest civil
#Role of civil services servants.
 Erosion of independence in decision-making.
Recently, a circular by Central government has asked the  Attitude: It blocks the passage for attitudinal change
Senior Civil Servants to act as “rath prabharis” to highlight the which leads to nepotism and non-responsive conduct in
achievements of Central government in past 9 years. civil servants.
Politicization of Bureaucracy: It refers to the process by  Insecurity and low morale: When civil servants are
which Civil Service become influenced and controlled by appointed based on political considerations, it leads to
political considerations and partisan interests, rather than reduced morale and motivation.
being driven by the principles of neutrality,  Fuels political ambitions: Lure of post-retirement
professionalism, and public service. benefits also compromises the values of honesty and
Ideally, Civil Servants are expected to be politically neutral integrity.
and objectively serve elected governments coming from Organizational level:
various shades of political spectrum with equal
 Against Conduct rules: Central Civil Services Conduct
commitment.
rules 1964 explicitly prohibits Civil Servants from taking
Civil servants as citizens can have political choices and part in political activity.
viewpoints but as a key functionary of the executive wing,
 Undermining Rule of Law: Politicization can
he/she is expected to follow elected governments with
undermine the rule of law as the bureaucracy is used to
equal commitment.
bypass legal procedures to implement decisions that
NORMS WITH RESPECT TO POLITICAL EXECUTIVE- are not in accordance with the law.
BUREAUCRAT RELATIONSHIP
 Creation of lobbies: Leads to creation of various lobby
 Being impersonal and apolitical is one of the groups an interest groups amongst the civil servants
foundational values of Civil Services in India. which eye for offices of profit, rewards, and post-
 The Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules 1964 and retirement benefits.
The All-India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968 explicitly  Weakened Public Institutions: A politicized
direct to maintain political neutrality and prohibit bureaucracy weaken public institutions and undermine
association with any political party, political canvassing their credibility, erosion of trust in public institutions
or furthering of political interests of any party by Civil creates long-term negative impact for governance.
Servants.


Governance
 Impacts principle of separation of power: Taking  Independent Constitutional body for selection of
partisan roles impacts the principle of separation of senior civil servants: Selection of civil servants for
executive from partisan politics. various regulatory bodies and other
 Inefficiency and lack of accountability: When civil statutory/constitutional positions should be done
servants start taking political sides, it is observed that through an independent constitutional body whose
they do not hold themselves accountable to members cannot be removed by the political executive
organization’s hierarchy. and such members must be selected and appointed to
such positions when they still have at least three years
 Rules centricity is compromised: They adhere to the
to superannuate.
political orders rather than duty and rule bound
decision making.  No Extension of service: No Civil Servant shall be given
any extension of service under any circumstances.
 Independence: Civil servants are supposed to function
irrespective of political considerations, politicization  Appointment as Governors: The practice of
leads to biased decision making. appointing Civil Servants as Governors/Lt Governors
should either be discouraged or only civil servants with
Societal level:
exceptional integrity and no involvement in active
 Leads to a sense of apathy in civil servants. politics be appointed as Governors/Lt. Governors.
 Perpetuates social inequality: Politicized civil service
leads to influenced decisions which serve a specific
social group instead of serving the overall society. ARTICLE 142 OF THE
 Leads to corruption: Politicization of bureaucracy
leads to a culture of collusive corruption, ultimately
INDIAN CONSTITUTION
compromising with the quality of governance. #Supreme court
 Lack of transparency in decision making: Leads to
decisions based on political consideration and not on The Supreme Court, while using its extraordinary power under
objective standards. Article 142, ordered the appointment of a citizen as a postal
 Loss of public trust on civil services: Politicized assistant on a probationary basis in order to ensure complete
bureaucracy starts serving the interests of political justice for someone who had fought for it for nearly three
masters instead of public leading to loss of public trust. decades.
Suggestions and way forward:
ARTICLE-142
 Civil Services board: Constituting civil services board
Enforcement of decrees and orders of Supreme
at Center and States to regulate transfer and postings
Court and orders as to discovery, etc.—
of senior civil servants as per TSR Subramaniyan case.
(1) The Supreme Court in the exercise of its jurisdiction
 Fixed tenure: Fixing tenure at senior position to at least
may pass such decree or make such order as is
2 years to insulate civil services from political
necessary for doing complete justice in any cause or
interference.
matter pending before it, and any decree so passed
 Cool off period: No civil servant should be allowed to or order so made shall be enforceable throughout
join any political party and hold a political office, the territory of India in such manner as may be
including a ministerial position or Governorship within prescribed by or under any law made by Parliament
at least four years from the date of his retirement on and, until provision in that behalf is so made, in such
superannuation. However, those civil servants who still manner as the President may by order prescribe.
have five or more years to superannuate may be
(2) Subject to the provisions of any law made in this
permitted to join any political party after a cooling-off
behalf by Parliament, the Supreme Court shall, as
period of two years.
respects the whole of the territory of India, have all
 No Pension: Civil service members who are willing to and every power to make any order for the purpose
waive their pension are not required to observe the of securing the attendance of any person, the
above cooling-off period. discovery or production of any documents, or the


Governance
investigation or punishment of any contempt of Article 142 of the Indian Constitution gives the SC the
itself. power to issue any order or decree that it deems
necessary to do complete justice, even if it is not
In simple terms, Article 142 empowers the Supreme Court
specifically mentioned in the law.
(SC) to issue such orders or decrees as needed to achieve
Environmental Protection:
complete justice. This is a special and exclusive power
granted to the SC by the constitution, which even the high  The SC issued directions to ensure green belts and open
courts do not possess. spaces, emphasising the importance of ecological
balance in M C Mehta case of 1996.
NEED OF ARTICLE 142
 Prohibited stone-crushing activities near residential
 The Constitution's framers believed this provision
complexes to safeguard public health in M C Mehta case
was crucial for those suffering due to judicial system
of 1992.
delays.
Indigenous Rights:
 To Fill the Legislative vacuum:
 Earmarked a portion of reserved forests for Adivasis to
o When there's a legal void for certain offenses, as
ensure their habitat and means of livelihood,
seen in the Bhanwari Devi case in 2002, where there
recognising the importance of protecting indigenous
was no law addressing workplace sexual
communities in the Banwasi Seva Ashram case of 1993.
harassment, the SC introduced the Vishaka
guidelines to ensure justice. Public Health:
 To Correct the Executive non-compliance:  Compelled the municipal authorities of the Delhi
Municipal Corporation to perform their statutory
o The executive's non-compliance in Bihar during trials
obligations for protecting the health of the community
resulted in a high number of undertrials, leading to
in B. L. Wadhera case of 1996.
the SC’s intervention in the 1979 Hossainara
Khatoon Case, the first Public Interest Litigation Cultural Heritage:
(PIL) in India.  Issued directions to regulate the level of air pollution
ABOUT SUPREME COURT’S POWER UNDER ARTICLE 142 around the Taj Mahal, recognising the need to protect
cultural heritage sites in M. C. Mehta case of 1997.
 These are SC's plenary powers for ensuring complete
justice are inherent and complement its other Legislative Void Filling and Criminal Justice Reforms:
constitutional and statutory powers.  Filled legislative gaps in various areas such as inter-
 These powers are of wide amplitude and are country adoption, sexual harassment at workplaces,
supplementary in nature. ensuring the independence and autonomy of the
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Vineet Narain
 No independent proceeding or procedure is required
case of 1998, arrest procedures, treatment of
before the court seeking the application of such
undertrials, and advance directives.
powers.
Women's Rights:
 The application of such powers depends upon the
discretion of the apex court.  Addressed issues of sexual harassment at workplaces,
thereby enhancing the protection of women's rights in
 The application of these powers cannot be done while
the workplace. (Vishaka judgement)
ignoring or overriding the existing statutory or
constitutional provisions. Public Interest Litigation:
 These constitutional powers cannot, in any way, be  Emergence of PIL allowed the judiciary to play a pivotal
controlled by any statutory provisions. role in safeguarding public interest, environmental
conservation, human rights, and administrative
ARTICLE 142: SOURCE OF JUDICIAL LEGISLATION
accountability, often resulting in the government giving
Judicial legislation is the process by which judges create or direction, forming guidelines etc.
modify laws. This can be done through the interpretation
APPOINTMENT AND ENCROACHMENT IN EXECUTIVE
of law, or the issuance of judicial decrees.
DOMAIN


Governance
 Provided a procedure of the appointment of Election CASE LAWS
Commissioner of India and held that ECI shall be  In Justice K.S.Puttaswamy(Retd) vs Union Of India
appointed by a committee in Anoop Baranwal case of Court used Article 142 to expand the scope of the right
2023. to life and personal liberty to include the right to
ISSUE WITH JUDICIAL LEGISLATION privacy.
 Lack of Expertise: The Court is composed of judges  In Vishaka and Others v. State of Rajasthan, Court used
who are experts in law, but they may not have the same Article 142 to lay down guidelines for the prevention of
expertise in policy or other areas that are relevant to sexual harassment at the workplace.
law-making. WAY FORWARD
 Lack of Legitimacy: Laws made by the Court are not  The primary purpose of Article 142 is to enable judges to
subject to the same scrutiny and debate as laws passed alleviate the strict application of the law in situations where
by Parliament. This raises concerns about the doing so is essential for the administration of justice.
legitimacy of judicial legislation.
 In essence this power must always operate within the
 Uncertainty: When the Court makes new laws or bounds of constitutional and statutory provisions. Going
modifies existing ones, it can be difficult for people to beyond these limits may lead to injustices rather than the
know what the law is leading to uncertainty and delivery of justice itself.
confusion among citizens.
 The exercise of this power places a significant responsibility
 Hurts the doctrine of separation of power: on the Supreme Court to use it with great care, keeping in
Encroachment in the areas of legislative and executive mind democratic system and upholding the principles of
domains create imbalance in the power of three organs justice, and constitutional values.
of government and impact doctrine of separation of
Article 142 should be invoked judiciously and with
power.
restraint. It is not a universal remedy for all legal issues.
 Lack of accountability: The Constitution under Supreme Court judges must neither become "good men
collective responsibility makes the executive not obeying the law too well," which means they can
accountable to people’s mandate. Courts while deviate from strict legal procedures when necessary for
legislating bypass such responsibility. justice, nor should they turn into "knights errant roaming
 Ambiguity: at will in pursuit of their own ideal of beauty or
o In certain cases SC gives direction, change or modify goodness," which would be considered an abuse of
the application of law without clarifying whether it is judicial discretion.
under article 142 or not. PYQ
o Subjective application in different cases by the court MAINS-2020
has created ambiguity, e.g., in NALSA court applied
Q) Judicial Legislation is antithetical to the doctrine of
the article but in Sama sex marriage case it refused
separation of powers as envisaged in the Indian
to apply it.
Constitution. In this context justify the filing of large
JUDICIAL RESTRAINTS PROVIDED BY THE COURT number of public interest petitions praying for
 In Prem Chand Garg Court, it was established that an issuing guidelines to executive authorities.
order to ensure complete justice must align with both PRELIMS-2019
constitutional rights and relevant statutory laws.
Q) With reference to the Constitution of India,
 In certain cases, SC held that it cannot be used to take prohibitions or limitations or provisions contained in
away any fundamental rights and cannot supersede ordinary laws cannot act as prohibitions or
Article 32. limitations on the constitutional powers under
 The possibility of a conflict between powers under Article 142. It could mean which one of the following?
article 142 and other provisions of the constitution (a) The decisions taken by the Election Commission of
necessitate application of the rule of harmonious India while discharging its duties cannot be
construction. challenged in any court of law.


Governance
(b) The Supreme Court of India is not constrained in the (d) State Legislatures cannot make laws on certain
exercise of its powers by laws made by the matters without the concurrence of Union
Parliament. Legislature.
(c) In the event of grave financial crisis in the country,
the President of India can declare Financial
Emergency without the counsel from the Cabinet.
Prelims Snippets
o This pre-registration can be done online or offline
REMOTE ELECTRONIC within a predetermined time frame before elections.
VOTING MACHINE (RVM)  Verification:
#Elections o The voter's information is verified in the elector's

home constituency.
o After successful verification, the voter's request for
Lokniti-CSDS, a research organisation focused on politics and
remote voting is approved.
elections, conducted a survey in Delhi regarding the proposed
Remote Electronic Voting Machine.  Designation as Remote Voter: Once the verification is
complete, the voter is designated as a "remote voter"
A Remote Electronic Voting Machine (RVM) is a standalone
and is eligible to cast their vote from a location other
device whose prototype is developed by the Election
than their home constituency.
Commission of India (EC) to enable migrant voters to cast
 Special Remote Voting Polling Stations are set up in
their votes from locations other than their registered
the places of the voter's current residence. These
constituencies.
polling stations are equipped with the RVM system.
 It will allow migrant voters listed in multiple
constituencies of their home state to vote from a single
machine on the same day of election. ETHICS COMMITTEE OF
 It is a stand-alone, non-networked system that does not
require connectivity to operate and can handle up to 72
LOK SABHA AND RAJYA
constituencies from a single remote polling booth. SABHA
 The RVM system is a modified version of the existing
#Committee System
EVM system that can serve multiple constituencies at a
single polling station by using dynamic ballot display.
 The introduction of RVMs is aimed at addressing the Recently, Mahua Moitra’s (MP, Lok Sabha) matter has been
issue of low voter turnout among migrant workers and referred to Lok Sabha Ethics committee. She has been accused
making it easier for them to exercise their voting rights. of accepting money to ask questions in the house.
Rajya Sabha: Origin of ethics committee in Rajya Sabha
WORKING PROCESS OF RVM
can be traced to NN Vohra Committee in 1996, based on
According to ECI's 13-page concept paper, the working of
suggestions of Vohra Committee, the General-Purpose
RVM is as followed:
Committee in 1997 proposed for a Committee regarding
 Pre-Registration: the conduct of members of Rajya Sabha. Accordingly, a 9
o Remote voters must pre-register with their home member Ethics committee of Rajya Sabha was constituted
constituency for remote voting facilities. by Chairman in 1997.


Governance
 Lok Sabha: Origin of ethics committee in Lok Sabha can Purpose behind setting up of Ethics committees:
be traced to a resolution adopted at Presiding Officers  To oversee the moral and ethical conduct of the
conference in 1996. However, the first Ethics Members; and
committee in Lok Sabha was constituted by the then
 To examine the cases referred to it with reference to
Speaker Shri G.M.C. Balayogi in 2000.
ethical and other misconduct of the Members.
COMPARISON BETWEEN ETHICS COMMITTEE OF RAJYA SABHA AND LOK SABHA
Criteria Ethics committee of Rajya Sabha Ethics committee of Lok Sabha
 Committee consists of ten members.  Committee consists of not more than 15

Composition  Committee holds office until a new committee members which are nominated by speaker.
and tenure is appointed, the casual vacancies arising are  Committee holds office for a term not
filled by Chairman from time to time. exceeding one year.
(a) To oversee the moral and ethical conduct of

members.
(b) To prepare a Code of Conduct for members and (a) To examine every complaint relating to
to suggest amendments or additions to the unethical conduct of a member of Lok
Code from time to time in the form of reports Sabha referred to it by the Speaker and
to the Council. make such recommendations as it may
Functions (c) To examine cases concerning the alleged deem fit.
breach of the Code of Conduct by members as (b) To formulate a Code of Conduct for
also cases concerning allegations of any other members and suggest amendments or
ethical misconduct of members. additions to the Code of Conduct from
(d) To tender advice to members from time to time time to time.
on questions involving ethical standards either
Suo Moto or on receiving specific requests.
 Code of conduct for members of Lok Sabha

 Code of conduct to regulate the conduct of is not present.
members has been brought out for members of  No such record is maintained by Lok
Rajya Sabha. Ethics Committee examines the Sabha, member has to state their own
moral and ethical conduct of members of Rajya interests to Chairman.
Powers Sabha based on this code.  Since, the Code of Conduct and Register of
 Rajya Sabha maintains a register of interests of interests is not present. The Ethics
its members which allows the Ethics Committee Committee of Lok Sabha is relatively less
of Rajya Sabha to check for possible conflict of effective in maintaining the moral and
interest of members of Rajya Sabha. ethical conduct of the members of Lok
Sabha.
NCBC HEARING ON #Constitution and polity of India
BENGAL DEMAND TO Recently, the West Bengal government has proposed to
INCLUDE 87 CASTES IN OBC National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) to include
87 castes to OBC.
LIST Background: NCBC was set up after the direction of
Supreme Court to union government in Indira Sawhney


Governance
vs. Union of India to constitute a permanent statutory PROCEDURE OF INCLUSION INTO OBC LIST
body for examining the complaints of under inclusion,  Reference or request is made by the Central or State
non-inclusion and over inclusion of any class of citizens in government seeking the advice of commission
the list of backward classes. regarding the inclusion or exclusion of castes in Central
ABOUT NATIONAL COMMISSION ON BACKWARD list of OBCs.
CLASSES  Commission examines the request and conducts public
 NCBC was set up in 1993 vide the National hearing for detailed study of social and educational
Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993. backwardness of the said community.
 Commission consists of 5 members, a chairperson, vice  Based on hearing along with detailed reasoning and
chairperson and three other members. justification regarding why the said community should
 They are appointed by the President by the warrant be included in the central list of OBCs, the Commission
under his hand and seal. tenders advice to central government.
 They hold the office for 3 years and are eligible for FUNCTIONS OF NCBC
reappointment once.  Investigate and monitor all matters relating to the
AMENDMENT IN 2018 safeguards provided for the socially and educationally
backward classes under this Constitution or under any
 In 2018, the 102nd Amendment Act inserted Article
other law or any order of the Government and to
338-B in Constitution and conferred constitutional
evaluate the working of such safeguards.
status on commission, making it a Constitutional
body.  Inquire into specific complaints with respect to the
deprivation of rights and safeguards of the SEBCs.
 Amendment also inserted Article 342-A which enabled
the President to specify the socially and economically  To participate and advise on the socio-economic
backward classes. development of the SEBCs and to evaluate the progress
of their development under the Union and State
 However, in Jaishri Laxmanrao Patil vs Chief Minister
governments.
Maharashtra (Maratha reservation case), the
Supreme Court held that states no longer had the  To present to the President annual reports upon the
powers to recognize ‘Socially and Educationally working of those safeguards.
Backward Classes’ (SEBCs) after 102nd amendment.  To make recommendations with respect to the
AMENDMENT IN 2021 measures that should be taken by the Union or any
State for the effective implementation of those
 Parliament came up with Constitution 105th
safeguards and other measures for the protection,
Amendment Act to overcome the above problem.
welfare and socio-economic development of the SEBCs.
 It amended Article 338B, Article 342A and Article 366
 To discharge such other functions in relation to the
and restored the powers of state governments to
protection, welfare and development and advancement
recognize SEBCs.
of the SEBCs as the President may, subject to the
ARTICLES ASSOCIATED WITH NCBC provisions of any law made by Parliament, by rule
Article About specify.
Powers of NCBC: While investigating any matter referred
Article Structure, duties and powers of National
or inquiring into complaint received, the Commission shall
338B Commission for Backward Classes.
have the powers of a civil court trying a suit with respect
Article Power of President to specify socially and to following matters.
342A educationally backward classes.  Summoning and enforcing the attendance of any
Article Definition (Article 366, definition 26C person and examining him on oath.
366 defines SEBCs)  Discovery and production of any documents.
 Receiving evidence on affidavit.


Governance
 Requisitioning any public record or copy thereof from  Issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses
any court or office. and documents.
 Any other matter which the President may determine.
practice questions
MCQs
Q1. Under which Schedule of the constitution of 1. A State government can recommend changes to the
India a Tribal Advisory Council is constituted? list of STs based on its discretion.
(a) Fifth Schedule (b) Sixth Schedule 2. The proposal is forwarded by the State government
(c) Eleventh Schedule (d) Twelfth Schedule to the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
3. The inclusion in the STs list becomes effective only
Q2. In context of India, consider the following: after the President gives assent to the Bill.
1. A Voter ID card issued by Election commission of How many of the above statement is/are correct?
India is mandatory to cast a vote. (a) Only one (b) Only two
2. A person can be registered in the voter list at more (c) All three (d) None
than one place.
3. A Non-Resident Indian (NRI) settled in a foreign land Q4. Consider the following about Digital India Act,
cannot become an elector in India. 2023
How many of the statements given above are correct? 1. Classification of Intermediaries
(a) Only one (b) Only two 2. Risk Assessment for Intermediaries
(c) All three (d) None 3. Dedicated Internet Regulatory Authority
How many of the above statement is/are correct?
Q3. With reference to the process of inclusion in the (a) Only one (b) Only two
Scheduled Tribes (STs) list, Consider the (c) All three (d) None
following statements:
Q1. In recent years, the politicization of bureaucracy has raised concerns about its impact on governance and public
administration in India. Discuss the consequences of the growing politicization of the bureaucracy and suggest
measures to uphold the neutrality and effectiveness of the civil services.
Q2. The power to do complete justice under Article 142 of the Constitution gives the Supreme Court wide powers and
hence there is a need for judicial restraint. Comment.
Answers: 1-a, 2-d, 3-c, 4-d

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS &

Security
# GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper II & III (Main)
authority. These regime-change policies displayed that
DESPITE CHALLENGES, USA’s unilateral policies were unwelcome by much of
WHY THE USA CONTINUES the developing world.

4. Decline of American economic primacy: Despite
THE GLOBAL HEGEMON? being the largest global economy, US enjoys relatively
#International Relations less power in the global economic architecture. This is
visible from the emergence of G20 as the primary
global economic agenda body replacing the G7. More
Large number of simultaneous ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, and more global economy is being decentralized with
Middle East (Israel-Palestine) and the South China Sea, where Asia being the driver of global economy.
in China-Russia-Iran are challenging the USA in different
5. Unable to tackle global challenges: Despite being the
theatres is questioning the American grand strategy.
global hegemon, USA’s attitude towards global
The question is that whether will over-stretched and
challenges such as terrorism, pandemic, climate
fatigued in responding to these conflicts, which will
change has been not very assuring. President Trump
further demonstrate to the world about the fall of
took the US out of the Paris Climate Deal; USA did not
American Hegemony and primacy in the world affairs.
collaborate on providing waiver for COVID-vaccines.
DECLINE OF AMERICAN HEGEMONY AND PRIMACY IN
This has given space for other countries to rise to the
THE WORLD
occasion.
External Reasons
6. Rise of Middle Powers: Middle powers such as India,
1. Rise of China (Economic, Political & Strategic): The Brazil, Turkey, South Africa, South Korea have emerged
rise of China’s economic, military and strategic as important players in the global politics. These actors
capabilities has helped bridge the power differential are swing states in great power politics and enjoy
between both the countries. China is the world’s considerable regional dominance. The US thus must
second largest economy and has the second largest coordinate with these actors and not dominate or
military. China has emerged as the overwhelming dictate them. Thus, constraining US space to operate.
challenger to the US led system.
7. Emerging differences in US-Led Order and
2. Rise of Anti-America Coalitions of China, Russia and groupings such as NATO: The trans-Atlantic
Iran: Growing closeness among China, Russia and Iran partnership which was the essence of US’s foreign
have been challenging the USA’s interests in the policy has been strained due to increasing US
different theatres of Indo-pacific, Europe and Middle expectation of Europe taking extra steps militarily and
East. They together have been able to challenge and financially to aid and limit Russia in the European
stretch USA. Region. Also, the differences between UK and EU and
3. Lapses on part of America's moral hegemony: USA’s between the EU countries over the policy towards
interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan lacked moral Russia have made NATO and EU less effective.

International Relations & Security
Internal Reasons receiving end of China's aggressiveness in the South

1. Deep polarization in American politics China Sea)
compromising domestic consensus over global  USA has entered partnership with the UK and Australia
issues: to empower Australian Navy with nuclear submarines.
 There is a growing lack of consensus over foreign policy  Strengthening of the QUAD Partnership involving USA,
issues in the domestic US policy. Japan, Australia, and India to balance China in the Asia-
 President Trump actively argued for an isolationist Pacific region.
foreign policy as external military participation led to 3. In Middle East:
overwhelming costs which the American exchequer  USA has aimed to make bridges between Israel and the
paid. Arab world in the form of Abraham Accords, wherein,
 On Ukraine, Recently, USA Congress dropped the aid UAE and Bahrain have accepted normalization of
package supporting Ukraine. Some sections of the relations with Israel. A similar pact is being negotiated
Republic Party have been arguing against the unending between Saudi Arabia.
support for Ukraine and concentrating more on  USA has floated groupings such as I2U2 and IMEC
balancing China as more desirable USA foreign policy Corridor for the economic growth and multilateral
goal. These sections have been asking the European cooperation in the middle east region.
countries to take more responsibility in helping Ukraine
 Just after the recent Israel-Palestine conflict, US
preserve its sovereign existence.
President Biden visited Israel to establish peace.
2. Slowing economic growth and deglobalization
FACTORS BEHIND CONTINUED DOMINANCE OF USA
3. Energy security following the shale revolution.
 Ability to forge coalitions: A remarkable advantage
4. Fatigue with long stretched military commitments the US enjoys the system of alliances that Russia and
in the Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria China are still aiming to build. Recent, US policy has
This somewhat perceived and real decline of the focused on widening the array of traditional allies with
hegemony and primacy of USA has further emboldened which the US coordinates and acts globally to maintain
countries like Russia, China, and Iran to challenge the US its hegemony. For ex. US has aimed to bring countries
led world order. wary of China (Japan, India, Australia, Vietnam,
TESTIMONY OF USA’S CONTINUED DOMINANCE Philippines etc.) under its fold and enhanced the
deterrent against China in the region.
However, despite the decline the US remains the
overwhelming most powerful country of the world. The  Military superiority: USA is the overwhelming military
testimony to the overwhelming power and hegemony of superpower in the world. USA's military expenditure
USA despite some transformation in US policy is visible alone is more than the combined expenditure of next
through these instances: 10 countries, including China and India. USA has ability
to project its military superiority which is unmatchable
1. In Europe: Finland and Sweden, two traditionally
by any other country. For ex. After the rise of tensions
neutral countries joined the NATO as a guarantee of
between Israel and Palestine, US deployed two aircraft
their security against the aggressive tactics of Russia.
carriers in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.
2. In Asia:
 Strength of US establishment to rise above
 USA has convinced a hitherto pacifist Japan to increase domestic politics and pursuit the USA's national
its military expenditure to counter China and promoted interests.
the normalization of ties between Japan & South Korea.
 Economic superiority: Despite the relative decline in
(to address China's aggressiveness against Japan).
of the US economy vis-a-vis China, US continues to be
 Expanded military support to Taiwan to make it costly the largest economy in the world with a share of 24%.
for China to invade the island.
The eminent slowdown of the Chinese economy due to
 USA has renewed its defence pact with Philippines and structural reasons means that the USA will continue to
has signed a comprehensive strategic partnership have a lead over China's economy in the foreseeable
agreement with Vietnam. (both countries at the future.

 Geographical Isolation: The location of US which is BACKGROUND OF ISRAEL PALESTINE RELATIONS

separated by Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean from  Following the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World
both China and Russia allows the US to take a detached War – I, Britain assumed control of the region
view of the balance of power dynamics playing out in referred to as Palestine. Within this land, there was a
the Asia and Europe. This allows the US to shift its Jewish minority and an Arab majority coexisting.
policies and exploit the contradictions in the growing Tensions between the two communities grew when the
closeness between China and Russia. For ex. In the international community gave Britain the task of
1970s, US exploited the contradictions between Russia establishing a "national home" in Palestine for Jewish
and China. people.
 Agenda setting: Despite the ever-growing closeness of  The relationship between these two communities
China and Russia, US continues to have more leverage became increasingly strained in 1947, when United
than other powers with both Israel and the Arabs. Thus, Nations introduced Resolution 181, commonly known
there is no doubt that US continues to have more as the Partition Plan, which aimed to divide the
power to shape the regional and global agenda. British Mandate of Palestine into separate Arab
 Technological superiority: US companies and military and Jewish states. While the Jewish population
establishment define the cutting edge of technologies. considered this their historic homeland, Palestinian
Companies like Google, Microsoft, Apple, Facebook Arabs also asserted their right to the territory and
dominate the world in software. In the military sphere, resisted this development.
US companies like Boeing, General Electric etc. are at
the cutting edge of military technology.
 Knowledge superiority: US attracts the brightest
individuals globally. Also, US dominates the global R&D
expenditure and patent filing in the world. This gives
the power to US to dominate the knowledge systems
and cutting-edge technologies.
 Looking beyond democracies: USA has been
traditionally invested in promoting democracies in the
world and working closely with them. However,
recently USA has showed its ability to show a realist
bend and work with all countries which have diverse
political systems provided they abide by the UN
Charter.
CONCLUSION
Despite the growing challenge to USA hegemony by
 In 1948, the State of Israel was officially established,
Russia, China and Tehran combine, USA continues to have
leading to the first Arab Israeli War. While Israel
the resources and will for continue geopolitical maneuver
emerged victorious in 1949, the conflict resulted in
and pursue its dominance and national interest.
the displacement of 750,000 Palestinians and the
division of the territory into three parts: the State of
ISRAEL – PALESTINE Israel, the West Bank (Jordan River), and the Gaza
Strip.
RELATIONS  In 1956, after the Suez Crisis and Israel's invasion of the
Sinai Peninsula, Egypt, Jordan, and Syria signed defense
#Middle East #Extended Neighborhood
pacts in anticipation of potential Israeli mobilization. In
1967, the Six-Day War erupted when Israel
Palestinian group Hamas has launched an attack on Israel, preemptively attacked Egyptian and Syrian air
leading to an outbreak of new war in West Asia. forces. After the war, Israel gained control over the

Sinai Peninsula and Gaza Strip from Egypt, the West directs suicide bombings and rocket
Bank and East Jerusalem from Jordan, and the Golan attacks towards Israeli civilians.
Heights from Syria.
Consistent efforts in West Bank
TWO INTIFADAS (UPRISINGS) undermines the prospects of any
Jewish
 In 1987, the first intifada (revolt/uprising) erupted comprehensive peace deal with
Settlements
when Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip Palestinians based on two state
protested against Israeli rule, as the issue of solution.
Palestinian self-determination and self-governance
PEACE EFFORTS
remained unresolved.
 The two-state solution was proposed by the Peel
 In 2000, the second intifada began, partly due to
Commission, which was formed by Britishers in 1937.
Palestinian grievances, a stagnant peace process, and
It refers to an arrangement where Israeli and
political events. In response, Israel constructed a
Palestinian states co-exist in the region. #Prelims
barrier wall around the West Bank in 2002.
2018.
Dimensions of  The 1993 Oslo I Accords attempted to mediate the
Explanation
Conflict conflict by establishing a framework for Palestinian
There is no clear demarcation of self-governance and mutual recognition between the
Borders Palestinian Authority and Israel.
boundaries between the two states.
 In 1995, the Oslo II Accords expanded on the initial
Both Israel and Palestinians claim
agreement, requiring Israel's withdrawal from six cities
Jerusalem as their capital and call
and 450 towns in the West Bank.
it central to their religion and culture.
Question of Israel has declared Jerusalem its  In 2000, Camp David summit convened by U.S.
Jerusalem 'undivided capital', effectively President Bill Clinton to discuss borders, settlements,
annexing its eastern half, and has refugees, and Jerusalem, but talks end without an
built up construction that agreement. Clinton announces parameters for an
entrenches Israeli control of the city. independent Palestinian state living in peace with
Israel.
A large number of Palestinians had
 In 2002, The Arab Peace Initiative was drawn up by
to flee in the 1948 War. The
Saudi Arabia which proposed normalization of ties
survivors and their descendants,
between Israel and Arab nations. IT calls for a
mostly living in Jordan, Lebanon, and
statehood deal Palestine and full Israeli withdrawal
Syria, claim the right to return to
from territory captured in 1967.#Prelims 2023
Israel, as supported by a 1948 UN
Refugees General Assembly resolution. Israel  The Abraham Accords (2020) represent bilateral
sees the right to return as a threat agreements for the normalization of relations
to its existence as a Jewish state, between Israel and two Arab nations, the United
and believes the refugees should go Arab Emirates and Bahrain. It marked significant
to the Palestinian state that would be diplomatic milestones, as both the United Arab
created as part of a two-state Emirates and Bahrain formally acknowledged Israel's
solution. sovereignty, paving the way for the establishment of
full diplomatic relations.
Israel perceives Palestinian militant
INDIA’S RELATIONS WITH ISRAEL AND PALESTINE
organizations, such as Hamas, the
Militant Islamic group in control of Gaza, as  India’s policy on the longest running conflict in the
Organizations posing existential threats. Hamas world has gone from being unequivocally pro-Palestine
has openly declared its objective for the first four decades, to a balancing act with its
to dismantle Israel and often three-decade-old friendly ties with Israel.

 In recent years, India’s position has also been perceived demands. This was clearly visible when India had voted
as pro-Israel. in favor of a resolution in the UN General Assembly
 India was the only non-Arab state among 13 countries opposing Trump administration’s recognition of
that voted against the UN partition plan (in 1948) of Jerusalem as Israeli capital.
Palestine in the General Assembly that led to the  At UNHRC, India voted against Israel in three
creation of Israel. resolutions – one on the right of self-determination of
 India’s own Partition along religious lines, its principled Palestinian people, a second on Israeli settlement
stand against Colonialism and its effects, solidarity with policy, and a third on human rights situation in Golan
Palestinian people, to ward of Pakistan’s plan to isolate Heights.
India over Kashmir and India’s energy dependency on
Arab countries.
 However, India formally recognised Israel in September
SHUTDOWN OF THE AFGH
1950. Full diplomatic relations were established as late AN EMBASSY IN INDIA
as 1992.
#neighbourhood
 In 1975, India became first non-Arab country to
recognise Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)
as sole representative of Palestinian people. Islamic Republic of Afghanistan announced the closure of its
 In 1988, when PLO declared an independent state of Embassy in Delhi.
Palestine with its capital in East Jerusalem, India MORE ABOUT THE NEWS
granted recognition immediately.  The embassy was representing the Islamic Republic of
 India voted for Palestine to become a full member Afghanistan which had been deposed by the Taliban in
of UNESCO in 2011, and a year later, co-sponsored UN August 2021.
General Assembly resolution that enabled Palestine to  After the displacement of the Islamic Republic of
become a “non-member” observer state at UN without Afghanistan, the embassy was working as a
voting rights. “stateless mission” as it did not represent the current
THE POLICY OF DE-HYPHENATION Taliban regime, with whom India has no
 India abstained from voting at UN Human Rights diplomatic relationship.
Council on a resolution which claimed to highlight  India has maintained a “technical team”, which
evidence of alleged war crimes committed by Israeli provides visas to Afghan traders and travellers to India.
forces and Hamas during the 2014 airstrikes against India is also sending humanitarian assistance to the
Gaza that killed over 2000. Afghan people.
 In 2016, India abstained again from a UNHRC INDIA’S INFORMAL ENGAGEMENT WITH TALIBAN
resolution against Israel. REGIME IN AFGHANISTAN
 In 2017, during the visit of PLO chief Mahmoud Abbas,  Currently, no country has formally recognised the
reference to East Jerusalem was missing in the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. However, China has a
statement issued by Indian PM. full-fledged ambassador in Afghanistan. Other
 Historically, India supported Palestinian state with countries like Iran, Pakistan, Russia, UAE, Qatar and
Jerusalem as its Capital. China also have deeper relations with the Afghan
regime. This puts pressure on India to have relations
 In 2018, PM Modi became first ever Indian PM to visit
with the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.
Israel. At this visit, PM skipped visit to Palestinian de
facto capital Ramallah. This move was seen as India  India has not formally recognised the current Taliban
pursuing a policy of de-hyphenation wherein it would regime in Afghanistan (Known as the Islamic Emirate
deal with Israel and Palestine separately. of Afghanistan) due to the poor human rights record
of the Taliban government especially their treatment of
 De-hyphenation is a careful balancing act, with India
women and the Taliban government being non-
shifting from one side to another as the situation
inclusive.

 Despite the closure of the embassy and non-  Limiting Pakistan’s control over Afghanistan
recognition of the Taliban regime by India, India has necessitates India to have engagement and closer
continued to engage with the Taliban regime in relations with the Taliban.
Afghanistan using a ‘technical team’ in Kabul. This CONCLUSION
technical team provides visas to Afghan traders and  India is considering realpolitik to initiate any
travellers to India. engagement with the Taliban, however, the deep-
 Currently, two weekly flights carry Afghan citizens and seated principles and relations with the region’s
goods to India. India uses these flights to send countries, bring ambiguity in its policy towards the new
humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people. regime in Afghanistan, which is also impacting India’s
interests.
 Indian goods are also sent to Afghanistan through
other countries like Iran and UAE.  A major challenge remains the Taliban’s adherence to
Sharia law and severe restrictions around the
 Indian diplomats have met the Taliban’s representative
movement of women.
in multiple locations under multilateral initiatives like
 Two factors can inﬂuence the Indian government’s
the recently concluded Moscow Format in September
future approach.
2023.
o Strong people-to-people ties: India has beneﬁted
 The Taliban regime is also urging India to support it
from its ties with Afghan elites and there exists
with its economic revitalization through projects like
considerable goodwill towards India among Afghan
electricity generation, and road construction.
citizens.
INDIA’S CONCERNS WITH TALIBAN RULED
o Humanitarian assistance: Given the Taliban’s
AFGHANISTAN
appeal for better ties, the Indian government can
 Support for Terrorism by Taliban regime leverage its position through aid and assistance.
 Support for poppy cultivation and promotion of narco-
terrorism by Taliban
REFORMING THE
 Close relations between Taliban and Pakistan army
which can be harnessed by Pakistan to use Taliban as a MULTILATERAL
safe haven for anti-Indian activity.
 Poor human rights record especially regressive
DEVELOPMENT BANKS
treatment of women. #International Organisations
 Non-inclusive nature of Taliban regime which is
dominated by certain Pashtun tribes and does not The G20 finance ministers and central bank governors
represent the entire Afghan community. meeting in Marrakech (Morocco) have taken up
IMPORTANCE OF CULTIVATING RELATIONS WITH recommendations suggested by the second volume of the
TALIBAN REGIME Independent Expert Group on Strengthening Multilateral
Development Banks.
 Safeguard India’s interests with Taliban regime
 Location of Afghanistan as a crossroad for India’s
engagement with Central Asian Republics
 Ensuring India’s energy security as India can import gas
through TAPI Pipeline via Afghanistan.
 Controlling terrorism in India and the wider
neighbourhood. WHAT ARE MULTILATERAL DEVELOPMENT BANKS
 Good image of India among the common Afghan (MDBS)?
citizens can help India build quick relations with the  A multilateral development bank (MDB) is an
Taliban. international financial institution established by two or

more countries with the primary objective of o International Bank for Reconstruction and
promoting economic advancement in low income and Development (IBRD), which extends loans to both
developing nations. low- and middle-income countries (LICs and MICs);
 These MDBs comprise member countries that o International Development Association
represent a mix of developed and developing (IDA), which provides loans to Low Income
nations. Countries;
 MDBs extend financial support in the form of loans and o International Finance Corporation (IFC), support
grants to their member nations. to the private sector;
 Multilateral development banks operate under the o Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency
framework of international legal principles. (MIGA), which encourages private enterprises to
OBJECTIVES invest in foreign countries;
 While commercial banks primarily aim to generate o International Centre for Settlement of
profits through loans and other financial services, Investment Disputes (ICSID) for resolving
Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) makes grants disputes.
and affordable loans to enhance the economic TYPES OF (MDBs)
conditions of impoverished or developing nations.  The first category comprises the largest and most
 MDBs extend non-concessional financial support to renowned institutions, which offer loans and grants.
middle-income countries’ governments, private sector Example: Inter-American Development Bank (IDB),
enterprises in developing countries, and select established in 1959.
governments of low-income nations.  The second category of multilateral development
 MDBs supply concessional aid, including grants and banks is formed by the governments of low-income
low-interest loans, to low-income country countries, which then collaborate to borrow
governments. collectively through the MDB, enabling them to
 Focus is on development-oriented goals, such as secure more favourable interest rates. Example:
eradicating extreme poverty and reducing economic Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), established in
disparities. 1969.
 Provide loans at minimal or no interest rates or CHALLENGES FOR MULTILATERAL DEVELOPMENT

issue grants to finance projects in infrastructure, BANKS
energy, education, environmental sustainability, and  Within the realm of Multilateral Development Banks
other sectors that foster development. (MDBs), the major share of responsibility for
EVOLUTION OF MDBs extending financial support to emerging and
developing economies (EDEs), predominantly rests
 At the end of World War II, representatives from 44
with the World Bank (WB) system.
nations convened in Bretton Woods, USA, to
establish a new framework for international  The degree of competition and cooperation within
cooperation and post-war reconstruction. the realm of MDBs is currently suboptimal, leaving
significant room for improvement, particularly
 This meeting in 1944 gave rise to the establishment
concerning customer service and the ease of
of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the
borrowing.
World Bank Group (WBG).
 Regional MDBs often find their autonomy
 The World Bank assumed the responsibility of
limited, particularly when their major shareholders
providing financial aid to facilitate the post-war
overlap, resulting in the formulation of similar policies.
rebuilding and economic progress of underdeveloped
nations.  MDB governance and the distribution of country
voting shares present considerable
 World Bank Group’s role has evolved, and
challenges when seeking to increase capital.
presently, it consists of various institutions:
Additionally, criticisms are frequently directed at

the bureaucratic procedures within MDBs, which can from limited operational interaction between their
hinder project implementation and decision-making. private financing arms and their sovereign activities,
 The original purpose of Multilateral Development encouraging a more collaborative approach with the
Banks was to address challenges of the period after private sector.
Second World War. The contemporary world  Optimizing Balance Sheets and Cooperation: The
introduces new concerns related to global public report underscores the significance of optimizing
goods, climate change, inequality and pandemics. balance sheets and enhancing cooperation among
 Another issue pertains to the absence of adequate MDBs. These steps are seen as critical for achieving the
representation, influence, and voice for developing objectives of the triple agenda.
countries in the decision-making processes of MDBs.  Leveraging Private Capital: Currently, MDBs leverage
Ensuring transparency, accountability, and legitimacy only $0.6 in private capital for every dollar they lend
in their actions and outcomes remains a significant from their own resources. The expert group
challenge. recommends that MDBs aim to at least double this
 MDBs grapple with constraints in their resources as figure to attract more private investment.
they contend with the increasing demands for  Establishment of a Global Public Goods (GPGs)
development financing. This is particularly evident in Funding Mechanism: The report proposes the
areas like climate change mitigation, adaptation, creation of a funding mechanism for global public
and infrastructure development. goods (GPGs). This innovative mechanism has the
 Encouraging private sector investments in potential to unlock an additional annual lending
development projects poses challenges. MDBs must capacity, estimated at a minimum of $20 billion. To
create an environment conducive to attracting private achieve this, a flexible legal and institutional framework
capital by addressing risks and offering financial needs to be established.
incentives for private sector engagement.  Focus on “Country Platforms”: G20 expert panel
 MDBs face the challenge of addressing climate recommends that MDBs shift their focus from
change and supporting sustainable development individual projects to helping countries build and
initiatives. This necessitates the incorporation of operationalize “country platforms.” These platforms
climate considerations into their policies, strategies, are voluntary country-level mechanisms set out by
and project financing decisions. respective governments to foster collaboration among
development partners based on shared strategic vision
REFORMING MULTILATERAL DEVELOPMENT BANKS
and priorities.
The independent expert group has proposed a
 Co-Creation of Multi-Year Programs: The expert
comprehensive triple agenda for Multilateral
group suggests that MDBs should prioritize programs
Development Banks (MDBs). This agenda focuses on three
identified by national governments with a sectoral
core areas:
focus and long-term transformation plans. This
1. Eliminating Extreme Poverty: MDBs should prioritize approach aligns MDBs more closely with the
initiatives aimed at reducing and ultimately eliminating developmental priorities of individual nations and
extreme poverty. encourages the co-creation of multi-year programs.
2. Tripling Sustainable Lending Levels by 2030: The  Independent Assessment Mechanism: The expert
report recommends increasing annual sustainable panel recommends that G20 finance ministers
lending levels to $390 billion by the year 2030. establish a mechanism to advise and independently
3. Flexible Funding Mechanisms: MDBs should create assess the first-year implementation of the proposed
flexible funding mechanisms to engage investors roadmap, ensuring transparency and accountability in
actively supporting MDB goals. the reform process.
The recommendations are:  Recommendations for Operational Improvements:
 Encouraging Private Sector Engagement: The report Several smaller, well-defined improvements are
emphasizes the importance of private sector suggested, including board monitoring of new targets,
engagement. It suggests that MDBs should break away changing procedures, easing the utilization process,

improving managerial incentives for small ticket voting shares, which could make it easier to raise
lending, and providing training for giving warranties. capital for environmentally sustainable projects.
 Building Bankable Projects: Countries are Other Recommendations:
encouraged to create bankable projects that can  Reform and Incentive Structures, which may involve
compete for finance on the country platforms. implementing first loss guarantees, establishing
Technical support can help in developing granular realistic return targets, and improving risk
asset specifics, measurement, disclosure, and management. Additionally, incentive structures should
appropriate incentives. Transparency and competition be designed to foster innovation and adaptability.
are key factors in reducing the impact of geopolitics in
 Global South Representation to should ensure that
project decisions.
the voices and perspectives of the Global South,
 Green Concessional Lending Arm: The report including countries such as India, are not only heard
proposes the creation of a green concessional lending but also advocated for in decision-making processes.
arm for the World Bank (WB) with more equitable This ensures a more inclusive and equitable approach
to their operations.
Prelims Nuggets
INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY (IAEA)
BANGLADESH GETS ITS  It is the intergovernmental forum for scientific and
FIRST BATCH OF URANIUM technical cooperation in the nuclear field.
 It was created in 1957 in response to the deep fears
#International Relations and expectations generated by the discoveries and
diverse uses of nuclear technology.
The first shipment of Russian uranium was officially delivered  It works for the safe, secure and peaceful uses of
to Bangladesh to fuel the nation's only nuclear power plant, nuclear science and technology, contributing to
Rooppur. international peace and security and the United
Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
 The IAEA’s Milestones Approach enables a sound
development process for a nuclear power programme.
It is a phased comprehensive method to assist
countries that are considering or planning their first
nuclear power plant.
 Headquarters: Vienna, Austria.
ROOPPUR NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

GEOPOLITICS OF
 It is being built on the eastern bank of the river SOLOMON ISLAND
Ganges, 160 km from Dhaka.
#World Locations
 It is Bangladesh’s first nuclear power plant.
 The Rooppur project is the first initiative under an
Indo-Russian deal to undertake atomic energy Recently, a Chinese Community Party delegation visited the
projects in third countries. Solomon Islands. China has been aggressively courting the
Pacific islands to have greater geopolitical leverage in the
 International Atomic Energy Agency is supporting the
Pacific.
South Asian country in the safe, secure and sustainable
introduction of nuclear power.

ABOUT SOLOMON ISLANDS  July,2023-China had signed a policing pact with the
 Solomon Islands is a country in the southwestern Solomon Islands as both countries upgraded their ties
Pacific Ocean. to a “comprehensive strategic partnership”.
 It consists of a double chain of volcanic islands and INDIA AND SOLOMON ISLAND
coral atolls in Melanesia.  Diplomatic relations between India & Solomon Islands
 The country comprises most of the Solomons chain— were established in 1987.
except for Buka and Bougainville, two islands at the  India’s relationship with Pacific Island Countries (PIC)
northwestern end that form an autonomous region of has deepened with evolution of Act East
Papua New Guinea. Policy, resulting in setting up of action-oriented Forum
 Once a British protectorate, Solomon for India–Pacific Island Cooperation (FIPIC).
Islands achieved independence as a republic in 1978.  India has been aiding Solomon Island in capacity
 Honiara, on the north coast of Guadalcanal Island, is building in diverse fields under ITEC program (Indian
Solomon Islands’ capital and largest city. Technical and Economic Cooperation).
INDIAN OCEAN RIM

ASSOCIATION
#International Organisations
Sri Lanka has taken over the chairmanship of the Indian

Ocean Rim Association.
RECENT GEOPOLITICS OF SOLOMON ISLANDS

ABOUT INDIAN OCEAN RIM ASSOCIATION (IORA)
 2022 – Solomon Islands signs a memorandum of
 It is an intergovernmental organisation of states on
understanding (MOU) on policing cooperation with
the rim of the Indian Ocean.
China in March and is reported to be in the process of
concluding a security agreement with China, which  It was established in 1997 with an aim to strengthen
could allow a Chinese military and naval presence in regional cooperation and sustainable development
the islands. within the Indian Ocean region.
 2023 – In response to China’s overtures to the  IORA’s apex body is the Council of Foreign Ministers
islands, the US reopens an embassy on the (COM) which meets annually.
Solomons after a 30-year absence.  Council of Ministers has established a ‘Troika’
 June 2023-Mr. Sogavare called for review of its consisting of the chair, vice-chair and previous chair.
security treaty with Australia, which has historically  Members of IORA: Australia, Bangladesh, Comoros,
provided policing support to the Solomon Islands. France, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar,
Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman,

Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka,  The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols
Tanzania, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. are international treaties that contain the most
 All sovereign States of the Indian Ocean Rim are important rules limiting the barbarity of war.
eligible for membership of the Association.  They protect people who do not take part in the
 To become members, States must adhere to the fighting (civilians, medics, aid workers) and those who
principles and objectives enshrined in the Charter of can no longer fight (wounded, sick and shipwrecked
the Association. troops, prisoners of war).
 The Secretariat of the IORA is hosted by the  First Geneva Convention: Protects wounded and sick
Government of the Republic of Mauritius, which is soldiers on land during war.
based in Cyber City, Ebène, Mauritius.  Second Geneva Convention: Protects wounded, sick
 Note: Pakistan is not a member of IORA. and shipwrecked military personnel at sea during war.
PRIORITY AND FOCUS AREA OF IORA  Third Geneva Convention: Applies to prisoner of war.
 Maritime safety & security  Fourth Geneva Convention: Affords protection to

civilians, including in occupied territory.
 Trade & investment facilitation
Additional Protocols to Geneva Conventions
 Fisheries management
 Additional Protocol I: Strengthen the protection of
 Disaster risk management
victims of international armed conflicts.
 Tourism & Cultural exchanges
 Additional Protocol II: Strengthen the protection of
 Academic, science and technology cooperation victims of non-international armed conflicts.
 Blue economy
 Additional Protocol III: Created an additional
 Women’s economic empowerment emblem, the Red Crystal, which has the same
FLAGSHIP PROJECTS OF IORA international status as the Red Cross and Red Crescent
1. Indian Ocean Dialogue (IOD): It is a standalone Track emblems.
1.5 discussion encouraging an open and free flowing

dialogue by key representatives of IORA Member States
such as scholars, experts, analysts and policymakers
GLOBAL TERRORISM
from governments, think tank and civil societies on a INDEX
number of crucial strategic issues of the Indian Ocean
Region. The first IOD meeting took place in Kerala, India #Index
in 2014.
2. IORA Sustainable Development Program (ISDP): This The recent Global Terrorism Index states that ideologically
initiative of IORA aims to assist least developed motivated terrorism continues to be the most common type
countries that require assistance and support to of terrorism in the West.
conduct projects, with the purpose to promote sharing ABOUT GLOBAL TERRORISM INDEX
experiences and best practices among IORA member
 The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) is a comprehensive
states.
study analysing the impact of terrorism for 163
countries.
LAWS OF WAR  It is released by the Institute for Economics & Peace

(IEP).
#Intertnational Law
 GTI is a composite measure made up of four
indicators: incidents, fatalities, injuries and
Hamas, Palestinian based terrorist group, initiated a hostile hostages; weighted over a five-year period.
action against Israel, leading to a war in West Asia,  It does not include acts of state repression and violence
highlighting the principles and regulations of warfare. by state actors.
The Geneva Conventions of 1949

 The Sahel is home to the world’s fastest growing and  It is comprised of representatives from the Region’s
most-deadly terrorist groups. 11 Member States, as well as Associate Members.
 Afghanistan remained the country most impacted by  The Regional Committee meets every year to
terrorism for the fourth consecutive year. formulate policies and provide oversight for regional
 India’s rank: 13 programmes.
The process of election for the regional director
 The Regional Director is appointed by WHO’s
WHO REGIONAL OFFICE Executive Board in agreement with the WHO Regional
#International organisations Committee for Europe.
 The appointment of a Regional Director is for 5 years,
and he or she is eligible for reappointment once only.
 Any Member State of the Region may propose one or
more people for the post of Regional Director.
 The Regional Director is elected by secret ballot at a
private meeting of the Regional Committee.
VIENNA CONVENTION
The contest between Bangladesh and Nepal for the regional #International Law
head of the World Health Organization (WHO) has become
increasingly heated and contentious.
WHO’S SOUTH EAST ASIAN REGIONAL OFFICE India Canada relations deteriorated significantly after the
request made by MEA for repatriation Canadian diplomats
 One of the six WHO Regions, WHO South-East Asia is
posted in the country.
home to over a quarter of the world’s population.
ABOUT VIENNA CONVENTION ON DIPLOMATIC
 It was established in 1948 with headquarters at New
RELATIONS 1961
Delhi.
 It is an international treaty which puts forth a
 The Region is now composed of 11 Member Countries
framework for diplomatic interactions between
Bangladesh, Bhutan, Democratic People's Republic of
independent nations and aims to ensure the
Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri
‘development of friendly relations among nations.
Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste.
 It is fundamental to the conduct of foreign relations
 Priorities:
and ensures that diplomats can conduct their duties
1. Measles and rubella elimination; without threat of influence by the host government.
2. preventing non-communicable diseases;  It was drafted under the aegis of United Nations.
3. reducing maternal, under-five and neonatal mortality;  The premises of a diplomatic mission (including the
4. universal health coverage with a focus on human private residence of diplomats) are inviolable and must
resources for health and essential medicines; not be entered by the host country except by
5. combating antimicrobial resistance; permission of the head of the mission.
6. scaling up capacities for emergency risk management;  Diplomats must not be liable to any form of arrest or
detention.
7. eliminating neglected tropical diseases;
 Diplomats are immune from the civil and criminal
8. accelerating efforts to end TB.
jurisdiction of the host state, with exceptions for
REGIONAL COMMITTEE FOR SOUTH-EAST ASIA
professional activities outside the diplomat's
 It is WHO’s governing body in the Region. official functions.

 Article 11.1 states: “In the absence of specific

agreement as to the size of the mission, the receiving OLYMPIC CHARTER
State may require that the size of a mission be kept
within limits considered by it to be reasonable and
AMENDED BY IOC SESSION
normal, having regard to circumstances and conditions
in the receiving State and to the needs of the particular
IN MUMBAI
mission." (under this section India took the decision for #International Relations
repatriation of Canadian diplomats)
During the 141st session of International Olympic Committee
PRISONER’S DILEMMA being held at Mumbai (India) changes were introduced in the
Olympic Charter, which will strengthen human rights
#International Relations commitments of IOC. The amendments were principally
introduced in the Fundamental Principles of Olympism,
which is a part of Olympic Charter and amendments to
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh referred to the concept of
ensure freedom of expression of all competitors, team
“prisoner’s dilemma” to underscore the need for countries to
officials and other team personnel at the Olympic Games.
collaborate with each other.
India is hosting the session of IOC after a gap of 40 years
WHAT IS PRISONER’S DILEMMA? (Last in 1983 in New Delhi). Prime Minister of India has
It is the best-known game of strategy in social science. announced India’s candidature for hosting Olympic
It helps us understand what governs the balance Games in 2036.
between cooperation and competition in business, in ABOUT OLYMPIC CHARTER
politics, and in social settings.
 Olympic Charter is the codification of fundamental
Example: principles of Olympism and rules and bye-laws adopted
by International Olympic Committee.
In the traditional version of the game, the police have
arrested two suspects and are interrogating them in  Olympic Charter was first published in 1908. However,
separate rooms. Each can either confess, thereby some of the rules in the first Charter were written by
implicating the other, or keep silent. Pierre de Coubertin in 1989.
 If one suspect says the other one is involved, he can  It governs the organisation, actions and functioning of
get scot-free while other will get a 15-year jail term. the Olympic Movement and establishes the conditions
for celebration of Olympic Games.
 If neither suspect confesses, they both will only get
one year’s jail term.  It establishes the relations between International
Federations, National Olympic Committees and
 If both confess, their jail term will be 10 years each.
Olympic Movement.
Hence, staying silent is the best course of action for
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE (IOC)
both the suspects i.e., the best outcome lies in co-
operation.  IOC is an international NGO and Non-Profit
Organisation headquartered in Lausanne
APPLICATIONS OF PRISONER’S DILEMMA
(Switzerland).
 International politics: Arms races between
 It is the Supreme Authority leading the Olympic
superpowers or rival nations offer another important
Movement and the catalyst for all Olympic family
example of the dilemma. Both countries are better off
members.
when they cooperate and avoid an arms race.
 IOC members, natural persons, are representatives of
 Business strategies: Companies offering identical
the IOC in their respective countries, and not their
products would benefit from establishing a mutually
country's delegate within the IOC.
agreed upon minimum price to ensure that they can
 It aims to encourage the promotion of Olympic values,
achieve satisfactory profit margins.
to ensure regular celebration of Olympic Games and its

legacy and to support all organisations affiliated to  Only sports which comply with Olympic Charter, World
Olympic Movement. Anti-Doping Code and Olympic Movement Code on
 IOC Session is the general assembly of IOC members. It Prevention of Manipulation of Competition are eligible
is the supreme decision making body of IOC and its to be included in Olympic Games.
decisions are final. An ordinary session of IOC is held  However, the Organising Committee of a specific
once a year. edition of Olympic Games may propose to IOC the
 Executive Board of IOC is the executive body of IOC and inclusion, for such edition only, of one or more
overlooks the general responsibility for administration additional events from the sports governments by IOC
of IOC and monitors compliance with Olympic Charter. Recognised IFs.
It comprises of IOC President, four Vice-presidents and  Thus, Los Angeles 2028 Olympics Organising
10 other members, all elected by the Session. Committee proposed inclusion of 5 games - Cricket,
INCLUSION OF A SPORT IN OLYMPICS Flag Football, Lacrosse, Squash and baseball-
softball. The Executive Committee of IOC has
 The sports to be included in a particular edition of
approved the inclusion of these games in the Los
Olympics Games are decided by IOC Session from the
Angeles Olympics in 2028. These will have to be further
among the sports governed by International
ratified by the IOC session for their inclusion in the final
Federations (IFs) recognised by IOC.
list of Olympic Games in 2028.
practice questions
MCQS
Q.1 With reference to Indian Ocean Rim Association (c) All three (d) None
(IORA), consider the following statements:
1. It is an intergovernmental organisation established Q.3 With reference to the Global Terrorism Index
under the aegis of United Nations. 2023, consider the following statements:
2. All sovereign States of the Indian Ocean Rim are 1. It is released by the Institute for Economics & Peace.
eligible for membership of the Association. 2. It includes the acts of state repression and violence
3. The members states must adhere to the principles by state actors.
enshrined in the Charter of Association. 3. Syria is the most impacted country by terrorism.
4. India and Pakistan both are its members. How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
How many of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two
(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None
(c) Only three (d) All four
Q.4 With reference to the election of regional
Q.2 With reference to the provisions of Geneva director of WHO, which one of the following
Conventions, consider the following: statements is incorrect?
1. It protects people who do not take part in the war. (a) Any Member State of the Region can propose one or
2. It affords protection to civilians, including in more people for the post of Regional Director.
occupied territory. (b) The Regional Director is elected by secret ballot at a
3. It does not apply to the prisoners of war. private meeting of the Regional Committee.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct? (c) The tenure of a Regional Director is fixed for 5 years.
(a) Only one (b) Only two

(d) The regional director is not eligible for (b) Diplomats are immune from the civil and criminal
reappointment. jurisdiction of the host state in all circumstances.
(c) The host country cannot search the premises of
Q.5 With reference to Vienna Convention on diplomatic mission, including the private residence
Diplomatic Relations, which one of the following of the diplomats.
is incorrect ? (d) It was drafted under the aegis of United Nations.
(a) It ensures that diplomats can conduct their duties
without threat of influence by the host government.
Q1. India’s de-hyphenation policy has been instrumental in sustaining bilateral ties with Israel. Comment.
Q2. Discuss the role of multilateral development banks in fostering economic and social development in developing
countries.
Answers : 1-b, 2-b, 3-a, 4-d, 5-b

SOCIETY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

# GS Paper I & GS Paper II (Main)
this gap widens further, with women earning only

GENDER WAGE GAP 60% of men's income.
#Social Justice #Gender wage gap The gender pay gap in the Indian workforce is a
multifaceted issue with deep-rooted social, economic,
and cultural factors:
Prof. Claudia Goldin received the economics Nobel
1. Occupational Segregation: Women tend to be
Prize(2023) for her study of women's earnings and
concentrated in lower-paying, traditionally female-
employment. Goldin was able to demonstrate that
dominated professions, perpetuating the pay gap.
variations in education and occupation historically
 Female-dominated fields like teaching and nursing
accounted for a large portion of the gender wage gap after
typically offer lower salaries compared to male-
studying more than 200 years' worth of US data.
dominated sectors like engineering and IT.
2. Motherhood Penalty: The transition to motherhood
often leads to a pay gap due to limited access to
maternity leave, inadequate childcare support, and
societal expectations.
3. Gender Discrimination: Deep-seated gender biases
and stereotypes result in unequal pay, even when
educational qualifications and experience are similar.
 Glass Ceiling Effect: A glass ceiling hampers women's
upward mobility in organizations, preventing them
from accessing senior roles with higher salaries.
4. Lack of Representation in Leadership: The
WHAT IS GENDER WAGE GAP?
underrepresentation of women in leadership roles
The gender wage gap is a measure of what women are limits their ability to negotiate for equal pay and
paid relative to men. It is commonly calculated by dividing address workplace biases.
women’s wages by men’s wages, and this ratio is often
5. Cultural Norms and Expectations: Societal norms
expressed as a percent.
that dictate women's roles in the family and workplace
FACTS RELATED TO GENDER WAGE GAP can hinder career growth and earning potential.
 India has climbed eight places in the  Traditional expectations of women to prioritize family
annual Gender Gap Report, 2023(World Economic life over their careers can result in reduced
Forum (WEF)), and is ranked 127 out of 146 opportunities for professional advancement.
countries in terms of gender parity, from 135 last 6. Educational Disparities: Disparities in access to
year. quality education can limit women's entry into high-
 As of 2023, an International Labour Organization paying sectors.
(ILO) report reveals a 27% gender pay gap in India. 7. Intersectionality: Women belonging to marginalized
On average, women earn 73% of men's earnings for communities face compounded disadvantages due to
the same job. In specific industries like technology, both gender and social disparities.

Society and Social Justice
 Dalit women in India often experience higher levels of loans and mentorship programs. Ex- Skill India
discrimination and wage gaps due to their intersecting Mission
identities.  The "Stand Up India" scheme provides loans to
To address the gender pay gap in India, several steps women and Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe
can be taken: entrepreneurs to promote business ventures.
1. Equal Pay for Equal Work: Enforce laws that mandate 8. Gender Sensitization and Inclusive Work Culture:
equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender. The Promote gender sensitization and inclusive work
Equal Remuneration Act of 1976 in India prohibits culture through training programs.
wage discrimination based on gender. It serves as a 9. Advocacy and Awareness: Encourage advocacy and
legal foundation for ensuring gender pay equality. awareness campaigns to raise public consciousness
 The Constitution of India guarantees equal pay for about the gender pay gap.
equal work for both men and women under Article  The "Equal Pay International Coalition" initiative,
39(d) and Article 42. It also prohibits discrimination on supported by UN Women, promotes equal pay for
the basis of gender under Article 15(1) and Article work of equal value, leading to global awareness about
15(2). pay equality issues.
2. Wage Transparency: Encourage organizations to be
transparent about wages and benefits to reduce pay
disparities. ADULT LITERACY
 Example: Australia recently enacted a law #Social Justice#Education
mandating companies with over 100 employees to
disclose their gender pay gap, aiming to encourage
corporate action to eliminate disparities.
3. Promote Gender Diversity in Leadership: Encourage
organizations to appoint more women to leadership
positions.
4. Address Bias in Performance Evaluation: Implement
unconscious bias training and ensure objective
performance evaluations.
5. Family-Friendly Policies: UNICEF advocates for
family-friendly workplace policies, including paid leave
In 2018, Karthyayani Amma, who became the oldest learner
for both parents to meet their children's needs. This
at the age of 96, passed away.
encompasses paid maternity, paternity, and parental
leave, as well as leave for caring for sick young children. ABOUT ADULT LITERACY RATE
 The Maternity Benefit Act 2017 amended the 1961  The percentage of population aged 15 years and over
Act, extending paid maternity leave from 12 to 26 who can both read and write with understanding a
weeks, providing mothers with more time and financial short simple statement on his/her everyday life.
support during motherhood.
Generally, ‘literacy’ also encompasses ‘numeracy’, the
6. Equal Access to Education and Skill Development:
ability to make simple arithmetic calculations.
Improve access to quality education and skill
development for women.  The 2011 Census the adult literacy rate for women
in rural areas at 50.6 per cent as compared to 76.9
 The "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao" campaign in India
aims to improve the educational and skill development per cent in urban areas, whereas for men, the same in
opportunities for girls, potentially narrowing the rural areas is pegged at 74.1 per cent as compared to
gender pay gap. 88.3 per cent in urban areas.
7. Support Women Entrepreneurs: Facilitate ADVANTAGES TO ADULT EDUCATION
entrepreneurship opportunities for women through

 Gaining education after secondary school as a mature- GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

aged student helps and allows adults to gain valuable  Padhna Likhna Abhiyan (PLA) –A centrally
skills to increase career prospects and expand their sponsored scheme of Adult Education, was launched
professional knowledge. in 2020. To impart Functional Literacy to 57 lakh non-
 It helps individuals understand their fundamental literates of 15 years and above age group.
rights and also take corrective measures against  New India Literacy Programme(NILP): To impart
crimes like domestic violence and child marriage. foundational literacy and numeracy for FYs 2022-27 is
 It can sharpen critical thinking, problem-solving 5 crore learners at one crore per year and also to cover
abilities and decision making, in professional as well as all the aspects of Adult Education to align with National
personal life. Education Policy 2020 has been approved.
 It helps people adapt to rapidly evolving technologies, o Critical life skills (including financial literacy, digital
which is crucial in the modern workplace. literacy, commercial skills, health care and
 Research suggests that continuing education can have awareness, child care and education, and family
positive effects on mental health, reducing the risk of welfare),
cognitive decline. o Vocational skills development (with a view
REASON FOR ADULT ILLITERACY towards obtaining local employment),
1. Limited Access to Education: Adult learners may not o Basic education (including preparatory, middle,
have the opportunity to learn due to inadequate or and secondary stage equivalency); and
inaccessible educational infrastructure, especially in o Continuing education (including engaging holistic

rural or underdeveloped locations. adult education courses in arts, sciences,
2. Early Dropout: Family responsibilities, and societal technology, culture, sports, and recreation, as well
pressures coupled with poverty often cause individuals as other topics of interest or use to local learners,
to quit their education at a young age. such as more advanced material on critical life
skills).
3. Gender Inequality: Discrimination and gender-based
biases can disproportionately affect women,  National Digital Literacy Mission: To empower at
restricting their access to education. least one person per household with crucial digital
literacy skills.
4. Cultural and Social Norms: Traditional beliefs and
customs can hinder education by imposing gender
roles, caste biases, early marriage, language barriers, GLOBAL HUNGER INDEX
and resistance to change.
5. Lack of Literacy Programs: A dearth of literacy

2023
initiatives or adult education programs can limit #Social Justice
opportunities for those wishing to learn.
6. Health Issues: Health problems or disabilities, India's ranking in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) has slipped
including physical, visual, or cognitive issues, can from 107th place out of 121 countries in 2022 to 111th
hinder adults' acquisition of literacy skills. place out of 125 countries in 2023, according to the report
jointly published by Concern Worldwide and
7. Language barriers: Migrants move to a new place
Welthungerhilfe. This indicates a worsening situation with
may face language barriers that make it difficult for
regards to hunger and underlines the ongoing challenges in
them to learn the language and acquire literacy skills.
addressing food security and malnutrition in the country.

MORE ABOUT REPORT
 India’s ranking is based on a GHI score of 28.7 on a 100 point scale. This categorises India’s severity of hunger as
“serious”.

 While India made significant strides between 2000 and inadequate access to health services, safe water,
2015, with its score improving from 38.4 in 2000 to 35.5 and sanitation.
in 2008 and 29.2 in 2015, over the past eight years,  Malnutrition: It refers more broadly to both
the country has advanced on the GHI by only 0.5 undernutrition (problems caused by deficiencies)
points. The 2000, 2008 and 2015 GHI scores are the and overnutrition (problems caused by
only data that can be used for valid comparisons over unbalanced diets that involve consuming too many
time. calories in relation to requirements, with or without
 While the rate of undernourishment in India stood at low intake of micronutrient-rich foods).
16.6 percent and under-five mortality at 3.1 percent, Overnutrition— resulting in overweight, obesity,
the prevalence of anaemia in women aged between 15 and noncommunicable diseases—is increasingly
and 24 years stood at 58.1 percent. common throughout the world, with implications
 As per the index, India also has the highest child for human health, government expenditures, and
wasting rate in the world at 18.7 percent, reflecting food systems development.
acute undernutrition.  Wasting: It usually the result of starvation or
GLOBAL FACTS disease, is an indicator of acute malnutrition with
substantial weight loss.
India came after neighbouring countries Pakistan
(102nd), Bangladesh (81st), Nepal (69th) and Sri Lanka  While overnutrition is an important concern, the
(60th). However, India fared better than South Asia and GHI focuses specifically on issues relating to
Africa South of the Sahara, which recorded a score of 27 undernutrition. In this report, “hunger” refers to
each. the index based on the four component indicators
(undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting,
WHAT IS HUNGER?
and child mortality). Taken together, the component
 Hunger is usually understood to refer to the distress
indicators reflect deficiencies in calories as well as in
associated with a lack of sufficient calories. The Food
micronutrients.
and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
(FAO) defines food deprivation, or undernourishment, REASONS BEHIND INDIA’S PERSISTENT PROBLEM OF
as the habitual consumption of too few calories to HUNGER
provide the minimum dietary energy an individual  Inappropriate child feeding practices:
requires to live a healthy and productive life, given that
o The WHO and UNICEF recommend that
person’s sex, age, stature, and physical activity level.
breastfeeding should be initiated within the first
 Hunger is a condition in which a person cannot eat
hour of birth and infants should be exclusively
sufficient food to meet basic nutritional needs for a
breastfed for the first six months.
sustained period. Hunger can manifest itself in
different ways – Undernourishment, Malnutrition o NFHS-5 says that only 42% of infants are
and Wasting. breastfed within one hour of birth and only 64%
of infants are exclusively breastfed for first 6
 Undernutrition: It goes beyond calories and
months.
signifies deficiencies in any or all of the following:
energy, protein, and/ or essential vitamins and  Low Female literacy:
minerals. Undernutrition is the result of o Nutrition levels are majorly affected by the
inadequate intake of food in terms of either quantity
education level of women. Educating women also
or quality, poor utilization of nutrients in the body
help in containing the family size in poor,
due to infections or other illnesses, or a
malnourished families. But female literacy in India
combination of these immediate causes. These, in
is only 65%(2011 census) and the rate is much lower
turn, result from a range of underlying factors,
including household food insecurity; inadequate for the states like Bihar and Rajasthan that recorded
maternal health or childcare practices; or high levels of malnutrition in children.

 Poor Sanitation: agricultural activities everywhere creating

o Repeated infection with diarrhoeal diseases due to unfavourable conditions for food production.
poor sanitation contributes to chronic o Natural disasters: Natural disasters such as floods,
malnutrition by inhibiting intestinal absorption of tropical storms and long periods of drought are on
nutrients and is strongly correlated with stunting. the increase with catastrophic consequences for the
The proportion of people with access to improved hungry poor in developing countries.
sanitation facilities in India is 70% as per NHFS-5.  Gender inequality: In many parts women’s nutritional
 Micro nutrient deficiency: requirements are often unmet as they consume
o According to a consensus by the Consumer Health whatever is left after everyone else has eaten.
Division of Bayer, more than two billion people  Demographic factors: A person's 'nutritional
suffer from MiND (micronutrient deficiencies) quotient' is influenced by demographic factors such as
globally, with nearly half living in India. This is gender, caste, and age. Unfortunately, the nutritional
mainly due to lack of dietary diversification, requirements of girl children and the elderly are not
changed dietary habits, food processing sufficiently met in our society.
resulting in plant micronutrient loss, crop  Seasonal migration: It has been a traditional strategy
homogenisation. for the poorest households in India to obtain food and
 Food inflation: cash by engaging in temporary labor. This practice
o With rising food inflation families become less disproportionately affects women and children, who
able to buy and eat nutritious food. According to endure harsh living conditions in makeshift tents,
a report of Asian Development Bank, 1 per cent limited access to clean drinking water, and inadequate
increase in food inflation leads to an increase of 0.3 medical care. Children are often brought to work,
per cent in both infant and child mortalities, and 0.5 exposing them to unsanitary conditions that can result
per cent in undernourishment. in various health problems, including malnutrition.
 Limitations of existing schemes:  Corruption: It is well known that PDS corruption

exists. PDS, a food distribution program, is beset by
o The ICDS program, while successful in many
incompetence and unethical behaviour, depriving
ways, has not made a significant dent in child
many people of food.
malnutrition. This is mostly due to the priority that
the program has placed on food supplementation, MEASURES TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT
targeting mostly children after the age of three  The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013,
when malnutrition has already set in. through the Public Distribution System (PDS), provides
o Stringent conditions to avail the benefits of a crucial safety net for roughly 800 million people.
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana has led  POSHAN Abhiyaan is an overarching umbrella
to the exclusion of teenage mothers and poor scheme to improve the nutritional outcomes for
women who birth more than one child, thereby children, pregnant women and lactating mothers by
abetting the intergenerational cycle of holistically addressing the multiple determinants of
undernutrition. Exclusion errors, non-inclusion of malnutrition. It involves convergence of multiple
nutritious items such as pulses and edible oil in the programs and schemes: ICDS, PMMVY, NHM (with its
PDS basket failed to improve the nutritional status sub components such as JSY, MCP card, Anaemia Mukt
of poor households. Bharat, RBSK, IDCF, HBNC, HBYC, Take Home
 Poverty: Poverty restricts food choices and has been Rations), Swachh Bharat Mission, National Drinking
the causative factor of hunger-related deaths. water Mission, NRLM etc.
o In just 15 years, from 2005–2006 to 2019–2021, 415  Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM
million Indians were lifted out of poverty, according POSHAN) for providing one hot cooked meal in
to the United Nations (UN). Government and Government – aided Schools.
 Climate change impact: Erratic rainfall and  Food fortification:

increasing frequency of extreme events have impacted

o Fortification of wheat is being implemented in 12 solutions to malnutrition, unburdening the

states on pilot basis. stressed public healthcare and ICDS infrastructure.
o Fortification of edible oil, too, was made compulsory  Strengthen inter-departmental convergence and
across the country by FSSAI in 2018. resource allocation based on real-time data. In this
o Fortification of milk was started in 2017 under which regard, the approach undertaken by Bangladesh
the National Dairy Development Board of India has been successful and replicable in India.
(NDDB) is pushing companies to add vitamin D.
o States have been scaling up the use of double-
fortified salt in an effort to combat iron and iodine
PROTOCOL FOR
deficiencies. IDENTIFICATION AND
 Price stabilisation fund to regulate the price volatility
of important agri horticultural commodities like onion, MANAGEMENT OF
potatoes and pulses.
MEASURES TO BE TAKEN
MALNUTRITION IN
 Systemic overhaul of the public administration and CHILDREN
service delivery systems, as well as engagement from
the community. HEALTH
 Need to invest in the infrastructure of ICDS and the Recently, Union Minister of Women and Child Development
Anganwadi centres as well as improve their (WCD), launched the first ever “Protocol for Identification
coverage. and Management of Malnutrition in Children’’ by the
 Need to better target nutritional programs and government, which has been put into place by the WCD
substantially increase their quality and impact. Ministry in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and
 Inclusion of all vulnerable groups (children, Family Welfare and the Ministry of Ayush.
adolescent girls, mothers, expectant women) WHY IT IS IMPORTANT?
under the safety cover of ICDS.  Mission Poshan 2.0 emphasizes the identification and
 Fortification of essential food items with legal treatment of malnourished children.
provisions (e.g., twin fortification of salt with both  Previously, Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM)
iodine and iron). treatment was confined to healthcare facilities. Now, a
 Popularize low-cost nutritious food. national 'Protocol for Management of Malnourished
 Control of micro-nutrient deficiencies with a special Children' has been introduced, enabling identification
focus on vulnerable groups. Some district-level and management of malnourished children at the
interventions have aimed to address this issue. For Anganwadi level, covering referral decisions,
instance, Angul district in Odisha, which has a large nutritional care, and follow-up.
geographically isolated tribal population, has MORE ABOUT PROTOCOL FOR IDENTIFICATION AND
periodic grievance redressal camps set up in areas MANAGEMENT OF MALNUTRITION IN CHILDREN
far from the Anganwadi centres to provide ICDS  It provides detailed 10-step guidelines for
services. identification and management of malnourished
 Need to address gaps and inefficiencies in the present children at the Anganwadi level.
setup through public awareness, community  The guidelines include growth monitoring, appetite
engagement and empowerment, while such an testing, nutritional management of malnourished
intervention would assist the community in children and follow up care of children who manage
realising their rights and entitlements, and then to achieve requisite growth parameters after
act as a deterrent to inefficiencies and gaps, it intervention.
would also help in developing community-based
 It also includes unique initiatives like the “Buddy
mother” concept which was first used in the state of

Assam. Under this scheme, the mother of a healthy  Every SAM child who passes the appetite test and
baby guides the mother of a malnourished child at an all severely underweight (SUW) children shall be
Angandwadi centre every week. screened by the medical officer of primary health
 According to the protocol, SAM (Severe Acute centres within three-five days of the test to identify any
Malnourished) children with medical complications, health issues, hidden infection or danger signs.
presence of bilateral pitting oedema and/or failed  Children with any medical complication should be
appetite test will be enrolled in the NRCs. referred to the nearest health facility for medical
management and further treatment of sickness.
Bilateral pitting edema refers to swelling in both legs,
or occasionally in both arms, that is characterised by
an indentation, or “pit”, that remains when pressure is
applied to the swollen area.
Prelims Snippets
gender, and a photograph. This information will be
APAAR ID verified using their Aadhar number.
#Social Justice#Education  Students will need to sign a consent form, and they
can choose to either accept or decline sharing their
Aadhar number and demographic information with
Several state governments requested schools to seek the Ministry of Education for creating the APAAR ID.
parental consent for the creation of a new student identity
 For minors, parents will have to sign the consent
card known as the Automated Permanent Academic
form, allowing the Ministry to use the student’s Aadhar
Account Registry (APAAR).
number for authentication with UIDAI.
ABOUT APAAR ID
APAAR ID streamlines student data transfer and links to
 Under the initiative, each student would get a lifelong Digilocker for document storage. It combats certificate
APAAR ID, making it easy for the learners, schools, and fraud, authorizing only trusted sources for deposits, and
governments to track academic progress like eases the burden of physical document carrying.
literacy rates, dropout rates from pre-primary
education to higher education.
 Every individual will have a unique APAAR ID, which INTERNATIONAL
will be linked to the Academic Bank Credit (ABC),
which is a digital storehouse that contains
INSTITUTE FOR
information of the credits earned by students
throughout their learning journey.
POPULATION SCIENCES
 With the APAAR ID, students would be able to store all (IIPS)
their certificates and credits, whether they come from The Union government has revoked the suspension order of
formal education or informal learning. International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) director
 It is part of the 'One Nation, One Student ID' initiative K.S. James.
outlined in the National Education Policy of 2020. ABOUT IIPS
 Registration for creating APAAR ID is voluntary, not  It is a prominent institution dedicated to population
mandatory. studies and training. It serves as a regional Institute for
WORKING OF APAAR ID Training and Research in Population Studies for the
 To sign up for APAAR, students will have to provide Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the
basic information such as name, age, date of birth, Pacific (ESCAP) region. ESCAP is one of the five

regional commissions under the jurisdiction of  Budgetary allocation: 13,000-crore.

the United Nations Economic and Social Council.  Objective: To ensure the provision of pucca housing
 Started in 1956 under the joint sponsorship of Sir for all individuals who are homeless or living in
Dorabji Tata Trust, the Government of India and dilapidated houses in rural areas except Delhi and
the United Nations. Chandigarh by 2024, instead of the previous goal of
 It is an autonomous organisation of the Ministry of 2022.
Health and Family Welfare.  Target: Construction of 2.95 crore houses by March
 Situated in Mumbai. 2024.
 Objectives of the Institute:  Funding pattern: Shared between Central and State
Governments in the ratio 60:40 in plain areas and 90:
o The objectives of the organization are to train
10 for North Eastern and Himalayan States.
individuals from India and other countries in
demography and related fields, conduct scientific  Eligible Beneficiaries: All the houseless households
research on population issues, collect and living in zero, one, or two-room houses with kutcha
disseminate demographic data, offer research, walls and kutcha roofs. Criteria for
training, and consultation services, and organize Automatic/Compulsory Inclusion:
educational events to support these goals. o Households without shelter
Additionally, they publish journals, research o Destitute/ living on alms
papers, books, and maintain libraries to advance
o Manual scavengers
their mission.
o Primitive Tribal Groups
o Legally released bonded labourer.
PRADHAN MANTRI AWAAS  Selection of Beneficiaries: Through a three stage
YOJANA-GRAMIN validation - Socio Economic Caste Census 2011,

Gram Sabha, and geo-tagging.
#Social Justice #Welfare mechanism  Benefits: Financial Assistance of ₹ 1,20,000 per unit
for plain areas, and ₹ 1,30,000 per unit for hilly
areas, difficult areas, and Integrated Action Plan
districts.
o Can avail of institutional finance (loan) of up to ₹
70,000 at 3% lower interest rate.
o The minimum size of the house shall be is 25 sq m
including a dedicated area for hygienic cooking.
o In convergence with Swachh Bharat Mission-
Gramin (SBM-G), get financial assistance of up to ₹
According to surveys done in 2022, more than 80 per cent of
12,000 for the construction of toilets.
Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin beneficiaries spent
o In convergence with MGNREGA, the beneficiary is
over Rs 1.50 lakh to construct houses under the scheme,
higher than the allocated Rs 1.20 lakh for rural areas in entitled to employment as unskilled labour at ₹
plains and Rs 1.30 lakh in hills, 90.95 per day for 95 days.
ABOUT PMAY-G o In convergence with Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala

Yojana, one LPG connection per house is provided.
 Background: Indira Awaas yojana (IAY) has been
restructured into PMAY-G. o Payments are made electronically directly to bank
 Launched in: 2016. accounts or post office accounts that are linked to
Aadhaar.
 Type of scheme: Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
 Exclusion: Candidates that have:
 Nodal ministry: Ministry of Rural Development.

o motorised two wheeler, three-wheeler, four- select the language (till now 20 languages) of choice for
wheeler and agriculture equipment or fishing boat, availing services.
Kisan Credit Card (KCC) with a limit greater or equal o Provides basic support and counselling through
to Rs.50,000, at least one member that is employed
centralised Interactive Voice Response system
with the government or earning more than Rs.
(IVRS) is being customised for use across all states
10,000 per month, that pays Income Tax,
and UTs.
professional tax or owns a refrigerator or landline
phone connection. o Will be organised in two tier systems:
1. Tier 1 comprises state Tele-MANAS cells which
include trained counsellors and mental health
TELE MENTAL HEALTH specialists.
ASSISTANCE AND 2. Tier 2 will comprise specialists at District

Mental Health Programme (DMHP)/Medical
NETWORKING ACROSS College resources for physical consultation
and/or e-Sanjeevani for audio visual
STATES (TELE-MANAS) consultation.
#Social Justice#Health o Specialised care is being envisioned through the

programme by linking Tele-MANAS with other
services like National tele-consultation service, e-
The health ministry said Tele-MANAS Seva under National Sanjeevani, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission,
Mental Health Programme (NMHP), has counselled more mental health professionals, Ayushman Bharat
than 3,50,000 people till date. health and wellness centres and emergency
psychiatric facilities.
INDIAN SIGN LANGUAGE

#Social Justice #Welfare Mechanism
ABOUT TELE MANAS SEVA

 Launched in: Budget 2022-23
 Nodal Ministry: Ministry for Health & Family Welfare.
 Coordinating Centre: National Institute of Mental
Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS).
Sarah Sunny becoming the first deaf advocate to use
 Objective: To provide free tele-mental health services Indian Sign Language (ISL) to argue a case in the Supreme
all over the country round the clock, particularly Court.
catering to people in remote or under-served areas & ABOUT INDIAN SIGN LANGUAGE
to open at least one Tele-MANAS Cell in each State/UT.
 It is the primary sign language used by the deaf and
 Key features: A toll-free, 24/7 helpline number (14416) hard of hearing community in India. It is a visual-
has been set up across the country allowing callers to gestural language that employs a combination of

handshapes, facial expressions, and body movements expression and also bringing them into the main
to convey meaning. stream of the society.
 It is not only a means of communication for the o Developed by Indian Sign Language Research &
hearing-impaired, but a is a symbol of their pride and Training Centre (ISLR&TC).
identity.
o The ISL dictionary consists of words of many
 The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act categories like everyday terms, legal terms,
2016 recognises sign language as a means of
academic terms, medical terms, and technical
communication which is especially useful for
terms.
communication with persons with hearing disability.
o 1st edition of the ISL Dictionary programme
o The Act further mandates governments to promote
use of sign language to enable persons with hearing launched in 2018, 2nd edition in 2019 and 3rd
disability to participate and contribute to their edition in 2021.
community and society.
ABOUT ISLRTC
INITIATIVES TO PROMOTE SIGN LANGUAGE
 To promote the use of Indian Sign Language as
 UN's International Day of Sign Languages:
educational mode for deaf students at primary,
Celebrated annually on September 23, this day is
secondary and higher education levels.
dedicated to raising awareness about the importance
of sign languages and promoting their use in various o To carry out research through collaboration
spheres of society. To protect the linguistic identity with universities and other educational
and cultural diversity of all deaf people and other institution in India and abroad to promote,
sign language users. propagate and upgrade Indian Sign Language.
o In 2018, as part of the International Week of the  It was established under the 11th Five Year Plan
Deaf, the International Day of Sign Languages was (2007-2012). Earlier, it existed as an autonomous
observed for the first time. center of the Indira Gandhi National Open
o September 23 was picked to celebrate the World University (IGNOU), Delhi.
Federation of the Deaf (WFD) established in 1951.  Later, in 2015, it became a society under the
o Theme of 2023: A World Where Deaf People Can Department of Empowerment of Persons with
Sign Anywhere. Disabilities under Ministry of Social Justice and
 The Billion Readers (BIRD) initiative: To ensure daily Empowerment.
and lifelong reading practice for a billion people in
India by adding Same Language Subtitling (SLS) on
mainstream entertainment content on television UMMEED:
and streaming platforms.
o SLS is the idea of subtitling audio-visual (AV) content
COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL
in the ‘same’ language as the audio to serve one PLAN FOR SUICIDE
vision “Every Indian, a fluent reader”.
o SLS was conceived for mass reading in 1996 at the PREVENTION
Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA).
#Social Justice #Vulnerable sections
 Indian Sign Language Dictionary: To remove
communications barriers between the deaf and
hearing communities as it is focused on providing The Ministry of Education released draft guidelines
more information in Indian sign language. known as UMMEED (Understand, Motivate, Manage,
Empathise, Empower, Develop), for schools to prevent
o Its aim is to give Deaf people the constitutional
suicide among students.
right as well as the opportunity of freedom of

 Taking proactive steps to identify students exhibiting

ABOUT UMMEED warning signs and thereby at risk for self-harm,
creating a dedicated team in school, promoting a
 To serve as directions to schools for enhancing
supportive school environment, and building the
sensitivity, and understanding, and providing
capacity of the stakeholders
support in case of reported self-harm.
PLAN OF ACTION FOR SCHOOLS
 Guidelines have been issued under the National
Education Policy (NEP), 2020, which aims for holistic 1. Setting up of School Wellness Team (SWT): This may
education, encompassing cognitive and emotional be formed under the leadership of the School
development. Principal, where each member of SWT is oriented in
handling crises.
 When a student displaying warning signs has been  It promotes open dialogue, which can reduce the
identified by any stakeholder, they need to be stigma associated with seeking help and encourage
reported to the SWT, which takes immediate action. students to reach out for support without fear of
 It plays an important role in the implementation of judgment or isolation.
school activities directed towards creating awareness Actions for promoting a positive school
about mental well-being, leading to suicide prevention. environment:
 It is important for the school to review the a. Encouraging peer support: Through group
effectiveness of SWT and its functioning on an annual activities, clubs, events, etc.
basis. b. Organising activities regularly for
2. Promoting a positive school environment: To be relaxing/reducing stress: Like yoga, meditation,
prepared to respond to a crisis, it is also important to art, music, etc.
promote and strengthen the protective factors and c. Providing channels for expression: Such as
reduce the risk factors. access to a trained counsellor, help boxes, or
 It plays a pivotal role in supporting student well- suggestions boxes to express concerns and seek
being and reducing the risk of suicide. Raising help.
awareness about mental health is an integral part of it.

d. Compiling resources to seek support: Helpline crucial to empower all stakeholders, including
numbers, phone numbers and email IDs of teachers, staff, students, and families.
Counsellors and SWT members, brochures and 4. Responding immediately and supporting students
pamphlets on causes, risk factors, protective at risk: Immediate action is required in both situations
factors, warning signs, etc. of at-risk behaviours, i.e., when the student is
e. Integrating Mental Well-being in School displaying warning signs and attempting self-harm
Functioning: Including aspects of mental well- through maintaining records of at-risk behaviours of a
being in daily interactions, open discussions, student and follow-up on the student and SWT
assembly time, different programmes, subject- members need to connect with parents after the
teaching, etc.) incident to follow up on the student.
f. Creating a Safe Environment in School and o They divided warning signs into three categories–
Beyond: In school: Locking empty classrooms, feelings, behaviour and actions.
lighting up dark corridors, cleaning gardens and o Students who exhibit feelings of hopelessness,
areas with excess growth of grass and places helplessness, worthlessness, guilt and shame, or
beyond school: vigilance at railway tracks, river have a lack of concentration, withdrawal from social
banks, bridges, cliffs, medical shops, etc. interactions and sudden mood swings are at risk.
g. Encouraging School-Community Partnerships: o They also place students with reckless behaviour,
Among all stakeholders: school administrators, talking about self-harm or ending life and becoming
teachers, counsellors, students, medical staff, detached, among others, as those displaying
supporting staff, parents, and community. warning signs.
h. Building Awareness about Mental Well-being 5. Appraisal of actions taken by the school: Schools
among all Stakeholders: Through Role plays, should conduct regular assessments to reflect on their
Storytelling, Nukkad natak, Rallies, Posters, suicide prevention efforts. SWT and other stakeholders
Exhibitions, Annual Day themes, etc.) should meet periodically to discuss their experiences
3. Building capacity for different stakeholders to in implementing guidelines and analyse feedback for
prevent suicides and respond to crises in schools, it is areas needing improvement.
practice questions
MCQS
Q1. With reference to the International Institute for Q2. With reference to the Automated Permanent
Population Sciences (IIPS), consider the Academic Account Registry (APAAR) ID, consider
following statements: the following statements:
1. It is an autonomous organization of the Ministry of 1. It is a special ID system only for students enrolled
Health and Family Welfare for Training and in higher education.
Research in Population Studies. 2. It is part of the One Nation, One Student ID initiative
2. It serves as a regional Institute for the Economic outlined in the National Education Policy of 2020.
and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific 3. It is linked to Academic Bank Credit to store all their
(ESCAP) region. certificates and credits related to only formal
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? education.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only How many of the statements given above are correct?
(c) Both1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (a) Only one (c) All three
(b) Only two (d) None

Q3. With reference to “Global Gender Index 2023 3. It is a peer-reviewed annual report, jointly
Report”, consider the following statements: published by Concern Worldwide and
1. It is an annual report published by World Bank. Welthungerhilfe.
2. Iceland is the only nation to have full gender parity. How many of the statements given above are correct?
3. India has improved its ranking by eight positions (a) Only one (b) Only two
compared to the previous year. (c) All three (d) None
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one (b) Only two Q5. With reference to the Tele Mental Health
(c) All three (d) None Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele-
MANAS), consider the following statements:
Q4. With reference to “Global Hunger Index(2023)”, 1. It aims to provide free tele-mental health services
consider the following statements: all over the country.
1. India ranks 107 out of 125 countries in which it 2. This imitative is under the National Mental Health
fares worse than all countries in South Asia barring Programme (NMHP).
Afghanistan. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
2. It is based on four component indicators - (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting (c) Both 1and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
and child mortality.
Q1. Analyse the factors that contribute towards persistent hunger in India. Suggest some strategies that can be
implemented to mitigate their effects on vulnerable populations?
Q2. Discuss some key factors contributing to the gender pay gap in India and suggest some measures to attain the goal
of pay parity?
Answers: 1-c, 2-a, 3-a, 4-b, 5-c

Geography, Environment,
Biodiversity & Disaster
Management
# GS Paper (Prelims) and GS Paper I & III (Main)
 The Chief Wildlife Warden is appointed by the state.

ATR PANEL ASSESSES  Chief Wildlife Warden shall be the authority to ensure
PROGRESS OF TIGER destruction, damage or diversion of wildlife does not
take place in protected areas.
REWILDING PROJECT  The State Government shall constitute a conservation
reserve management committee to advise the Chief
#prelimsnuggets Wildlife Warden to conserve, manage and maintain the
# Environment and Ecology conservation reserve.
ANAMALAI TIGER RESERVE
Tasked by the Chief Wildlife Warden, a committee visited the  Anamalai Tiger
enclosure in the core of the Anamalai Tiger reserve (ATR) to Reserve (ATR) is
assess the progress of the Forest Department’s first ever located on the
attempt at rewilding a tiger that was rescued as an southern side of the
abandoned cub. Southwestern Ghat
REWILDING o Landscape in Tamil
 Rewilding is a conservation strategy used to promote Nadu.
biodiversity in ecosystems by reintroducing plant and  It is surrounded by
animal species that have been driven out, largely due to Parambikulum Tiger
humans. Reserve on the East,
 Bringing these species back into a certain environment Chinnar Wildlife
can help struggling ecosystems self-regulate and return o Sanctuary and
to their natural processes. Eravikulum
CHIEF WILDLIFE WARDEN National Park on the Southwestern side.
 The Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW) is the statutory  Anamalai Tiger Reserve was declared as a Tiger reserve
authority, under the Wildlife Protection Act,1972 who in the year 2007.
heads the Wildlife Wing of the department and  Flora Around 2500 species of angiosperms are found
exercises complete administrative control over in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, with several species of
Protected Areas (PAs) within a state. Balsam, Crotalaria, Orchids and Kurinchi.
 The Act entrusts the Chief Wildlife Warden to control, o The reserve is rich in wild relatives of cultivated
manage and maintain all sanctuaries in a state. species like mango, jackfruit, wild plantain, ginger,

Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management
turmeric, pepper, cardamom, solaipuli, nutmeg, electrolysis or conversion of biomass. Renewable

cinnamom, amla, jasmine, drumstick, yams, rice, energy also includes such electricity generated from
strawberries, and wild guava. renewable sources which is stored in an energy storage
 Fauna: The reserve supports several species of system or banked with grid in accordance with
endangered wild animals. There are 70 species of applicable regulations.
fishes, more than 70 species of amphibians, 120  Green Hydrogen produced through electrolysis:
species of reptiles, 300 species of birds and 80 Non-biogenic greenhouse gas emissions arising from
species of mammals. water treatment, electrolysis, gas purification and
 In general, the wild animals of the reserve include Jackal, drying and compression of hydrogen shall not be
Wild dog, Indian fox, Tiger, Leopard, Jungle cat, Leopard greater than 2 kg of CO2 equivalent per kg of
cat, Smooth coated otter, Small clawed otter, Nilgiri Hydrogen, taken as an average over last 12-month
marten, Small Indian civet, common Palm civet, Brown period.
palm civet, Greymangoose, Ruddy mangoose, Indian  Green Hydrogen produced through conversion of
Brown mangoose, Stripe-necked mangoose, Indian biomass: Non-biogenic greenhouse gas emissions
pangolin, Black naped hare several species of rodents arising from biomass processing, heat/steam
and bats. generation, conversion of biomass to hydrogen, gas
 Best Practices: Best Practices Innovative alert system purification and drying and compression of hydrogen
for addressing human-wildlife conflict, fire shall not be greater than 2 kg of CO2 equivalent per kg
protection, antipoaching strategy, immunization of of Hydrogen taken as an average over last 12-month
nearby livestock, control over illegal ganja cultivation period.
and smart patrolling using M-STrIPES protocol.
 Bureau of Energy Efficiency shall be the Nodal
Authority for accreditation of agencies for
INDIA’S GREEN HYDROGEN monitoring, verification, and certification of Green

Hydrogen production projects.
MOVE MAY WORSEN  A detailed methodology for measurement, reporting,
monitoring, on-site verification and certification of
POLLUTION green hydrogen and its derivatives shall be specified by
#prelimsnuggets Pollution the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy.
#Environment and Ecology NATIONAL GREEN HYDROGEN MISSION

Objective- “To make India the Global Hub for production,
usage and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives.”
India’s green hydrogen move may worsen pollution if steps are
 This will contribute to India’s aim to become
not in place, says study.
Aatmanirbhar through clean energy and serve as an
GREEN HYDROGEN
inspiration for the global Clean Energy Transition.
 It also referred to as ‘Clean hydrogen’ is produced by
 The Mission will lead to significant decarbonization of
splitting water into two hydrogen atoms and one
the economy, reduced dependence on fossil fuel
oxygen (electrolysis process) atom using clean energy
from surplus renewable energy sources such as solar or imports, and enable India to assume technology and
wind power. market leadership in Green Hydrogen.”
 Green hydrogen could be a critical enabler of the global KEY COMPONENT OF THE MISSION
transition to sustainable energy and net zero emissions The achievement of Mission objectives requires a
economies. comprehensive strategy that coordinates efforts across
GREEN HYDROGEN STANDARD multiple sectors.
 Green Hydrogen shall mean Hydrogen produced using The Mission strategy accordingly comprises interventions
renewable energy, including production through for:

 Demand creation by making Green Hydrogen  Addressing supply side constraints through an
produced in India competitive for exports and through incentive framework.
domestic consumption.  Building an enabling ecosystem to support scaling and
development.
POTENTIAL OUTCOME about 13% of India’s present electricity generation.

However, the present renewable energy capacity is 179
GW only (July 2023).
 Relying on conventional energy sources: -The main
concern is that if electrolysers, which split water to
produce hydrogen and oxygen, were run 24x7, they
would be expected to operate even at night when no
solar power is available. This would then mean
tapping into conventional coal-fired electricity
(about 70% of the electricity on the grid is coal-
generated).
 Burning Biomass: -Another challenge is that India’s
standards allow the use of biomass — which also
results in carbon emissions when burnt — to produce
green hydrogen.
CHALLENGES IN GREEN HYDROGEN DEVELOPMENT  Technology: It is a rich source of energy, but the
challenge is to compress or liquify it. It needs to be kept
 Renewable energy supply crunch: India’s National
at a stable minus 253°C (far below the temperature of (-
Green Hydrogen Mission, piloted by the Ministry of New
) 163°C at which Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) is stored;
and Renewable Energy (MNRE) expects to
making its ‘prior to use cost’ extremely high.
manufacture five million tons by 2030. This would
require the installation of renewable energy capacity  Prohibitive Costs: The ‘production cost’ of ‘Green
worth 125 GW (1 GW is 1,000 megawatts) and the use hydrogen’ has been a prime obstacle. Research
of 250,000 gigawatt-hr. units of power, equivalent to conducted by the International Renewable Energy

Agency (IRENA) indicates that, the cost of its production  This device is designed in the form of a tower in such a
is about $1.5 per kg by 2030 (for countries with eternal manner that like a vacuum, it sucks up the smog present
sunshine and huge unoccupied area) if several in the atmosphere from the top and then releases the
conservative measures are implemented. filtered air through its vents.
 Lack of Manufacturing and deployment of  This converts coarse and ultrafine dust particles into
electrolysers: It will have to increase at an coarse buildup.
unprecedented rate by 2050 from the current capacity
of 0.3 gigawatts to almost 5,000 gigawatts.
 High cost of Storage system: Fuel cells which convert
hydrogen fuel to usable energy for cars, are still
expensive.
 Poor Infrastructure: The hydrogen station
infrastructure needed to refuel hydrogen fuel cell cars
is still widely underdeveloped.
WAY FORWARD
 A massive investment in R&D and infrastructure for
hydrogen production
 Investment in storage and transportation infrastructure
and demand development.
 Incentives for investment in this sector.
 Mainstreaming other uses of hydrogen such as fuel
cells, HCNG etc.
 Accelerating the production of renewable energy as per
the Paris Target. i.e., 500GW by 2030.
EFFECTIVENESS OF SMOG EFFECTIVENESS OF SMOG TOWER
TOWER
#prelimsnuggets Air pollution
#Environment and Ecology
The Delhi Pollution Control Committee has suggested that the

smog tower in Connaught Place be shut as it was found to be
largely ineffective in tackling air pollution.
SMOG TOWER
 A smog tower is a large vertical structure designed as a
large-scale air purifier to reduce air pollution particles.
 It is fitted with exhaust fans that will help in sucking
polluted air.
 The device takes in air from all 360 degree angles and
generates a high volume of clean air at a high rate.
 It transforms the fine and ultrafine dust particles into
coarse dust.

 The study conducted by IIT Bombay stated that, smog  Magnesium Chloride: Like calcium chloride,
tower’s capacity to reduce the concentration of PM 2.5 magnesium chloride is used for dust control on roads
and PM 10 was 12% and 13% above 100metres. and surfaces. It is less corrosive to metals than calcium
 It also stated that the effectiveness was around 16% chloride.
both at distance of 300m and 500m.  Lignin Sulfonate: Lignin sulfonate is a natural
biopolymer that can be used as a dust suppressant,
particularly in areas where ecological concerns are a
EFFECTIVENESS OF priority.
SUPPRESSANTS TO  Synthetic Polymers: Synthetic polymers, like polyvinyl
CONTROL DUST acetate or polyvinyl alcohol, can be applied to the

surface to create a dust-retaining film.
# prelims Pollution
 Soil Stabilizers: They are used to bind the soil particles
#Environment and Ecology
together and prevent them from becoming airborne.
 Dust Control Equipment: Dust control equipment,

In response to deteriorating air quality in Delhi, the
such as dust collectors, electrostatic precipitators, and
Government has boosted public transport and used
baghouses, are used in industrial settings to capture
suppressants to control dust.
and collect dust particles before they can escape into
ABOUT DUST SUPPRESSANTS
the air.
 Dust suppressants are substances that are used to
 Vegetation: Planting vegetation in and around dusty
control dust emissions from various sources such as
areas can help reduce dust by stabilizing the soil and
construction sites and roads.
acting as a natural dust suppressant.
 They can be salts of calcium or magnesium that can
 Windbreaks: Installing windbreaks, such as walls or
absorb moisture, or other chemical mixtures.
fences, can help reduce the movement of windborne
TYPES OF DUST CONTROL MEASURES dust by blocking the wind's force.
 Water: Water is one of the most common and effective
dust suppressants. It can be applied as a fine mist,
spray, or through irrigation systems to dampen surfaces
DEEP UNDER ANTARCTIC
and keep dust particles from becoming airborne. Water SEA, AN ANCIENT
is environmentally friendly and readily available.
LANDSCAPE
 Chemical Dust Suppressants: Chemical dust
#prelimsnuggest Geomorphology
suppressants are substances that are applied to
surfaces to control dust. Common chemical
#World Geography
suppressants include:
A research shows how an ancient landscape the size of
 Calcium Chloride: It is often used on roads and
Belgium located in Wilkes Land, East Antarctica, would
construction sites to control dust. It attracts moisture
appear if the thick ice sheet covering it were lifted away.
from the air, keeping the road or area damp and dust-
free.

ANCIENT LANDSCAPE UNDER ANTARCTIC SEA
 Antarctica has not always been a desolate land of ice  The researchers said the landscape appears to date to
and snow. at least 14 million years ago and perhaps beyond 34
 The earth’s southernmost continent once was home to million years ago, when Antarctica entered its deep
rivers and forests teeming with life. freeze.
 Using satellite observations and ice penetrating radar,  Depending on how far back in time one go, one might
scientists had detected a vast ancient landscape have climate that ranged anywhere from the climate
buried under continent’s ice sheet, replete with valleys, of present-day Patagonia (cold summer
ridges apparently shaped by rivers before being Mediterranean climate as per Koeppen classification)
engulfed by glaciation long ago. through to something more approaching tropical.
 The landscape, located in East Antarctica’s Wilkes Land  Ancient palm tree pollen has been discovered not far
region bordering the Indian Ocean, covers roughly a from the coast.
size of Belgium.  Such an environment likely would have been populated
by wildlife, though the region’s fossil record is

incomplete to indicate which animals may have  It will provide water for irrigation across 57000
inhabited it. hectares of land in Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar,
 Some previous studies similarly have revealed ancient Bareilly, and Rampur district.
landscape beneath Antarctica’s ice including highlands ABOUT RAMGANGA AND RIVER GOLA
and mountains.
 The landscape has been modified by different
processes influenced by rivers, tectonics, and
glaciations over a very long period of geological time.
India and Antarctica:
 India signed the Antarctic Treaty in 1983.
 India ratified the Convention on the Conservation of
Antarctic Marine Living Resources in 1985.
 India signed Protocol on Environmental Protection to
the Antarctic Treaty in 1998. (Madrid Protocol)
India’s research stations in Antarctica: Dakshin
Gangotri (De-commissioned now); Maitri and Bharati.
Managed by National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research
(NCPOR), Goa under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Nov 2021: India launched its 41st Scientific Expedition to
Antarctica.
JAMRANI DAM
#Prelimsnuggets Dam
#Geography
Cabinet committee on Economic Affairs approved central  The Ramganga River originates in the southern slopes
support to Uttarakhand for the proposed Jamrani dam project of Dudhatoli Hill in Chamoli district of the Indian state
in Nainital district. of Uttarakhand.
JAMRANI DAM  It flows through the Dun valley of the Corbett
 The project envisages the construction of a dam near National Park and joins the Ganga near Kannauj in
Jamrani village across river Gola, a tributary of the Uttar Pradesh.
Ram Ganga, in Nainital district.  River Gola: - It originates in the Paharpani Village of
 This project included under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Uttarakhand state, and flows south and finally joining
Sinchayee Yojana-Accelerated Irrigation Benefit the Ramganga River about 15 km (9.3 mi) northwest of
Programme. Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh, Ramganga in turn is a tributary
of the river Ganges.
 The dam will feed the existing Gola barrage through its
canal.  It is mainly a spring fed river; this river is source of
water for Haldwani and Kathgodam.
 The multipurpose project is scheduled to be
completed by 2028.  A beautiful dam exists over this river in Kathgodam.
 The project will provide drinking water to Haldwani. RIVER VALLEY PROJECTS ON GANGA RIVER SYSTEM
 Hydroelectricity power generation of 63.9 million Constructed at confluence of

Tehri project
units housing a 14 MW power plant. Bhilangana and Bhagirathi.

Region is prone to earthquake (Zone  Idukki, which lies in the Western Ghats of Kerala is the
V). second largest district in area but has the lowest
population density.
Ramganga
On river Ramganga
project
Tanakpur
On river Kali
project
Constructed in Sonebhadra district of

U. P
Rihand project
The reservoir is named Govind
Ballabh Pant Sagar.
Bansagar
On son river in Sahdol, MP.
project
On river Betwa Joint project of UP &

Matatila project
MP.
Joint project of Rajasthan and M.P

Three dams are built:
Gandhi Sagar at Chaurasigarh,
Chambal project M. P. Rana Pratap Sagar at
Rawatbhata,
Rajasthan Jawahar Sagar at Kota,
Rajasthan
 Idukki has a vast forest reserve area; more than half of
the district is covered by forests.
Damodar valley Multipurpose project Main dam is
project built on Panchet hills.  Around 66% of Kerala's power needs come from various
Hydroelectric Power Projects in Idukki district.
Mayurkashi In Jharkhand also known as Canada  The Periyar River is a major river that originates and
project dam flows through Idukki.
 The Pamba River is another important river that
originates from the Idukki district.
IDUKKI  The eastern frontier of the district constitutes the
#Prelimsnuggets Cardamon hills.
#Geography  Anamudi and Meesapulimala, the two highest peaks
in India south of the Himalayas, are in Idukki district.
 Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is a forest area around the
Nearly one acre of agricultural land was washed away near
catchment area of Idukki Dam (Idukki Reservoir).
Nedumkan-dam following heavy rain in Kerala’s Idukki
 Idukki Arch Dam, Cheruthoni Dam & Kulamavu
district. Dam, these three Dams Constitute Reservoir, which is
the largest Reservoir in Kerala.
IDUKKI
 It is highly vulnerable to floods and drought and is
 Idukki is also known as the spice garden of Kerala. considered a climate change hotspot in Kerala, along

with the districts of Alappuzha, Palakkad, and  This wild country includes low valley floors crusted
Wayanad. with barren salt flats, rugged mountains rising as
 Changes in rainfall patterns caused by climate change, much as 11,000 feet, deep and winding canyons,
rolling sand dunes, and spring-fed oases.
coupled with deforestation and large-scale construction
projects, are among the contributing factors that led to  The Timbisha Shoshone Indians lived here for
landslides. centuries before the first white man entered the valley.
 UNESCO included Death Valley as the principal
feature of its Mojave and Colorado Deserts Biosphere
DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL Reserve in 1984.
 Flora and Fauna: -Death Valley is the hottest and driest
PARK places in North America, yet it is home to over 1000
#prelimsnuggets National Park species of plants and 440 species of animals.
 Common plant species
# Environment and Ecology
o At lower elevations, creosote bush, desert holly,
and mesquite can be found.
A sprawling temporary lake at Badwater Basin salt flats, o Shadscale, blackbrush, Joshua tree, pinyon-
caused by flooding from Tropical Storm Hilary, at the Death juniper can be found at higher elevations.
Valley National Park in California. The storm delivered a year’s o Sub-alpine limber pine and bristlecone pine
worth of rain to the valley, which is the hottest place on the woodlands can be found at higher elevations.
Earth, in a single day. The Badwater basin itself is located 282
 Common Animal Species
feet below sea level, the lowest point in USA.
o Coyotes, ravens, roadrunners, ground squirrels,
DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK Desert bighorn sheep, Kangaroo rats, Western
Pipistrelle, Devils Hole Pupfish, and lizards.
 Rivers: - The Amargosa is the only free-flowing river in
the Death Valley region of the Mojave, providing a rare
and lush riparian area in the desert.
BALL LIGHTENING
#prelimsnuggets
#Science and Technology
The most rare and mysterious form of lightning is ball

lightning, which occurs during thunderstorms.
BALL LIGHTENING
 Death Valley is a desert valley in Eastern California, in

the northern Mojave Desert, bordering the Great Basin
Desert.
 Death Valley is the largest U.S. National Park outside
Alaska at 3,422,024 acres.
 Even so, 93% of the park is protected as officially
designated Wilderness.
 It is the hottest, driest, and lowest of all the national
parks in the United States.

 Ball lightning, also called globe lightning, is a rare aerial FUNCTIONS

phenomenon in the form of a luminous sphere that is  Advise the Central Government on any matter
generally several centimeters in diameter. concerning prevention and control of water and air
 It usually occurs near the ground during thunderstorms, pollution and improvement of the quality of air.
in close association with cloud-to-ground lightning.  Plan and cause to be executed a nation-wide
 It is a ball of luminosity that usually occurs near the programme for the prevention, control or abatement
impact point of a flash and moves horizontally at a of water and air pollution.
speed of few centimeters per second.  Co-ordinate the activities of the State Board and
 It can penetrate closed windows, is usually resolve disputes among them.
accompanied by a hissing sound, and has a lifetime of  Provide technical assistance and guidance to the
several seconds. State Boards, carry out and sponsor investigation and
 The color is quite variable, and the ball often ends with research relating to problems of water and air pollution,
an explosion. and for their prevention, control, or abatement.
 It is not usually destructive.  Plan and organise training of persons engaged in
 It occurs at times of intense electrical activity in the programme on the prevention, control or abatement of
atmosphere. water and air pollution.
 These balls are said to be plasmas. Plasma is a  Organise through mass media, a comprehensive mass
completely ionized state of matter, at high temperature, awareness programme on the prevention, control or
in which positive and negative ions freely move out. abatement of water and air pollution.
 However, no theory has so far satisfactorily  Collect, compile, and publish technical and
explained the behavior of a ball as scientists have not statistical data relating to water and air pollution and
been able to reproduce it in the laboratory. the measures devised for their effective prevention,
control or abatement.
 Prepare manuals, codes and guidelines relating to
CENTRAL POLLUTION treatment and disposal of sewage and trade effluents
as well as for stack gas cleaning devices, stacks and
CONTROL BOARD AND ducts.
 Disseminate information in respect of matters
VAPOR RECOVERY SYSTEM relating to water and air pollution and their prevention
#prelimsnuggets -Environmental and control.
Organizations.  Lay down, modify, or annul, in consultation with the

State Governments concerned, the standards for
# Environment and Ecology stream or well, and lay down standards for the quality
of air; and
Central Pollution Control board has fined state-owned Indian  Perform such other function as may be prescribed by
Oil corporation and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited for the Government of India.
not installing vapour recovery system at their petrol pumps.
POWERS OF CENTRAL POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD
CENTRAL POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD
The following are the powers of the Central Pollution
 The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), statutory Control Board:
organization, was constituted in September 1974 under
 Section 18 of the Water (Prevention & Control of
the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act,
Pollution) Act gives the CPCB the authority to order the
1974.
SPCB.
 Further, CPCB was entrusted with the powers and
 If one of its directives is not followed, the Central
functions under the Air (Prevention and Control of
Pollution Control Board does have the authority to
Pollution) Act, 1981.

carry out all the duties of a State Pollution Control

Board. FACTORY FISHING IN
 According to section 33A of the Water (Prevention & ANTARCTICA FOR KRILL
Control of Pollution) Act, the CPCB has the authority to
issue directives that may restrict, close, or regulate TARGETS THE
any activity, business, or procedure or that may
regulate the provision of power, fresh water, or other CORNERSTONE OF A
services.
VAPOR RECOVERY SYSTEM
FRAGILE ECOSYSTEM
 Vapor recovery is the process of removing harmful #prelimsnuggests ecosystem and its
vapor and fluid contaminants from crude products to flora and fauna
improve the purity and prevent the release of toxic
pollutants into the environment. #Environment and Ecology
 Vapor removal is also done in chemical processing
industries to recover unwanted vapors from storage Antarctic krill (Euphausia suberba) fishing is banned in U.S.
units to keep the chemicals pure and safe for use and waters due to concerns it could impact whales, seals and
transport. other animals that feed on the shrimp-like creatures, it's
been taking place for decades in Antarctica, where krill are
The typical VRU (Vapor recovery unit) consists of four
most abundant.
principal components:
 Gas Compressor
 Scrubber
 Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
 Switching device
WORKING OF VRU
The primary function of a VRU system is to remove the
vapour's that collect inside sealed hydrocarbon tanks. The
machine does this by gas compression and suction.
 The vapor recovery procedure involves the following
steps:
o The rotary screw gas compressor sucks liquid ABOUT ANTARCTIC KRILL
molecules into the scrubber.
 It’s estimated that there are over 700 trillion adult
o The scrubber removes the water vapor, debris, and individuals of these shrimp-like crustaceans in the
unwanted fluids from the tank. Southern Ocean.
o The recovered vapor is pumped into gas lines while  Adult krill can live anywhere in the Southern Ocean –
the trapped liquids are channelled to the pipelines. from the very surface layer to the seafloor, and from
inshore areas to the deep open ocean.
 Antarctic krill grow up to 6cm in length and can weigh
1 gram.
 Antarctic krill (and other krill species) are
bioluminescent, meaning they produce light.
 Antarctic krill are a key species, supporting populations
of penguins, seals, whales and other marine life.
 Antarctic krill feed on phytoplankton (single celled
marine plants), which absorb carbon dioxide. Krill then

egests this carbon through their faecal pellets and by  It is one of the most common species in its range and it
shedding their exoskeletons, which then both sink to is not at risk of endangerment or extinction.it has a
the sea floor where some of the carbon gets stored least concern status by IUCN.
away.
 The Kaveri River rises at Talakaveri in the Brahmagiri

SENSITIVE ECOSYSTEM IN range in the Western Ghats, Kodagu district of the
state of Karnataka.
CAUVERY’S BIRTHPLACE  Basin states: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Union
CRIES FOR ATTENTION Territory of Puducherry draining an area of 81,155

Sq.km
AMID DEFICIT RAINFALL  It is bounded by Western Ghats on west, by Eastern

Ghats on east and south and by ridges separating it
# prelims nuggets Indian River system from Krishna basin and Pennar basin on the north.
 Shivsamudram (in Karnataka) & Hogenakkal (in Tamil
#Geography
Nadu) waterfalls are most important on this river.
 Shivsamudram waterfall has twin waterfalls: (i)
The dwindling storage in Karnataka’s Cauvery basin reservoir
Gaganachukki (ii) Bharachukki.
owing to drought prevailing in the state has caused concern in
the downstream areas, besides typically escalating the legal Left bank Right bank tributary
tussle over interstate sharing of the river water. tributary
KAVERI RIVER SYSTEM
Herangi Laxmanatirtha

Hemavati Kabini Amravati
Shimsha Suvarnavati Noyil
Akravati Bhavani (2nd longest of Tamil Nadu)
There are mainly 7 distributaries from the river Cauvery in

delta region that contribute the flow for the Karaikal area
#Regulatory bodies
which are as follows:
1. Nandalar The firecracker industry, which was concentrated in Sivakasi,
is much more dispersed in Tamil Nadu now with small units,
2. Nattar
both legal and illegal, coming up across districts. Many of
3. Vanjiyar
these units’ function with little supervision, monitoring, or
4. Noolar official inspections, which has led to a spate of tragedies in
5. Arasalar recent months.
6. Thirumalairajanar ABOUT PESO (THE PETROLEUM AND EXPLOSIVE SAFETY
7. Puravadaiyanar ORGANIZATION)
ABOUT COFFEE BOARD OF INDIA  The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization
(PESO), formerly known as Department of Explosives,
 The Coffee Board is a statutory organization
since its inception on 05/09/1898, has been serving the
constituted under Section (4) of the Coffee Act, 1942 and
nation as a nodal agency for regulating safety of
functions under the administrative control of the
hazardous substances such as explosives,
Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of
compressed gases, and petroleum.
India.
 PESO’s major work is to administer the responsibilities
 The Board is mainly focusing its activities in the areas of
delegated under the Explosives Act 1884 and
research, extension, development, market
Petroleum Act 1934 and the Rules made there under
intelligence, external & internal promotion and
the motto "Safety First."
welfare measures.
 It is licensing and regulating authority for large
fireworks units.
FIRECRACKER INDUSTRY-  PESO has its Headquarters at Nagpur in Maharashtra

and serves through nine Circle Offices viz Agra, Bhopal,
SPARKS OF DANGER Chennai, Faridabad, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata,
Mumbai, Vadodara, and their subordinate Sub-Circle
#prelims Indian Polity offices across the country.

 It works under the Department for Promotion of  According to Transit oriented development policy,
Industry and Internal Trade under the Ministry of Transit oriented development (TOD) integrates land use
Commerce and Industry. and transport planning and aims to develop planned
sustainable urban growth centers, having walkable and
livable communes with high density mixed land-use.
TRANSIT ORIENTED Citizens have access to open green and public spaces
and at the same time transit facilities are efficiently
DEVELOPMENT utilized.
 It focuses on creation of high-density mixed land use
National Capital Region Planning Board identified and development in the influence zone of transit stations.
recommended eight RRTS (Rapid Regional Transport system) For example, Within the walking distance of transit
corridors to connect NCR towns in order to boost transit- station or along the corridors spacing 1 km in this case,
oriented development. TOD advocates pedestrians trips to access various
facilities such as shopping, entertainment and work.
ABOUT TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT
 It increases the accessibility of transit station by creating  To provide all the basic needs of work/ job, shopping,
pedestrian and non motorized roads to enhance the public amenities, entertainment in the influence zone
ridership of the transit facility and improving the with mixed land-use development which would reduce
economic and financial viability of the system. the need for travel.
NEED OF TOD  To achieve reduction in the private vehicle ownership,
 The urban population in India, which is nearly 377 traffic, and associated parking demand.
million is poised to grow to 600 million by 2030. The  To develop inclusive habitat in the influence area so that
urban population of India contributes 65% of country’s the people dependent on public transport can live in the
Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is expected to
liveable communities within the walkable distance of
grow to 75% in the next 15 years.
transit stations.
 Urbanization has led to horizontal growth of the cities
 To ensure development of safe society with special
thus creating problems of urban sprawl.
attention to safety of women, children, senior citizen
 Haphazard urbanisation increases the trip length, and differently abled by making necessary
enhances uses of private vehicles creating issue of
amendments to the building bye law.
pollution and increased the demand for infrastructures.
 To prevent urban sprawl.
OBJECTIVE OF TOD
 To reduce carbon footprint
 To promote the use of public transport to increase the
share of transit and walk trips.

PRINCIPLES GOVERNING TOD The maiden voyage of the Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit
System (RRTS), also known as RapidX, will begin services on a
17km stretch out of 82km long route as part of Delhi-Meerut
RRTS which will cover five stations from Sahibabad to Duhai
Depot eventually.
ABOUT RapidX
 It is India’s first Regional Rapid Transport system.
 It is nation’s fastest inter-state transit system.
 The priority section includes 5 stations: Sahibabad,
Ghaziabad, Guldhar, Duhai and Duhai Depot.
 The National Capital Region Transport Corporation
(NCRTC), the nodal agency of RapidX, has set 2025 as
the deadline for the entire 82-km corridor to be
operational.
 According to NCRTC, the RAPIDX services will be the
nation’s first railway system with the maximum
operational speed of 160 kmph along its entire length.
 The trainset of the Delhi-Meerut RRTS boasts an
average speed of 100 km/hr.
RECENT DEVELOPMENT IN TRANSIT ORIENTED
DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA.
 Prime minister has recently flagged off RRTS, named
NAMO BHARAT (also knowns as RAPIDX) to boost transit
oriented development.
 Recently launched RRTS and proposed RRTS are
shown in the figure below.
POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF RapidX

 Reduced travel time: RRTS systems are typically much
faster than other modes of transportation, such as cars
and buses. This can save people a significant amount of
time on their commute, which can improve their quality
of life and productivity. For instance, RapidX will take
one hour to cover 82 km of distance.
 Reduced traffic congestion: RRTS systems can help to
reduce traffic congestion by taking cars off the road
especially in National Capital Region. This can improve
RapidX air quality and make it easier for people to get around.
 Increased economic activity: RRTS systems can help
#prelims Infrastructure and to boost economic activity by making it easier for people
transport #Economy to travel to and from work, school, and other
destinations. This can also help to attract new
businesses and residents to the region.

 Improved social equity: RRTS systems can help to Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and
improve social equity by making transportation more Venezuela.
accessible to everyone, regardless of income or social RECENT STATUS
status. This can give people more opportunities to
 In the past 5 decades, between 17 and 20 percent of the
participate in the economy and society.
Amazon has been destroyed.
 Boost to satellite town: RRTS helps to decongest NCR
 Brazilian Authority fear that about 5 lakh may be
region by giving boost to economic opportunity in
affected due to drought.
satellite town, reduce migration to NCR region and
 Rise in wildfires, October month witnessed 2700 blazes
thereby help in regional development.
which is highest in last 25 years.
 Air quality has deteriorated significantly.
SEVERE SPELL OF  According to Nature Journal, Amazon has become
slower at recovering from longer periods of droughts
DROUGHT IN THE over the past 20 years and is nearing tipping point.
Beyond the tipping point , it would transform from a
AMAZON: CAUSES,IMPACT, lush green forest into drier open savanna, releasing the
WARNING BELLS large amount of stored carbon , thereby exacerbating

global warming.
#Preliminary-Ecosytem MAJOR REASONS
#Disaster management,Rainforest  Deforestation
 El Nino year also triggering extreme heat.
The Amazon rainforest is reeling under a severe drought. The  Unusually high temperature in the northern tropical
Rio Negro, one of the World’s largest rivers by discharge Atlantic ocean. Due to warmer ocean waters, heated air
level has fallen to record level of 13.59 meters. Governor rises into the atmosphere which then reaches the
of Amazon has declared a state of emergency in more than 50 Amazon forest. The warm air inhibits the formation of
towns and cities of Amazons. clouds, causing rainfall to drop sharply.
GI TAG FOR THE CASHEW

INDUSTRY IN GOA
#prelims food processing industry
#Geogrpahy
Recently GOAN Cashew (Kernel) got the GI tag.
ABOUT AMAZON ABOUT CASHEW IN INDIA
 The Amazon rainforest is the world's largest tropical Cashew was native to northeast Brazil and was
rainforest called planets lung. introduced to Goa by the Portuguese as a crop for
 Covers nearly 7 million square kilometers. afforestation and soil conservation.
 Stores more than 150 billion metric tons of Carbon. The story was that the edible value of cashew was
discovered by Goan prisoners exiled to the Portuguese
 It also produces about 20% of the world's oxygen.
territory of Africa (Mozambique) during Goa’s freedom
 The Amazon rainforest is located in South America, and movement in the mid-18th century.
is shared by nine countries: Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia,
India is one of largest cashew exporter, with more than
15% of the world's export share.

CASHEW TREE  It releases huge amount of pollutants and gases like

Cashew is a tropical crop that requires a warm and humid no2, n20, co2, so2, ch4 and thus amounts to
climate for optimal growth and production. The ideal environmental pollution.
climatic conditions for cashew cultivation are:  It impacts soil fertility because excessive heat kills the
Temperature: 20-35°C. Most suitable temperature is 30 to soil microbes, reduces soil moisture as well as destroys
38 degrees Celsius. the nutrients.
Rainfall: 1000-2000 mm (39-79 inches) annually.  It reduces visibility and thus affects free vehicular
Relative humidity: 60-90% (more than 50 %) movement.
WELL-DRAINED SOIL  During the winter season its effects are more severe,
Cashew trees are sensitive to cold and frost, so they should The stable atmospheric conditions and northwesterly
not be grown in areas where the temperature drops below winds carry the pollutants towards Delhi.
10°C (50°F) for prolonged periods of time. Cashew trees  It severely affects the health also, Various respiratory
also require a dry season of at least 4-5 months for and cardiovascular diseases owe their origin to
flowering and fruit set. environmental pollution.
ABOUT GI TAG WHY DOES STUBBLE BURNING CONTINUE?
 A geographical indication (GI) tag is a sign used on  It is easy and cheap practice. It makes the field free from
products that have a specific geographical origin and remains withing few days. Moreover, employing labor
qualities or reputation that are due to that origin. to clear the fields creates an unnecessary financial
 In India, the GI tag is regulated by the Geographical burden on the farmers.
Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection)
 Vote bank politics make the laws that ban stubble
Act, 1999.
burning un-enforceable.
 GI tags are important for protecting the reputation and
 Farmers do not have many alternatives on ground level.
quality of Indian products.
Though many projects are going on but still they are far
 They also help to promote the economic development
from accessible to farmers.
of the regions where the products are produced.
 Lack of policy initiatives further aggravates the
challenges.
DOES THE BIO ABOUT BIO DECOMPOSER

 A bio decomposer is a living organism that breaks down
DECOMPOSER HELP? IT’S organic matter into simpler substances, such as carbon
ALL IN THE TIMING, SAY dioxide, water, and minerals.

 Bio decomposers can be bacteria, fungi, insects, or
FARMER IN CAPITAL. other animals. They play an essential role in the
ecosystem by helping to recycle nutrients and keeping
#prelims question -Pollution the environment clean.
# Environment and Ecology  There are many different types of bio decomposers,
each with its own specialized role. For example, some
The exercise of spraying the bio-decomposer began in the
bacteria break down dead plants and animals, while
capital to curb the issue of stubble burning.
others break down waste products.
WHAT IS STUBBLE BURNING?
 Fungi plays an important role in decomposing wood
 Intentionally setting fire to the straw stubble that and other plant matter.
remains after grains, such as rice and wheat, have been
 Insects and other animals help to break down organic
harvested.
matter by eating it and then excreting it as waste.
WHY STUBBLE BURNING IS A BIG CHALLENGE?

HOW TO APPLY BIO DECOMPOSER IN THE FIELD TO BENEFITS OF PUSA DECOMPOSER

CURB STUBBLE BURNING  Easy to use.
It is sprayed on the field post harvest, ploughed to mix the  Environmentally friendly.
straw into the soil and lightly irrigated.
 Helps in maintaining soil health.
It can take 20-25 days for stubble to decompose.
 Replenishes organic content in the soil.
Bio decomposers are used in a variety of ways, including:
 Can be sprayed easily.
 Composting: They are essential for the composting
 Effective and proven results.
process, which breaks down organic waste into
 Helps in reducing pollution by solving stubble burning
nutrient-rich soil amendment.
problem.
 Bioremediation They can be used to clean up
contaminated soil and water by breaking down harmful Bio decomposers are important for maintaining a healthy
and balanced ecosystem. They help to recycle nutrients,
pollutants.
break down organic matter, and clean up the environment.
 Agriculture They are used to improve soil fertility and
crop yields.
 Waste management They can be used to reduce the ‘MAOISTS’ OPEN
amount of waste that goes to landfills.
Here are some examples of bio decomposers:
FIRE AT ARALAM WILDLIFE
Bacteria: Escherichia coli (E. coli), Bacillus subtilis, SANCTUARY
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
 Fungi: Aspergillus Niger, Trichoderma Reese,
#Environment & Ecology
Penicillium chrysogenum #Prelims Nuggets
 Insects: Earthworms, termites,
maggots Forest officials of Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala), have
 Other animals: Crabs, lobsters, reported an incidence of firing by suspected Maoists.
snails ARALAM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
 Current development and need  Location:
of Bio-decomposer. o It is situated in the southeastern part of the Kannur
 As stubble burning in Punjab district in the state of Kerala.
causing air pollution in Delhi and o It is located on the western slopes of Western Ghats
parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plains,
o Aralam is Kerala's northernmost wildlife sanctuary.
an innovative intervention
developed by the Indian
Agricultural Research Institute
(IARI) holds promise.
ABOUT PUSA BIO-DECOMPOSER
Pusa Bio Decomposer is an innovative solution

developed by scientists at ICAR - IARI Pusa
 Hold promises against issue of residue burning and
are available in the form of capsules made by
extracting fungi strains that accelerate the
decomposition of paddy straw and other crop
residnes at a much faster rate than its usual rate.
 It can turn crop residue into organic manure in just
15-20 days.

 Flora and Fauna:

o Surrounded and adjoined by the continuous forests
of Kodagu and Wayanad, this sanctuary harbours a
wide variety of fauna and flora which belong to the
Western Ghats indigenousness.
o It is home to a wide variety of species of mammals,
birds, reptiles, amphibians and fishes.
o Elephant, Gaur, Tiger, Panther,Sambar, Spotted
deer, Barking deer, Wild boar, Sloth bear, Nilgiri
langur, Bonnet macaque, Common langur, Wild dog,
common otter, Malabar giant squirrel etc are the
major mammals.
 The presence of Malabar Slender Loris with other

five primate species is one of the main highlights of
the sanctuary
 The unique geographical and climatical conditions of
the sanctuary help in sustaining a wide variety of
butterflies too. Well-known for its butterflies and
butterfly migration, Aralam is also called the “Land of
Butterflies”.
 Drainage:
o The Cheenkannipuzha / Cheenkanni River forms
the main drainage system on the southern side.
o Narikkadavuthodu, Kurukkathodu and
Meenumuttithodu from the northern upper reaches,
they flow southwards to join Cheenkannipuzha.
 Biodiversity:
 Forest: The wildlife sanctuary exhibits a variety of
forests which includes
a) West Coast tropical evergreen forest.
RESEARCHERS IDENTIFY A
b) West Coast semi-evergreen forests.
c) South Indian moist deciduous forest NEW MUSHROOM SPECIES
d) Southern hilltop evergreen forest and plantations
FROM THE WESTERN
 This is the only protected area of the West Coast
Tropical Evergreen forest of Dipterocarpus-Mesua- GHATS
Palaquium type. #Prelimsnuggets #environment
 Dipterocarpus-Mesua-Palaquium - These forests
occur in areas adjoining tropical wet evergreen, and
form a transition between the evergreen and moist A tiny, fragile looking mushroom sporting a honey yellow ‘cap’
deciduous forests. found on the campus of the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic
Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI) at Palode in
Thiruvananthapuram has been identified as a new species.

 Mushrooms also have the presence of an amino acid

called glutamate, which is also found in meats, fish,
cheeses, and simmering soups.
ED ROPES IN ISRO, IIT KAN

PUR TO PROBE
ILLEGAL SAND MINING
KEY FACTS REGARDING MUSHROOMS The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has roped in experts from
 Mushroom are the umbrella-shaped fruiting body the ISRO and the IIT¬-Kanpur to assist in its ongoing
(sporophore) of certain fungi. investigation into allegations of excessive sand mining in Tamil
Nadu.
How plants, animals and mushrooms differ?
PRESENT STATUS
 Plants have chlorophyll and make their own food
through photosynthesis.  Led by China and India, the world is mining sand at
unsustainable levels exceeding the replenishment rate.
 Animals ingest their food.
 The report ‘Sand and Sustainability: Finding new
 Fungi, lacking chlorophyll, exist on decaying material
solutions for environmental governance of global sand
in nature and on substrate of various compositions
resources’ stressed that the global demand for sand
when commercially grown.
and gravel stands at 40-50 billion tonnes per year, which
Note - Although considered a vegetable, mushrooms could increase to 60 billion tonnes per year by 2030.
are neither a plant nor animal food. They are a type of
CONSEQUENCES
fungus that contains a substance called ergosterol,
similar in structure to cholesterol in animals. Ergosterol  Alterations in channel morphology: Excessive sand
can be transformed into vitamin D with exposure to mining can alter the river bed, force the river to change
ultraviolet light. course, erode banks.
 Increase in disasters like floods, soil erosion,
 Popularly, the term mushroom is used to identify the
desertification, landslides, drought etc.
edible sporophores.
 Impacts on ecology and biodiversity- It also destroys the
o The term toadstool is often reserved for inedible or
habitat of aquatic animals and micro-organisms.
poisonous sporophores.
 Reduction of groundwater recharges.
 Edible mushrooms and fungi are free of cholesterol and
 Alterations in sediment load – nutrient deficiency in
contain small amounts of essential amino acids and B
downstream areas lead to loss of agricultural
vitamins.
productivity.
 By fresh weight, the common commercially grown
 Pollution in rivers, coastal areas as well as marine areas.
mushroom is more than 90% water, less than 3%
protein, less than 5% carbohydrate, less than 1% fat,  Without proper protection and safety  Excessive
and about 1% mineral salts and vitamins. mining also leads to drowning of workers involved in
such activities.
 Poisoning by wild mushrooms is common and may be
fatal or produce merely mild gastrointestinal SOME EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDIES
disturbance or slight allergic reaction. 1. Chanubi lake and Kulsi ricer (Assam) Chandubi lake
 Non-nutritive substances like indoles, polysaccharides, was formed in 1897 as the result of a major earthquake
polyphenols, and carotenoids which show antioxidant, in the region during which a forest area went down and
anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects are more became a lake. Since then it has supported a rich
important in mushrooms. biodiversity. Howeve it is connected to a river Kulsi

nearby which is prone to illegal sand mining. The river  Sand should be brought under the category of major
is increasingly getting deeper and water from the minerals and the Centre should regulate all operations
Chandubi lake is flowing into the river, resulting in relating to sand mining. The Centre should frame
Chandubi getting shallower and drained out. guidelines that uniformly apply to sand mining in all the
States.
 A few states are exploring options like manufactured
sand, produced by crushing of rocks and quarry stones,
to meet the ever-increasing demand of the construction
industry.
 The new sand mining framework suggests the use of
geo-fencing, and GPS-enabled transportation to check
illegal mining.
2. Narmada river - Sand mining has adversely impacted  Mining Surveillance System (MSS) to use space
the ecology of the Narmada river, including threats to technology for facilitating State governments in curbing
fish and other aquatic species. The mahseer illegal mining activities in the country.
(Endangered), often referred to as the “queen of the  Price control, the involvement of women self-help
river” because of its colour or the “tiger of the river” groups and regular audits of sand reserves have also
because of its size, is now rarely found in Narmada. been recommended.
Sand mining affects the natural ecosystem of the river
 International collaboration is required as it is becoming
and impacts the fish and birds that are dependent on it.
a transboundary issue. Illegal trade is also growing.
This in turn impacts livelihoods of fishers who rely on
 The end consumer who is purchasing sand should be
the ecosystem.
able to produce a bill for the same otherwise the dealing
3. Yamuna river: Once invited huge numbers of Sarus
would be termed illegal.
cranes, flamingos and migratory birds in the thousands.
Fish like Mahseer, Lalpari, Rohu were also found in large
numbers. But all that began to disappear when sand ADANI PORT
extraction started. The noise of the machines prevented
birds from visiting. Nocturnal animals too went away. #prelimsnuggets ports
4. Global oceans: Some six billion tonnes of sand is being #Geograhy
extracted annually from the floor of the world’s oceans,
causing irreparable damage to benthic life, according to On average, an Adani port every 500 Km of coastline; these
a new global data platform on sand and other sediment
handle 24% of all cargo, Government share dips. At least two
extraction in the marine environment. The new data
officials and a former regulator flag concern over market
platform, Marine Sand Watch, has been developed by
concentration in the last 10 years.
GRID-Geneva, a Centre for Analytics within the UN
Environment Programme (UNEP). ADANI PORTS
SUGGESTIONS  All ports handled by Adani are minor ports.

 Section 23C of the MMDR Act 1957, empowers the State  In the last 10 years, the total cargo handled by Adani
Governments to make rules for preventing illegal ports jumped nearly four-fold to 337 million tons in
mining, transportation and storage of minerals and for FY23 at compounded growth rate of 14% against the
the purposes connected therewith. Thus, minor industry’s (shipping industry) 4 %.
minerals are regulated at the level of State Government.
 The group’s market share in total cargo handled has
 Section 20-A of the MMDR Act, 1957, incorporated by
nearly tripled to 24%, whereas that of Central
2015 Amendment gives Central Government the power
government-controlled port has dropped to around
to issue directions to the State Governments, for the
54.5% from 58.5% in 2013.
efficient conservation of mineral resources.

 Amongst ports that are not under the Central  The deep draft, all-weather port is the largest
government, Adani’s market share has crossed the 50% commercial port in India with state-of-the-art
mark. infrastructure,
 Largest Coal Import Terminal which gives faster cargo
evacuation and minimal turnaround time.
Risk associated with rise of Adani ports as per officials.
 Substantive risk of high market concentration.
 Low competition.
 High entry barriers for newer and smaller players.
 Higher chances of abuse of dominant position.
India’s Ports
 Ports are an essential part of the maritime environment
and are like hubs that link sea routes with trade routes
on land.
 There are 12 major ports and 217 non-major ports
(minor ports) in the country.
 While the Major Ports are under the administrative
control of the Ministry of Shipping, the non-major
ports are under the jurisdiction of respective State
Maritime Boards/ State Governments.
 All the 12 Major Ports are governed under the Major
Port Authorities Act, 2021.
 All the Non-Major Ports (minor ports) are governed
under the Indian Ports Act of 1908 and regulates the
berths, stations, anchoring, fastening, mooring, and
unmooring of vessels.
 Major ports are included in the Indian Constitution’s
Union list.
 The Government of India appoints a Board of Trustees
to oversee each major port. Their responsibilities
include port development, management, and
 It has an average turnaround time for ships which is operations.
around 0.7 days whereas for government-controlled
MAJOR PORTS OF INDIA
turnaround time is around 2 days.
MUDRA PORT  These ports are under the control of Central
Government
 Mundra Port is India's first private port and largest
container port, located on the northern shores of the  12 major ports are shown below.
Gulf of Kutch near Mundra, Kutch district, Gujarat. 1. Deendayal Port Trust, Kandla- Kandla, now officially
 Formerly operated by Mundra Port and Special Deendayal Port Authority, is a seaport and town in
Economic Zone Limited (MPSEZ) owned by Adani Group. Kutch district of Gujarat state in Western India, near
 It was later expanded into Adani Ports & SEZ Limited the city of Gandhidham. It is the largest port of India
(APSEZ), managing several ports. by volume of cargo handled.

2. Mumbai Port Trust, Maharashtra- It (also known as mi) from the sea. It is the oldest operating port in India
the Bombay Port Trust) is a port which lies midway on and was constructed by the British East India
the West coast of India, on the natural deep-water Company.
harbour of Mumbai (Bombay) in Maharashtra.
8. Paradip Port, Odisha- It is a natural, deep-water port
3. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, Maharashtra- It is on the East coast of India in Paradip, j in Jagatsinghpur
located on the eastern shores of Arabian Sea in Navi district of Odisha, India. It is at the confluence of the
Mumbai, Raigad district, Maharashtra. JN Port is the Mahanadi River and the Bay of Bengal.
second largest container handling port in India after
9. Visakhapatnam Port, Andhra Pradesh- It is one of
Mundra Port.
twelve major working ports in India and the only major
4. Mormugao Port Trust- It is a port on the western
port of Andhra Pradesh. It is India's third largest state-
coast of India, in the coastal state of Goa.
owned port by volume of cargo handled and largest
Commissioned in 1885 on the site of a natural
on the Eastern Coast.
harbour, it is one of India's oldest ports.
10. Kamarajar Port Limited, Ennore, Tamil Nadu- It,
5. New Mangalore Port Trust, Karnataka- New
formerly Ennore Port, is located on the Coromandel
Mangalore Port is an all-weather port at Panambur,
Coast, Chennai about 18 km north of Chennai Port.
Mangalore in Karnataka state in India. The New
Mangalore Port is the deepest inner harbour on the The first port in India which is a public company. The
west coast. It is the only major port of Karnataka and Kamarajar Port Limited is the only corporatized major
the seventh largest port in India. port and is registered as a company.
6. Cochin Port Trust, Kerala- Cochin Port or Kochi Port 11. Chennai Port Trust, Tamil Nadu- It, formerly known
is a major port on the Arabian Sea – Laccadive Sea – as Madras Port, is the second largest container port of
Indian Ocean sea-route in the city of Kochi in India, behind Mumbai's Nhava Sheva. The port is the
Ernakulam district in the state of Kerala. It is also the largest one in the Bay of Bengal. It is an artificial and
first transshipment port in India. all-weather port with wet docks.
7. Syama Prakash Mukherjee Port Trust, Kolkata- It 12. V.O. Chidambaranar Port Trust, Tamil Nadu- It is a
(formerly Kolkata Port Trust or Port of Calcutta), is the port in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. It is second largest
only riverine major port of India, located in the city port in Tamil Nadu and third largest container
of Kolkata, West Bengal, around 203 kilometers (126 terminal in India. It is an artificial port.

of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh often burn

BEHIND MUMBAI’S AIR crop residues. This releases large amounts of
POLLUTION particulate matter and pollutants into the

atmosphere.
#Environment  North Westerly wind patterns bring pollutants
#mainsexhaustive towards Delhi from NW India as well as Pakistan.
 Cold climatic conditions in Delhi leads to
Mumbai being a coastal city, experiences lower level of Atmospheric stable condition which trap the
pollution as compared to Delhi, despite generating the same pollutants due to temperature inversion and
level of pollutants. But in last few years this trend is getting stagnant air masses.
disturbed, and Mumbai is experiencing ‘Very poor’ category of  Dust and Sandstorms: Delhi experiences dust and
AQI. sandstorms from the arid regions in the west, which
AIR POLLUTION can elevate particulate matter levels.
Air pollution refers to the release of pollutants (a complex

mixture of solid particles, liquid droplets, as well as gases) UNDERSTANDING WHY MUMBAI IS EXPERIENCING
into the air which is detrimental to human health and the HIGHER POLLUTION?
planet. Mumbai’s geography gives it a distinct advantage: The
MAJOR POLLUTANTS coastal city has a natural cleaning mechanism. Strong
surface winds lead to faster dispersal of pollutants. The
 Ozone (O3): Terrestrial O3 is created by the chemical
wind reversal cycle (Sea breeze and land breeze) is a
reaction between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile
feature of the coastal city for most parts of the year.
organic compounds (when pollutants emitted by cars,
Winds usually alternate between moving from the sea
power plants, refineries etc. chemically react in the
towards the land, and moving from the land towards
presence of sunlight)
the sea. This cycle repeats every three to four days
 Nitrogen dioxide (NO2): emissions from motor vehicle during this time of the year. When the wind is directed
exhaust, industrial facilities, and chemical solvents. towards the sea, the dust particles get swept away. This
 Carbon monoxide (CO): released on burning fuel acts as a natural cleansing mechanism.
containing carbon, such as wood, coal and petrol. But now, Climate change is disrupting this pattern.
 Sulfur dioxide (SO2): burning fossil fuels by power How Climate change and changes in wind pattern
plants and other industrial facilities. affect Mumbai’s pollution?
 PM2.5 and PM10  La – Nina: An abnormal drop in surface temperature
 Methane: landfills, waste, fossil fuel and agricultural in the Pacific Ocean hampered the wind reversal
industry. from across the Arabian Sea because of which the
In general, various anthropogenic factors are responsible emission from various anthropogenic sources was
for Air pollution like, vehicular emissions, industrial not cleaned up.
emissions, Construction activities, Waste dumping etc.  Late withdrawal of Monsoon: The withdrawal is
However, the location of the cities can also have a direct always followed by an anticyclonic circulation that
bearing on the pollution level. was right above Mumbai and the surrounding
Let us analyse the impact of location and geography on regions during the initial days of October. This led to
levels of Air pollution with the help of two cities i.e. Delhi weak ventilation in the city.
and Mumbai.  Upper atmosphere winds blowing towards Mumbai
from Sahyadri ranges transporti pollutants towards
UNDERSTANDING WHY DELHI EXPERIENCES HIGHER
Mumbai and descended near Navi Mumbai. Then the
POLLUTION?
dust-filled cloud is pushed towards Mumbai.
 Agricultural Residue Burning: During the post-
 Recent major construction works: Many
monsoon season, farmers in the neighboring states
development and construction activities are being

undertaken across the city — these include the

coastal corridor, work on the Metro and other digging The theme for World Food Day (October 16) this year —
activities. Unfavorable weather conditions exploit the ‘Water is Life, Water is Food’ — calls for urgent action in
emissions from such sources to create pollution. managing water wisely. Availability or a lack of water has
 Anthropogenic emissions are increasing the become even more critical with increasing climate
temperature of the city. This intensifies the low- extremes. With less than seven years left to achieve the
pressure region and wind from surrounding areas UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Food and
bring pollutants to the city. Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) —
WORLD FOOD DAY - the UN’s food agencies — lay stress on the need to adopt
innovative and collaborative approaches for improved
‘WATER IS LIFE, WATER IS management, conservation and availability of scarce water
resources.
FOOD’
LET’S LOOK AT HOW CLIMATE CHANGE IS IMPACTING WATER SYSTEMS
Sea level: The mean sea level has been

continuously rising since past two decades
Warming Oceans: The ocean does an excellent

job of absorbing excess heat from the
atmosphere. The top few meters of the ocean
stores as much heat as Earth's entire
atmosphere. So, as the planet warms, it's the
ocean that gets most of the extra energy.

Shrinking of Cryosphere:
Shrinking of Ice sheets:
The Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets have
decreased in mass.
Frost-free Season (and Growing Season) will

Lengthen
The length of the frost-free season (and the
corresponding growing season) has been
increasing since the 1980s.
Glacial retreat
Glaciers are retreating almost everywhere
around the world — including in the Alps,
Himalayas, Andes, Rockies, Alaska and Africa.
Decreased snow cover
Satellite observations reveal that the amount of
spring snow cover in the Northern Hemisphere
has decreased over the past five decades and
that the snow is melting earlier.
Ocean Acidification:
Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution,
the acidity of surface ocean waters has
increased by about 30 percent.
This increase is the result of humans emitting
more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and
hence more being absorbed into the oceans.
The amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by the
upper layer of the oceans is increasing by about
2 billion tons per year.

FOOD SECURITY AND WATER RESOURCE IN INDIA –  Recharging of groundwater through check dams and
PRESENT SITUATION watershed. Reviving paleochannels and traditional
Strengths: irrigation systems like bawadis, johads etc
 In 1960(s) India was a net importer but now is one of the  Increase private sector investments in reservoirs and
largest exporters. canal networks.
 2022-2023 -> India exported 85 million tonnes of cereals  Agriculture reforms focused on organic farming, crop
mainly rice, wheat and corn. rotation, zerotillage, changes in cropping patterns
(millets, pulses, oilseeds), following agro climatic
 India gave free food to more than 800 mn people under
zonation etc
Pradhan mantri gareeb kalyan yojana.
 Policy reforms (Water governance)–
 India is also the largest producer of milk by far.
o Buffer stocking of water in reservoirs during
 Since 2000-01, poultry and fishery production has been
monsoon.
growing at a fast rate.
o Measuring productivity not just from land
Issues:
perspective but also from water perspective ie.
 According to NFHS, 16.6% -> malnourished, 35% -> production per unit of water used.
stunted, 32% -> underweight.
o Water renewal credit similar to carbon credit system
 Difficult to achieve the goal of zero hunger by 2030.
o Fixing upper limits of Virtual water trade (VWT)
 18% of global population but only 4% of global
o Water footprint estimation guidelines
freshwater resources.
o Participatory aquifer management under PMKSY
 Excessive use in irrigation – 78% (according to CWC) and
90% (According to FAO) o Atal bhujal mission
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE TO MANAGE AND CONSERVE o Annual groundwater audits.

WATER RESOURCES?
practice questions
MCQs
Q1. Consider the following statements: 2. Mushrooms have anti-oxidant as well as anti-cancer
1. Commonly grown mushrooms have more than 90% properties
of Protein and less than 1% of fat. Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (1) It is the largest national Park in the USA.
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (2) It is the hottest, lowest, and driest national park in
the USA.
Q2. In the context of solving pollution problems, (3) Badwater basin is the lowest point in USA.
consider the following statement with respect How many of the above statements are correct?
to Smog Tower? (a) Only One (b) Only Two
1. It acts as a large-scale air purifier to reduce air (c) All Three (d) None
pollution particles.
2. It is highly effective in curbing particulate matter. Q7. With reference to Ball Lightening, consider the
3. It is highly cost effective. following statements:
How many of the above statements are correct? (1) It is a rare phenomenon in the form of luminous
(a) Only one (b) Only Two sphere that is generally several kilometers in
(c) All three (d) None diameter.
(2) It has a lifetime of several hours.
Q3. Among the following, which were frequently (3) This ball is said to be plasma.
mentioned in the news for the discovery of How many of the above statements are correct?
ancient landscape recently? (a) Only One (b) Only two
(a) Victoria Island (c) All three (d) None
(b) Ellesmere Island
(c) Ross Island Q8. With reference to Central Pollution Control
(d) Wilkes Land board, consider the following the statements:
1. It is statutory organization formed under Air
Q4. Consider the following rivers: (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
1. Ramganga 2. It derives its power from the Biodiversity Diversity
2. Mahananda Act 2002.
3. Gomti 3. It has authority to issue directives that may regulate
4. Purna the provision of power, fresh water, or other
How many of the above rivers are tributary of Ganga? services.
(a) Only One How many of the above statements are correct?
(b) Only Two (a) Only One (b) Only Two
(c) Only three (c) All three (d) None
(d) All four

Q9. With reference to Antarctic Krill, consider the
following statement:
Q5. With reference to Idukki, consider the following
statement: 1. It is primary producers in marine food chain.
(1) It is one of the climate change hotspots in Kerala. 2. It helps in sequestering carbon thereby curbing
climate change.
(2) It has Shola Forest.
3. It is critically endangered species.
(3) Most of the Kerala hydroelectricity is obtained from
this district. How many of the above statement are Incorrect?
How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two
(a) Only One (b) Only Two (c) All three (d) None
(c) All three (d) None

Q10. With reference to Cauvery River system,
consider the following statement?
Q6. With reference to Death Valley National Park,
consider the following statements: 1. The Cauvery basin spread in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu,
Kerala, and Puducherry.

2. Cauvery flow west to east following rift valley. How many of the above statement are correct?
3. Papikonda and Nagarhole national park are in (a) Only One (b) Only two
Cauvery basin. (c) All three (d) None
Q1. What is Green Hydrogen? What are the key features of National Green Hydrogen Mission? Highlight the challenges
associated with green hydrogen transition? (15 marks, 250 words)
Q2. Illegal sand mining is becoming one the major ecological threats in India. Discuss. Also suggest the measures which
can be taken to curb this. (10 marks, 150 words)
Answers: 1-b, 2-a, 3-d, 4-c, 5-c, 6-b, 7-a, 8-a, 9-b, 10-a

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

E.g., SeamlessM4T, launched by Meta, is a multimodal
MULTIMODAL ARTIFICIAL AI translation and transcription model that is capable
of performing various tasks including speech-to-text,
INTELLIGENCE speech-to-speech, text-to-speech, and text-to-text
#New Emerging Technologies translations.
ADVANTAGES
 Improved accuracy: By leveraging information from
MULTIMODAL ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE multiple sources, multimodal AI can achieve higher
 Multimodal AI is an advanced form of Artificial accuracy compared to singlemodal AI. E.g., Any system
Intelligence that can analyse and interpret multiple that analyses customer feedback for a product,
modes of data simultaneously, allowing it to generate combining text, image, and audio data can provide a
more accurate and human-like reasoning and decision- more comprehensive understanding of customer
making. sentiment.
 Enhanced user experience: Multimodal AI can
enhance user experience by providing multiple ways
for users to interact with the system. E.g., Users can
interact with a multimodal virtual assistant system
using voice, text, or gesture, providing greater
convenience and accessibility.
 Efficient usage of resources: Multimodal AI can help
to make more efficient use of computational and data
resources by enabling the system to focus on the most
relevant information from each modality. This would
help reduce the amount of irrelevant data that needs
TRADITIONAL UNIMODAL AI VS MULTIMODAL AI to be processed.
The fundamental difference between multimodal AI and  Better interpretability: Multimodal AI can help to
traditional singlemodal/unimodel AI is the use of data. improve interpretability by providing multiple sources
 Unimodal AI is generally designed to work with a of information that can be used to explain the system's
single source or type of data. E.g., Unimodal AI output. E.g., Any system that analyses medical images
systems like ChatGPT uses natural language processing for the diagnosis, combining images with textual
(NLP) algorithms to understand and extract meaning descriptions and other data can help to explain the
from text content, and the only type of output the reasoning behind the system's diagnosis and provide
chatbot can produce is text. That is, the unimodal AI is more transparency and accountability.
tailored to a specific task. APPLICATIONS OF MULTIMODAL AI
 Multimodal AI processes data from multiple sources,  Healthcare: Multimodal AI can help improve medical
including video, images, speech, sound and text, imaging analysis, disease diagnosis, personalised
allowing more detailed and nuanced perceptions of a treatment planning and better patient outcomes. E.g.,
particular environment or situation. In doing this, By combining medical images with patient records and
multimodal AI more closely simulates human genetic data, healthcare providers can gain a more
perception and enhances the accuracy of AI systems.

Science & Technology
accurate understanding of a patient's health, enabling evidence-based traditional medicine. The acceptability of
them to tailor treatment plans. traditional medicines in the scientific community would
 Retail: In retail, it can be used to enhance customer increase if evaluated by the methods of modern science in a
experience and increase sales. By utilising user way that does not compromise with the wholeness of
behaviour data, product images, and customer Ayurvedic formulations.
reviews, retailers can provide personalised EVIDENCE-BASED MEDICINE VS TRADITIONAL
recommendations and optimise product searches. MEDICINE
 Agriculture: Multimodal AI can help monitor crop  Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM): EBM is based on the
health, predict yields, and optimise farming practices. integration of the best available scientific evidence,
By integrating satellite imagery, weather data, and soil clinical expertise, and patient preferences and values.
sensor data, farmers can gain deep insights into crop It is based on empirical data rather than anecdotal
health and optimise irrigation and fertiliser application. evidence.
 Manufacturing: Multimodal AI can be leveraged to  Traditional Medicine: Rooted in tradition and
improve quality control, predictive maintenance, and experience, traditional medicine is based on long-
supply chain optimisation. standing practices passed down through generations.
 Robotics: Multimodal AI is central to robotics It may include herbal remedies, cultural rituals, and
development using which robots could successfully practices.
interact with real-world environments. REASONS FOR NON-DEVELOPMENT OF ALTERNATIVE
 Entertainment: Multimodal AI algorithms can be used MEDICINE IN INDIA
to extract features about emotions, speech patterns,  Lack of scientific validation: Alternative medicine is
facial expressions, and actions which can create often not based on scientific evidence or rigorous
content targeted for specific demographics. testing. Without proper scientific validation, it can be
MULTIMODAL AI CHALLENGES difficult for alternative medicine to gain acceptance in
the medical community and among the general public.
 Data Storage: The data sets needed to operate a
multimodal AI, involve a huge variety of data (text,  Limited government support: While India has a rich
images, audio, video). Such data volumes are expensive tradition of alternative medicine, government support
to store, and costly to process. for research and development in this field, in the past,
has been limited, which has hindered the growth of
 Data integration: Combining and synchronising
alternative medicine. E.g., Lack of dedicated funding
different types of data can be challenging because the
mechanisms for research and development of
data from multiple sources will not have the same
alternative medicine.
formats. Ensuring the seamless integration of multiple
modalities and maintaining consistent data quality can  Competition from conventional medicine:
be difficult and time-consuming. Conventional medicine, including modern
pharmaceuticals, is highly developed and widely
 Data bias: Data bias and maintaining data integrity can
accepted in India. This has made it difficult for
be a problem in training the AI model.
alternative medicine to gain a foothold and compete in
the marketplace.
EVIDENCE-BASED  Lack of standardisation: Unlike conventional
medicine, which is highly standardised and regulated,
TRADITIONAL MEDICINE alternative medicine often lacks standardisation. This
can lead to inconsistencies in the quality and efficacy of
#Health alternative treatments, which can undermine public
confidence in these therapies.
Outrightly denying traditional medical systems would be a  Scepticism among medical professionals: Some
hasty dismissal of valuable medical experience and a medical professionals remain sceptical about the
disservice to the scientific attitude. India needs to work on efficacy of alternative medicine, particularly when it

comes to treating serious or life-threatening individual as a whole, including physical, mental, and
conditions. emotional factors. By combining this approach with
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS modern medicine, patients can receive more
 The government has established the Department of comprehensive and personalised care.
Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha,  Accessibility: Traditional Indian medicine is often
and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) to promote the more accessible and affordable than modern medicine.
integration of traditional Indian medicine with modern By incorporating these therapies into modern
medicine. healthcare systems, it reduces out-of-pocket
 In May 2023, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed expenditure.
between the Indian Council of Medical Research  Innovation: By combining traditional Indian medicine
(ICMR) and the Ministry of AYUSH for collaboration with modern medicine, new and innovative treatments
and cooperation in health research in the field of can be developed, which can lead to better healthcare
Integrated Medicine. outcomes for patients and advances in medical
o Integrated medicine in India refers to the practice research.
of combining traditional Indian medicine
 Overcome the challenge of doctors’ shortage: The
systems, such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and
existing doctor-patient ratio in India is 1:1700 and the
Homeopathy (AYUSH), with modern medicine.
ratio improves to around 1:800 (below the WHO’s
o Aim: To provide patients with a holistic approach mandate of 1:1000) with the integration of the AYUSH
to healthcare that takes into account physical,
practitioners.
mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health.
 Help tackle multidrug-resistant diseases such as
By combining different therapies, healthcare
providers can tailor treatment plans to individual tuberculosis, lifestyle disorders and long-term
patients. diseases. It can reduce the growing burden of non-
communicable diseases such as cardiovascular
 The Ministry of AYUSH and ICMR have joined hands to
diseases- The WHO Report highlights that non-
undertake quality human clinical trials to generate
communicable diseases account for 63% of deaths in
evidence on the benefits of using Ayurveda along
with modern medicine (evidence-based medicine) in India.
treating certain disease conditions of national  Reduces the pollution in the manufacturing and
importance. waste management of allopathic medicine.
o ICMR will design and conduct these trials as it holds STEPS TO BUILD A HOLISTIC HEALTH SYSTEM
decades of experience in conducting human clinical  Invest in research and development of AYUSH for
trials. In the initial phase, the collaboration will be
integration with modern medicine.
restricted to Ayurveda.
 Update curriculum in medical courses to integrate
o Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy may be
traditional Indian medicine systems with modern
included in future and each system will be tested
medicine.
together with modern medicine.
 Introduce bridge courses for AYUSH practitioners and
SIGNIFICANCE OF FUSION OF TRADITIONAL INDIAN
health professionals for interdisciplinary learning.
MEDICINE SYSTEM WITH MODERN MEDICINE
 Co-locate AYUSH facilities in hospitals and primary
The recent COVID-19 Pandemic has underscored the
health centres.
importance of AYUSH thus calling for its revival and fusion
with modern medicine to build a holistic health system,  Build awareness in the Public about the benefits and
which provides: limitations of integrated medicine through public
health campaigns, community outreach programs, and
 Comprehensive care: Traditional Indian medicine,
partnerships with traditional healers and practitioners.
such as Ayurveda, focuses on a holistic approach to
health and wellness. This means that it considers the

the mass of the Sun) that have exploded as

FAST RADIO BURSTS supernovae.
#Astronomy and Space Technology  Neutron stars are about 12 miles (20 km) in diameter
and have breathtakingly high rotation speeds – they
have rotational periods that can be just 0.3 to 12.0
Researchers discovered a remote blast of cosmic radio seconds.
waves that lasted less than a millisecond in June 2022. This TYPES OF NEUTRON STARS
fast radio burst is the most distant ever detected and its
 Pulsars: Pulsars are a type of neutron star that emits
source is in a galaxy that took eight billion years to reach
an electromagnetic beam from their poles The
Earth. It is also one of the most energetic ones ever observed.
difference between pulsars and neutron stars is that
In a fraction of a second, it released the equivalent of 30
other neutron stars do not shoot a pulse (beam) as
years of emissions from our Sun.
strong as pulsars.
FAST RADIO BURSTS
o Pulsars rotate so fast (many times per second) that
 Fast radio bursts are sudden releases of powerful they generate an electric field that accelerates
radio waves that last just milliseconds. protons and electrons through their axis. These
 In that time, they discharge as much energy as 500 shoot out like a beam of electromagnetic radiation
million Suns. Most of them flare just once, making out of their poles.
them unpredictable and difficult to study. Pulsars rotate so fast because even after the supernova,
 Origin of FRBs is still mysterious. However, one leading the momentum of the star remains, but since the
theory is that they are caused by magnetars. resulting neutron star is many times smaller than the
NEUTRON STARS original massive star, it spins at a much faster rate. (In
accordance with the principle of conservation of angular
 Neutron stars are the incredibly dense remnants of
momentum)
supermassive stars (with masses around 1025 times
 Magnetars are types of neutron stars that have much stars. They are the most powerful known magnetic
more powerful magnetic fields than normal neutron objects in the Universe.

o Magnetars have magnetic fields in the range of 1015

gauss and they emit energy in the range given by CARBON NANOFLORETS
luminosities of 1037 – 1040 joules per second.
#Nanotechnology
o The luminosity of the sun is in the order of 1026
joules per second.
RECENT FINDINGS Researchers at IIT Bombay have synthesised particles that
absorb three frequencies of sunlight and convert it to heat
 In 2020, for the first time, a fast radio burst was
with an efficiency of 87%.
detected from inside the Milky Way – which enabled
scientists to trace the very star that emitted it (that star
was a magnetar).
 A possible explanation for these colossal eruptions
could be that:
o The magnetic field of magnetars is so powerful that
it distorts the magnetar's shape, exerting an
outward pull.
o Meanwhile, the density of the collapsed stellar core
results in a powerful inward gravitational pull. ABOUT CARBON NANOFLORETS
o The tension between these two opposite forces  The carbon nanostructure has the potential to
causes the magnetar to rupture and quake, revolutionise solar energy conversion.
releasing powerful flares and large amounts of  The scientists began their experiments with a white
electromagnetic energy in the form of radio waves material called dendritic fibrous nanosilica (DFNS)
– fast radio bursts. and transformed it into the darkest black carbon
nanoflorets.
 Plots that compare the energy and time distributions of
fast radio bursts and quakes produce similar graphs. o To create the carbon nanoflorets, the DFNS powder
was heated in a furnace and introduced acetylene
The results show notable similarities between FRBs
gas into the chamber.
and earthquakes and meanwhile, there was no
notable similarity with solar flares. o The white powder turned black, indicating that
carbon had been deposited on the DFNS.
o After dissolving the DFNS with a strong chemical,
what remained were spherical nanostructures made
of carbon cones.
 The nanoflorets resemble tiny marigold flowers.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES
 Carbon nanoflorets had an unprecedented ability to
absorb sunlight at multiple frequencies and convert
it into heat with exceptional efficiency.
o They can absorb infrared, visible, and ultraviolet
light, unlike traditional solar-thermal conversion
materials that only absorb visible and ultraviolet
SIGNIFICANCE light.
Starquakes in neutron stars have opened up the  Their cone-like shape minimises reflection allowing
possibility of gaining new insights into very high-density for maximum light absorption. Most of the light that
matter and the fundamental laws of nuclear physics. falls on the material is reflected internally.

 The nanoflorets possess long-range disorder which and intense heat, reaching up to 815°C, making it one
prevents heat dissipation over long distances, of the most lethal weapons in military operations.
enabling efficient heat retention. APPLICATIONS
SIGNIFICANCE  Industrial: Production of phosphoric acid, phosphates
 The material is ripe for commercialisation as carbon is and other compounds. It has been used as a
inexpensive and the nanoflorets can generate heat rodenticide and in fireworks.
sustainably, without having to burn fossil fuels. o Phosphates are used to manufacture a range of
o 1 square metre coating of carbon nanoflorets could products including fertilisers and detergents.
vaporise 5 litres of water per hour, surpassing the  Military:
performance of commercial solar stills. o Its primary military use is as a smokescreen used
 They can offer a sustainable solution for heating to hide troop movement on the ground.
homes and sterilising surfaces in hospitals without o It is also known to mess with infrared optics and
relying on fossil fuels. With its wide range of potential weapons tracking systems, thus protecting forces
applications and minimal environmental impact, the from guided missiles.
material has potential to play a significant role in the
o It can be also used as an incendiary weapon such
renewable energy sector.
as grenades and artillery shells, which can result in
persistent and intense fires, effective against people,
WHITE PHOSPHORUS equipment, and structures.
EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE
#Miscellaneous
 Upon exposure, white phosphorus can cause severe
burns, often down to the bone. The burns are
Human Rights Watch recently accused Israel of using white excruciatingly painful, difficult to heal, and susceptible
phosphorus munitions in Gaza, and said that such weapons to infections. Particles of white phosphorus that
put civilians at risk of serious and long-term injury. remain lodged in the body can reignite if in contact
with air.
WHITE PHOSPHORUS
 Inhaling white phosphorus particles or smoke can
 White (sometimes called yellow) phosphorus is a white
cause respiratory damage and harm to internal
to yellow waxy solid with a garlic like odour.
organs. Death may occur from shock, hepatic or renal
 It ignites spontaneously in air at temperatures above
failure, central nervous system or myocardial damage.
30°C and continues to burn until it is fully oxidised or
 Those who survive initial injuries often experience a
until deprived of oxygen.
lifetime of suffering with impaired mobility.
 Burning phosphorus produces dense, white,
irritating smoke containing mixed phosphorus oxides

Hence, the ethical concerns surrounding its use in clearly fall within the exceptions outlined in Protocol
populated areas are significant due to its potential to III’s definition of an “incendiary weapon.” Hence, White
cause severe burns and suffering. phosphorus, although a chemical agent and toxic, is
INCENDIARY WEAPONS not covered by the CWC.
 Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons

(CCW) imposes restrictions on the use of incendiary OSTEOPOROSIS
weapons, with the aim of safeguarding civilians.
Protocol III under the CCW specifically deals with #Health
incendiary weapons.
o Article 1 of this protocol defines an “incendiary
weapon” as a weapon or munition primarily
designed to set fire to objects or to cause burn
injury to persons through the action of flame, heat,
or combination thereof, produced by a chemical
reaction of a substance delivered on the target.
o Article 1(b)(i) includes an exemption in this
classification for munitions that may cause
unintended incendiary effects, such as illuminants,
tracers, smoke, or signalling systems.
 White phosphorus munitions are primarily intended
to produce illuminating and smokescreen effects, with World Osteoporosis Day is observed on October 20th each
year. The day is dedicated to raising awareness of
the incendiary aspects being secondary or
osteoporosis and related musculoskeletal diseases. A 2019
unintentional. Consequently, incendiary munitions

study revealed that India was the highest contributor to Estrogen, a hormone in women that protects bones,
osteoporosis fracture-related deaths/disabilities worldwide. decreases sharply when women reach menopause.
ABOUT OSTEOPOROSIS o Projected data shows that at least 46 million
 Osteoporosis literally means "porous bone”. It is a women in India currently live with post-menopausal
bone disease that causes a loss of bone density and osteoporosis.
leads to the weakening of bones.  Diagnosis: Bone mineral density scan (DEXA) helps
o Bone is a living tissue that is constantly being healthcare providers detect osteoporosis by measuring
broken down and replaced. how much Calcium and other minerals are present in
an area of a bone.
o When viewed under a microscope a healthy bone
looks like a honeycomb.  Prevention: Nutritional intake of adequate Calcium,
Protein, and Vitamin D and regular exercise.
o When osteoporosis occurs, the holes and spaces in
the honeycomb are much larger than in healthy CONCERNS
bone.  High prevalence: Owing to the large elderly
o Osteoporotic bones lose density or mass and population and prevalence of micronutrient
contain abnormal tissue structures. deficiencies, particularly in women, and the lack of
physical exercise, there is a high index of
 Impact: For people with osteoporosis bone loss
suspicion/occurrence of osteoporosis in India.
outpaces the growth of new bone. Bones become
porous (less dense), brittle and the fracture can occur  Knowledge Gap: There are no large-scale studies on
with a minor fall, bump or sudden movement. It also osteoporosis in India and enormous gaps in knowledge
causes changes in posture and the person stoops. about osteoporosis, even among doctors.
 Occurrence: The prevalence of osteoporosis occurs Infrastructural Gap: Most of the Indian population does
more with ageing. The prevalence of osteoporosis in not have access to DEXA or bone mineral density scan. A
elderly females is slightly higher than in males as study found that in India, there are only 0.26 DEXA
machines per million of the population.
Prelims Snippets
 Placed in: Low Earth orbit between 340 and 450 km
CHINA TO DOUBLE THE above the Earth's surface.
SIZE OF TIANGONG SPACE  Operational lifetime: More than 15 years.

 It has been fully operational since late 2022, hosting a
STATION maximum of three astronauts.
 TSS will weigh 180 metric tons after its expansion to
#Astronomy and Space Technology six modules.
INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION (ISS)
China plans to expand its space station to six modules from  ISS is a modular space station (habitable artificial
three in coming years, offering astronauts from other nations satellite) and the single largest man-made structure
an alternative platform for near-Earth missions as the NASA- in low Earth Orbit.
led International Space Station nears the end of its lifespan.  Launched in 1998, it is a multinational collaborative
TIANGONG SPACE STATION (TSS) project involving five participating space agencies:
 TSS is a permanently crewed space station o NASA (United States)
constructed by China and operated by China Manned o Roscosmos (Russia)

Space Agency. o JAXA (Japan)

o ESA (Europe) (UICC), that is permanently embedded as part of the

o CSA (Canada) motherboard of a smartphone/watch. Being attached
to the motherboard, eSIMs allow re-programming,
 The ownership and use of the space station are
letting users switch operators without having to
established by intergovernmental treaties and
replace any physical SIM cards.
agreements.
 An eSIM has two immediate advantages.
 It circles the Earth in roughly 92 minutes and
completes 15.5 orbits per day, hosting a maximum of o It is environmentally friendlier than a physical SIM,
seven astronauts. as it is reprogrammable i.e., there is no need for
more plastic and metal for a new SIM.
 It serves as a microgravity and space environment
research laboratory in which scientific research is o If a malicious person gains access to the phone, they
conducted in astrobiology, astronomy, meteorology, will not be able to separately access the SIM
physics, and other fields. application nor be able to duplicate it.
 NASA intends to keep operating the ISS until the end  The disadvantage is that an eSIM can, in theory, allow
of 2030, after which the ISS would crash into Point network operators to track subscribers’ data,
Nemo over the South Pacific Oceanic Uninhabited including inside Apps on the device, especially in the
Area (SPOUA). absence of data privacy laws.
eSIM CARD AND ITS THALLIUM

WORKING #Miscellaneous
#Internet and Communication
In a crime-incident in India, Thallium, a toxic metal, was
Technology administered in food leading to a series of deaths and
illnesses within a family.
Over the years, the size of the SIM card has shrunk from SIM THALLIUM
to mini SIM to micro SIM to nano SIM. The latest is the eSIM  Thallium is a chemical element with the symbol Tl and
with specifications defined by the Global System for Mobile atomic number 81.
Communications (GSM) Association.  It is a highly toxic metal that was once used in various
WHAT IS A SIM? industrial applications, including rat poison and as a
 ‘SIM’ stands for ‘subscriber identification module’. It is depilatory agent.
an integrated circuit, or a microchip, that identifies the  Thallium is an abundant element and is present in
subscriber on a given network. about 0.7 mg/kg of the Earth’s crust.
 Thallium does not exist in free elemental form in
nature. It mostly exists in the form of ores with other
elements, mostly potassium.
o Commercially, thallium is extracted from its
sulphide-ores of heavy metals, such as zinc, lead,
copper etc.
 Thallium compounds are tasteless, odourless, and
colourless, which makes it particularly dangerous for
human consumption.
 Thallium poisoning can occur through various routes,
WHAT IS AN eSIM?
including ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact with
 An eSIM is an embedded SIM, where the SIM software
thallium compounds. It interferes with the normal
is loaded on to a Universal Integrated Circuit Card

functioning of cells by disrupting various enzymes and their capacity to detect and move towards or away
processes in the body. from a specific sound or a signal.
 Symptoms of thallium poisoning can vary and may
include severe gastrointestinal distress, neurological
symptoms, and hair loss.
Uses:
 Thallium is widely used in making various electronics,
and about 70% of the thallium produced world-wide is
used in this industry.
 It is used as a photoresistor, rectifier, detectors in
infrared devices and in gamma radiation detection
devices.
 It is used in the pharmaceutical industry to make
various drugs and medicines.
 Radioactive isotope Thallium-201 is used for nuclear THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF PHONOTAXIS
medicine scan.  Positive phonotaxis: Its purpose is attraction, and it
usually happens when the females of a particular
species (crickets, moths, frogs etc.) are attracted to the
PHONOTAXIS sounds made by the males, for mating purposes.
#Miscellaneous  Negative phonotaxis: Serves to repel or warn, it is a

survival mechanism that helps organisms avoid
potentially dangerous situations or stimuli in their
PHONOTAXIS environment. E.g., If a particular frequency or pattern
of sound is associated with a predator, prey animals
 Phonotaxis is a behaviour exhibited by certain
might exhibit negative phonotaxis by moving away
organisms in response to sound stimuli. It refers to
from the source of the sound to seek safety.
practice questions
MCQs
Q1. Consider the following statements: 2. The prevalence of osteoporosis in elderly males is
1. Fast radio bursts are the dense remnants of slightly higher than in elderly females.
supermassive stars that have exploded as Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
supernovae. (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
2. Magnetars are the most powerful known magnetic (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
objects in the Universe.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Q3. Consider the following sentences with
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only reference to eSIM:
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 1. eSIM allows users to switch operators without
having to replace any physical SIM cards.
Q2. Consider the following statements: 2. Any malicious person with access to the phone
1. Osteoporosis is a disease that leads to may not be able to duplicate the eSIM application.
inflammation in the joints and ligaments of the 3. eSIM restricts the network operators to track
spine. subscribers’ data.

How many of the above statements are correct? (c) All three (d) None
(a) Only one (b) Only two
(c) All three (d) None Q5. Which of the following statements best
describe "Phonotaxis"?
Q4. Consider the following statement about (a) New kind of quantum computer utilising phonos
Thallium: as Qubits.
1. It has a very pungent smell leading to irritation. (b) High-frequency sound emitted from Supersonic
2. There is no natural source of thallium. missiles.
3. Thallium contamination may occur via air, water (c) Behaviour exhibited by certain organisms in
and soil. response to sound stimuli.
How many of the above statements is/are correct? (d) Tool devised to detect and prevent online phishing
(a) Only one (b) Only two activities.
Q1. What is Multimodal Artificial Intelligence? Highlight its advantages over traditional Unimodal AI.
Q2. Revival of the traditional Indian systems of medicine and their fusion with modern medicine can pave the way for
a holistic health system. Discuss.
Answers: 1-b, 2-d, 3-b, 4-a, 5-c

History, HERITAGE & Culture

# GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper I (Main)
 Villages were obligated to organize Theyyam as an act

THEYYAM of appeasement towards gods, goddesses, and the
#Art&Culture #Folkdances spirits of departed heroes. As a result, it was also
known as Thirayattom, signifying the dance of the
village.
Theyyam dance is performed annually during the Malayalam
 Notably, a significant number of Theyyam deities
months of Thulam (Mid-October-mid-November).
originated from individuals belonging to the lower
castes of Kerala's caste system.
 Theyyam is performed by individuals from castes and
tribes such as Pulayar, Vannan, Malayan, Velan, and
Kalanaadi.
 There are approximately 456 documented types of
Theyyams, and it is primarily a male performance
tradition, except for the Devakkoothu Theyyam,
which is the only Theyyam ritual performed by
women.
 Ritual Performance:
o The first segment of the performance is commonly
referred to as Vellattam or Thottam.
o This ceremonial dance is accompanied by a chorus
and the use of musical instruments like Chenda,
Elathalam, Kurumkuzal, and Veekkuchenda.
BABA BANDA SINGH

BAHADUR
#Personalities #ModernIndia
ABOUT THEYYAM
 Theyyam, also referred to as Kaliyattom, is a
Prime Minister of India paid tribute to Sikh warrior Baba
traditional folk-dance ritual that is practiced in
Banda Singh Bahadur on 350th birth anniversary
northern Kerala and certain parts of Karnataka.
ABOUT BABA BANDA SINGH BAHADUR
 A similar practice known as Bhuta Kola is followed in
1.Early Life:
the Tulunadu region of neighbouring Karnataka.
 Over time, it has evolved into a socio-religious  Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, originally known as
ceremony with its roots in the worship of divinities and Lachman Dev, emerged as a prominent Sikh warrior and
the commander of the Khalsa army.
heroes.

History, Heritage & Culture
 His journey into Sikhism was a transformative one, as Bahadur Shah, as it disrupted communication
he became a devout disciple of Guru Gobind Singh, between Delhi and Lahore, the capital of Punjab.
who bestowed upon him the name Gurbaksh Singh.  In response, the Mughal Empire organized a
 Banda Singh Bahadur's life took a significant turn when formidable force to subdue and eliminate Banda Singh
he arrived in Khanda, Sonipat, where he assembled Bahadur.
a military force and started a struggle against the  The Sikhs, under Banda Bahadur’s leadership, made a
Mughal Empire. strategic move to Lohgarh to prepare for the battle and
despite successfully defeating the initial Mughal forces,
the Sikhs found themselves besieged by an
overwhelming Mughal army of 60,000 troops.
 Banda Singh Bahadur tried to recoup and
reorganise and therefore, issued Hukamnamas
(decrees) to the Sikhs, urging them to join him. In 1712,
the Sikhs gathered near Kiratpur Sahib.
 As the Mughal Empire was facing succession wars for
the throne, Banda Singh Bahadur managed to
recapture Sadhaura and Lohgarh in 1712.
 In 1715, the Mughal governor of Lahore, Abd al-
Samad Khan, led an army to besiege Banda Singh
2.Establishment of Khalsa Rule:
Bahadur and his Sikh forces in a village.
 Upon consolidating his authority in Punjab, Banda
 The Sikhs defended their position, however, but the
Singh Bahadur initiated a series of reforms.
Mughal assault eventually led to the capture of Banda
 He abolished the oppressive Zamindari system, an
Singh.
exploitative land revenue system, and ensured that
property rights were granted to the tillers of the land.  Subsequently, in 1716, during the reign of Mughal
Emperor Farrukhsiyar, Banda Singh Bahadur, along
 In addition to his land reforms, Banda Singh Bahadur
with 700 of his followers, were executed in Delhi.
introduced the Nanak Shahi coins, showing his
commitment to Sikh values and principles.  This event was witnessed by a European visitor, an East
3.Early Conquests: India Company diplomat, who sent a letter to the

governor of Fort William in Calcutta.
 His early conquests demonstrated his commitment to
the Sikh cause.
 His first major confrontation took place at the Battle of DHORDO IS RECOGNISED
Sonipat, where he led the Sikh army and clashed
against the Mughals. AS A BEST TOURISM
 In 1709, he achieved victory in the Battle of Samana,
leading to the capture of the Mughal city of Samana.
VILLAGE
 These victories set the stage for the Sikhs to expand #Heritageandculture #Placesinnews
their influence into the Cis-Sutlej areas of Punjab.
 Banda Singh Bahadur even established his capital in
Recently, United Nations World Tourism Organisation has
Mukhlisgarh, renaming it as Lohgarh, which included Dhordo village in the list of ‘Best Tourism Village’.
translates to ‘fortress of steel,’ and issued his own
ABOUT DHORDO
currency.
 Dhordo, located in the Banni region within the Rann
4. Mughal response and the Persecution:
of Kutch, stands as a symbol of Gujarat's progress and
 The rise of Banda Singh Bahadur and the Sikhs in
increasing pride.
Punjab caused great concern for the Mughal Emperor

o Economic Viability
o Social Viability
o Environmental Sustainability
o Tourism Advancement and Integration of Value
Chains
o Governance and Prioritization of Tourism
o Infrastructure and Connectivity
o Health, Safety, and Security
 Initiative encompasses three key pillars:
o Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO: Acknowledges
exceptional rural tourism destinations featuring
 The village's distinctive round houses, known as
accredited cultural and natural assets, a dedication to
bhungas, have gained immense popularity among
preserving community-based values, and a clear
tourists.
commitment to innovation and sustainability across
 Dhordo is renowned for hosting the three-month-
economic, social, and environmental aspects.
long Rann Utsav, a cultural celebration that highlights
the traditional art, music, and crafts of the region. o Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO Upgrade
Programme: Provides support to villages in their
 The Best Tourism Village is awarded to villages that
journey towards meeting recognition criteria, offering
are at the forefront of both nurturing rural areas and
preserving the region's landscapes, cultural diversity, assistance in areas identified as gaps during
and culinary traditions. evaluation.
o Best Tourism Villages Network: Serves as a
platform for sharing experiences and best practices,
learning opportunities, and engagement with
members, welcoming contributions from experts
and public and private sector partners involved in
the promotion of tourism as a catalyst for rural
development.
ABOUT UNWTO
 The United Nations World Tourism Organization
(UNWTO) is a specialized agency of the United
Nations dedicated to promoting responsible,
ABOUT BEST TOURISM VILLAGES INITIATIVE: sustainable, and universally accessible tourism.
 Introduced in 2021, the UNWTO's Best Tourism  Headquarters: Madrid, Spain.

Villages initiative is an integral component of the  It takes the lead in shaping tourism policies and offers
UNWTO Tourism for Rural Development support while serving as a global platform for tourism
Programme. policy discussions and a valuable source of tourism
 This program is dedicated to fostering development and research and knowledge.
inclusivity in rural regions, countering depopulation,  UNWTO encourages the adoption of various initiatives,
promoting innovation, enhancing value chain integration including the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism
through tourism, and advocating sustainable practices. Development, Competitiveness, Innovation & Digital
 Villages are assessed across nine essential areas: Transformation, Ethics, Culture & Social Responsibility.
o Cultural and Natural Resources  Official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French,
Russian, and Spanish.
o Promotion and Preservation of Cultural Resources

STRUCTURE  The Sammakka Sarakka Jathara/Medaram Jathara,

 General Assembly: It serves as the primary meeting a biennial festival is celebrated to commemorate this
of the World Tourism Organization, convening every battle of the 13th-century, in which the mother-
two years to endorse the budget and work plan and daughter duo participated against the local rulers in
to deliberate on significant issues pertaining to the protest against the imposition of taxes.
tourism sector. It also elects a Secretary-General  Sammakka and Sarakka are worshipped as the
every four years. The World Committee on Tourism protector of Koya tribe.
Ethics operates as a subsidiary body of the General  The festival shows no Vedic or Brahmanic influence.
Assembly.
 The ritual of the festival includes taking holy dip in
 Executive Council: UNWTO's governing board is the Jampanna Vagu (a stream), a tributary of River
Executive Council, responsible for ensuring the Godavari.
Organization fulfills its mission and adheres to its
 From Medaram, the Jathara begins and priests
financial plan. It convenes at least twice a year and
belonging to Koya tribe perform the rituals. Medaram
consists of members chosen by the General
is situated in the Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, a
Assembly.
part of Dandakaranya forest.
 Committees: Specialized committees comprised of
 Various tribal and non-tribal communities participate in
UNWTO members provide guidance on management
the festival, from Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh,
and program content. These include the Committee on
Chattishgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Karnataka and
Budget and Finance, the Sustainable Development of
Jharkhand.
Tourism Committee, and others.
 It is the second largest fair of India, and is often
 Secretariat: The Secretariat is responsible for
referred to as the Kumbh Mela of the tribals.
executing UNWTO's work program and meeting the
 The festival is declared a state festival by the
requirements of members and affiliate members. The
Secretary-General leads this group. Telangana government.
LEGEND OF SAMMAKKA- NOBEL PRIZE IN

SARAKKA LITERATURE
#Indianheritage #Culture #Festivals #Personalities
Jon Fosse from Norway, won the Nobel Prize in Literature. His
Recently, Union Cabinet Ministry, approved a tribal university
for Telangana-‘the Sarakka Central Tribal University’. The plays are among the most widely staged playwright in the
world.
Central Government announced the establishment of the
university as a part of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation  The writer is known
Act, 2014. The University is to be named after Sammakka- for his innovative
Sarakka, revered by the local tribal community. plays and prose,
SAMMAKKA-SARAKKA JATHARA giving “voice to the

unsayable”.
 As per the legends, Sammakka was married to a feudal
 His works are
chief of the Kakatiyas dynasty (ruled over the
Warangal region). Sarakka/Saralamma was the written in
daughter of Sammakka. Norwegian Nynorsk language, covering number of
genres- Plays, novels, poetry collections, essays and
 Kakatiya dynasty ruler, Prataprudra imposed taxes
children’s books.
on the Koya tribe and later declared battle on the tribe
when the chief was not able to pay the taxes.  Major works:

o Jon Fosse made his debut as an author in 1983 with In the book "Remaking History — 1948 Police Action and the
the novel, ‘Red, Black’ (Raudt,Svart), which moves Muslims of Hyderabad", Afsar Mohammed delves into the
back and forth in time and between perspectives. events surrounding the 'Police Action' and sheds light on how
The novel was emotionally raw broached the people coped with the trauma and changes in their social
theme of suicide. fabric during Operation Polo.
o His works are minimalistic and rely on simple INTRODUCTION
language, delivering messages through rhythm,  In the wake of World War II, the British government
melody and silence. came up with a series of diplomatic measures to break
o Boathouse and Melancholy I and II; Someone is Going the deadlock with the Indian Congress, which had
to come; And We’ll Never be Parted. embraced a policy of non-cooperation:
o His latest, Septology, is a semiautobiographical work o Cripps Mission (1942), asserted that the British
and its third volume was shortlisted for the 2022 government had no intention of transferring the
International Booker Prize. paramountcy of the Crown to any other entity within
 In 2022, French Feminist Icon Annie Ernaux was India.
awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. o Wavell Plan (1945)
ABOUT NOBEL PRIZE IN LITERATURE o Cabinet Mission (1946)
 The Swedish Academy, Stockholm, Sweden awards the o Prime Minister Attlee's Statement (February
Prize. 1947)
 It is one the Five Nobel Prizes established by the will  Princely States' demand for Sovereignty: They
of Alfred Nobel in 1895. considered forming their own union, conceiving
 It is awarded annually, since 1901, to an author from themselves as either sovereign entities or as an
any country in the field of literature, producing the influential third force in India's political arena.
most outstanding work in an idealistic direction.  June 3rd Plan, played an integral role in clarifying the
princely states' status. It was determined that the
Rabindranath Tagore was the first Indian, receiving the
states had the freedom to choose between joining
nation’s first Nobel Prize (in Literature) in 1913 for his
either of the two dominions, India or Pakistan.
collection ‘Gitanjali’ published in London in 1912. He
Importantly, Lord Mountbatten did not grant sovereign
was also the first non-westerner, to receive this prize.
status to the princely states during this time.
 Sardar Patel was responsible for overseeing the
OPERATION POLO IN states' ministry within the interim cabinet, worked to
secure the allegiance of the princely states to the Indian
HYDERABAD dominion. Assisted by V.P. Menon, the ministry's
#Intergrationandconsolidation secretary, Patel appealed to the princely rulers,
#PostIndependence particularly in matters of defence, communication, and
external affairs.
 By August 15, 1947, a total of 136 princely states had
joined the Indian Union.
BRIEF HISTORY OF HYDERABAD
 Quli Qutb Shah had taken control from the Bahamani
kingdom in 1512 and laid the foundation of the
fortified city of Golconda.
 In the year 1591, under the leadership of
Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah, the fifth sultan of the
Qutb Shahi dynasty, Hyderabad was founded.
 Aurangazeb successfully captured Golconda in 1687.

 Asaf Jah I, the viceroy of Mughal empire declared 5.'Heads of Agreement' Deal:
himself the Nizam and established an independent rule  In June 1948, Lord Mountbatten proposed the 'Heads
over the Deccan. Hyderabad assumed the role of a of Agreement' deal, offering Hyderabad the status of
prominent capital city, now under the successive rule an autonomous dominion within India.
of Nizams belonging to the Asaf Jahi dynasty.
 The plan outlined restrictions on Hyderabadi armed
 In 1798, a subsidiary alliance, was forged between forces and the disbanding of voluntary forces.
the Nizam and the British East India Company.
 Although the plan was approved and signed by the
ACCESSION OF HYDERABAD TO INDIAN UNION India, it was rejected by the Nizam, who insisted on
1.Geographical and Demographic Position: complete independence or dominion status within
 Hyderabad, a landlocked state in southeastern India, the British Commonwealth.
had a distinctive geographical. 6.International Mediations:
 Despite a predominantly Hindu population, comprising  The Nizam attempted to seek arbitration from U.S.
87%, Hyderabad was under the rule of Nizam Osman President Harry S. Truman and intervention from the
Ali Khan, a Muslim ruler. United Nations.
 Hyderabad's political landscape was marked by the 7.Communist Uprising:
dominance of a Muslim elite, with the Muslim nobility  A communist-led uprising in Telangana, stemming
and the influential pro-Nizam Muslim party, Ittehad-ul- from a peasant revolt in 1946 against feudal elements,
Muslimeen, at the forefront. escalated in 1948, creating a situation the Nizam
2.Demand for Independence: struggled to suppress.
 In June 1947, Nizam Osman Ali Khan issued a  The Razakars, a militia affiliated with Ittehad-ul-
declaration (firman) expressing Hyderabad's desire to Muslimeen, supported the Muslim ruling class and
regain its independence upon the transfer of power. carried out acts of intimidation against Hindu
 The Government of India, however, rejected this communities.
declaration, viewing it as a "legalistic claim of  The state police and Razakar militia suppressed
doubtful validity." communist and peasant revolts, involving atrocities
3.Concerns: against the Hindu population, forced conversions, and
the resettlement of Muslims from outside the state.
 India argued that Hyderabad's strategic location,
situated at the crossroads of the main OPERATION POLO
communication routes connecting northern and  The Indian Army was deployed to Hyderabad in
southern India, had the potential to pose a threat to response to the deteriorating law and order situation
national security by serving foreign interests. and the operation was referred to as a "Police Action"
 Therefore, as a provisional measure, a temporary because it was viewed as an internal matter within
Standstill Agreement was established, although India.
Hyderabad had not yet agreed to accede to India and  The Indian government was deeply concerned about
the agreement only assured that Hyderabad would the idea of Hyderabad arming itself with support from
not join Pakistan. Pakistan. Sardar Patel likened the concept of an
4.Negotiations: independent Hyderabad to "an ulcer in the heart of India"
that required surgical removal.
 Negotiations were initiated through intermediaries,
with K.M. Munshi representing India and the Nizam's  This period marked the initiation of negotiations
envoys, Laik Ali and Sir Walter Monckton, guided by between India and Hyderabad, culminating in the
Lord Mountbatten. annexation of Hyderabad, known as "Operation Polo" or
sometimes referred to as "Operation Caterpillar."
 By December 1947, India accused Hyderabad of
repeatedly violating the Standstill Agreement, while the  Fearing potential reactions from other regions of India,
Nizam claimed that India was blockading the state, a state of emergency was declared as 36,000 Indian
which India denied

troops entered Hyderabad to ensure order and The evolution of Muslim political thought unfolded in a
stability. multifaceted historical context marked by interactions
 Following the surrender of Hyderabad, the Nizam of with colonial rule and the complexities of social, cultural,
Hyderabad delivered a radio address on the 23rd of and political life among the Muslim communities in India.
September 1948. The relative backwardness of the Muslim population gave
rise to competitive tendencies, intensifying the debate
 After the annexation, the Nizam retained his
about accommodating diverse social groups within
position as the head of state, in line with other
existing and future power structures and institutions.
princely rulers who had acceded to India.
SYED AHMAD KHAN (1817-1898)
 The Nizam disavowed the complaints made to the
1.Educational and Political engagement
United Nations, despite protests from Pakistan and
criticism from other nations. The UN Security Council  Syed Ahmad Khan, a prominent figure of the 19th
did not pursue the matter further, ultimately leading to century, received education in both religious Scripture,
Hyderabad's integration into India. the Quran, and Western sciences.
 His booklet, "Asbab-e-Baghawat-e-Hind" (Reasons
SIR SYED AHMAD KHAN for the Indian Revolt of 1857), highlighted British
ignorance, their aggressive expansionary policies, and
#Personalities #Modernhistory the exclusion of Indians from the Legislative Council of
#Reformmovement India as major causes for growing antagonism.
 Interestingly, non-official Indian members were
The passing of the Women’s Reservation Bill coincided with included in the Viceroy's Council from 1861, and
the 125th birth (October 17) anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmad Syed Ahmad Khan was nominated to the Viceroy's
Khan, known for propagating social reforms among the Legislative Council in 1878.
Muslim community.  He supported the efforts of Dadabhai Naoroji and
The News article delves into his views regarding Surendra Nath Banerjee in securing Indian
educational reforms for the women in the Muslim representation in the government and civil services.
community: 2.Educational and Socio-religious reforms
 Syed Ahmad Khan emphasized interfaith
understanding, exemplified by his work,
"Commentary on the Holy Bible."
 He advocated modern scientific education for Muslims,
criticizing the prevailing superstitions and regressive
customs of society.
 He founded the Scientific Society of Aligarh in 1863,
modelling it after the Royal Society of England. This
society organized annual conferences and
 Despite showing inclination for liberal values and disseminated scientific material in English and Urdu.
rationality, his views on education to be imparted to  He established various educational institutes to
women had been controversial. promote education, most notably the Muhammadan
 Syed Ahmad Khan, believed the ultimate goal for Anglo-Oriental College (MAOC) in 1875, later
women is marriage and therefore, training for them evolving into Aligarh Muslim University.
should focus on familial duties. For women’s education  The MAOC played a pivotal role in the Aligarh
he believed in a “Disorganised home-based tutor Movement of the 19th century, fostering a renaissance
education”. among Indian Muslims. While founded primarily for
 However, later he was convinced that the “rejection of Muslims, MAOC's doors were open to all, emphasizing
women’s education by Muslims played a big role in the inclusivity.
decline of the community” in comparison to others.

 Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental (MAO) College,  In his role on the Viceroy's Legislative Council, he
aimed to provide modern education while actively worked for the welfare of both Hindus and
preserving cultural heritage. Muslims.
 The Aligarh Institute Gazette, initiated by him,  Cooperation between the two communities was
campaigned against practices such as female evident in the scientific society and the Aligarh British
infanticide, polygamy, child marriage, sati, segregation India Association.
of widows, and poverty-induced marriages of young  Syed Ahmad Khan even supported the ban on cow
girls to older men. slaughter within the MAOC.
 His progressive social ideas were disseminated (b).Second Phase (After 1887)
through his magazine, "Tahdhib-ul-Akhlaq"
 His perspective on the applicability of Western
(Improvement of Manners and Morals).
democracy and nationalism in India underwent a
 Muhammadan Educational Conference: significant shift.
o To propagate the ideas of Anglo-oriental College  He argued that the complex, diverse nature of Indian
across India, Syed Khan established the All-India society, with its diverse castes, religions, and races,
Muhammadan Educational Congress in Aligarh, made representative government impractical and
U.P. could lead to Hindu dominance over Muslims.
o The first session of the congress was held in 1886  This argument laid the foundation for the two-nation
in Aligarh and was presided by Maulvi Samiullah theory, which claimed that Hindus and Muslims were
Khan. separate nations with distinct interests.
o The organisation aimed to promote educational  He aimed to establish an Anglo-Muslim alliance to
development among Muslims through conferences counter the influence of the Congress, influenced by
and also to gain University status for the Anglo- British officials and the need for their support for his
Oriental College. college.
3.Aligarh movement Syed Ahmad Khan's influence initiated social and educational
 The Aligarh Movement, the first national awakening reforms among certain sections of Muslims, reflecting the
among Muslims, began at Aligarh under the dynamism of India's diverse religious communities and their
leadership of Syed Ahmad Khan. multifaceted options. It is essential to note that his major
concerns were to advance the interests of the Muslim
 It was furthered by individuals like Khwaja Altaf
community, especially the established groups, rather than
Hussain Ali, Maulvi Wazir Ahmed, and Maulvi Shibli
promoting hatred or division among communities.
Numani.
 It sought to introduce social reforms within the Indian
Muslim community, challenging practices such as MAHABODHI TEMPLE
polygamy and the ban on widow remarriage.
COMPLEX, BODH GAYA
 The Aligarh Movement was rooted in a liberal
interpretation of the Quran and aimed to
#Buddhistsites #Artandculture
harmonize Islam with modern, liberal culture.
4.Evolution of Syed Ahmad Khan's political thought Bodh Gaya is a site where spiritual essence permeates the
(a)First Phase (Up to 1887) walls of the Mahabodhi complex. The book "Imaging Bodh
 Syed Ahmad Khan advocated for Hindu-Muslim unity, Gaya: Shared Histories and Global Future" beautifully
emphasizing their shared history and common captures the serene and deeply evocative character of this
interests. place while underscoring its historical importance.
 He advocated for the separation of religious and  Sujata Stupa and Sujata Temple, both dedicated to
political matters, believing that religious and spiritual the milkmaid who offered kheer to Buddha is situated
issues should not impede nationalist objectives. nearby.

 Gaya and Bodh Gaya are situated along River  It was at this very site that Emperor Ashoka built
Phalgu (in ancient texts known as Niranjana River), the Mahabodhi Temple around 260 BCE.
where, as per the legends Ram and Sita once sought  Following his enlightenment, the Buddha spent the
refuge along its riverbanks. subsequent seven weeks at various locations in the
o It is a right bank tributary of River Ganga. vicinity, engaged in meditation and reflection. Each
 It was near Phalgu that Prince Siddhartha achieved week held a unique significance
enlightenment, becoming the Buddha. o The first week was spent beneath the Bodhi tree
itself.
o During the second week, the Buddha stood in
unwavering contemplation of the Bodhi tree. This
precise location is now marked by the
Animeshlocha Stupa, a shrine to the north-east of
the Mahabodhi Temple complex.
MAHABODHI TREE
 The Bodhi tree holds profound significance in
connection with the life of Siddhartha Gautama.
 The Mahabodhi Temple was constructed directly east
of this sacred tree, believed to be a direct descendant
In Buddhism, the term ‘Ashtashtanas’ signifies the
of the original Bodhi Tree.
Eight Great Places connected to pivotal events in the life
 According to the Jatakas, this spot is considered the
of Lord Buddha. These include (i) Lumbini (ii) Bodh Gaya (iii)
navel of the earth, and no other location can bear the
Sarnath, and (iv) Kusinagar and to these foundational four
weight of the Buddha's enlightenment.
sites, an additional four are included: (v) Sravasti, (vi)
Rajgriha, (vii) Vaishali, and (viii) Sankasya.  Another Buddhist tradition holds that when the “world
faces destruction at the end of a kalpa, the Bodhimanda is
MAHABODHI TEMPLE
the last to vanish and the first to reappear when the world
 Mahabodhi Temple holds UNESCO World Heritage
is reborn”.
status and is located in Bodh Gaya (during Buddha’s
CONSTRUCTION OF MAHABODHI TEMPLE
time it was known as Uruwela), Bihar, India.
 Around 250 BCE, during the Mauryan dynasty, King
 The temple has a rich history that traces back to the
Ashoka visited Bodh Gaya to establish a monastery
time of Ashoka (around 232 BCE).
and shrine, although the monastery no longer exists.
 Notably, the temple houses a descendant of the
The diamond throne, which Ashoka erected at the
original Bodhi Tree, under which Buddha is believed
base of the Bodhi tree, remains as a historical relic.
to have attained enlightenment.
 In the Sunga Period (185 – 73 BCE), additional
 The temple complex features two imposing, straight-
structures were added, including columns with pot-
sided shikhara towers. This architectural style has
shaped bases around the Diamond throne, a railing
had a lasting influence, not only in Buddhist
encircling the Mahabodhi temple, as well as intricately
structures but also in Jain and Hindu temples.
carved panels and medallions.
ASSOCIATION WITH BUDDHA
 During the Gupta period (4th – 6th Century CE), the
 Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), embarked on his temple's railing was extended and adorned with coarse
spiritual journey around 589 BCE. As a young prince, he granite. It was further embellished with foliate
was deeply moved by the suffering he witnessed in the ornaments, small figures, and stupas.
world and sought to bring an end to it.
 In the 13th century, the temple faced attacks by
 His quest led him to the forested banks of the Phalgu Turkish invaders, leading to a loss of control by
river, near the city of Gaya, India. Buddhism's followers.
 He meditated beneath a revered peepul tree and  The restoration of Mahabodhi Mahavihara was
according to Buddhist scriptures, Siddhartha attained initiated by Sir Edwin Arnold in 1885, urging the
enlightenment (nibbana).

Indian and British governments to return the temple to image of lotus flowers is also a common motif in this
the Buddhists. artistic tapestry.
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE  The Mahabodhi Temple is adorned with sculptural
 UNESCO acknowledges the Mahabodhi Temple as representations of significant Buddhist figures,
"one of the earliest and most imposing structures including Avalokiteshvara (Padmapani), Vajrapani,
built entirely in brick from the Gupta period" (300– Tara, Marichi, Yamantaka, Jambhala, and
600 CE). This recognition underscores its historical and Vajravaraha.
architectural significance. CURRENT PYRAMIDAL TEMPLE
 The temple's central tower, which soars to a height of  While Emperor Ashoka is credited as the temple's
55 meters (180 feet), is a marvel of architecture. It founder, the current pyramidal structure dates
underwent extensive renovation during the 19th from the Gupta Empire, in the 5th–6th century CE.
century to maintain its grandeur.  It bears resemblance to the architectural styles of
 The central tower is surrounded by four smaller towers, contemporary Hindu temples under construction in
all constructed in a harmonious style that India.
complements the temple's overall design.  The design of a truncated pyramid is thought to have
 Encircling the Mahabodhi Temple on all four sides are been influenced by Gandharan stepped stupas with
stone railings. These railings not only serve as ornate niches containing Buddha images, alternated with
boundaries but also encapsulate profound historical Greco-Roman pillars, topped by a stupa.
and artistic details. DECLINE
o The temple's railings reveal a fascinating duality in  Buddhism faced a decline following the fall of
both style and materials used. The older railings, dynasties that had patronized it, as well as Huna
crafted from sandstone and dating back to about and early Arab Islamic invasions.
150 BCE, are rich in historical significance.  The Pala Empire in the northeast of India saw a
o The older railings narrate captivating stories revival of Mahayana Buddhism between the 8th and
through their intricate carvings. Scenes such as 12th centuries.
the Hindu/Buddhist goddess of wealth, Lakshmi,  After the Pala Empire's defeat by the Sena dynasty,
being bathed by elephants, and Surya, the Hindu sun Buddhism's prominence waned, and the Mahabodhi
god, riding a chariot drawn by four horses, adorn Temple fell into disrepair.
these ancient stone structures.
 In the 13th century, Muslim Turk armies invaded
o In contrast, the newer railings, fashioned from Bodh Gaya, resulting in further neglect of the temple.
unpolished coarse granite, are attributed to the
 The last patron, Sariputra, left for Nepal in the 15th
Gupta period. They bear a distinctive aesthetic that
century, and the temple's maintenance was assumed
showcases the evolution of artistic expression.
by local landholders.
o The newer railings feature depictions of stupas
 In the 13th century, Burmese Buddhists constructed a
(reliquary shrines) and garudas, majestic eagles. The
temple with the same name, modelled after the original
Mahabodhi Temple.
practice questions
MCQs
Q1. With reference to the reference historical sites 1. Rajgriha and Sankasya are important sites
associated with Buddhism, consider the considered being part of ‘Ashtasthanas’ in
following statements: Buddhism.

2. Bodh Gaya, where Buddha attained enlightenment (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
is situated on the banks of the Niranjana River. Q4. Consider the following statements:
3. Kusinanagar is associated with 1. ‘Best Tourism Village’, is an initiative launched by
‘Dharmachakrapravartana’ event in Buddhism. Ministry of Rural Development in cooperation with
How many of the statements given above is/are correct? Ministry of Tourism.
(a) Only one (b) Only two 2. ‘Dhordo’, a village in the list of Best Tourism Village,
(c) All three (d) None is situated in the state of Rajasthan.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q2. With reference to the cultural history of India, (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
which one of the following is the correct (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
description of “Theyyam”?
(a) Ritualistic dance form associated with the Kingdom Q5. Consider the following statements:
of Travancore. Statement-I: Sir Syed Ahmad Khan advocated for
(b) Ritualistic dance primarily associated with the active political participation of the Muslim
Brahmin community of Kerala. community.
(c) Folk dance in Kerala, primarily associated with the Statement-II: Sir Syed Ahmad Khan wanted to
Pulayas community. promote the educational and employment
(d) An ancient martial art tradition in some parts of interests of Muslim community by remaining loyal
South India. to the colonial Government.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the
Q3. With reference to the history of India, consider above statements?
the following statements: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and
1. During the reign of Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah, Statement-II is the correct explanation for
Sikh leader Banda Bahadur was executed. Statement-I.
2. In the Battle of Samana, Banda Bahadur was (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and
defeated by the Mughal emperor Farrukhsiyar. Statement-II is not the correct explanation for
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Statement-I.
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct.
Q1. Discuss the process of Hyderabad's accession and integration into the Indian Union, highlighting the key political,
social, and strategic factors that shaped this historic event. (15 marks; 250 words)
Q2. Analyse the role of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan during the 19th century socio-religious reform movement in India. (10
marks; 150 words)
Answers: 1-b, 2-c, 3-d, 4-d, 5-d

Part TWO
Ethics, Integrity
& Aptitude
Coverage from varied sources

Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude
RULE OF LAW
#Ethics #Integrity #Aptitude
“Be you never so high, the law is above you” 2. Irrespective of the superior’s directive, the official can
– Lord Justice Denning stick to the law which can be later justified in the court
or inquiries. Public representatives may give orders to
Rule of law implies that government powers are effectively
officials which creates ethical dilemmas whether to
limited by the legislature, judiciary, independent auditing
follow the representative’s order or the public
and review.
interest.
The doctrine of rule of law has its origin in England and is
3. Following rule of law will help in overcoming the same
given by A.V. Dicey. According to Dicey, there are 3
and help civil servants to function without fear or
fundamental principles of Rule of Law:
favour.
 Absence of arbitrary power: No man is punished
4. Following rule of law help resolve dilemma of ‘Secrecy
except for a breach of law.
vs Transparency’. For instance, denial of information
 Equality before the law: Equal subjection of all under RTI. Following rule of law will help the
citizens (rich or poor, high or low, official or non- government in proactive disclosure of information
official) to the ordinary law of the land administered vital for the public, but at the same time withholding
by the ordinary law courts. the information vital for national security.
 Primacy of the rights of individual: The constitution 5. Equality, though a basic virtue to be followed, equity
is the result of the rights of the individual as defined is necessary. Even the constitution provides for
and enforced by courts of law, rather than differential treatment and upholding it will help in
constitution being the source of the individual rights overcoming the sense of discrimination created by
differential treatment.
According to Plato, the meaning of rule of law is that Law
is supreme in nature, and nobody is above the law. 6. In some situations, it might seem ethically right to
circumvent rule of law. Example: Encountering a child
According to Aristotle, law should be the final sovereign
rapist or terrorist and so on. But Rule of law help in
of the state.
overcoming emotional ambiguities. Example: Even
According to Sir Edward Coke, “Rule of Law” means the the terrorist Kasab was prosecuted as per Rule of law.
absence of arbitrary power on the part of Government.
Significance of Rule of Law
Rule of law enabling ethical dilemmas  Experience of liberty – shield against
resolution majoritarianism (Navtej Singh Johar case)
Ethical dilemma refers to a situation where one must  Success of social contract.
choose between competing principles, both being right in
 Separation of power as per theory of Montesquieu.
their own way. Rule of law helps to make decisions in such
situations:  Good and stable governance
1. Rule of law gives a definitive path to follow o Rule of law and public order is the science of
irrespective of the situations and provide certainty of administration – Kautilya in Arthashastra
actions to be followed by the government. Example:
o Contract enforcement - stable investment
Demolition of a slum/ roadside vendors create a
dilemma but is necessary. o If I have to give one reason for fall of Roman empire,
it was absence of rule of law - Edward Gibbon

 Fundamental rights are secured  Judicial judgement in crucial cases – Indira Gandhi Vs
Raj Narayan case
o Lunching
 Bengaluru Mayor pays fine for use of plastic
o Custodial death
o Honour killing
Challenge to rule of law
 Regulatory enforcement  Uncertainty in laws – frequent amendments.
o MCC rules are defined but not justiciable.  Politico - bureaucratic-corporate nexus.
o Regulation on plastic waste by CBPC not followed  Cases pertaining to politicians take too long for
by state. disposal.
 Civil and criminal justice are accessible and  Haryana - Members of local bodies have minimum
affordable – PIL qualification, but not MLA’s and MP’s.
 Order and stability – If I have to give one reason for  Power abuse – ICICI – Chanda Kochhar.
fall of Roman empire, it was absence of rule of law -  Politicians living in government bungalows do not
Edward Gibbon vacate on time, despite their term ending.
 Openness in governance – Right to information, civil There is a crucial difference between "rule by law" and
society participation etc. "rule of law." In many countries, laws and legal
 Thus, overall rule of law helps create a trust-based institutions are being manipulated to undermine rather
society and generates social capital. than uphold the rule of law, even as governments wrap
their actions in "rule of law" rhetoric.
Rule of Law in India context
 Coastal regulation zone amendment.
“Rule of law and public order is the science of
 Relaxation of “Restricted Area Permit.”
administration” – Kautilya in Arthashastra
 Cancellation of coal (nationalization) act to increase
 Lokpal act – PM too is covered under this act.
private investment in mining.
 Arrest of executives - Bihar chief minister in fodder
Supreme court has observed that the public officials are
scam.
answerable to law and law alone. Objectivity, impartiality,
 Many prominent leaders arrested under 2G scam etc. transparency and other values which are the foundational
 Air travel ban on abusive MP values of civil services hinges on the implementation of
Rule of Law. Thus, Rule of law helps as a directing light to
 Swift action in Chandigarh stalking case involving the government and civil servants in fulfilling their duty.
powerful parties.

CASE STUDIES for Practice

MAINS GS PAPER IV
Case Study 1: Sameer is a newly recruited Civil Services your reputation in the department will be a crucial factor
in deciding your projects, postings and promotions.”
Officer, who recently got posted in the Ministry of Health
and Family Welfare. He is young, energetic and diligent, After all this, Sameer got very disenchanted. He was not
and has shown early signs of sound Civil Services values. able to understand if the problem was with him or with
He is very excited to work as a Civil Servant and bring others. (250 words)
some positive changes to society.
ANS.
His new task is to look at the functioning and (a) Possible emotions running through Sameer:
implementation of an important scheme for nutrition and
(i) Anger for violation of rights of poor.
suggest some improvements. He was looking forward to
his new learning experience and also to come up with (ii) Hopelessness and frustration due to non-
some new ideas. But soon he realised that the ambience cooperative attitude of other officials.
in the department was not amenable to learning and (iii) Confusion because of ethical dilemmas.
exploring. The seniors were not receptive to the requests (b) Core issue is lack of ‘spirit of public service’, due to
seeking details. Everyone showed themselves to be very which officers have ‘laid-back’ attitude and every issue
busy. is dealt with negative mindset. All this cause delay,
Sameer, on his own, started to look into the procrastination and non-action.
implementation of the scheme. He gradually realised that (c) The case presents issue of poor work culture. On one
there was a ‘laid-back attitude’ in the officers. On ground- side there is enthusiasm, hope and energy in Sameer.
level enquiry, he discovered that very few have availed of On other side, there is apathy, lack of innovation/out
the benefits of the scheme. The food grains provided of the box thinking in most of the officials. Challenges
under the scheme were of sub-standard quality. of corruption make good & ethical governance elusive.
Disturbed by the findings, he decided to investigate the
Ethical issues
supply chain of the food grains. He figured that the
 Lack of commitment and dedication.
problem is not only the procurement of the food grains,
but the storage facility was in complete shambles. On  Absence of ‘learning work-culture’.
complaining about the matter to the concerned  Low innovation and problem-solving attitude.
authorities, he was told that their hands are tied due to a  Poor emotional intelligence and empathy in solving
lack of funds. The infrastructure cannot be improved and
problems of citizens.
the manpower is also below the sanctioned strength. On
 Inefficiency in socially important nutritional scheme.
confronting the head of the scheme implementation on
the issue of a lower number of beneficiaries, he was  Leadership of additional secretary is questionable.
shown a detailed record of the beneficiaries. He was (d) Course of action:
asked to behave like a Civil Servant, rather than a  Sameer should use emotional intelligence and must
pessimist journalist. not lose empathy and courage. He should not get
The news of Sameer’s ‘adventurism’ got spread in the frustrated with negativity in the department.
department. The Additional Secretary called him and  He must use his civil service aptitude of tolerance and
asked him to have faith in the system. He also said, “You dedication.
are just a ‘cog in the wheel’. You are not the system itself.
 Gradually, he must use tools of persuasion to bring
The results of socially important schemes take time to
change in department:
yield results. Patience is the key to administration. Also,
o Reminding everyone of their constitutional and civil
service duty.

o Presenting figures/pictures on malnutrition to evoke instructed to withdraw the report. The Additional Home
their emotion. Secretary told Rakesh that he was making a big issue of a
o Bringing malnourished children to the department minor problem. He was asked to focus on the ‘bigger’
to show sorry state of affairs, to touch their issues of the state. Monsoon was coming and he must
conscience. prepare the capital city for it. He further cautioned Rakesh
that if he fails to withdraw the confidential report, he will
 He must act as role model for others to improve work
not only be posted out from the prestigious appointment
culture.
in the state capital but his further promotion, which is due
 He must come with innovative solutions to problems in near future, will also get jeopardised. (250 words)
of storage etc. Low-cost construction material can be
(a) What are the ethical issues in the case?
used. E-governance tools can be used to monitor
supply-chain. (b) What are the options available to Rakesh as the
Director of the Home Department of the coastal
 Aristotle said ‘Man is a rational creature’. Kant said,
state?
‘There is nothing above reason’. He must not lose faith
in humanity. (c) What option should Rakesh adopt and why?
In matters of possible corruption, he must report to (d) What policy measures would you suggest to combat
internal ombudsmen. the menace of trafficking, money laundering and
arms trade from our coastal borders?
Case Study 2: Rakesh is a State Civil Services Officer, who (250 words)
got the opportunity of getting posted to the capital of a ANS.
coastal state of India. He has rendered 20 years of service
(a) Ethical issues in the case:
and has the confidence of the seniors in the department.
(i) Compromise on national security due to connivance of
His mother has recently been diagnosed with cancer and
security personnel with drug traffickers.
has been admitted to a leading cancer hospital in the city.
His two children will be going to college next year. (ii) Lack of emotional intelligence in additional secretary
to understand seriousness of the problem.
After settling down in his appointment as the Director of
(iii) Bureaucratic attitude and non-responsiveness of
the Home Department of the state, Rakesh got a
confidential report through intelligence sources that the higher officials.
state coastal borders are being used for the illegal trade (iv) Ethical dilemmas of Rakesh:
of drugs. He decided to personally carry out a surprise (a) Personal interest vs public interest
check of the border posts, along with his Home (b) Service discipline vs constitutional obligation
Department team. There he caught red-handed, the drug
(c) Safety of family vs safeguarding 20-years of
traffickers with a huge consignment of drugs. What
reputation.
shocked him, even more, was the involvement of the
security personnel at the coastal border posts, in the (b) Options available to Rakesh:
trafficking. On further inquiry and investigation, it was (i) Follow advice of Additional Home Secretary and go
found that there is a long supply chain established by the ahead.
criminals for human and drug trafficking, money (ii) Seek transfer or report sick.
laundering and also arms supply to the insurgents. (iii) Withdraw report but whistle-blow the findings or leak
Perplexed and disturbed by the situation, Rakesh
it to media.
prepared a detailed and comprehensive report and
(iv) Make an exhaustive report of the situation bringing
submitted it to the Additional Home Secretary of the state.
out all facts and analyses stated clearly and seek for
In his report, he highlighted the grave internal security
written orders from Additional Home Secretary.
threat from the prevailing state of affairs.
(v) Highlight the issue so that it reaches superiors above
However, his report was not taken very well by the
Additional Home Secretary.
Additional Home Secretary and, after a week, he was

(c) Option that Rakesh should adopt: Highlight the  Ethical training in border and senior officials to be
issue so that it reaches superiors above the responsive and effective.
Additional Home Secretary. It will ensure:  Inculcating of values of courage and integrity.
 Public and seniors are informed about the issues.  Persuasive techniques to involve border inhabitants
 On personal level, there will be no crisis of conscience, in border management. E.g., Providing timely
value suppression, guilt. ‘Change is brought about information.
when ordinary people do extraordinary things”.  Ethics in international relation – persuading source
 Immanuel Kant’s categorical imperative nation to control trafficking and infiltration.
 John Rawls’s veil of ignorance  Modernisation of army and regional cooperation &
 Probity of office; work culture; good governance drills.
(d) Policy measures to combat menace of trafficking,  Tools of good governance like accountability and
money laundering and arms trade from our coastal transparency. RTI and social audit in issues of illegal
borders: migrants and infiltration.

Part Three
Essays
of
the month
Selected essays from Rau’s GSI students

Essays OF THE MONTH
Education is what remains after one has

forgotten what one has learned in school
#Philosophical #SocialIssues
SUBMITTED BY: JAIKRIT VATSAL
Disclaimer: The viewpoints in the topic are information technology and artificial intelligence has
strictly personal of the writer above. The role developed in the last 20-30 years. How would the
of Rau’s IAS Study Circle is to present the generation before us be able to understand and engage
write-up in its original form, hence the study with these ideas, as they have not been formally taught at
circle neither endorses nor rejects any viewpoint in the their schools or colleges? Even more, as individuals
submission. The purpose is only to showcase the manner of progress in life, they may pursue careers, interests or
writing. hobbies that are different from what they have learned at
Therefore, it is the sole responsibility of the reader to use school. The jobs that we are currently preparing students
his/her intellect to check the veracity of viewpoints. for might not be in existence in future.
Consider the story of boy who was born in Porbandar. He The dynamic nature of the demands of future
was timid and not really bright in academics. He joins a generations, the need of specialisation and our inability to
higher education institution in his area but due to the process and remember everything that is taught to us in
death of his father could not complete his higher our schools and colleges. Since, we barely know in what
education. This story is of boy named Mahatma Gandhi. careers we will ultimately land up and what interests we
This boy was never educated in politics and humanities should be focused on enduring and transformative
but went on to become one of the most original ideas of potential of education which remains with us and helps us
his times. Mahatma Gandhi gave the ideals of Sarvodaya, to navigate and live a fuller life.
Trusteeship and Swaraj which were based on his on What remains with us
readings and education.
These tools taught at schools and colleges are
What was that really helped him to develop into the great foundational learning that is basics of reading, writing and
personality that we know Mahatma Gandhi to be? It was mathematics which becomes the basic building block for
not formal education at a school or college, but the further learning and development. These fundamentals
foundational skills of reading and the strong moral persist with us even when we forget specific details. The
character that he developed by virtue of teaching of his importance of foundational learning is increasingly being
mother and at school. recognised globally. India’s New Education Policy also
The above quote challenges the conventional notion of emphasises on foundational learning.
education under the formal institutionalised setting of Schools and colleges help build critical thinking and
schools and colleges. Education at schools and colleges problem-solving skills, aptitude and attitude among
has been reduced to rote memorisation and mad rush for individuals. These cognitive abilities remain valuable and
marks. These marks, degrees and laurels are seen as an help us navigate new and practical challenges that life
individual’s worth. Also, the formal education system keeps throwing at us and develop creative, effective and
tends to impose implicit morals and values which often informed solutions. Critical thinking skills help foster
perpetuate certain behaviours and existing social creativity and innovation which is a foundation for
behaviours. society's progress.
The world is continuously evolving with new knowledge One enduring facet that remains with us is the love for
getting created to address the new challenges humanity knowledge and learning. The curiosity and motivation to
faces. For example, whole discipline of climate change, engage and master new knowledge and skills is

Essays OF THE MONTH
something that lasts with us for all our lives. This ability there. These core values help form the bedrock which
helps us keep ourselves updated and relevant and adapt informs our decision-making and outlook towards life all
to changing demands. through our lives.
Also, formal education often demands us to be Thus, the emphasis on education should emphasise on
comfortable with people outside our families and cultural lifelong learning, critical thinking and problem-solving,
context. This ability to adapt and negotiate with different adaptability, personal growth and development, empathy
cultures and empathy is essential and persists in all our and moral values and engagement with society. These are
lives. This is significant, particularly in a globalised world skills that are from the enduring and essential aspects of
which is ever-changing. education that go beyond the specifics facts and
information in a formal educational setting.
An often not-appreciated part of formal education i.e.,
character development and moral values that one learns
Mathematics is the Music of Reason

#PHILOSOPHICAL
SUBMITTED BY: KRISHNA PAL
Disclaimer: The viewpoints in the topic are when ideas and reasons get arranged in a systematic
strictly personal of the writer above. The pattern.
role of Rau’s IAS Study Circle is to present
the write-up in its original form, hence the One can find manifestation of this quote in a remarkable
finding in science. once upon a time, in the bustling city of
study circle neither endorses nor rejects any viewpoint
Berlin, Albert Einstein found himself engrossed in a
in the submission. The purpose is only to showcase the
peculiar experiment. No matter how bright the light shone
manner of writing.
on the metal, only light above a certain frequency caused
Therefore, it is the sole responsibility of the reader to electrons to be emitted from its surface. This
use his/her intellect to check the veracity of viewpoints. phenomenon puzzled Einstein. In a moment of insight, he
extended Max Planck's earlier discovery of quantized
“Earth provides for every man’s needs but not for energy levels in terms of “Quanta” and proposed a
every man’s greed” – Mahatma Gandhi revolutionary theory. Energy itself was quantized and light
was not a continuous wave but consisted of minuscule,
In crude terms mathematics is a science of number, space
discrete particles that he named "photons." This bold
and quantity which deals with logical reasoning and hypothesis marked a turning point in the understanding
quantitative analysis. Whereas, Music is a systematic of the nature of light and energy. The logical arrangement,
critical understanding and application of these reasons
arrangement of different components (instruments,
when rhythmically played culminated in a new field of
notes or lyrics etc), which creates a symphony or a science which encompasses the principles of applied
rhythmic pattern which engages human senses and mathematics and was aptly named as quantum physics.
inspires creativity. The quote explores an intricate Mathematics is not just the algebraic sum, calculative
function, or a vector moving with direction and
relationship between Reason , Music and Mathematics.
magnitude, it is the life that every being lives every day.
Mathematics is a symphony which comes into existence When a cheetah sprints to catch a wildebeest in Serengeti
for the reason to feed he uses the music of this reason in

Essays OF THE MONTH
calculating its speed, direction, manoeuvring etc. and the In the Economic Sector of the country, the reason for
music of these reasons plays out in this complex but measurement of the growth, share of developmental
coherent way forming many food webs sustaining the benefits in different sections, inclusive growth,
ecological integrity of the whole biome. sustainable development result in the harmony of GDP
formulation, Priority sector lending by the bank,
At the end of the Vedic period, reasons for emancipation
Sustainable Development Goals etc.
from the cycle of birth and increased sacrifices and rituals
were sought by many people. Siddhartha, a prince, The security of a nation is a result of the development of
achieved enlightenment by synthesising the essence of security devices, strategy deployed in the battlefield and
these reasons through critical thinking and meditation. He deterrent technology. Additionally, the music associated
then proposed a path known as 'Madhyam Marga' as a with this reason also contributes to the production of
means of liberation. security equipment and a variety of missiles. This music
plays a role in making a nation secure.
The need for establishing a proper drainage system,
ensuring uniformity, sanitation, and security, among During the Covid-19 pandemic, the main demand in India
other factors, led to town planning in the Indus Valley was to trace, track, and treat Covid cases in order to
Civilization. This planning included roads intersecting at maintain the health security of the nation and decrease
right angles and the use of uniformly sized burnt bricks in the spread of the virus. These reasons played out to
a 4:2:1 ratio. When these elements were combined create a melody because of which scientists at IIT Delhi
created a symphony which is still playing and has been came up with a mathematical modelling technique for
preserved since 2500 BC. prediction of the cases.
Census exercises conducted for the purpose of policy From the above discussion in different fields we can see
formulation by the government result in the collection of that indeed mathematics is the music of the reason. But,
various forms of data. When this data is rhythmically Sometimes reasons when they have the wrong
organised and processed, it yields important metrics such foundation also create music but it may result in a noise
as the infant mortality rate, maternal mortality rate, and which does not have rhythm, coherence, beat and can
demographic structure, among others. cause destruction rather than pleasure. For example,
reasoning that climate change is a hoax, flat earth society,
The pursuit of intergenerational parity, the maintenance
terrorism, lone wolf attack etc. which base their theories
of ecosystem integrity, the limitation of pollution, and the
solely on the foundation of faulty reason.
inclusion of all stakeholders in the development process,
among other factors, are essential considerations. When Aristotle famously said that a man by nature is a political
we analyse and systemize these factors, they harmonise animal. For which he gave the reasoning that mankind
to create a symphony in the form of an Environmental always acts in order to obtain what they think good and
Impact Assessment for the development process, for achieving great good for all, they form political
incorporating concepts such as the carrying capacity of an communities, named by him ‘polis’. From the above
ecosystem. argument given in the essay it can be extended and
The reason for fairness when quantified in the form of humans can be called mathematical animals obeying the
proportional representation, majority vote leading to law of reasoning. Humans exhibit a significant existence
government formation, percentage of reservation, in the universe by understanding, playing rhythmic music
majority judgement of the court etc. and systemised of reason to comprehend, find and update the gained
resulted in the ‘idea of democracy’. knowledge of the world from minute particles to large
celestial bodies.

Essays OF THE MONTH
Not all who wander are lost

#Philosophical
SUBMITTED BY: SHASHANK SHEKHAR SINGH
Disclaimer: The viewpoints in the topic are Today KFC stores are selling Sander’s recipe in 48
strictly personal of the writer above. The role countries and 6000 stores and are considered one of the
of Rau’s IAS Study Circle is to present the largest fast-food chains in the world. Looking at the
write-up in its original form, hence the study journey of Mr. Sanders, we all would agree that he
circle neither endorses nor rejects any viewpoint in the explored all the possibilities that came his way. He made
submission. The purpose is only to showcase the manner of choices and worked as hard as he could, but things took a
writing. very long time to give him to find his true calling. He
Therefore, it is the sole responsibility of the reader to use wandered, he explored, he tried and over a period, and he
his/her intellect to check the veracity of viewpoints. conquered. We can say that Mr. Sanders did wander but
he was never lost, and he emerged as a winner.
Christopher Columbus wandered through the mighty
oceans to find a route to India. He could not reach India, Wandering can manifest in a different manner as well. You
but do we recall him as someone who was lost? The may have everything that you may desire and still you may
reason why we can’t say he was lost is the fact that he not relate to the purpose of life. As mentioned, we can it
achieved a purpose. He was on his way to find a route to is association of the identity of an individual with purpose
India and in his journey; he discovered the path to North that he/she wants to put at the top. This can be
America. This was a significant achievement for him and understood from the life lessons of Gautam Buddha.
for the Spanish Monarch who sponsored his voyage.
What is not wandering?
So, one of the ways to understand voyage (or wandering)
From the above discussion, we can understand that
is something which helps a person to achieve the purpose
wandering is a way to achieve a purpose in life. But we
of his/her life and bring satisfaction to himself and to the
also need to understand what is not wandering. There can
social group to which he/she belongs.
be the following ways to identify what is not wandering.
What is wandering?
 When we are living our life only to maintain our
We all, who are born on this beautiful planet, are in a livelihood and that is our purpose only then it is not
continuous search for purpose of our life. This purpose of wandering. At times we encounter people who do not
life is discovered to us in multiple ways. We may find our have any specific desire. They have taken birth, they
purpose by exploring whatever life throws at us. We can live, they marry and reproduce and then they die. The
relate to the purpose by associating our identity with that. biggest quest for them is to just survive.
To understand this, we can go through the following life  When our goal is totally disjointed with the course that
experience. There was a person by the name of Sanders we have identified then it is not wandering.
in USA. At the tender age of 6, his father passed away and
 When the purpose of wandering is to create anarchy
this was the start of long series of struggles that he had to
and lawlessness in society, then it is not wandering.
endure for a large part of his life. He failed in almost all his
Terrorists and mercenaries can be an example of this
new endeavours. He was left with nothing, so he tried to
category of people.
sell the franchise of his restaurant. His recipe was rejected
1009 times before someone took the risk of  When the purpose of wandering is to fulfil narrow gains
experimenting. Today, Sander’s secret recipe is known to with blatant disregard to social responsibilities. For
the world as Kentucky Fried Chicken or KFC. example, the Plachimada Coca-Cola Struggle was a

Essays OF THE MONTH
series of protests to close the Coca-Cola factory in the undertaking the wandering part and keep your focus on
village of Plachimada, Palakkad District, Kerala in the the goal. Fourthly, one should create a team/group of
early 2000s. Villagers noted that soon after the factory people who have similar goals and inspire each other to
opened, their wells started to run dry and the available achieve your goals. Lastly, one should try to remove
water turned contaminated and toxic. Actions of Coca insecurities that you have which will help you in achieving
Cola cannot be considered wandering. your goal.
How not to be lost? Our beloved former President Dr. APJ Abul Kalam said,” if
you want to shine like a sun then first burn like a sun.” We
First, one needs to identify one’s nature and choose the
all want a life which is extraordinary, and this
right field to express one’s personality in that direction.
extraordinary life can be achieved when we have clarity of
Secondly, one should identify the goals that one wants to
the purpose/goal that we wish to achieve. We may not
pursue. Even if one is not clear about the goal then also
have a clear path to reach our goals but this is what
one should follow ethical means to reach ethical goals.
wandering is all about.
Thirdly, one should keep checking the path that you are


Rau's NOVEMBER Magazine - 2023

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Rau's NOVEMBER Magazine - 2023

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.

https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/

https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/

https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/

https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/

https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/

BIMA TRINITY LAW COMMISSION REPORT ON POCSO ACT

NET INTEREST MARGIN (NIM) POLITICIZATION OF BUREAUCRACY

NON-CALLABLE DEPOSITS ARTICLE 142 OF THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION

CREDIT INFORMATION COMPANIES (CICS) REMOTE ELECTRONIC VOTING MACHINE (RVM)

BULLET REPAYMENTS ETHICS COMMITTEE OF LOK SABHA AND RAJYA SABHA

WITHDRAWAL OF ₹2000 CURRENCY NOTES

https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/

NCBC HEARING ON BENGAL DEMAND TO INCLUDE 87 ADULT LITERACY

PROTOCOL FOR IDENTIFICATION AND MANAGEMENT OF

REFORMING THE MULTILATERAL DEVELOPMENT BANKS INDIAN SIGN LANGUAGE

INDIAN OCEAN RIM ASSOCIATION

DEEP UNDER ANTARCTIC SEA, AN ANCIENT LANDSCAPE

SOCIETY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE #World Geography 76

https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/

DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

DOES THE BIO DECOMPOSER HELP? IT’S ALL IN THE TIMING,

PRACTICE QUESTIONS 98 #Intergrationandconsolidation #PostIndependence 116

https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/

SIR SYED AHMAD KHAN

Ethics, Integrity and SUBMITTED BY: JAIKRIT VATSAL 130

MATHEMATICS IS THE MUSIC OF REASON

NOT ALL WHO WANDER ARE LOST

CASE STUDIES for Practice

https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/

https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/

https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/

FOCUS | NOVEMBER 2023 | RAU’S IAS 2

https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/

FOCUS | NOVEMBER 2023 | RAU’S IAS 3

https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/

FOCUS | NOVEMBER 2023 | RAU’S IAS 4

https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/

Bond Yield increases Bond yield increases

 Increased borrowings operations during the process of economic development. The

FOCUS | NOVEMBER 2023 | RAU’S IAS 5

https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/

FOCUS | NOVEMBER 2023 | RAU’S IAS 6

https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/

significantly lower than men. incurred.

FOCUS | NOVEMBER 2023 | RAU’S IAS 7

https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/

Working age population

Labour Force (Actively seeking work) Not in the Labour force

 Unemployment rate = Unemployed people / Total labour force

Activity status Reference Period Criterion

Weekly status Last 7 days At least 1 hour

FOCUS | NOVEMBER 2023 | RAU’S IAS 8

https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/

KEY FINDINGS OF THE REPORT CONCERNS WITH INCREASING SHARE OF SELF-

Keeping in view of the rising self-employed category of

Casual labour INDIA'S DIRECT TAX

FOCUS | NOVEMBER 2023 | RAU’S IAS 9

https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/ https://upscpdf.com/

filed by individual taxpayers across various ranges of gross

FACTS RELATED TO TAX COLLECTIONS

 As of the fiscal year 2023, India's tax-to-GDP ratio