Current Affairs

November 2023

Chief Editor
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Contents
Israel-Hamas Conflict..........................................................................................6
ISRO: The Poster Boy of India......................................................................... 12
India-Qatar Bilateral Relations...................................................................... 15
Same Sex Marriages in India: An Overview.............................................. 17
UAPA Act, 1967................................................................................................... 20
Digital India Act................................................................................................. 21
Autonomy of a Woman: Pregnancy Right................................................. 22
Implementation Status of PoSH Act............................................................ 23
RCEP...................................................................................................................... 24
India-U.K. 2+2 Dialogue.................................................................................. 25
South China Sea................................................................................................ 26
Use of AI in Defence Sector............................................................................ 27
Joint Theatre Commands................................................................................ 28
Cyber Security Exercise, 2023........................................................................ 29
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.................................... 31
Centre approves Subsidy on Fertilisers...................................................... 32
Manual Scavenging.......................................................................................... 33
Circular Migration............................................................................................. 35
Dakar Declaration............................................................................................. 36
Framework for Climate Services................................................................... 37
Ecological Health of the Himalayas............................................................. 38
Interconnected Disaster Risks Report, 2023............................................. 39
Nobel Prize for Medicine 2023...................................................................... 41
Nobel Prize for Chemistry 2023.................................................................... 43
India AI Report................................................................................................... 44
Hydropower in India........................................................................................ 46
Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)............................................................ 47
Cyclone Tej........................................................................................................... 49
Global Estimation of the Impact of Disasters on Agriculture.............. 50
Global Maritime India Summit 2023........................................................... 50
Matsya Sampada Jagrukta Abhiyan............................................................ 51
Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor.......................................................................... 51
Copyright of Religious Texts.......................................................................... 52
Large Language Models & NDTSP............................................................... 52
Minimum Support Prices for Rabi Crops................................................... 53
Proxy Advisory Firms........................................................................................ 54
Small Savings Instruments (SSIs).................................................................. 55
Jamrani Dam Multipurpose Project under PMKSY................................. 55
ii
Nano Di-Ammonia Phosphate (DAP) Liquid Fertilizer........................... 56
Reference Fuels.................................................................................................. 56
Reforms for Multilateral Development Banks.......................................... 57
International Humanitarian Law.................................................................. 57
Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations........................................... 58
SAMPRITI-XI......................................................................................................... 59
Exercise Harimau Shakti 2023....................................................................... 59
Smart Fencing along Myanmar Border...................................................... 59
CHAKRAVAT-2023.............................................................................................. 60
Bharat NCX 2023................................................................................................ 60
MQ-9B................................................................................................................... 61
Operation Chakra II........................................................................................... 61
SHREYAS Scheme......................................................................................... 62
Creation of New Districts........................................................................... 62
Electoral Bonds............................................................................................. 63
Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University....................................... 63
Habitat Rights............................................................................................... 64
Mera Yuva Bharat......................................................................................... 65
India Skills Program 2023-24.................................................................... 65
Appointments and Transfer of Judges in HCs...................................... 66
Procedure for Raising the Questions in Lok Sabha............................. 67
Politicization of Bureaucracy.................................................................... 67
Appeals Pending with Information Commissions: Report............... 68
Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal.............................................. 69
SHRESTHA Scheme........................................................................................... 70
Retailer Skill Development Program........................................................... 70
Tribal Youth Exchange Program (TYEP)...................................................... 70
The State of India’s Scheduled Areas.......................................................... 71
Tele-MANAS Service......................................................................................... 72
6 Environment
Tortoise Trafficking Network.......................................................................... 73
Pygmy Hog.......................................................................................................... 73
Contents
Invasive Plant Species...................................................................................... 74
Asiatic Wild Dog (Dhole)................................................................................. 75
Principles to Close the Asia-Pacific Financial Gap................................... 75
Gangetic River Dolphins................................................................................. 76
Dancing Frog...................................................................................................... 76
Amazon River Dolphin..................................................................................... 77
Armageddon Reedtail..................................................................................... 77
Green Credit Program (GCP) & Ecomark Scheme under
LiFE Initiative...................................................................................................... 77
Kaziranga National Park.................................................................................. 78
Tradable Green Credit...................................................................................... 78
The High Cost of Cheap Water Report........................................................ 79
Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act, 2022............................................. 79
Bamboo for Landslides Prevention............................................................. 80
World Energy Outlook-2023 Report............................................................ 81
Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF)............. 82
Global Solar Stock-take Report..................................................................... 82
The 2023 State of the Climate Report......................................................... 83
7 Science & Technology
R21/Matrix-M Malaria Vaccine....................................................................... 84
Anti-TB Drug....................................................................................................... 85
Cholera Disease................................................................................................. 85
Cancer Screening.............................................................................................. 86
Cancer Treatment Breakthrough CAR-T Therapy.................................... 87
Kármán Line........................................................................................................ 87
Project Kuiper..................................................................................................... 88
Aditya-L1 Mission: Trajectory Correction Maneuvre.............................. 88
Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA)-based Scan and
Share Service...................................................................................................... 88
Multimodal Artificial Intelligence................................................................ 89
Cancer Cells and Chemotherapy.................................................................. 89
Lymphatic Filariasis (LF).................................................................................. 89
Quantum Engine............................................................................................... 90
White Phosphorus............................................................................................. 91
Quantum Algorithms....................................................................................... 92
Graphite............................................................................................................... 92
Standards & Labelling Programme for Solar Panels............................... 92
Most Distant ‘Fast Radio Burst’ Recorded in History.............................. 93
8 Geography
Ichamati River..................................................................................................... 94
Sutlej-Yamuna Link Canal............................................................................... 94
Ozone Hole over Antarctica........................................................................... 95
iv
Rwanda................................................................................................................. 96
Kongthong Village............................................................................................ 96
Southwest Monsoon Withdraws from India............................................. 97
“Dwelling in Fuchun Mountains” Paintings............................................... 98
100 Million Hectares of Arable Land Lost Yearly to Degradation:
UNCCD Data........................................................................................................ 99
Vizhinjam Port..................................................................................................100
International Migration Outlook 2023.....................................................100
An Ancient Landscape under Antarctic Ice.............................................101
Tectonic Plates on ancient Venus...............................................................101
9 Culture & History
Wagh Nakh........................................................................................................102
Project Veer Gatha 3.0....................................................................................102
Yeshwant Ghadge...........................................................................................103
Sharda Temple..................................................................................................103
Gond Art.............................................................................................................103
KatiBihu..............................................................................................................103
Vajra Mushti Kalaga........................................................................................104
Meri Maati, Mera Desh Campaign..............................................................104
Puri Temple Ratna Bhandar..........................................................................104
10 Miscellaneous
Nobel Prize for Literature 2023...................................................................106
2023 Nobel Peace Prize.................................................................................106
Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences 2023...................................................106
Asian Games.....................................................................................................107
Saraswati Samman..........................................................................................107
Five Sports included in Los Angeles 2028 Olympics............................108
White Cane Day...............................................................................................108
69th National Film Awards...........................................................................108
Best Tourism Villages 2023...........................................................................109
PM Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI)......................................................109
Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhuyday Yojana (PM- AJAY)........110
Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) Awards...................................................110
11 Data Recap
..............................................................................................................................111
Mains Questions..............................................................................................112
 Current Affairs Feature Articles
Edition: November 2023

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Cover Story Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023

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 Current Affairs
COVER STORY Cover Story
Edition: November 2023

ISRAEL-HAMAS CONFLICT
Recently, in an early October 2023, a war broke out between Israel and Hamas
almost exactly fifty years after the Yom Kippur War

History of Conflict:
The Israel-Hamas conflict is a deeply rooted dispute over territory,
identity, and sovereignty in the Middle East.
• 19th Century: The Zionist movement emerged in Europe,
advocating for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in
Palestine, then part of the Ottoman Empire.
• 1917: The British government issued the Balfour Declaration
during World War I, expressing support for "the establishment
in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people."
• 1920: The League of Nations granted Britain the mandate to
govern Palestine. Jewish immigration to Palestine increases,
leading to tensions with the Arab population followed with
intensification of protests and violence against Jewish
immigration.
• 1947: United Nations proposes a partition plan for Palestine,
recommending that the land be divided into separate Jewish
and Arab states, with Jerusalem designated as an international
city.
• 1948: Israel declares independence followed with Arab Israeli
War when five Arab nations (Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan
and Iraq) invaded territory in the former Palestinian mandate.
• 1964: Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) was founded,
aiming to represent Palestinian interests which led to Six-Day
War resulting into Israel occupying the West Bank, Gaza Strip,
East Jerusalem, Sinai Peninsula, and Golan Heights.
• 1987: First Intifada, a Palestinian uprising in the West Bank and
Gaza Strip aimed at ending Israel's occupation of Palestinian
territories and establishing an independent Palestinian state.
It came to an end in September 1993 with the signing of the
first Oslo Accords, which laid the groundwork for future peace
talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
• 1993: Oslo Accords led to limited Palestinian self-rule in parts of
the West Bank and Gaza Strip under the Palestinian Authority.
• 2000: The Second Intifada erupted, marked by violent clashes
and suicide bombings followed with Israel unilaterally
withdrawing from the Gaza Strip, dismantling settlements.
• 2014: Israel launched Operation Protective Edge in the Gaza
Strip, a Palestinian territory that has been governed by Hamas
since 2007.
• 2021: A series of events, including clashes in East Jerusalem
and Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, escalated into an 11-day
conflict, further strained the relations.
• With the increasing normalization of Israel-Arab relations post
Abraham accords, Palestinians have come to believe that the
historical Arab Israeli conflict has become more of an Israel-
Palestinian issue.
• October 2023: Hamas's Al-Qassam Brigades launched
Operation Al-Aqsa Flood from the Gaza Strip attacking Israeli
settlements and military bases in the Gaza envelope.

YOM KIPPUR WAR

• Began on October 6, 1973, was a conflict between Israel and a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria.
• It emerged from longstanding Middle East tensions and territorial disputes. The war saw initial Arab successes but ended in an
Israeli counteroffensive. International mediation led to a ceasefire on October 25, 1973.
• The conflict had significant casualties and profound implications for regional diplomacy, culminating in peace agreements like
the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty in 1979.
ABRAHAMIC RELIGION
• Abrahamic religions primarily refer to a group of major world religions like Judaism, Islam & Christianity that trace their spiritual
lineage to the biblical figure Abraham.
• They share significant theological and historical connections, but they also have distinct beliefs, practices, and traditions. For
example, Judaism, Islam and Christianity.
ACCORDS
• Oslo Accords: Under this, a part of the West Bank came under the control of the Palestinian Authority.
• Abraham Accords: It is a series of agreements to normalize relations between Israel and several Arab states.
 The accords are named after the patriarch Abraham regarded as a prophet in Judaism and Islam.
 The accord has normalized the relations between many West Asian countries and Israel.

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Edition: November 2023

IMPORTANT GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATIONS IN THE CONFLICT

1. Golan Heights: Bordered by Israel, Israel, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. During the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel captured the
Golan Heights from Syria. Israel has maintained control of the region since then. Except US, International community does not
recognize Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights.
2. West Bank: It is situated between the Jordan River to the east and the Green Line (the 1949 armistice line) to the west. It shares
borders with Israel to the west, north, and south, and with Jordan to the east. It has been under Israeli military occupation since
the 1967 Six-Day War.
3. Gaza Strip: It is located in the eastern part of the Mediterranean region, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the west, Israel
to the east and north, and Egypt to the south. Hamas has governed the Gaza Strip since 2007 when it took control in a violent
conflict.
4. Sinai Peninsula: It is a triangular-shaped region in northeastern Egypt, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Gulf
of Aqaba and the Red Sea to the east, and Israel and the Gaza Strip to the northeast. Egypt has had control and sovereignty
over the Sinai Peninsula since the signing of the Camp David Accords in 1978 and the subsequent Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty
of 1979.
5. Jerusalem: It is home to some of the most sacred sites in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. These include the Western Wall
(Wailing Wall), the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Al-Aqsa Mosque, Dome of the Rock, located on the Temple Mount (known as
Haram al-Sharif in Islam).

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SHIA
• Believe that leadership should be vested in the family of the
Prophet Muhammad, specifically through his cousin and
son-in-law, Ali, and his descendants (Imams).
• Shia Muslims make up the minority of the Muslim population
(approximately 10-15%).
• Concentrated in countries like Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, and
significant communities in Lebanon, Pakistan, and India.
• Consider Najaf, Karbala, Qom, and Mashhad as important
religious centers.
ISLAMIC
• Relates to or is associated with Islam, its teachings, culture
pertaining to the religion itself.
• Broader and inclusive, often related to religious and cultural
aspects of Islam.
• Generally apolitical and may not involve participation in
political activities.
KEY STAKEHOLDERS IN THE RECENT CONFLICT
• Israel considers Hamas a security threat due to its
rocket attacks, terrorism, and its stated goal of Israel's
destruction. Israel's military actions in response to these
threats contribute to the ongoing conflict.
• Palestinian Authority (PA): Established in the mid-1990s
following the Oslo Accords, it continues to grapple with
its limited administrative powers in the West Bank and
Gaza. Its relationship with Hamas remains tense, with
reconciliation attempts yielding minimal results.
• Hamas: Founded in 1987 during the First Intifada, draws
its ideological roots from the Muslim Brotherhood. Its 1988
charter called for the establishment of an Islamic state
in Palestine, covering the entirety of what is now Israel,
the West Bank, and Gaza. Many Western nations and
organisations, including the US and EU, classify Hamas as
a “terrorist” organisation due to its commitment to armed
resistance.
• Hezbollah: It is a Lebanese Shia Islamist political party and
militant group which has vowed to escalate if Israel begins
a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip.
Geostrategic Implications:
• Regional Instability: The conflict contributes to regional
instability in the Middle East, impacting neighboring countries
and potentially escalating tensions in the region.
• Proxy Dynamics: The conflict often involves regional and
international powers supporting either Israel or Hamas,
leading to a proxy war dimension.
8
SUNNI
• Follow the consensus of the community (ijma) and the
example of the Prophet Muhammad's companions (Sunnah).
• Accept the first four caliphs (Rashidun), including Abu Bakr,
Umar, Uthman, and Ali, as rightful successors to the Prophet
Muhammad.
• Predominantly found in countries such as Saudi Arabia,
Egypt, Turkey etc.
• Holy sites include Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem.
ISLAMIST
• Refers to individuals, groups, or movements that seek to
implement Islamic principles in the political, social, and legal
domains.
• Focuses on political and societal aspects, advocating for the
application of Islamic law (Sharia) or Islamic governance.
• Security Concerns: Ongoing conflict and periodic escalations
can disrupt regional security, affecting trade routes, energy
supplies, and the overall stability of the region.
• Humanitarian Crisis: The conflict leads to humanitarian crises
in the Gaza Strip, causing suffering for the local population
and attracting international attention.
• Global Repercussions: The conflict has global repercussions,
with countries and international organizations getting involved
in diplomatic efforts and humanitarian assistance.
Humanitarian Crisis:
• Because of Israel's blockade, approximately 95 percent of the
population lacks access to clean water, and more than half of
all Gazans rely on international assistance for basic services.
• Under international law, approximately 80% of Gaza's residents
are considered refugees, and Palestinians constitute the
world's largest stateless community.
• Although the Israeli military claims that it is only targeting
weapons storage facilities and infrastructure used or
occupied by Hamas militants, air strikes have allegedly
destroyed neighborhoods, schools, and mosques.
• With food, fuel, and water supplies rapidly dwindling, UN
and other international aid organizations are collaborating to
establish "safe zones" within Gaza where civilians can receive
immediate humanitarian assistance.
Impact on India:
• Given the evolving nature of the conflict, India which
supports a two-state solution may have to modify its
diplomatic stance.

• India was forced to condemn the attack due to its nature,
which targeted civilians.
• Israel is a major supplier of defense equipment to India which
is currently worth over Rs 74,000 crore.
• The conflict could jeopardize India's future projects, such as
the India-Middle East-Europe Mega economic corridor.
India’s Current Stand:
India always advocated for the resumption of direct negotiations
towards establishing a sovereign, independent and viable state
of Palestine, living within secure and recognised borders, side
by side at peace with Israel.
Reasons for India's stand:
• Choosing National interests: There is a feeling that India’s pro-
Palestine stance over the years has not yielded dividends in
terms of national interest. In fact, Palestine has often offered
unqualified support to Pakistan on the issue of Kashmir.
• India’s strategic approach born out of necessity: The 90 lakh-
strong Indian community in the region and connectivity to
West Asia and Europe. Crucially, more than 50% of India’s
energy imports are sourced from West Asia.
OPERATION AJAY
• India launched this operation to facilitate the return of those
Indians who wish to return home.
• According to estimates, around 18,000 Indians are
currently residing in Israel.
• ‘Formally’ Unchanged position: India supports the two-state
solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side by
establish peaceful resolution.
DISCUSSION AT UN
• The UN Secretary-General urged both sides and other
bodies involved to avoid further escalation. He also
demanded the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
• Two proposed legislations failed: one was drafted by Brazil
and vetoed by the US, while the other was proposed by
Russia and received insufficient votes.
• UN’s World Health Organization has been involved in getting
medical supplies into the besieged Gaza Strip through the
Rafah border.
• According to China's Foreign Minister, while every country
has the right to self-defense, they must also follow
international law and protect civilians.
• India abstained on a resolution adopted by the UN General
Assembly. The resolution received 120 votes in favor, with
only 14 countries voting against it, including Israel, the
United States, Hungary, and five Pacific Island states.
Cover Story Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023
CURRENT STATUS OF PALESTINE
The United States has traditionally not supported
Palestinian call for UN statehood, arguing that this
US
issue should only be resolved through talks with
Israel.
It generally supports a two-state solution to the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Israel and a future
Palestinian state living side by side in peace.
Russia
It maintains contacts with both Israeli and Palestinian
authorities and has advocated for a negotiated
settlement through international channels.
It recognizes Palestine as a state along with having
a close tie with Israel.
UK It has been involved in diplomatic efforts to promote
peace and has supported international resolutions
aimed at resolving the conflict.
France supports the creation of a Palestinian
State, living within secure and recognized borders
alongside Israel, with Jerusalem as the capital of
both States.
France
According to France, the conflict can only be
resolved by two states living side by side in peace
and security, in accordance with international
law.
China expresses support for the establishment
of an independent Palestinian state based on the
China 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
It also calls for negotiations and peaceful dialogue
to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
India has traditionally maintained a balanced
approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It
recognizes Israel as a sovereign state and has
diplomatic relations with both Israel and the
India
Palestinian Authority.
India provides developmental and humanitarian
assistance to Palestinians through various projects
and aid programs.
Way Ahead:
• The triumph of violent religious extremism and the weakening
of moderate regimes will have security and political
consequences for India. India must not conflate Israel with
Netanyahu and must strengthen Palestinian Authority against
Hamas.
• According to C. Raja Mohan, strengthening moderates in
Israel and Palestine, supporting reconciliation between them,
and promoting a wider coalition of moderate states is critical
for India’s long-term prospects in the Middle East.
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 Current Affairs Cover Story
Edition: November 2023

UNDERSTANDING A
CENTURY OLD ISSUE (Infographics)

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Edition: November 2023

ECONOMIC IMPACT OF WAR

Two shocks in this scenario have an influence on the world economy: a 10% increase in oil prices and a move away from risk in the
financial markets, which is accompanied by an eight-point increase in the volatility index, a commonly used indicator of risk aversion.

GLOBAL GROWTH AND INFLATION IMPACT OF

THREE SCENARIOS FOR HOW THE ISRAEL–HAMAS CONFLICT COULD EVOLVE

IMPACT ON OIL IMPACT ON GLOBAL

SCENARIO DETAILS
PRICES AND VIX* GDP AND INFLATION**

• Ground invasion of Gaza

• Oil: +$4/barrel • GDP: –0.1 ppts.
Confined war • Limited broader regional conflict
• VIX: No impact • Inflation: +0.1 ppts.
• Lower Iranian crude output

• Multifront war in Gaza, West Bank,

• Oil: +$8/barrel • GDP: –0.3 ppts.
Proxy war Lebanon, Syria
• VIX: +8 points • Inflation: +0.2 ppts
• Unrest in wider Middle East

• Israel and Iran in direct conflict • Oil: +$64/barrel • GDP: –1.0 ppts.
Direct war
• Unrest in wider Middle East • VIX: +16 points • Inflation: +1.2 ppts.

Source: Bloomberg Economics

*Impact calibrated based on 2014 Gaza War, 2006 Israel–Lebanon War, and 1990–1991 Gulf War.
**Impact on year on year change in global GDP and inflation for 2024, estimated using Bayesian Global VAR
VIX: Volatility Index

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COVER STORY Cover Story
Edition: November 2023

ISRO: THE POSTER BOY OF INDIA

Premier Space Agency of India was lauded across globe for the success of its various interplanetary missions.

About: ISRO'S FOCUS AREAS

• The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), after the
1. Satellite Communication: Founded in 1969, ISRO prioritizes
hat-trick of 3 interplanetary missions (Mars Orbiter Mission,
satellite communication for national telecommunication,
Soft landing of Chandrayaan 3 and Aditya L1 mission) has
broadcasting, and broadband infrastructure using systems
established itself as a prominent global space agency in the
like INSAT and GSAT.
realms of space exploration, satellite technology, and launch
2. Earth Observation: ISRO excels in earth observation with
capabilities.
satellites like IRS, RISAT, Cartosat, and Resourcesat
• Through a series of impressive accomplishments and
for weather forecasting, disaster management, and GIS
substantial contributions, ISRO has played a pivotal role in
applications.
advancing India's space program.
3. Satellite-Aided Navigation: Projects like GAGAN and NavIC
Key Reasons behind ISRO's Success: enhance regional GPS coverage, benefiting civil aviation
• Talent Met Leadership: Due to brain drain , ISRO was deprived and air traffic management
of the talented pool from Prestigious IITs and NITs. However, 4. Deep Space Exploration: Notable missions include
the identification of talented and skilled students from lesser- Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan, with plans for Gaganyaan,
known colleges helped ISRO in its formative years. It showed representing ISRO's expansion into human spaceflight.
the depth of talent in the country and how the right kind of 5. Launch Vehicle Technology: ISRO's mastery ranges from
leadership and culture can bring the best out of anyone. SLV to PSLV and GSLV, with GSLV MkIII capable of
 The ability to attract and retain some of the best people deploying 3.5 MT payloads into geostationary orbit.
at every stage in its journey would be the organization’s
trump card. Notable Missions:
• Visionary Leadership: The visionary leaders like Vikram
Sarabhai and Satish Dhawan has played crucial role in
shaping ISRO's mission and culture.
 For instance, Sarabhai always had a 20-year blueprint. He
was dreaming of launching geostationary satellites much
before India had the rocketry to put a 30-kilo satellite
into near-earth orbit and creating liquid fuel propellant
capability to power the next generation of rockets.
• Culture of Innovation: ISRO's culture of meritocracy, non-
hierarchical mindset, transparency, and freedom to innovate
and fail has been instrumental in its success.
• Adaptability and Learning from Failures: ISRO’s ability to
quickly analyze and address failures in its missions and
incorporate recommendations for improvement is one of the
vital pillar behind its success.
 For instance, the learning from the failure of the soft
landing of Chandrayaan-2 has helped in accomplishment
of soft landing by Chandrayaan-3 Mission.
• Strategic Collaboration: The organization's strategic
collaborations, such as learning rocket technology from
NASA and securing cryogenic engine technology, have
propelled its capabilities.
• Inclusivity: ISRO has been an inclusive workplace, with
women scientists and researchers leading complex missions.
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Edition: November 2023

Challenges Faced by the Indian Space Sector:
Financial Constraints:
• Space Budget: Our space budget is one of the lowest among
space savvy nations and is 1/6th of China. India’s space
market size is 0.3% of its GDP and by 2030 the target is to
increase the share to 1.3% of GDP.
 India has just 53 satellites in space out of 5500 operational
amounting to just 1%. The USA has the highest share of
63 per cent, followed by China-10 per cent.
 We are still dependent on foreign satellites for our needs
such as broadband, etc.
 By 2030, the global space economy will be valued at $1
trillion and the Indian space economy should be in the
range of $50 - $100 billion.
to 26.7 tons to GTO and 63.8 tons to LEO. Hence, we have to
rely on other agencies for heavy lift off.
Talent Pool:
• Limited Availability of Skilled Talent: Scarcity of skilled
individuals with the necessary technical background for
upstream roles in the space industry. There is dearth of
marketing professionals with technical knowledge.
• Preference for Established Corporations: MBA graduates
with technical backgrounds tend to prefer safer roles in
established business houses at market salary levels. Risk-
averse behavior hinders the flow of talent to startups and
cutting-edge projects related to the Space Sector.
• Pay Disparity and Budget Allocation: High salary expectations
of computer and communications engineers, affecting
budget allocation.
 Approximately 60-70% of the budget goes to salaries,
affecting facility creation and raw material procurement.

Private Sector:
Lack of Independent Think Tanks:
• The Indian market lacks independent think tanks to assess
the prospects of space companies. Investors rely on studying
business plans for investment decisions.
• Private sector, specially startups are facing widespread
challenges in making a mark in Indian Space Sector, which
are as discussed in the table (below):

Initiatives taken by Government of India:

• India's Space Policy 2023: Key Entities:
 Department of Space:
 Provides overall policy guidance and implements
space technologies.
 Coordinates international cooperation and global
Technological Constraints: space governance in consultation with the Ministry of
• Heavy Lift Off: India’s heaviest rocket GSLV MK III can lift up External Affairs.
to 4 tons to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) and 10 tons  Establishes mechanisms to resolve space activity
to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy can lift up disputes.

Category Benefits of starting abroad
Input Better access to capital
Driven
Better access to talent/resources
Clarity in space policy regime
Process
Conducive space start-up ecosystem
Driven
Encouragement from space agencies
Encouragement from government
Output
Better access to clientele
Driven
Challenges of starting in India
Lack of access to capital
Difficulty in accessing resources
Uncertain policy/regulatory
environment
Bureaucracy/red tapism
ISRO’s rigid mentality
Lack of government
Outreach problem
Avenues for Improvement
Access to grant/funding
opportunities
Better procurement policy
Building a supportive ecosystem
Undertaking structural changes
Redefining the role of space agency
13
 Current Affairs Cover Story
Edition: November 2023
 INSPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and
Authorization Centre):
 Functions as a single-window clearance and
authorization agency for space activities.
 Manages tasks like launch approvals, establishing
launch pads, satellite transactions, and data
dissemination.
 Facilitates technology sharing with Non-Government
Entities (NGEs) and government companies.
 Establishes a stable regulatory framework for fair
competition.
 Promotes industry clusters and issues guidelines on
liability issues.
• New Space India Limited (NSIL):
 Focuses on commercializing space technologies and
platforms developed through public investment.
 Engages in manufacturing, leasing, and procuring space
components, technologies, and assets from both private
and public sectors.
• Rationalizing ISRO's Role:
 ISRO shifts from manufacturing operational space
systems to transferring mature systems to industries for
commercial usage.
 Focuses on R&D in advanced technology and long-term
projects, including Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan.
 Shares technology, products, processes, and best
practices with both government and non-government
companies, enhancing collaboration and innovation.
• Growth in Space Startups:
 The establishment of IN-SPACe and NSIL has led to a
significant increase in the number of space startups in
India. In 2019, there were 11 space startups, and this
number has grown to 190+ by 2023.
 Total funding for Indian space startups has reached $112
million, ranking 7th in the world, signaling the beginning of
growth in the sector.
• Transition Towards Independent Private Space Companies:
 While major global players like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and
Virgin Galactic have transformed the space industry by
reducing costs and turnaround times, India's private
space industry was initially limited to government vendors
and suppliers.
 Notable Indian startups have emerged with significant
achievements:
 Skyroot Aerospace designed India's first privately
developed rocket, Vikram-1.
 Agnikul Cosmos established India's first private space
vehicle launch pad in Sriharikota.
 Digantara offers Space Debris Mapping and Analysis
Services.
14
Other Agencies:
• Antrix: ISRO's commercial arm, Antrix, promotes ISRO's
space products and technologies worldwide.
• Indian Space Association (ISpA) Launch:
 Government of India initiated ISpA in 2021.
 Aims to open the space industry to private sectors and
start-ups. Founding members include Larsen & Toubro,
Tata Group's Nelco, OneWeb etc.
• Change in Indian Government's Approach to FDI:
 Indian companies can now invest up to 100% in all sectors.
 Approval from the central government is required for 70%
FDI in upstream, midstream, and downstream segments.
Way Forward:
• Legislative Framework: In 2021, the NALSAR Centre for
Aerospace and Defence Laws initiated the drafting of a Space
Activities Bill and a space policy, aimed at regulating the legal
aspects of the space manufacturing industry in India.
• Increase Funding :The Centre earmarked Rs 13,700 crore
for the Department of Space (DoS) in the Union Budget
2022-23,which is very less as compared to 26 Biliion $ of
NASA. Thus, for ISRO to match the success of NASA , the
funding needs to be enhanced.
• PLI schemes: On the lines of electronics and textile sectors,can
be introduced to provide incentives to startups involved in
this sector.
• Focus on R&D: to accelerate the reusable launch vehicle to
decrease the cost of launches.
• Space Tourism: Indian investors must take up the risk to invest
in space startups. Space tourism can be seen as a tool to
earn more revenues.
• Incentive Enhancement: Boost incentives for private
enterprises engaged in satellite development and rocket
testing. Lower costs to encourage private investment in
operational spacecraft.
• Collaboration: Facilitate ISRO's collaboration with the private
sector, offer access to ISRO's satellite technology, facilities,
and orbital slots and attract both domestic and Foreign Direct
Investment (FDI) for the growth of the space industry.
• Human Capital in Space Sector: Enhance space sector human
capital in India through education, training, and industry
collaboration to foster skilled workforce and innovation.
Conclusion:
• ISRO's evolution into a global space exploration leader
showcases India's scientific prowess. India has the potential
of achieving a 10% share in the space sector by 2030 and not
only that, the Indian space sector will play a major geopolitical
tool in future.
 COVER STORY
INDIA-QATAR BILATERAL RELATIONS
Eight former Indian Navy personnel were sentenced to death by
a court in Qatar in an alleged case of espionage.
Qatar: A Brief Overview
• Qatar is in West Asia and It is
located on the eastern coast of
the Arabian Peninsula. Its
territory is composed of a
number of islands; including
Halul, Shraouh, Al-Asshat and
others.
• Doha is the capital city.
• Qatar is a major oil and gas power: Its energy exports have
brought it immense wealth Qatar has a per capita GDP of
~82,000 USD, one of the highest in the world. India is one of
the largest importers of Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG).
• It is also the headquarters of the Al Jazeera media network.
• Qatar has cooperative defense and security agreements with
several countries, including the United States. It hosts the Al
Udeid Air Base, which is one of the largest U.S. military bases
in the region.
• It is an active member of international organizations such as
the United Nations (UN), the Arab League, and the Organization
of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
• It is amongst the major supporter of the Muslim Brotherhood.
MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD
It is the oldest political Islamist group in the Arab world.
Founded in Egypt in 1928 with a vision of a universal Islamic
system of rule that could be attained by promoting Islamic laws
and morals and by engaging society through offering social
services.
• It has a good relationship with Pakistan.
• In 2017, there was a diplomatic rift within the GCC when
Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt imposed a blockade
on Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism and interfering
in their internal affairs.
TIMELINE OF THE CASE
• August 30, 2022: Eight former Indian Navy
personnel arrested by Qatari authorities,
believed to be on charges of espionage.
• March, 2023: Trial begins in the case.
• October 1: Indina Ambassador to Qatar meets the eight
men in prison.
• October 26: Qatari court pronounces death sentence to all
of them.
Cover Story Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023
Options Available for India:
• Use transfer of prisoners agreement: One of the options could
be the transfer of prisoners agreement that was signed in 2015
between India and Qatar.
 Under this agreement, Indian prisoners convicted in Qatar
can be brought to India to serve the remaining part of their
sentence.
 Similarly Qatari citizens convicted in India can be sent
to their home country to serve their sentence. This
agreement would enable the sentenced persons to be
near their families and would help in the process of their
social rehabilitation.
• Resolve the case diplomatically: The government must waste
no time in charting the next steps to ensure the Indians are
given the best possible support in an appeal.
 Apart from the legal appeals process and diplomatic
channels to the Qatari leadership should be activated
at the highest levels, including the Prime Minister if
necessary.
 A case must be made for clemency and commuting the
sentences to jail terms that could even be served out in
India if the men are indeed found guilty in the appeals
process.
• Appeal on Humanitarian Grounds: To appeal for clemency.
 For example ,In 2012 after India arrested 2 Italian
marines(on board the Italian oil tanker, the Enrika Lexie) for
the killing of Indian fishermen off the coast of Kerala, Italy
mounted diplomatic pressure, including blocking India’s
membership in a Missile grouping Missile Technology
Control Regime (MTCR).
 Eventually, India freed the Italian soldiers in 2016 on
humanitarian grounds.
• Route of International Court of Justice: As India did with the
Kulbhushan Jadhav case in Pakistan.
• Vienna Convention on Consular Relations: It came into force on
19 March 1967.
 It specifies consular officials’ duties when citizens of their
country face difficulties in a foreign nation.
 Of particular interest for the right of individuals is article 36,
providing for certain obligations for competent authorities
in the case of an arrest or detention of a foreign national,
in order to guarantee the inalienable right to counsel and
due process through consular notification and effective
access to consular protection.
15
 Current Affairs Cover Story
Edition: November 2023
India and Qatar Relations:
• Political Relations: There has been regular exchange of high-
level bilateral visits. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid a
state visit to Doha June, 2016.
 This was the highest level visit from India to Qatar since
the visit of former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh in Nov. 2008.
 The Emir of Qatar had paid a State Visit to India in March
2015.
• Commercial & Investment Relations: India's bilateral trade with
Qatar in 2022-23 was US$ 18.77 billion.
 India’s export to Qatar during 2022-23 was US$ 1.96
billion and India’s import from Qatar was US$ 16.8 billion.
 Qatar’s key exports to India include LNG, LPG, chemicals
and petrochemicals, plastics, and aluminium articles,
 India’s key exports to Qatar include cereals, copper
articles, iron and steel articles, vegetables, fruits, spices,
and processed food products etc.
• Defence cooperation: It is an important pillar of bilateral agenda.
 India regularly participates in the biennial Doha
International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference
(DIMDEX) in Qatar.
 India-Qatar Defence Cooperation Agreement, signed during
the PM’s visit to Qatar in November 2008, and further
extended for a period of five years in November 2018.
 Indian Navy’s first Sail Training Ship (STS) INS Tarangini
visited Doha Port from December 08-09, 2019
• Cultural Relations: Cultural ties between India and Qatar are
deep-rooted and actively nurtured by both sides.
 There are regular cultural exchanges between the two
sides, under the provisions of the Agreement on Cultural
Cooperation signed between the two sides in 2012.
 The year 2019 was celebrated as India-Qatar Year of Culture.
 India was also one of the partner countries for Qatar-
MENASA year of culture 2022
Cooperation in Other Areas:
• Yoga: Qatar, as a co-sponsor, supported Resolution at the
UNGA, adopted unanimously with a record 177 co-sponsors,
declaring 21 June as the International Day of Yoga (IDY)
• Sports: The Indian Sports Centre (ISC) is a community based
organisation working under the aegis of the Embassy of
India, formed exclusively to focus on all aspects relating to
the promotion of various sports and games, not only amongst
the Indian community, but also amongst other expatriate
communities.
• Covid 19 pandemic: Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) sent
Covid medical relief material to India for combating the
second wave of Covid-19.
• Indian Community: There are over 800,000 Indian nationals
residing in Qatar. They comprise the largest expatriate
community (a person who lives outside their native country) in
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Qatar and are engaged in a wide spectrum of professions
including medicine; engineering; education, finance;
banking; business; and media apart from a large number of
blue-collared workers.
 Both countries have a Joint Working Group on Labour and
Manpower Development.
Significance of the Relationship:
• Indian Community Contribution: Qatar's Indian community,
diverse and accomplished, plays a vital role in fostering
deep-rooted friendship and multi-faceted cooperation.
• Economic Interdependence : India is a top export destination
and import source for Qatar, with strong trade ties, especially
in LNG and other products.
 While the trade balance often favours Qatar, there has been
substantial growth in India's exports to Qatar in recent years.
• Energy Partnership: Qatar is the largest supplier of LNG to India,
contributing over 48% of India's global LNG imports, making
energy collaboration a pivotal aspect of their relationship.
 Qatar's role in India's energy security becomes even
more vital as geopolitical events, like the Russia-Ukraine
conflict, disrupt energy supplies from other sources,
leading to increased demand for Qatar's gas
• Business Collaborations: Indian companies are actively
pursuing collaborations in various sectors within Qatar,
including infrastructure, communications, energy, and more.
Challenges:
• Media Campaign against Article 370 Abrogation: Al Jazeera,
financed by Qatar, launched an aggressive campaign
against India in 2019, straining relations.
• Controversial Remarks and Gulf Response: Controversial
remarks about Prophet Mohammed by an Indian Politician of
current ruling regime led to outrage from Gulf countries, with
Qatar's condemnation being notably sharp.
• Legal Sentencing of Indian Nationals: The Court of First
Instance in Qatar sentenced eight Indian nationals to death,
amplifying India's challenges in the region.
 India expressed "deep shock" at the verdict and is actively
exploring legal and diplomatic options to address the
situation.
Way Forward:
• The recent verdict of the court in Qatar is the major crisis to
hit the India-Qatar relationship, which has generally remained
steady so far. Given the importance of bilateral ties, it is
hoped the two countries move with some urgency to resolve
the issues at hand.
• There is scope for the further development of the India-Qatar
relationship, which has proven strong and resilient throughout
the seemingly intractable diplomatic crisis.
 COVER STORY
SAME SEX MARRIAGES IN INDIA: AN OVERVIEW
A five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud
ruled in a 3:2 verdict against giving constitutional validity to same-sex marriages.
Key Takeaways of Recent Verdict:
• ‘Right to marry’: The Supreme Court declined to legalise
same-sex marriage, placing it upon the Parliament and state
governments to decide if non-heterosexual unions can be
legally recognised.
 The Constitution under Articles 245 and 246 empowers both
the Parliament and the state to enact marriage regulations.
 The bench unanimously ruled that there is no fundamental
right to marry for non-heterosexual couples under the
Constitution.
BACKGROUND
• The petitioners, who are LGBTQIA+ couples and activists,
had sought a broader interpretation of the Special Marriage
Act, 1954 and the Foreign Marriage Act, 1969 to include
same-sex marriages too.
• They appealed to the Court to extend the right to the
LGBTQIA+ community, by making the “marriage between
any two persons” gender neutral.
• It is argued that the SMA violated Articles 14, 15, 19, 21 and
25 by not allowing marriage between same-sex, gender
non-conforming, LBGTQIA+ couples, and sought the words
“husband” and “wife” as well as any other gender-specific
term to be substituted by the word “party” or “spouse”.
• Interpretation of Marriage Acts: The bench also ruled that
the Special Marriage Act, 1954 and the Foreign Marriage Act,
1969, which are secular laws designed to facilitate inter-caste
and inter-faith marriages, cannot be interpreted in a gender-
neutral manner to include same-sex marriages.
• Right to adopt a child:The five-judge bench in a 3:2 verdict,
ruled that non-heterosexual couples cannot be granted the
right to jointly adopt a child.
• Civil unions: The CJI and Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, however,
supported the recognition of civil unions for non-heterosexual
couples, saying that it would be a step towards marriage
equality and would grant them some legal rights and benefits.
 The majority view, expressed by Justices Ravindra Bhat,
Hima Kohli and PS Narasimha, held that civil unions are
also not permissible under the existing laws and that the
legislature or Parliament must decide on bringing in
same-sex marriage or civil unions.
• Form a high-powered committee: The Bench also unanimously
acknowledged that same-sex couples face discrimination and
harassment in their daily lives and accordingly urged the
Cover Story Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023
government to form a high-powered committee chaired by
the Union Cabinet Committee to expeditiously look into the
concerns faced by them.
About: Same-Sex Marriage
• It is a union between individuals of the same gender, allowing
them to enjoy the same legal rights and benefits as opposite-
sex couples.
• Scenario across the world: The first same-sex marriages took
place in the Netherlands in 2001.
 Till now more than 30 countries have legalised same-sex
marriage, some through legislation while others through
judicial pronouncements.
Homosexuality in India:
• India had a more open attitude to homosexuality before the
Raj and there is ample evidence of it found in:
 Prehistoric: Kinnar or hijra as the third gender in India
have been acknowledged and accepted by the society.
Their presence is noted in ancient texts of Ramayana,
Mahabharata, and the Kama Sutra.
 Medieval history: They often held important political
positions in court of kings and queens during the Mughal
period.
 Architecture: Khajuraho temple sculptures and the
Sun temple in Konark shows erotic artwork depicting
homosexuality.
• During British Raj:
 Criminalization of homosexuality and degeneration of
LGBTQ community can be traced to British rule in India.
 Section 377 of IPC was introduced in British India in 1861
which made same sex relations unnatural and against
the law of the nation. Homosexuality and Bisexuality both
were made punishable.
• Post Independence:
 Preamble to the Constitution commits “to secure to all
its citizens: JUSTICE, social, economic and political;
LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;
EQUALITY of status and of opportunity..."
 The Constitution guarantees Right to life (Articles 21),
Right to liberty (Article 19) and Right to equality (Article 14).
Arguments in favour of Same Sex Marriage:
• Constitution Ideals: Article 14 and Article 15 of Indian
Constitution prohibits discrimination based on gender.
17
 Current Affairs Cover Story
Edition: November 2023
 The right to enter a union cannot be restricted on the
basis of sexual orientation (which violates Article 15 of the
Constitution); moreover, marriage is significant because
of a bouquet of rights, and for same-sex couples to enjoy
these entitlements, “it is necessary that the state accord
recognition to such relationships
 Navtez Singh Johar case acknowledges the right of same
sex couples to have a life of dignity.
• International Practices: Many countries and regions around
the world have legalized same-sex marriage. Advocates
argue that legalizing same sex marriage is consistent with
international trends toward greater acceptance and equality.
• Economic Benefits: Recognizing same-sex marriages can
have economic benefits, such as increased wedding-related
business and tourism, as well as financial benefits for married
couples.
• Social Inclusion: Legalizing same-sex marriage sends a
positive message of inclusion and acceptance to LGBTQ+
individuals. It helps reduce stigmatization and discrimination,
leading to more open and accepting societies.
Arguments Against:
• Natural Law: Marriage is inherently linked to procreation, and
same-sex couples cannot naturally produce offspring together.
• Religious Beliefs: It is argued that religious beliefs define
marriage as a union between a man and a woman, and
legalizing same-sex marriage goes against these beliefs.
 It would undermine traditional family values and the
institution of marriage.
• Family Values: Critics argue that children should be raised
by both a mother and a father whenever possible, and that
same-sex couples may not provide children with the same
benefits as opposite-sex couples.
 It could have a negative impact on children raised by
same-sex couples.
• Promotion of unconventional relationship: It can lead to a
breakdown of social norms as it would pave the way for other
forms of unconventional relationships and would ultimately
threaten the country’s cultural and religious tradition.
Past Precedent:
• The right to marry is not expressly recognised as a
fundamental right under the Indian Constitution.
• Lata Singh v. State of UP (2006) concerning an inter-caste
marriage.
 The Supreme Court held that since the petitioner was a
major (above 18 years of age), she had the freedom to
choose whomever she wanted to marry and that no law
prohibits an inter-caste marriage.
 The Court recognised the right to choose a partner of one’s
choice.
18
• In 2014, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of
newspaper reports of the gang rape of a 20-year-old Indian
woman on the orders of a village court.
 The Court categorically ruled that an inherent aspect of
Article 21 of the Constitution (right to life and personal
liberty) would be the freedom of choice in marriage.
• NALSA vs Union of India (2014): SC acknowledged Right to
determine own gender and recommended quota to bring
adequate representation.
• Puttaswamy vs Union of India (2017): Court acknowledged
Right to privacy as fundamental right under Article 21.
• Navtez Sing Johar vs Union of India (2018): Sexual activities
between homosexuals or same sex couples decriminalised
(repealing section 377 of IPC).
• The Court in Shakti Vahini v. Union of India (2018), observed
that when two adults consensually choose each other as
life partners, it is a manifestation of their freedom of choice
guaranteed under Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution.
• Shafin Jahan v. Asokan K.M. and others (2018): SC held that
one’s right to marry the person of one’s choice is integral to
Article 21 of the Constitution and that such a right cannot be
taken away except through a law that is just and reasonable.
Suggestions and Way Forward:
• Need various perspectives: The issue of same-sex marriage in
India is complex and involves various cultural, religious, and
legal perspectives.
• End discrimination: The decriminalization of homosexuality is
a significant milestone for the LGBTQ+ community in India,
it is the first step towards achieving full equality and legal
recognition.
 There is still much work to be done to address the
discrimination and marginalization faced by LGBTQ+
individuals, including addressing legal and policy gaps
and changing societal attitudes
 There is a need to ensure that the no community is not
discriminated against because of gender identity or
sexual orientation.
• Legislative Reforms: Parliament needs to consult all the
stakeholders and bring changes in the Special Marriage Act
accordingly.
 The legislature must now take the lead in re-evaluating
and improving Indian family law to make it more inclusive,
gender-just, and non-discriminatory.
• Community Support: Providing resources, support, and safe
spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Global Efforts: Collaborating internationally to promote human
rights and equal marriage rights for LGBTQ+ individuals
worldwide.

DO YOU KNOW ?
Special Marriage Act, 1954:
• Marriage in India can be registered under various acts like
 Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, Indian Christian Marriage
Act,
 1872, Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936, Muslim
Marriage Act, Special Marriage Act, 1954 etc.
• The Special Marriage Act, 1954 is an Act of the Parliament
of India with provision for civil marriage for people of India
and all Indian nationals in foreign countries, irrespective of
religion or faith followed by either party marriage. It is often
used for interfaith marriages.
• It provides a civil form of marriage for couples who cannot
marry under their personal law
 SC in Supriyo case unanimously held that marriages
between queer persons cannot be registered under the
Special Marriage Act, 1954.
Constitutional Bench:
• Article 145(3) deals with the rules of the court and provides
for the setting up of a Constitution Bench.
• A Constitution Bench comprises a minimum of five judges
from the Supreme Court.
• For the critical matters that necessitates the interpretation
of a constitutional provision or when a significant legal
question emerges, it is mandated to be addressed by a
Constitution Bench.
• Other Scenarios when constitution bench can be setup:
 for hearing any reference under Article 143, which
deals with the power of the President to consult the SC.
Cover Story Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023
 If two or three-judge Benches of the Supreme Court
have delivered conflicting judgments on the same point
of law
Civil Union:
• It is a legally recognized relationship that provides them
with legal rights and responsibilities similar to those of
marriage.
Homosexuals vs Heterosexuals:
• Homosexuals are individuals who are primarily attracted to
people of the same sex. For example, Gay and lesbian.
• Heterosexuals are individuals who are primarily attracted
to people of the opposite sex.
Sex vs Gender:
• Sex refers to the biological characteristics that categorize
individuals as male, female, or intersex.
• Gender is a sociocultural concept encompassing roles,
behaviors, and identities associated with masculinity,
femininity, or other gender expressions.
LGBTQIA+ rights in India:
• Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act has been
brought in 2019 with an objective to provide for protection
of rights of transgender people, their welfare, and other
related matters.
• National Portal for Transgender Persons for digital
certificate and Id card.
• Garima Greh(a shelter home) is open for transgender
persons.
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 Current
PolityAffairs
& Gov. Feature Articles
Edition: November 2023

UAPA ACT, 1967

The Delhi Police has sealed the office of news portal NewsClick, by invoking the Unlawful Activities
(Prevention) Act (UAPA Act), alleging it received money for pro-China propaganda.

About: • Applicability: The provisions of this Act apply also to (a)

• UAPA presents an alternate criminal law framework where the
general principles of criminal law are reversed. By relaxing
timelines for the state to file chargesheets and its stringent
conditions for bail, the UAPA gives the state more powers
compared with the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
• Enacted: UAPA was enacted in 1967.
• Mandate: It is aimed at “more effective prevention of certain
unlawful activities of individuals and associations for dealing
with terrorist activities”.
• Unlawful activity: Unlawful activity means any conduct which
constitutes a crime or which contravenes any law whether such
conduct occurred before or after the commencement of this
Act and whether such conduct occurred in the Republic or
elsewhere.
• Terrorist act: Section 15 of the Act defines “terrorist act” and is
punishable with imprisonment for a term of at least five years
to Life Imprisonment.
UAPA AMENDMENT ACT, 2019
• The Act empowers the government to designate individuals
as terrorists.
• Under the Act, the Central Government may designate an
organisation as a terrorist organisation if it:
(i) commits or participates in acts of terrorism,
(ii) prepares for terrorism,
(iii) promotes terrorism, or
(iv) is otherwise involved in terrorism.
• Approval for seizure of property by NIA: Under the Act, an
investigating officer is required to obtain the prior approval
of the Director General of Police to seize properties that may
be connected with terrorism.
• The Act defines terrorist acts to include acts committed
within the scope of any of the treaties listed in a schedule
to the Act. The Schedule lists nine treaties, including the
Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings
(1997), the Convention against Taking of Hostages (1979)
and the International Convention for Suppression of Acts of
Nuclear Terrorism (2005).
Power to Central Government:
• The Act assigns absolute power to the central government, by
way of which if the Centre deems an activity as unlawful then
it may, by way of an Official Gazette, declare it so.
citizens of India outside India; (b) persons in the service of
the Government, wherever they may be; and (c) persons on
ships and aircrafts, registered in India, wherever they may be.
Issues with UAPA:
• Low conviction: According to People's Union for Civil Liberties
(PUCL), in 2018-20, as many as 4,690 people were arrested
under the UAPA but only 3% were convicted.
• Sharp Rise in Use: This caution is significant given the sharp
surge in the state’s use of this provision in a sweeping range of
alleged offences – against tribals in Chhattisgarh, those using
social media through proxy servers in Jammu and Kashmir; and
journalists in Manipur among others.
• Stringent Provision of bail: The standard for bail under the
UAPA is that it cannot be granted unless the court is of the
view that the accused is innocent of the alleged offence.
• Highly Discretionary: It confers upon the government broad
discretionary powers and also authorizes the creation of special
courts with the ability to use secret witnesses and to hold
closed-door hearings.
• Ignoring Fundamental Rights: It can simply be used to bypass
fundamental rights and procedures. For instance, those
arrested under UAPA can be incarcerated up to 180 days
without a charge sheet being filed.
 It thus directly violates Article 21 of the constitution.
Related Supreme Court Rulings:
• In 2019, the SC defined prima facie narrowly to mean that the
courts must not analyse evidence or circumstances, but look at
the “totality of the case” presented by the state.
• In NIA v Zahoor Ahmed Watali, the SC read the bail provisions
strictly, holding that courts must only be satisfied that a prima
facie case can be made out to deny bail, and not consider the
merit or the admissibility of the evidence.
Way Ahead:
• The Act has indeed been the center of several debates
because of its abusive nature and lack of a proper mechanism
for backup.
• It is up to the state, judiciary, civil society to balance
constitutional freedom and the imperative of anti-terror
pursuits.

20
 Polity & Gov.
DIGITAL INDIA ACT
Nations worldwide are grappling with the need to update their legal frameworks
to adapt to the evolving digital landscape.
About:
• The recent announcement of the Digital India Act 2023 (DIA)
represents a significant step towards establishing a future-
ready legal framework for the country’s burgeoning digital
ecosystem.
• This move by the Ministry of Electronics and Information
Technology (MEITY) signals a proactive approach to regulating
and shaping the digital future of the nation.
Digital India Act 2023 (DIA):
• The DIA will replace the Information Technology Act of 2000 (IT
Act).
 The IT Act of 2000, crafted during a time when the internet
was in its infancy, has struggled to keep pace with the
rapid changes in technology and user behaviour.
 Since its inception, India’s internet user base has exploded
from a mere 5.5 million to a staggering 850 million.
 The nature of internet usage has also evolved, with the
emergence of various intermediaries and the proliferation
of new forms of user harm, such as cyberstalking, trolling,
and doxing.
• The DIA recognises these changes and aims to provide a
comprehensive legal framework to address them.
• It is designed to address the challenges and opportunities
presented by the dramatic growth of the internet and emerging
technologies.
• It aims to bring India’s regulatory landscape in sync with the
digital revolution of the 21st century.
Key Aspects:
• The DIA encompasses several pivotal clauses that mirror
the dynamic evolution of the digital environment. These
provisions underscore the legislation’s responsiveness to the
ever-changing digital landscape.
• It places a strong emphasis on online safety and trust, with a
commitment to safeguarding citizen’s rights in the digital
realm while remaining adaptable to shifting market dynamics
and international legal principles.
• Recognising the growing importance of new-age technologies
such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, the DIA provides
guidelines for their responsible utilisation.
 It promotes ethical AI practices, data privacy in blockchain
applications, and mechanisms for accountability in the use
of these technologies.
Feature Articles Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023
 This forward-looking stance is not only beneficial for
citizens and businesses but also positions India as a
responsible player in the global technology landscape.
• It upholds the concept of an open internet, striking a balance
between accessibility and necessary regulations to maintain
order and protect users.
• The DIA mandates stringent Know Your Customer (KYC)
requirements for wearable devices, accompanied by criminal
law sanctions.
• Lastly, it contemplates a review of the “safe harbour” principle,
which presently shields online platforms from liability related
to user-generated content, indicating a potential shift in
online accountability standards.
• These provisions underscore the proposed DIA’s commitment
in addressing the complexities of the digital age.
Challenges:
• While the introduction of the DIA is a commendable step
towards addressing the challenges of the digital age, there
are certain aspects that warrant a critical evaluation.
• One key concern is the potential impact on innovation and
the ease of doing business. Stricter regulations, particularly
in emerging technologies, could inadvertently stifle
entrepreneurial initiatives and deter foreign investments.
• Additionally, the review of the “safe harbour” principle, could
lead to a more cautious approach among these platforms,
possibly impinging on freedom of expression.
• Balancing the interests of various stakeholders, including tech
giants, while ensuring the protection of citizen rights, poses a
significant challenge.
• Furthermore, the DIA’s success hinges on effective
enforcement, which will require substantial resources,
expertise, and infrastructure.
Way Ahead:
• While the DIA is a progressive move, its implementation
and potential repercussions warrant vigilant monitoring and
adaptability to avoid unintended consequences.
• The DIA is a crucial step towards ensuring a secure,
accountable, and innovative digital future for India.
• It represents a forward-looking approach to regulation in an
age of constant change and has the potential to shape the
country’s digital landscape for generations to come.
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 Current
PolityAffairs
& Gov. Feature Articles
Edition: November 2023
AUTONOMY OF A WOMAN: PREGNANCY RIGHT
The Supreme Court is hearing a crucial questions on the decisional autonomy of
a woman to abort, and the legislative framework.
Laws on abortion in India: Evolution
• Before the enactment of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy
Act, 1971 (MTP Act), the medical termination of pregnancy
was governed by the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
• In 1971, the MTP Act was enacted by Parliament as a
“health” measure, “humanitarian” measure and “eugenic”
measure, to decriminalise abortion in certain defined
circumstances and under due supervision of registered
medical practitioners.
• Need for Amendments : The 1971 law failed to meet the
needs of the changing times and advancements in medical
science as several women, including rape survivors,
mentally incapacitated and women undergoing unwanted
pregnancies due to contraceptive failures, started
approaching courts to seek approval for terminating their
pregnancy beyond the prescribed gestational period of 20
weeks.
• MTP (Amendment) Act, 2021: It had introduced a key change
in Section 3 by extending the upper limit for termination of
pregnancy from 20 to 24 weeks.
• It allows termination of pregnancy in three stages.
 Termination of pregnancy up to 20 weeks is allowed on the
advice of one doctor.
 If a pregnancy is 20-24 weeks, the right to seek abortion is
determined by two registered medical practitioners as an
exception, but only under certain categories.
 After 24 weeks, a medical board must be set up in
“approved facilities”, which may “allow or deny termination
of pregnancy” only if there is substantial foetal abnormality.
• Section 416 of CrPC also provides for postponement of the
death sentence awarded to a pregnant woman.
Court’s Observations
• The landmark 1973 US Supreme Court verdict in Roe v Wade
that made abortion a constitutional right allows abortion up to
the point of foetal viability, that is, the time after which a foetus
can survive outside the womb.
 Foetal viability in 1973 was pegged at 28 weeks (7
months), which is now with scientific advancement lower
at 23-24 weeks.
• In 2005, Rajasthan High Court in Nand Kishore Sharma versus
Union of India rejected a challenge to the constitutional
validity of the MTP Act on the grounds that it violates the
fundamental right to life of an unborn child.
• In 2022, the Supreme Court ruled that single and unmarried
women with pregnancies between 20 and 24 weeks are
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entitled to access the same safe and legal abortion care as
married women.
• There are also instances in which courts have overruled the
decision of the medical board to allow termination.
GOVERNMENT'S STAND
• The Union of India stepped in to emphasis that reproductive
rights are subject to a legal regime and that a mother’s
right cannot be allowed an absolute march over an unborn
child’s right to life.
• State was obligated and willing to provide all possible
medical, psychological and social assistance, including
adoption.
Challenges:
• In India, besides patriarchal mindsets and social stigma,
unmarried and single women face greater hurdles in exercising
a right over their bodies, thus leading to higher risks and
complications.
• Many women are forced to go to quacks when there are
unwanted pregnancies.
 unsafe abortions are a leading cause of maternal mortality.
• The National Family Health Survey 5 (2019) pegs spousal
violence (physical and sexual) faced by women in the age
group 18-49 years at 29.3%.
• The Indian legal framework on reproductive rights tilts to the
side of the woman’s autonomy to decide and choose more
than towards the rights of the unborn child.
Way Forward:
• We must also think of the rights of the unborn child. Women's
autonomy is important of course.
• Women's has a right under Article 21 but equally, we must be
conscious of the fact that whatever is done will affect the right
of the unborn child.
• As much as the court respected the woman’s right to
reproductive autonomy, it could not be oblivious to the rights
of her unborn child.
• Raise awareness about the rights and choices of pregnant
individuals through public education campaigns and
community outreach programs.
• Promote access to affordable and comprehensive
reproductive healthcare, including prenatal care, family
planning, and safe abortion services.
 Polity & Gov.
IMPLEMENTATION STATUS OF PoSH ACT
The Supreme Court has flagged “serious lapses” in the implementation of the PoSH Act to
protect women from sexual harassment in workplaces.
About:
• It was enacted to ensure safe working spaces for women and
to build enabling work environments that respect women’s
right to equality of status and opportunity.
• It defined sexual harassment, lay down the procedures for
complaint and inquiry, and the action to be taken in cases of
sexual harassment.
• It is applicable to all women irrespective of their age or
employment status, working in organised or unorganised sector.
Major Provisions:
• Definition of Sexual Harassment: The Act defines sexual
harassment, including physical contact, sexual advances,
demands for sexual favours, sexually colored remarks,
showing pornography, and other unwelcome conduct of a
sexual nature.
• Applicability and Committees: The Act applies to both public
and private sector organizations across India.
• Internal Complaints Committee (ICC):
 ICC Mandate: Employers with 10 or more employees
must establish an ICC for women to file formal sexual
harassment complaints.
 Composition: The ICC is headed by a woman and includes
at least two women employees, another employee, and a
third party, such as an experienced NGO worker.
 Local Committee (LC): Every district must create a Local
Committee to receive complaints from women working in
firms with fewer than 10 employees and the informal sector.
BACKGROUND
• The PoSH Act was formulated keeping the essence of
Vishakha Guidelines issued by the Supreme Court in 1997
which had to be strictly observed in all the workplaces.
• Vishakha Guidelines, which were laid down by the Supreme
Court in a judgement passed in 1997.
• The case in question was filed by women’s rights groups,
including one called Vishakha, over the alleged gangrape
of a social worker from Rajasthan named Bhanwari Devi.
Bhanwari had fought against the marriage of a one-year-
old baby girl in 1992, and had been allegedly gangraped
as retribution.
Issues:
• Lacunae in ICC Constitution: The Supreme Court highlighted
the shortcomings in the constitution of Internal Complaints
Feature Articles Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023
Committees (ICCs), revealing that 16 out of 30 national sports
federations in the country had not established ICCs.
• Inadequate ICC Composition: The judgment also pointed
out cases where ICCs were improperly constituted, either
lacking a sufficient number of members or failing to include a
mandatory external member.
• Accountability and Compliance: The Act lacks clarity in
assigning responsibility for ensuring workplace compliance
and identifying who can be held accountable if its provisions
are not followed.
• Informal Sector: The law is often inaccessible to women
workers in the informal sector, where more than 80% of
India's women workers are employed, raising challenges in
implementing the Act effectively.
Way Forward:
• Employer Responsibilities:
 Display Provisions: Employers should prominently display
the provisions of the Act to raise awareness about
preventing sexual harassment in the workplace.
 Internal Committee: Employers must establish an Internal
Committee to address and resolve complaints related to
sexual harassment.
• Mechanisms in Place: Employers should establish both formal
and informal mechanisms to address and prevent sexual
harassment in mixed-gender workplaces.
• Awareness and Prevention:
 Awareness Programs: Employers should conduct
awareness programs to educate employees about sexual
harassment issues and prevention.
 Treat Misconduct: Sexual harassment should be treated
as misconduct under the service rules, and employers
should support women who file complaints.
• Government Measures: Central and State governments
should take suitable measures to ensure that private sector
employers adhere to the guidelines and regulations regarding
sexual harassment prevention.
• Education and Sensitization:
 Moral Instruction in Schools: Revive moral instruction
classes in schools to promote values and ethics, including
respect and gender equality.
 Sensitization Among Children: Create awareness and
sensitization about human rights and gender equality
among children through these classes to instill the
importance of these values from a young age.
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 Current Affairs
Int. Relation Feature Articles
Edition: November 2023
RCEP
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are now considering their chances of membership in
the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
About:
• Both countries are also in talks with India for an updated Free
Trade Agreement (FTA) and are part of the 2006 South Asia
Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA).
• It is a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the ten member
states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
(Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the
Philippines, Singapore, Thailand. Vietnam) and its five FTA
partners (Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand and the Republic
of Korea). At present, the RCEP members represent 30% of
the global GDP. India walked out of the RCEP agreement.
• Functioning of RCEP:
 Eliminate a range of tariffs: The RCEP is expected to
eliminate a range of tariffs on imports within 20 years.
 Provisions included: It also includes provisions on
intellectual property, telecommunications, financial
services, e-commerce and professional services.
 RCEP will also set common rules around trade,
intellectual property, e-commerce, and competition in
a move the United Nations said would raise the Asia
Pacific region’s position as a “center of gravity” for
global commerce.
Why did India opt out of the RCEP?
• Trade Imbalance: Despite increased trade post-FTA with
South Korea, ASEAN, and Japan, India faces a growing trade
deficit as imports outpace exports.
• Concerns Over Chinese Imports: India has signed FTAs with all
RCEP countries except China, raising concerns about a flood
of cheaper Chinese goods entering the Indian market.
• Absence of Auto-trigger Mechanism: India sought an auto-
trigger mechanism to address rising imports but faced
opposition from RCEP members, limiting its tariff flexibility.
24
• Protecting Domestic Industries: India is wary of reducing
tariffs on products like dairy and steel, fearing competition,
as RCEP mandates tariff reductions to zero over 15 years.
• Rules of Origin Ambiguity: India is concerned about possible
rule circumvention, as current provisions do not prevent
countries from routing products through others to maintain
higher tariffs.
Positive Implications of Opting-out:
• Preserving Domestic Industries : India's decision to opt out
of RCEP safeguards its domestic industries from potentially
disruptive competition, preserving local jobs and businesses.
• Strategic Autonomy: Non-participation in RCEP preserves
India's strategic autonomy, allowing it to make independent
trade and policy decisions that align with its national interests.
• Reform Focus: India can concentrate on implementing
essential economic reforms and addressing structural issues
without the constraints of RCEP commitments.
• Protection Against Unfair Trade Practices : By not joining
RCEP, India retains the flexibility to protect its economy
against unfair trade practices, including dumping of goods
from other member countries.
• Negotiating from a Position of Strength: India can negotiate
future trade agreements from a stronger position, seeking
terms that better suit its economic and strategic goals.
• Mitigating Potential Trade Deficits: Non-participation in RCEP
helps India mitigate the risk of expanding trade deficits with
member countries, ensuring a more balanced trade portfolio.
Negative Implications of Opting-out:
• Losing flexibility: Signing the RCEP would have meant India
losing the flexibility to raise tariffs.
• Trade deficit with China: The increases in India’s trade deficit
with China and the dominance of China in many sectors at a
global level have made India wary.
• Cheap imports: India’s concern was that participation in RCEP
would expose domestic manufacturers to a flood of cheap
imports from China.
• Agriculture, dairy, and textile sectors: Indian agriculture, dairy
and textile sectors which employ millions of workers were
projected to be adversely impacted by the signing of the RCEP.
• Economic self-harm: Pulling out of RCEP is an act of economic
self-harm, as India will stand isolated and continue to
underperform in terms of exports and growth.
 Int. Relation
INDIA-U.K. 2+2 DIALOGUE
Recently, India and the U.K. in New Delhi held 2+2 dialogue which includes the foreign affairs and
defence ministers from both countries.
Highlights of the Dialogue:
• Indo-Pacific region: The officials had an opportunity
to exchange assessments about recent international
developments including in the Indo-Pacific region.
 Both sides exchanged assessments on recent
international developments, including in the Indo-Pacific
region, in view of the shared vision of the two countries
for peace, stability and prosperity and for a “free, open and
inclusive Indo-Pacific”.
• Recent advancements: Both the countries have expressed
happiness on the progress made in diverse areas of India-
U.K. Roadmap 2030 including political exchanges, economic
cooperation, defence and security, people to people ties, as
well as regional and multilateral cooperation.
2+2 DIALOGUE
• India has a 2+2 dialogue, either at the level of senior
officials or ministers, with close strategic partners such as
the US, Japan, Australia and Russia.
• The dialogue between India and the UK featured senior
defence and foreign policy officials of the two sides.
India-UK Relations:
• Historical: UK-India relationship is rooted in India’s colonial
history with the British and the relationship shared by both
countries even after India’s independence.
 The bilateral relationship was upgraded to a strategic
partnership in 2004.
• Political: They share a modern partnership which was
upgraded to a strategic partnership in 2004.
 The UK supports India’s proposal for permanent
membership of the UNSC and is also an important
interlocutor for India on global platforms.
• Economic Engagements: Trade: from April 2021 to March
2022 was £25.7 billion, showing a 35.2% increase from the
previous year.
 India imported £8.8 billion from the UK, but it exported
£16.9 billion to the country.
• Investment: Indian investment in the UK included 107 projects
and created 8,664 new jobs, making India the second-largest
source of foreign direct investment after the US.
 The UK is the 6th largest inward investor in India, with a
cumulative equity investment of US $82 billion (April 2000
– September 2022), accounting for approximately 5.3% of
all foreign direct investment into India.
Feature Articles Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023
• FTA: India-UK are close to concluding negotiations for a
proposed India-UK Free Trade Agreement.
• Defence: In 2015, the two countries agreed to elevate their
Defence relationship by establishing capability partnerships
in strategic areas.
 The institutionalised dialogue to discuss defence
cooperation viz. Defence Consultative Group Meeting, is
held annually at Defence Secretary level.
 Ajeya Warrior (army-to-army biennial exercise), the
Konakan(joint navy-to-navy annual exercise) and the Indra
dhanush(joint air-to-air exercise) happen between India
and UK.
• Education: Over the last 10 years, the relationship has grown
substantially with the introduction of bilateral mechanisms
such as the India-UK Education Forum, UK-India Education
and Research Initiative (UKIERI), Joint Working Group
on Education, Newton-Bhabha Fund and Scholarship
schemes.
• Science and Technology: Both announced a new India-UK
Global Innovation Partnership which aims to support the
transfer of inclusive Indian innovations to select developing
countries, starting with Africa.
 The UK is India’s second largest partner in research and
innovation collaborations.
 Intentions to cooperate in the fields of Digital Technology
and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).
• Cultural Linkages: Cultural linkages between India and UK are
deep and extensive, arising out of shared history between the
two countries.
• Indian Diaspora: The Indian Diaspora in the UK is one of the
largest ethnic minority communities in the country.
 According to MEA ,1,864,318 people in England
and Wales were recorded as having Indian ethnicity,
accounting for 3.1% of the population.
• Roadmap 2030: The “Roadmap 2030” for India-UK future
relations was launched during India-UK Virtual Summit for-
 Revitalised and dynamic connections between people;
 Re-energised trade, investment and technological
collaboration that improves the lives and livelihoods of the
citizens;
 Enhanced defence and security cooperation that brings a
more secure Indian Ocean Region and Indo-Pacific and
 India-UK leadership in climate, clean energy and health
that acts as a global force for good.
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 Current Affairs
Int. Relation Feature Articles
Edition: November 2023
SOUTH CHINA SEA
Tensions have escalated between China and the Philippines recently in the South China Sea (SCS).
South China Sea Dispute:
• The Philippines has accused Chinese coast guard vessels of
“intentionally” colliding with its vessels on a resupply mission
in a disputed part of the South China Sea.
• “Four Sha” (Four Sands archipelagos) are the four island groups
in the SCS region over which China claims it has “historical
rights”, named Dongsha Qundao, Xisha Qundao, Zhongsha
Qundao and Nansha Qundao.
• Internationally they are known asPratas Islands, Paracel Islands,
the Macclesfield Bank area and the Spratly Islands.
• China stakes claim to 90% of the South China Sea, and this
claim is based on the U-shaped nine-dash line etched on the
map in the 1940s by a Chinese geographer.
• The Nine-dash line has a Geopolitical significance.
About South China Sea:
• It is an arm of the western Pacific Ocean that borders the
Southeast Asian mainland.
• It is bounded on the northeast by the Taiwan Strait (by which
it is connected to the East China Sea); on the east by Taiwan
and the Philippines; on the southeast and south by Borneo,
the southern limit of the Gulf of Thailand, and the east coast of
the Malay Peninsula; and on the west and north by the Asian
mainland.
• Importance: Connecting link between the Indian Ocean
and the Pacific Ocean (Strait of Malacca). One-third of the
maritime trade passes through this, also have strategic
importance.
Concerns for India:
• Freedom of Navigation: India's trade routes pass through the
South China Sea, making freedom of navigation a priority.
26
• Economic Interests: India has economic interests in the
region's resources and fisheries.
• Maritime Security: Escalation could impact regional maritime
security.
• Regional Stability: Tensions can affect the broader Indo-
Pacific region.
• Strategic Partnerships: India's alliances with affected nations
make it invested in the issue.
• Rule of Law: India supports resolving disputes based on
international law.
• Geopolitical Balance: The dispute is part of global geopolitical
competition.
• Act East Policy: South China Sea is a part of India's regional
engagement strategy.
• Bilateral Relationships: India has partnerships with nations
involved in the dispute.
Way Forward:
• Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution: Prioritize peaceful
negotiations through bilateral and multilateral channel and
engage in confidence-building measures to reduce tensions.
• International Arbitration: Comply with the 2016 UNCLOS
tribunal ruling, recognizing the Philippines' sovereign rights
in certain areas and seek international arbitration to address
specific disputes and uphold the rule of law.
• Regional Cooperation: Collaborate with ASEAN to maintain
a united front and pursue joint resolutions. Also, promote
a freeze on provocative actions in the region, including
militarization and land reclamation.
• South China Sea dispute underscores the need for diplomatic
solutions, adherence to international law, and cooperation
among claimant states for regional stability and peace.
 Security
USE OF AI IN DEFENCE SECTOR
Artificial Intelligence is shaping India's defence landscape providing a potential advantage in
operations while also enhancing border security.
What is Artificial Intelligence?
• It is a stream of study that involves creation of advanced
algorithms that can mimic the human brain.
• AI is often termed as a technology but instead it is an enabler
to a constellation of technologies.
• Applicability: AI is applicable in almost every sector from the
service sector to healthcare, agriculture, climate change, and
the financial sector.
How is the Indian Army using AI?
• AI-Based Intelligence for Counter Terrorism: Real-time
monitoring software is employed to enhance intelligence
gathering in counter-terrorist operations, improving situational
awareness.
• Military Training with Hi-Tech Simulators: Hi-tech military
simulators are being used to train new recruits, a growing
trend expected to revolutionize military training methods.
• AI in Defence Symposium: The Defence Minister launched
75 AI technologies at the "AI in Defence" symposium,
showcasing products like robotics, automation, and
intelligence surveillance.
• International Collaboration: The United States and India plan to
initiate a Defense Artificial Intelligence Dialogue and expand
joint cyber training, strengthening defence cooperation.
USE OF AI AROUND THE GLOBE
• Currently, more than 50 countries have published their
National AI strategies to harness the benefits of this
technology while addressing the challenges and risks
associated with its fair use and governance.
• Canada and Finland were among the first few countries to
come out with their National AI strategies in 2017.
• Major Powers like the United States and China are investing
big time in AI-enabled systems to enable them to maintain
military lead.
Advantages of Use of AI in Defence:
• Border Patrol and Surveillance: AI-powered drones and
robots play a critical role in border patrol, offering increased
coverage and reducing the need for human intervention in
perilous situations.
• Cyber security Automation: AI is utilized in the cyber domain
for task automation, enhancing both offensive and defensive
capabilities in cyber warfare.
Feature Articles Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023
• Integration in Defence Systems: AI's effective integration
in rockets, missiles, aircraft carriers, and naval assets has
become an integral part of national security architecture.
• Surveillance and Threat Detection : AI can monitor digital
communications, identify unusual patterns, and analyze
online content to detect potential threats from non-state
actors.
• Counter-Terrorism Operations: AI can provide real-time
intelligence for counter-terrorism operations, optimizing
resource allocation and response effectiveness.
Concerns with use of AI in Defence:
• Accessibility to Non-State Actors: AI's dual-use nature has
made AI-based tools easily accessible to non-state actors,
posing challenges in controlling the proliferation of this
technology.
• Shift in Global Power Dynamics: AI's widespread influence can
potentially alter the global power dynamics, with underfunded
nations at risk of diminishing military and economic influence.
• Potential for Weaponization: Tech giants' control over AI
resources raises concerns about its weaponization, especially
in authoritative nations like China, which invest heavily in AI
technologies.
• Lack of International Regulation: The absence of international
regulations concerning the development and deployment of
AI-enabled weapon systems is a pressing concern.
• Accountability and Liability : Addressing questions of
accountability and liability is crucial, particularly in
cases where AI-enabled systems malfunction, potentially
jeopardizing human lives.
Way Ahead:
• Global Regulatory Frameworks: Engage in global platforms
to establish regulatory frameworks and common standards,
ensuring responsible and effective use of emerging
technologies like AI.
• Supportive AI Ecosystem in India: Create a robust AI ecosystem
in India by investing in critical infrastructure, leveraging the
private sector's innovation capabilities, and capitalizing on
advancements in AI from leading nations.
• Indigenous Development and Collaborative Partnerships:
Prioritize indigenous development to enhance the value of
Indian defence systems, while also fostering multilateral and
bilateral partnerships to facilitate the adoption of AI in the
defence sector.
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 CurrentSecurity
Affairs Feature Articles
Edition: November 2023
JOINT THEATRE COMMANDS
The Armed Forces have proposed for theatre commanders under a national defence
committee likely to be headed by the Defence Minister.
Theatre Command:
• A theatre command deploys elements of the three services
i.e. the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force under
a single, unified command structure.
• Each command is assigned a specific geographical region,
combining resources of the three services for operational roles.
• There will be two land-based commands—one focused on
Pakistan and the other on China—and a third maritime one,
overseeing the Indian Ocean Region.
 The three theatre commands that will be set up first are
likely to be located in Jaipur, Lucknow and Karwar.
• Creation of theatre commands and their structure has been
under discussion for three years now.
Recent Developments
• Members of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) are also
likely to be part of the defence committee that will oversee
the work of theatre commanders.
 The COSC comprises the three service chiefs and the
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and takes important decisions
related to matters of higher defence.
• As per current plans, the structural changes, owing to the
theaterisation plans, are also likely to involve appointment of
a Vice CDS and a Deputy CDS.
Need for the Theatre Command:
• Hostile Neighbourhood: The main threat is now from China,
which works in collusion with Pakistan. A two-front war is,
therefore, a distinct possibility for India. The prospect of high
technology, multi-domain warfare where adversaries are
nuclear-armed requires a swift and dynamic response.
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• Optimal use of Resources: The forces will be able to pool their
resources efficiently, resulting in the optimum utilisation of
platforms, weapon systems, and assets.
 This will also prevent resources from being allocated for
duplicate purchases for the three services.
• Help in Logistics: Theatre commands, in the long run, could
also improve logistics management in the forces.
• Better Coordination: Currently, India’s multiple military
commands are all located in different geographical areas.
This, at times, causes communication hindrances during joint
operations and exercises. With a unified command structure,
these communication processes could be simpler and more
efficient.
• In Practice in other Nations: Armed forces of major military
powers, including the United States, the United Kingdom,
Russia, China and France all operate under theatre
commands.
• Efficient Planning: Further, in the realm of policy, having a
unified command structure with representatives from all three
services will also lead to more efficient planning for both
peacetime and wartime strategies.
Challenges in Implementation:
• Difference of opinion among three forces: There are differences
among the three forces on scope, structure, and control of
the commands.
• Transfer of Resources: There is a contention on the kind
of war-fighting equipment that will be deployed under a
single command and ambiguity surrounding the transfer
of weapons, platforms, and resources from one theatre
command to another.
• Curriculum Framework: In terms of preparing the educational
bedrock for military personnel to serve in theatre commands,
the country seems to be behind the curve.
• Lack of NSS: Many retired military professionals have criticised
implementing theatre commands without having a coherent
National Security Strategy (NSS). Theatre commands will not
have a clear blueprint and policy objective to work towards
without an NSS.
Conclusion:
• Given the threat India faces on its northern and western
borders, integrated theatre commands and the roles assigned
will be key in dealing with any future conflict.
 Security
CYBER SECURITY EXERCISE, 2023
Bharat National Cyber Security Exercise (NCX) 2023 has concluded with the focus on
elevating cybersecurity preparedness of India to new heights.
What is Cybersecurity?
• Bharat NCX was conducted by the National Security Council
Secretariat (NSCS), Govt. of India in strategic partnership
with Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU).
• It is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs
from digital attacksfrom cyberattacks which are usually aimed
at assessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information;
extorting money from users via ransomware; or interrupting
normal business processes.
 Implementing effective cybersecurity measures is
particularly challenging today because there are more
devices than people, and attackers are becoming more
innovative.
• Common technology used to protect these entities include
next-generation firewalls, DNS filtering, malware protection,
antivirus software, and email security solutions.
Types of Cybersecurity Threats:
• Phishing: It is the practice of sending fraudulent emails
that resemble emails from reputable sources. It is the most
common type of cyber attack.
• Social Engineering: It is a tactic that adversaries use to trick
people into revealing sensitive information.
 It can be combined with any of the threats to make people
more likely to click on links, download malware, or trust a
malicious source.
• Ransomware: It is a type of malicious software, designed to
extort money by blocking access to files or the computer
system until the ransom is paid.
• Malware: It is a type of software designed to gain unauthorised
access or to cause damage to a computer.
WHAT IS CYBER RESILIENCE?
Cyber resilience refers to an organisation's ability to identify,
respond, and recover swiftly from an IT security incident.
Building cyber resilience includes making a risk-focused plan
that assumes the business will at some point face a breach
or an attack.
Cyber Crimes in India:
• According to data available with the CERT-In, there are 1.3
million cybersecurity incidents a year between 2020 and 2022.
• A US-based cybersecurity company observed that almost
67% of Indian government and essential service entities
Feature Articles Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023
reported a 50% increase in disruptive cyberattacks in
2022-23.
Impacts of Cyber Crime:
• Financial loss and theft of intellectual property: The Official
Cybercrime Report by Cybersecurity Ventures projected this
cost globally at $8 trillion for 2023 and $10.5 trillion by 2025.
 It affects individuals, businesses, and financial institutions,
which includes supply chain disruptions, business
continuity and resilience, and downtime and loss of
productivity etc.
• Psychological impact: feelings of anxiety, depression, and
even trauma after cyberbullying and solicitation
Government Response:
• Role of State Governments: ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State
subjects as per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of
India.
 States/UTs are primarily responsible for the prevention,
detection, investigation and prosecution of crimes
including cyber crime through their Law Enforcement
Agencies (LEAs) that take legal action as per provisions
of law against the offenders.
• Role of Union Government: The Union Government
supplements the initiatives of the State Governments through
advisories and financial assistance under various schemes for
their capacity building.
National Critical Information Infrastructure:
• Protection Centre (NCIIPC): It is an organisation created under
Sec 70A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (amended
2008) through a gazette notification.
 It is designated as the National Nodal Agency in respect of
Critical Information Infrastructure Protection.
 It aims to facilitate safe, secure and resilient Information
Infrastructure for Critical Sectors of the Nation.
• Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C): It aims to provide
a framework and ecosystem for Law Enforcement Agencies
(LEAs) to deal with cyber crimes in a comprehensive and
coordinated manner.
 ‘Joint Cyber Coordination Teams’ are constituted under the
I4C to address the issue of jurisdictional complexity, based
upon cyber crime hotspots/areas, by on-boarding all the
States/UTs to provide a robust coordination framework to
the LEAs.
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 Current Affairs Feature Articles
Edition: November 2023

• The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime. • Software Updates: Keeping operating system, software
gov.in): It enables the public to report incidents pertaining applications, and antivirus programs up to date. Regularly
to all types of cyber crimes, with a special focus on cyber install security patches and updates to fix vulnerabilities.
crimes against women and children. • Firewall and Antivirus: Using a reputable firewall and antivirus
 A toll-free number 1930 has been operationalised to get software to protect against malware and other threats.
assistance in lodging online cyber complaints. • Secure Browsing:
 The Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and  Using HTTPS-enabled websites whenever possible.
Management System module has been launched for  Being cautious when visiting unfamiliar websites,
immediate reporting of financial frauds and to stop especially those with non-standard content or downloads.
syphoning off funds by the fraudsters.
• Data Encryption: Encrypting sensitive data on devices,
• CERT-In: It is the national nodal agency for responding to including laptops, smartphones, and external drives.
computer security incidents as and when they occur. It has Along with considering using end-to-end encryption for
been designated to serve as the national agency to perform communication and file sharing.
the following functions in the area of cyber security: • Social Media Privacy: Adjusting privacy settings on social
 Collection, analysis and dissemination of information on media accounts to limit the amount of personal information
cyber incidents; visible to the public.
 Forecast and alerts of cyber security incidents;
• Incident Response Plan: Develop a cybersecurity incident
 Emergency measures for handling cyber security response plan to know how to react in case of a breach or
incidents; cyberattack.
 Coordination of cyber incident response activities;
• Cyber Insurance: Consider investing in cyber insurance to
• Cyber Swachhta Kendra (Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis mitigate the financial impact of a cyber incident.
Centre): It has been launched for providing detection of
malicious programmes and free tools to remove such
programmes.
• Cyber Crime Prevention against Women & Children (CCPWC):
The Ministry of Home Affairs has provided financial
assistance to all the States & UTs under this scheme to
support their efforts for setting up of cyber forensic-cum-
training laboratories, training, and hiring of junior cyber
consultants.
• CSAI Mission (Cyber Security, Cyber Forensics, Cyber
Education, Ethical Hacking): India and USA together
reaffirmed their commitment to an open, secure, inclusive,
safe, interoperable and reliable internet, and to continuing
cooperation on a range of cyber-security issues, including
preventing and to responding to cyber-threats, promoting
Way Forward:
cyber-security education and awareness and measures to
• Bharat NCX 2023 represents a defining moment in India's
build resilient cyber infrastructure.
unwavering commitment to cybersecurity excellence,
Suggestions for Ensuring Cyber Security: underscoring the paramount importance of collaboration and
knowledge-sharing among stakeholders from government,
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
public, and private sectors.
 Enable 2FA whenever possible for online accounts.
• It also had a Strategic Track for leadership level discussions
 This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second
on cyber threat landscape, incident response, crisis
verification step, such as a one-time code sent to your
management to handle real world cyber challenges.
phone.

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 Economy
INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ERADICATION OF POVERTY
The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is celebrated annually
on October 17 by the United Nations.
About:
• Aim:
 To raise awareness about the struggles of people living in
poverty.
 It serves as a reminder that poverty is a complicated,
multifaceted problem that affects factors such as access
to health care, education, and social inclusion, rather than
simply a lack of income.
 The day highlights the value of cooperation, human rights,
and social justice in the fight against poverty.
• Historical Background:
 The event was first commemorated in Paris, France, in 1987
at the Human Rights and Liberties Plaza to honour victims
of poverty, hunger, violence, and fear.
 The commemorative stone was unveiled by Joseph
Wresinski, founder of the International Movement ATD
Fourth World.
 Then, in 1992, the United Nations (UN) officially designated
October 17 as the International Day for the Eradication of
Poverty.
• Theme for 2023: “Decent Work and Social Protection: Putting
Dignity in Practice for All" which aims for universal access to
decent work and social protection as a way to uphold human
dignity for all people.
• Significance:
 This day holds immense significance as it serves as a
global reminder of the ongoing battle against poverty in
all its dimensions.
 It underscores the commitment to addressing the
profound social, economic, and human rights issues
that stem from poverty while emphasizing the need for
collective action to alleviate the suffering of those affected
by this challenge.
 This day calls for sustainable and inclusive development
that ensures no one is left behind, as we strive for a world
where poverty no longer hinders individuals from leading
lives of dignity, opportunity, and hope.
Poverty Across the Globe:
• According to the United Nations, 8.4% of the world’s
population, or as many as 670 million people, were living in
extreme poverty at the end of 2022.
• An estimated 7% of the global population – around 575 million
people – could still find themselves trapped in extreme
poverty by 2030.
Feature Articles Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023
WHAT IS POVERTY?
• According to the World Bank, Poverty is pronounced
deprivation in well-being and comprises many dimensions.
• It includes low incomes and the inability to acquire the basic
goods and services necessary for survival with dignity.
Committees in India so far on poverty estimation:
• The working group of 1962: It was chaired by P.C.
Mahalanobis, laid the foundation for poverty estimation in
India. It introduced the concept of the "Below Poverty Line"
(BPL) population and initiated the process of measuring
poverty through income levels.
• V N Dandekar and N Rath in 1971: introduced the concept of
the "poverty line" and developed the "Dandekar and Rath
poverty line," which served as a benchmark for measuring
poverty.
• Y K Alagh in 1979: It recommended a new set of poverty
lines and emphasized the importance of using multiple
indicators, including income, to measure poverty.
• D T Lakdawala in 1993: It introduced a new methodology for
estimating poverty based on calorie consumption.
• Suresh Tendulkar in 2009: introduced a more comprehensive
methodology that included not only food but also non-food
items in the calculation of poverty lines.
• C Rangarajan in 2014: It recommended a new criterion for
measuring poverty in urban and rural areas.
• The government did not take a call on the report of the
Rangarajan Committee; therefore, poverty is measured
using the Tendulkar poverty line.
GOVERNMENT’S INITIATIVES
• Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee
Scheme (MGNREGS)
• Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods
Mission (DAY-NRLM)
• Deen Dayal Upadhyay – Gramin Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-
GKY)
• Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G)
• Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)
• Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana
• Schemes for Financial Assistance:
• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi
• Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana
• Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP)
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 Current Affairs
Economy Feature Articles
Edition: November 2023
CENTRE APPROVES SUBSIDY ON FERTILISERS
Cabinet approves `22,303 crore subsidy on phosphorus, potash fertilisers for Rabi season to ensure
farmers continue to get soil nutrients at reasonable rates despite high global prices.
NBS Scheme:
• It governs the subsidy on P&K fertilisers and has been
instrumental in ensuring the availability of essential nutrients
to farmers at subsidised prices since 1 April 2010.
• Fertilisers available to farmers at subsidised prices through
fertiliser manufacturers or importers (not to the farmers) as
per approved and notified rates.
• NBS is applicable for Diammonium Phosphate, Muriate
of Potash, Mono Ammonium Phosphate, Triple Super
Phosphate, Single Super Phosphate, Ammonium Sulphate
and 16 grades of complex fertilisers.
DO YOU KNOW?
• The Union government allocated a subsidy of ₹1.08 lakh
crore for the 2023-24 kharif season ended September,
including a ₹70,000 crore subsidy for urea and ₹38,000
crore for DAP and other fertilisers.
• In the 2023-24 Union Budget, the government had allocated
₹1.75 trillion for fertiliser subsidies and spent 55% of it
in the first five months. In 2022-23 the fertiliser subsidy
surged to a record-high of ₹2.55 lakh crore.
What are the Rabi crops?
• These are sown in winter and
harvested in spring. These
include wheat, barley, mustard,
chana (gram), masoor (lentil),
peas, potato, tomato, beet,
cabbage, garlic, onion, cumin,
coriander, linseed, sunflower,
and cauliflower etc.
Benefits of Fertiliser
Subsidy:
• Availability of Fertilisers: It will
ensure P&K fertilisers are available to farmers at affordable
prices during the ongoing Rabi season.
• Growth of agricultural productivity: Fertiliser subsidy resulted
in a tremendous growth of agricultural productivity, which
was necessary for food security of the huge population of the
country.
• Effective and efficient use of government resources: It
rationalises the subsidy on P&K fertilisers, ensuring effective
and efficient use of government resources.
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Negative Effects of Subsidy:
• Overuse of fertilisers: Their imbalanced use of fertilisers can
lead to soil degradation.
• Delay in paying subsidy dues: There is a huge carryover of
subsidy liabilities every year due to the non-payment of
subsidy bills received from companies.
 Scarcity of funds due to an inadequate budget allocation
is the major reason for the delay in settlement.
• Expenditure on subsidy: Over the years, the government’s
expenditure on fertiliser subsidy has been increasing.
 However, it is necessary to keep providing the subsidy,
it is also the government’s responsibility to contain
this expenditure by adopting innovative ways without
increasing the prices.
• Issue of diversion: About 10 lakh tonnes of agriculture-grade
subsidised urea is getting diverted every year mainly to
industries causing a subsidy leakage.
• Role of international trade: India, the top importer of the crop
nutrient, currently meets 30% of its demand for urea through
imports from countries such as Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia
and the UAE.
Recommendations and Solutions:
• Any drastic change in the existing fertiliser subsidy policy
would have a huge bearing on the food security of the
country. It is recommended that:
 It must be effected only after an in-depth study and wider
consultations with all stakeholders;
 Interests of small and marginal farmers should be firmly
kept in mind;
 Best international practices should be carefully studied;
 Education and awareness of farmers about the balanced
use of fertilisers should be an integral part of the policy.
• The government should take all possible steps to reduce its
expenditure on subsidy by:
 Modernising fertiliser manufacturing plants;
 Adopting best practices of manufacturing and strict
energy norms; and
 Building a strong research and development base for
continuously upgrading the manufacturing technology, so
as to reduce the manufacturing cost.
• Direct subsidy to farmers: The companies should be set
free to manufacture, supply, and sell fertilisers as per their
own system, and the government needs to provide fertiliser
subsidies directly to farmers under Direct Benefits Transfer.
 Society
MANUAL SCAVENGING
The Supreme Court of India has issued directives to the Centre and state governments regarding for effective
implementation of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013.
SC Directions:
• The governments (Centre and states) have been directed to
provide compensation of Rs 30 lakh to the families of individuals
who lose their lives while engaged in sewer cleaning.
• The court has asked for enhancing the compensation
in cases of sewer deaths and injuries. Those who suffer
permanent disabilities while cleaning sewers will be paid Rs
20 lakh as minimum compensation, and for other injuries, a
compensation up to Rs 10 lakh can be paid to the victims.
• For rehabilitation of victims and their families, provide
scholarships and skill programs.
Manual Scavenging:
• Manual scavenging is the practice of removing human
excreta by hand from sewers or septic tanks.
• It is a dehumanizing practice that has been banned in India
under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers
and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 (PEMSR).
• Despite the ban, manual scavenging is still prevalent in
many parts of India due to the lack of enforcement of the
Act, exploitation of unskilled labourers, and caste, class, and
income divides.
Reasons for Manual Scavenging Continuing to Exist in
India:
• Caste System: Deep-seated caste-based discrimination traps
many in this occupation.
 Example: According to the Ministry of Social Justice &
Empowerment out of 43,797 manual scavengers, 42,594
belong to Scheduled Castes.
• Lack of Alternatives: Limited access to education and job
opportunities keeps people in manual scavenging.
• Weak Law Enforcement: Inadequate implementation of anti-
manual scavenging laws.
• Inadequate Sanitary Infrastructure: Lack of modern sanitation
systems necessitates manual cleaning.
• Economic Factors: Cheap labour costs make manual
scavenging financially attractive.
Government of India's initiatives to Restrict Manual
Scavenging:
• Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their
Rehabilitation Act, 2013: The law bans manual scavenging
and provides for rehabilitation.
Feature Articles Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023
 Violation of the act is punishable with imprisonment up to
2 years or a fine up to Rs. 1 Lakh or both.
• Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: Aims to promote sanitation and
reduce manual scavenging.
• National Action Plan for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem
(NAMASTE): Collaborative effort between the Ministry
of Housing and Urban Affairs and the Ministry of Social
Justice and Empowerment, with the objective of eliminating
hazardous manual cleaning of sewer and septic tanks.
• Rehabilitation Programs: Offers financial aid, skill
development, and employment opportunities.
 Example: Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan: National Campaign
focused on eradicating the dehumanizing practice
of manual scavenging and ensuring comprehensive
rehabilitation for manual scavengers throughout India.
• Community Awareness: Conducts campaigns to change
societal attitudes.
Way Ahead:
• Awareness and Education: Conducting awareness campaigns
to educate communities about the hazards of manual
scavenging and the importance of ending this practice.
• Providing Alternative Livelihoods: Develop skill training
programs and alternative livelihood options for manual
scavengers to help them transition to safer and more dignified
professions.
• Technology and Mechanization: Invest in technologies and
equipment that can replace manual scavenging, such as
sewage cleaning machines and robotic cleaners. Example:
Bandicoot robot.
• Safety Gear and Equipment: Ensure that manual scavengers
are provided with appropriate personal protective equipment
(PPE) and safety gear, including masks, gloves, and boots.
• Healthcare and Rehabilitation: Establishing healthcare
programs to address the physical and mental health needs
of manual scavengers.
• Collaboration and Partnerships: Collaborate with governmental
and non-governmental organizations, civil society, and
international agencies to pool resources and expertise in
addressing the issue.
• Zero Tolerance for Manual Scavenging: Declare a zero-
tolerance policy for manual scavenging at all levels of
government and society.
Hold accountable those responsible for perpetuating or
tolerating the practice.
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 Current Affairs Feature Articles
Edition: November 2023

34
 Society
CIRCULAR MIGRATION
The increased access to modern forms of transport and communication, social networks and the growth of
multinational corporations have aided the advent of circular migration.
Definition:
• Circular migration is a repetitive form of migration wherein
people move to another place (the destination country)
and back (country of origin) according to the availability of
employment.
• According to Philippe Fargues, migration can define as
circular if it meets the following criteria:
 there is a temporary residence in the destination location,
 there is the possibility of multiple entries into the
destination country,
 there is a freedom of movement between the country of
origin and the country of destination during the period of
residence,
 there is a legal right to stay in the destination country,
 there is protection of migrants’ rights, and
 if there is a healthy demand for temporary labor in the
destination country.
• It is a phenomenon mostly among low-income groups who
migrate to avail of seasonally available jobs in another
country, city, place etc.
Circular Migration within India:
• In India, internal migration has almost always been circular.
With the advent of jobs in the manufacturing, construction and
services sector, there has been a huge flow of migrants from
rural areas to urban cities.
• Between 2004–2005 and 2011–2012, the construction sector
witnessed one of the largest net increases in employment for
all workers, specifically for rural males.
 This has led to rural populations and their economy
dwindling and urban spaces, while booming, witnessing
infrastructural collapse as they are unable to properly
house incoming populations.
• In India, the uneven development post-liberalization, has led
to increase in trend of inter-State migration, with States like
West Bengal, Odisha and Bihar having some of the highest
rates of out-migration.
 Initially, while most of the migration was to Delhi, nowadays
it has increased to southern States as well.
• A 2020 study of the circular migration of rural males of West
Bengal states that most of the rural migrants were occupied in
agricultural jobs in their origin States; and when they migrated
a majority of them were engaged in low-skill jobs.
Feature Articles Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023
Impacts of such Migration:
• Increased income prospects: The positive outcomes of such
inter-State migration include increased access to higher paying
jobs when compared to origin States, better household
welfare due to remittances, ease of mobility etc.
• Women Empowerment:Some reports have even stated how
women get more autonomy and decision-making power in the
family due to the absence of men who migrate.
• Exploitation at the hands of middleman: Migration, especially
to southern States where the language barrier is a big obstacle,
rural circular migrants are often at the mercy of middlemen or
brokers.
• Unsafe working conditions: They are made to work in
unhygienic and unsafe conditions with little to no protective
equipment.
• Exploitation of migrants: They are routinely exploited and
suffer significant ‘unfreedoms’ in host States.
• Additionally, indigenous wage groups and unions resent
these migrants as they are seen as taking away their jobs by
agreeing to work for lower wages.
• The 2020 study also says that this kind of migration is merely
subsistence migration — it’s the bare minimum.
 The migrants can barely provide for themselves and
their families, with no scope for further asset creation or
savings.
 There is also a certain precarity associated with these
jobs as they are seasonal and often irregular. This precarity
was on clear display during the pandemic in 2020
when migrants en-masse started walking back to their
hometowns.
Way Ahead:
• In destination areas, rural or urban, circular migrants remain
at the margins of physical, social, cultural, and political
spaces. It is high time that States start actively formulating
policy to understand the extent of circular migration.
• While some States like Kerala have announced health
iinsurance schemes for migrant workers (Awaz Health
scheme), there needs to be more effort to ensure migrants
rights.
• The precarity of workers needs to be addressed and there
should be more efforts to integrate them in the destination
States.
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 Current Affairs
Environment Feature Articles
Edition: November 2023
DAKAR DECLARATION
Ministers from the world’s 46 Least Developed Countries (LDC) recently issued a
joint Dakar Declaration on Climate Change 2023.
About:
• The joint Dakar Declaration on Climate Change 2023 outlines
the expectations and priorities of least developed countries
for 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) to the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change.
• IPCC AR6 findings: The ministers emphasized the findings of
the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Synthesis
Report for the Sixth Assessment Reports cycle (IPCC AR6),
which show that global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
have continued to rise, and that global warming is rapidly
approaching 1.5°C.
• Role of Least Developed Countries in global greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions: While LDCs account for around 14 percent
of the global population, they only account for about 1 percent
of emissions from fossil fuels and industrial processes,
according to the ministers.
The Declaration:
• The Dakar Declaration called for: Urgent global emissions
reductions, increased climate finance, strong outcome
operationalizing the new Loss and Damage Fund and an
ambitious Global Stocktake to close the gaps in global
climate action.
• Urgent global emissions reductions:
 Members urged all Parties, particularly major emitters, to
reduce GHG emissions urgently and significantly.
 Parties must also revisit and strengthen the 2030 targets
in their NDCs in order to align them with their fair share of
the global effort required to limit warming to 1.5°C.
• Adaptation finance: According to the declaration, developed
countries must present a clear road map for at least doubling
adaptation finance delivered by 2025 through public, grant-
based financing.
• Centralized carbon market mechanism: According to the
declaration, the UNFCCC centralized carbon market
mechanism must also be operationalized by 2024, including.
 Recognition of the specific needs and special
circumstances of LDCs and
 Implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement's
capacity building programme.
Conference of Parties (COP):
• About: Every year, the United Nations (UN) organizes climate
summits where the main agenda of the parties is to limit
global temperature rises.
36
• Participants: The participants come from 197 countries that
have signed the 1992 UN climate agreement.
• Aim: It aims to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the
atmosphere to prevent dangerous interference from human
activity on the climate system.
 The agreement seeks to limit global warming to well below
2°C, preferably to 1.5°C, compared to pre-industry levels.
• Summits: It was signed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
 Since 1994, COPs have been organized every year.
 This year (2023) marks the 28th such summit, called the
COP28 summit. One year was skipped because of the
Covid-19 pandemic.
 2015 Paris Agreement: Here all the countries agreed to
limit the temperature rise to 1.5-degree Celsius.
• COP27: It was concluded in 2022 in the Egyptian resort town
of Sharm el-Shaikh.
 COP27 was labelled as an “implementation” conference,
in the sense that countries were determined to solve
outstanding questions on climate finance.
 This refers to money that developed countries had
committed to developing countries to help them turn their
economies away from fossil fuels, build infrastructure
resilient to climate shocks and access technologies to
enable widespread use of renewable energy.
• COP 28: The 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference
or Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC, more commonly
referred to as COP28, will be the 28th United Nations Climate
Change conference, held from November 30th until December
12th, 2023, at the Expo City, Dubai.
GLOBAL STOCKTAKE
• Established under Article 14 of the Paris Agreement,
the Global Stocktake is designed to assess the collective
progress towards achieving the purpose of [the Paris]
Agreement and its long-term goals.
• It evaluates the world's progress on slashing greenhouse
gas emissions, building resilience to climate impacts, and
securing finance and support to address the climate crisis.
• 2023 is the first Global Stocktake year since the Paris
Agreement was signed in 2015.
• A successful COP28 will require all countries coming together
to commit to deep global emissions reductions, massively
scaling up renewable energy and ensuring no one is left
behind to address this crisis on their own.
 Environment Feature Articles Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023

FRAMEWORK FOR CLIMATE SERVICES

India is embarking on a major programme to launch its maiden national-level framework
towards providing climate services and information.

About: Need of NFCS:

• It is spearheaded by the India Meteorological Department
(IMD).
• The NFCS envisions to bring a seamless working platform for
users of climate information and services, and help to decide
about mitigating climate risks.
• Switzerland, China, Germany and the United Kingdom have
launched the NFCS. Now India has joined the league.
National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS)
• In lines with the Global Framework for Climate Services
(GFCS), the national framework will be based on country-
specific weather and stakeholder needs.
• Along with the identified sectors of focus, India could add
other relevant sectors like transport, tourism and other
emerging sectors from time to time.
• Initially, the NFCS will work in bridging the functioning gaps
between the various agencies who require climate services.
 These include the hydrological, power, renewable
energy, transport, dams and irrigation, health agencies
are central, state and other levels.
• IMD has gained a remarkable hold on providing high-
quality weather services for the country and its South Asian
neighbours. But, there remain many gap areas across terrains
and the seas, wherein no weather data is available.
• There is a lack of long-term (100 years or more) climatological
data from the Himalayan regions, the oceans, besides
inexistence of radar and satellite-based climatology.
• With NFCS, the Met department aims to strengthen the
observational network on land and the seas, improve the
data inflow and eventually use it to run weather and climate
models for deriving climate predictions.
• Suitable to the user’s needs, the climate data and information
products will be tailored and help identify agricultural
production, health trends, population distribution in high-risk
areas, road and infrastructure mapping for the delivery of
goods and other socio-economic variables.
• The framework will support efforts to prepare for new climate
conditions and adapt to their impacts on water supplies,
health risks, extreme events, farm productivity, infrastructure
placement, power and energy generation and others.

THE GLOBAL FRAMEWORK FOR

INDIA'S NATIONAL METEOROLOGICAL AGENCY
CLIMATE SERVICES (GFCS)
• IMD was established in 1875 and is headquartered in New
• Aim: to facilitate researchers and users of climate information
Delhi. The department serves the nation's agriculture,
and services to join hands in order to make informed and
disaster management, and public safety needs.
actionable decisions for the long-term betterment.
• IMD provides weather forecasts, warnings, and climate
• Establishment: During the third World Climate Conference
information.
held in Geneva in 2009.
• It plays a crucial role in monitoring and predicting weather
• Led by: National Meteorological and Hydrological Services
events, including cyclones and monsoons. It operates a
(NMHS) in respective nations.
network of weather stations and radars across India.
• Mandate: To generate high-quality data from national and
• The department conducts research and development in
international databases on temperature, rainfall, wind, soil
meteorology and climate science.
moisture and ocean conditions and other vital weather
parameters. • IMD collaborates with international meteorological
organizations to enhance global weather forecasting and
• The five major components under GFCS:
climate monitoring.
 Observations and Monitoring,
 Research,
Way Ahead:
 Modelling and Prediction,
• With climate vagaries and extreme events affecting India, and
 Climate Services Information System,
the world, becoming more frequent, the early implementation
 User Interface Platform and Capacity Building.
and acceleration of NFCS will be possible when planned in a
• Priority sectors: agriculture and food security, energy,
mission-mode and is driven by the country’s highest decision-
health, water and disaster risk reduction. making office.

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 Current Affairs
Environment Feature Articles
Edition: November 2023
ECOLOGICAL HEALTH OF THE HIMALAYAS
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) of India filed an affidavit before the Supreme
Court for taking steps to assess the carrying capacity of the 13 Himalayan states in a time-bound manner.
What is the Carrying Capacity of a Region?
• Carrying capacity of a region is based on the maximum
population size that an ecosystem or environment can sustainably
support over a specific period without causing significant
degradation or harm to its natural resources and overall health.
• It is crucial in understanding and managing the balance
between human activities and the preservation of natural
ecosystems to ensure long-term sustainability.
• The carrying capacity for any given area is not fixed, and can
be altered by improved technology, but mostly it is changed
for the worse by pressures which accompany a population
increase.
Vulnerabilities of Himalayan Region:
• The Himalayan ecosystem is vulnerable and susceptible to
the impacts and consequences of changes on account of
natural causes, climate change resulting from anthropogenic
emissions; and unplanned developmental paradigms.
• Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and
melting glaciers are affecting water resources, agriculture,
and ecosystems.
• It has led to significant disruption in ecosystems leading to
shifts in range, migration patterns, seasonal activities and
abundance of territorial and marine species, affecting the
livelihood of resource dependent communities.
• Such threats and uncertainties have undermined the socio-
economic development of the Indian Himalayan Region.
Importance of Himalayas:
• Climate: The Himalayas prevent India from cold Siberian
winds. Without the Himalayas, India would have been a dry,
cold land. They intercept south-west monsoon winds, which
are responsible for monsoon rain, very crucial for agriculture
and the economy of India.
• Natural resources: The Himalayas are a source of perennial
rivers viz. Indus, Ganga and the Brahmaputra River system.
 They provide minerals and forest produce for the Economic
development of the country.
 They are the source of soil for the fertile plains of northern
India as well as the region of Northeast.
• Hydropower Generation: The region's fast-flowing rivers and
steep terrain make it ideal for hydropower generation.
• Defence, Tourism and Pilgrimage: The Himalayas form a
natural boundary with China and Myanmar, thus providing a
cover against any adventure by the foreign militaries.
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 The Doons, Valleys, scenic hill stations and religious sites
attract millions of tourists from India and the world.
SCIENTIFIC STUDIES
The Himalayas are rich in geological and geographical
phenomena, and the Indian government has designated
Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) and Ecologically Sensitive Areas
(ESA) to protect biodiversity in the region. So far, 2 ESAs
and 92 ESZs have been notified in the 13 Indian Himalayan
states.
Initiative for Development of Himalayan Ecosystems:
• The National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem
(NMSHE) under the Department of Science and Technology
(DST) seeks to comprehend Himalayan ecosystem dynamics
and develop policies for preserving it. It addresses
concerns like glacier impact, biodiversity, wildlife, traditional
knowledge, and ecosystem sustainability planning.
• Other initiatives like the Indian Himalayas Climate Adaptation
Programme, Secure Himalaya Project, and Guidelines on
‘Carrying Capacity in the Indian Himalayan Region’ etc are
vital for the overall development of the Indian Himalayan
Region.
What needs to be done?
• It is highlighted that the suggestion made by the government
focuses on one institution, i.e., the G.B. Pant National Institute
of Himalayan Environment, while others are just a part of the
technical group.
 Almost all the other institutes are important players in their
respective domains and should be equal partners in policy
making.
• People-centric approach: It needs to involve the local
population and grass-roots bodies, from panchayats and
other urban local bodies, in determining the carrying capacity
of the Indian Himalayan Region.
• Focus on social aspect: There is a wider and longer term
need for assessing the overall sustainable capacity of
the environment, including all biological species, food,
habitat, water including ecology and agriculture. The expert
committee should be asked to focus on the social aspects or
population sustainability of the respective States.
• Sustainable tourism practices: It includes limits on visitor
numbers and infrastructure development along with educating
tourists on responsible behaviour in sensitive areas.
 Environment
INTERCONNECTED DISASTER RISKS REPORT, 2023
Recently, the United Nations University — Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS)
released a report titled Interconnected Disaster Risks Report, 2023.
Key Findings of the Report:
• The report examines a number of specific instances of
disasters that occur each year and explains the connections
between them and human actions.
• It introduces the concept of "risk tipping points," or times
when socio-ecological systems can no longer buffer risks and
face a greater risk of catastrophic consequences.
• Tipping Points: According to the report, the world is
approaching six environmental tipping points -
 Groundwater Depletion:
 Aquifer-stored groundwater is critical for over 2 billion
people, with 70% used for agriculture.
 In certain places, such as Saudi Arabia, over-extraction
has led to the depletion of over 80% of the aquifer.
Food security is hampered by this forced dependency
on imported crops.
 In India, Punjab has 78% of its wells classified as
overexploited, and by 2025, groundwater availability in the
country's northwest is expected to drop extremely low.
 Melting Mountain Glaciers:
 The glaciers lost 267 gigatons of ice annually between
2000 and 2019. Even with modest warming, it is
predicted that by 2100, we will have lost about 50% of
our glaciers.
 The more than 90,000 glaciers in the Hindu Kush,
Karakoram, and Himalayan regions are in danger,
endangering the lives of almost 870 million people who
depend on them.
 Unbearable Heat:
 In this context, the tipping point is a "wet-bulb
temperature" above 35°C, which combines temperature
and humidity.
 When the "wet-bulb temperature" exceeds 35°C for more
than six hours, organ failure and brain damage can occur.
 Wet-bulb temperatures in India exceeded 34°C during
a heatwave in 2023.
WET-BULB TEMPERATURE
The wet-bulb temperature is defined as the temperature of a
parcel of air cooled to saturation (100% relative humidity) by
water evaporation, with the parcel supplying the latent heat.
 Accelerating Species Extinctions:
 Human-caused extinction rates are now hundreds of
times higher than natural rates. Extinction can set off a
chain reaction that leads to the collapse of ecosystems.
Feature Articles Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023
 Over 400 vertebrate species have become extinct in
the last century, and an estimated one million plant and
animal species are on the verge of extinction.
 Space Debris:
 The increasing number of satellites in space is causing
a problem with space debris.
 There are 34,260 objects orbiting the Earth, with only
about 25% of them being operational satellites. Space
debris, such as broken satellites and discarded rocket
stages, is among the remaining objects.
 These fast-moving objects create a hazardous orbital
environment by endangering operational satellites
through collisions.
 Uninsurable Future:
 Since the 1970s, severe weather has caused a
sevenfold increase in damages, with USD 313 billion in
losses estimated in 2022.
 As extreme weather events become more hazardous,
insurance premiums have risen by up to 57% since
2015.
 For example, due to increased flood risk, approximately
520,940 homes in Australia may become uninsurable
by 2030.
Major Drivers of Increasing Disaster Risks:
• Rapid Urbanization: Occurs in the absence of adequate
planning and infrastructure development.
 As cities grow in size, more people and property are
exposed to hazards such as floods and earthquakes,
increasing disaster vulnerability.
• Insufficient Infrastructure: Bridges, buildings, and roads that
are not properly built or maintained are prone to collapse
during disasters, causing enormous losses in terms of both
money and people.
• Environmental Degradation: Natural ecosystems are
weakened by pollution, soil erosion, and deforestation.
 The effects of hazards are amplified when ecosystems'
capacity to function as disaster buffers is diminished.
• Issues with Water Management: Inadequate use of available
water supplies can result in flooding, droughts, and
shortages.
• Global Interconnectedness: As the world becomes more
connected, disruptions in one area can have global
consequences. This interconnectedness has the potential to
spread the economic and social consequences of disasters.
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 Current Affairs Feature Articles
Edition: November 2023
Recommend to Mitigate Disaster Risk:
• Four-category framework for classifying and prioritizing
solutions to address disaster risks:
 Avoid Delay: These are measures meant to avert disasters
by reducing their pace with existing techniques.
 For instance, enforcing stringent land-use and building
codes to avert significant damage from natural disasters.
 Avoid Transform: These actions aim to prevent disasters by
fundamentally changing how things are done.
 For instance, transitioning from fossil fuel-based
energy production to renewable energy sources (such
as solar and wind) to avoid the risks associated with
climate change.
 Adapt Delay: These steps give us extra time to react
appropriately in the event of a disaster, preparing us for
managing it.
 As an illustration, creating effective tsunami early
warning systems to give people extra time to evacuate
and get ready for the calamity.
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 Adapt Transform: These steps entail fundamentally altering
our way of life in order to better prepare for emergencies.
 To prepare for rising sea levels, for instance, coastal
zoning laws should be put into place and natural barrier
ecosystems, like mangroves, should be restored.
UNITED NATIONS UNIVERSITY – INSTITUTE FOR
ENVIRONMENT AND HUMAN SECURITY (UNU-EHS)
• It is an academic arm of the United Nations and acts as a
global think tank.
• Established in 2003
• Its mission is to carry out research on risks and adaptation
related to environmental hazards and global change.
Conclusion:
• These risk tipping points highlight the importance and need
for adopting proactive measures, transformational changes,
and global cooperation in mitigating their impact and building
a sustainable future for all.
 Science & Tech
NOBEL PRIZE FOR MEDICINE 2023
The Nobel Prizes for 2023 in Medicine or Physiology has been awarded to Katalin Karikó and
Drew Weissman for their work in mRNA vaccine.
About:
• The discoveries by these two Nobel Laureates were critical
for developing effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19
during the pandemic that began in early 2020.
Vaccines before the Pandemic:
• Vaccination stimulates the formation of an immune response
to a particular pathogen. This gives the body a head start in
the fight against disease in the event of a later exposure.
• Vaccines based on killed or weakened viruses have long been
available, exemplified by the vaccines against polio, measles,
and yellow fever.
 In 1951, Max Theiler was awarded the Nobel Prize in
Physiology or Medicine for developing the yellow fever
vaccine.
• As technology evolved, instead of the whole virus, just a
part of the viral genetic code began to be introduced through
vaccines.
 But the large-scale development of such vaccines requires
cell culture (growing of cells under controlled conditions)
and takes time.
mRNA Vaccines:
• During the Covid-19 outbreak, time was of the essence in
finding a weapon against the deadly and fast-spreading
virus. This is where mRNA technology proved crucial.
• This technology had been known since the 1980s, but had
not been perfected enough to create vaccines at a viable
scale.
• Basically, instead of putting an inactivated virus in the
body to activate an immune response, vaccines using this
technology use messenger Ribonucleic Acid (mRNA) to deliver
a message to the immune system.
• Genetically engineered mRNA can instruct cells to make the
protein needed to fight a particular virus.
Feature Articles Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023
• The vaccine attempts to activate the immune system to
produce antibodies that help counter an infection from a live
virus.
• Working: The mRNA vaccine does not expose individuals to
the virus itself. It introduces a piece of the genetic material
that corresponds to a viral protein. This is usually a protein
found on the membrane of the virus called spike protein.
Advantages of mRNA Vaccine:
• mRNA offers strong safety advantages. As the minimal
genetic construct, it harbors only the elements directly
required for expression of the encoded protein.”
• The mRNA vaccine only needs the genetic code, hence it is
possible to update vaccines to emerging variants and use
them for a variety of diseases.
• mRNA are only a sheet of instructions to make spike proteins
wrapped in a lipid (or a fat molecule) to keep it stable. An
mRNA-lipid unit most closely mimics how a virus presents
itself to the body, except that it cannot replicate like one.
Concerns:
• The mRNA is very fragile and will be shredded apart at room
temperature or by the body’s enzymes when injected. To
preserve its integrity, the mRNA needs to be wrapped in a
layer of oily lipids, or fat cells.
• A challenge with mRNA vaccines is that they need to be
frozen from -90 degree Celsius to -50 degree Celsius.
Kariko and Weissman Work:
• Karikó and Weissman realised that the problem with lab-
grown genetically engineered mRNA is that the body’s
dendritic cells [which have important functions in immune
surveillance and the activation of vaccine-induced immune
response] recognise them as a foreign substance, and release
inflammatory signaling molecules against them.
• To investigate this, they produced different variants of mRNA,
each with unique chemical alterations in their bases, which
they delivered to dendritic cells.
• The results were striking: The inflammatory response was
almost abolished when base modifications were included in
the mRNA.
• This was a paradigm change in understanding of how cells
recognize and respond to different forms of mRNA.
• These seminal results were published in 2005, fifteen years
before the COVID-19 pandemic.
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 Current Affairs Feature Articles
Edition: November 2023
• Through their discoveries that base modifications both
reduced inflammatory responses and increased protein
production, Karikó and Weissman had eliminated critical
obstacles on the way to clinical applications of mRNA.
NOBEL PRIZE
• Since 1901, the Nobel Prize has been awarded in the fields
of physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature
and peace, while a memorial prize in economic sciences
was added in 1968.
 In 1895 Alfred Nobel gave the largest share of his
fortune to a series of the Nobel Prizes.
• From Stockholm, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
confers the prizes for physics, chemistry, and economics, the
Karolinska Institute confers the prize for physiology or medicine,
and the Swedish Academy confers the prize for literature.
• The Norwegian Nobel Committee based in Oslo confers the
prize for peace.
• The Nobel Foundation is the legal owner and functional
administrator of the funds and serves as the joint
administrative body of the prize-awarding institutions, but it
is not concerned with the prize deliberations or decisions,
which rest exclusively with the four institutions.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF VACCINES
• Live-attenuated vaccines:
 Live-attenuated vaccines inject a weakened ,live
version of the germ or virus that causes a disease into
the body.
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 This type of vaccine works by allowing a virus or germ
to reproduce enough for the body to make memory
B-cells, which generate an immune response against it.
• Inactivated vaccines:
 An inactivated vaccine uses a strain of a bacteria or
virus that has been killed with heat or chemicals. This
dead version of the virus or bacteria is then injected
into the body.
 Inactivated vaccines do not offer lifelong immunity and
need topping up over time, but have less side effects.
 The vaccine is used to create immunity against Hepatitis
A, Flu, Polio, Rabies etc.
• Subunit, recombinant, conjugate, and polysaccharide
vaccines:
 vaccines use particular parts of the germ or virus. They
can trigger very strong immune responses in the body
because they use a specific part of the germ.
 These types of vaccines are used to create immunity
against the Hepatitis B, Human papillomavirus (HPV),
Pneumococcal disease.
• Toxoid vaccines:
 Toxoid vaccines use toxins created by the bacteria
or virus to create immunity to the specific parts of the
bacteria or virus that cause disease, and not the entire
bacteria or virus.
 Toxoid vaccines are used to create immunity against
diphtheria and tetanus.
 Science & Tech
NOBEL PRIZE FOR CHEMISTRY 2023
The 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus and
Alexei I. Ekimov for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots.
The Discovery:
• Every piece of a pure element exhibits exactly the same
properties, regardless of its size.
• But about forty years ago, scientists started discovering
something very remarkable. Very small particles, in the
nanoscale range, were found to behave slightly differently
from larger particles of the same element.
• Alexei Ekimov was the first to notice this deviant behaviour in
Copper Chloride nanoparticles around 1980.
• A few years later, Louis Brus, discovered similar behaviour in
Cadmium Sulphide nanoparticles.
• Moungi Bawendi, later developed easier methods to efficiently
produce nanoparticles that showed some desired deviant
behaviour.
• For their path-breaking research, done three to four
decades ago, they were awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in
Chemistry.
Quantum Dots:
• Quantum dots, often referred to as "artificial atoms," are
semiconductor nanocrystals that exhibit remarkable quantum
mechanical properties.
• Unlike traditional materials, the size of quantum dots plays
a pivotal role in determining their electronic and optical
characteristics.
 This size-dependent behaviour is a direct result of
quantum confinement, a phenomenon that occurs at the
nanoscale.
• Quantum dots are typically composed of elements from
the periodic table's groups II-VI or III-V, such as cadmium
selenide (CdSe) or indium arsenide (InAs).
Feature Articles Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023
• Their size can be precisely controlled during synthesis,
allowing scientists to tailor their properties for various
applications.
• Tunable Properties: The size of quantum dots determines their
optical and electronic properties. Smaller dots emit bluer
light, while larger ones emit redder light. This tunability makes
them valuable for various applications.
• Synthesis: Quantum dots can be synthesized using various
methods, including colloidal synthesis, epitaxial growth, and
chemical vapor deposition.
Significance:
• Their unique optical properties, including tunable
fluorescence, make them invaluable tools for labeling and
tracking molecules within biological systems.
 Researchers use quantum dots as fluorescent probes to
visualize cellular processes at an unprecedented level of
detail.
• Quantum dots have revolutionised the world of sensors and
detection.
 Their sensitivity to changes in the surrounding environment,
such as temperature or pH, has led to the development of
highly accurate and responsive sensors.
 These sensors find applications in environmental
monitoring, medical diagnostics, and industrial quality
control, among others.
• However, quantum dots are not merely limited to chemistry;
they have profound implications in the realm of quantum
physics.
 Due to their confined size, electrons within quantum dots
are restricted to discrete energy levels, resembling the
behavior of electrons in atoms.
 This resemblance has sparked interest in using quantum
dots to construct quantum bits or qubits, the building
blocks of quantum computers.
• Their use is also being explored in high-efficiency solar cells,
enhancing the brightness and colour accuracy of displays,
and even in the development of quantum dot-based LEDs for
next-generation lighting solutions.
• Exploration of new materials and applications, such as
quantum dot-based lasers, quantum dot-based solar cells,
and quantum dot-based single-photon sources, is at the
forefront of quantum dot research.
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 Current Affairs
Science & Tech Feature Articles
Edition: November 2023

INDIA AI REPORT
Seven working groups of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
submitted the first edition of IndiaAI report.

About: India AI Program:

• The report is set to serve as India’s guiding roadmap for the
development of its AI ecosystem.
• Through this roadmap IndiaAI will work to be a kinetic enabler
of the 1 trillion dollar digital economy.
Background:
• AI will be the kinetic enabler of India’s digital economy and
make Governance smarter and more data-led.
• AI is expected to account for 10% of the country’s USD 5
trillion GDP target.
• The Program is in line with the inclusive development
philosophy of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Prayas’.
• India has ranked 1st in AI Skill Penetration and 1st in the
Number of GitHub AI Projects as per the Stanford AI Index
report 2023.
• IndiaAI has a mission-centric approach which ensures a
precise and cohesive strategy to bridge the gaps in existing
AI ecosystem viz-a-viz Compute infrastructure, Data, AI
financing, Research and Innovation, targeted Skilling and
institutional capacity for Data to maximize the potential of AI
for advancing India’s progress.
• The India AI program will comprise several key components.
 India Datasets Platform: It will be one of the largest
collections of anonymized datasets that will be used by
Indian researchers to train their multi parameter models.
The IDP is being developed as a federal structure to
accommodate data providers from various ministries and
departments.
 India AI Compute Platform: It is a public-private
partnership project that will create substantial GPU
(Graphics processing unit) capacity for our startups and
researchers.
 IndiaAI Centres of Excellence: They will bring together
experts from academia, industry, and research entities
to work on cutting-edge research to create high-quality
AI solutions and to develop scalable solutions across
sectors.
 The CoEs will play a pivotal role in positioning India as
a global leader in a fast-evolving AI landscape through
impactful research and innovative solutions to critical
problems faced by the country.
 Institutionalising NDMO: A detailed mechanism to
establish the NDMO as a non-statutory independent
agency has been proposed. The NDMO will work like a
regulator in several respects of its operations.
 INDIAAI Future Design: The objective of this working
group is to assess and design funding mechanisms for AI
startups to enhance AI innovation in India. The vision is to
build the next 100 AI unicorns in the country through the
India AI program.
 INDIAAI Future Labs Compute: The objective of this
working group is to provide a comprehensive overview of
the current state of AI computational resources and their
limitations in India. It also expands on the challenges and
opportunities associated with intensifying AI compute
capacity and its potential impact on AI applications in
reshaping India’s future.

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AI Scenario (2023):
• Artificial Intelligence will occupy the centre stage across all
industries and sectors from pharma to defence, automobile,
environment and sustainability, healthcare, and IT to name
a few.
• According to IDC research, worldwide spending by
governments and businesses on AI technology is expected
to top $500 billion in 2023.
• AI governance will become a board-level topic together
with cybersecurity and compliance, which will include
explainability, fairness audits of high-impact algorithmic
decision-making, environmental impacts of AI, etc.
• AI is worth $120 billion as a market, it is growing by more than
20% each year, and is expected to reach a total of $1.5 trillion
by 2030.
Generative AI:
• Generative AI is becoming increasingly popular in the
business world, due to three primary factors: improvements
in models, better and more data, and greater computing
capacity. Recent years have seen an increase in sophistication
in machine learning models.
• The generative AI technologies currently in focus, such as
ChatGPT, DALL-E, and LaMDA, are distinguished by three main
characteristics:
 their generalised rather than specialised use cases,
 their ability to generate novel, human-like output rather
than merely describe or interpret existing information, and
 their approachable interfaces that both understand and
respond with natural language, images, audio, and video.
Impacts of AI:
• Automation and Labor: AI has automated routine and
repetitive tasks in various industries, from manufacturing
and agriculture to customer service and data entry. While
this increases efficiency, it also raises concerns about job
displacement and the need for reskilling and upskilling the
workforce.
• Healthcare: AI is transforming healthcare by improving
diagnosis accuracy, drug discovery, and personalized
treatment plans.
• Autonomous Systems: AI is integral to the development of
autonomous vehicles, drones, and robots.
• Natural Language Processing (NLP): NLP technologies,
powered by AI, enable chatbots, virtual assistants, and
language translation services. They have improved
customer service, accessibility, and communication across
languages.
Feature Articles Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023
• Finance and Trading: Algorithmic trading, fraud detection,
risk assessment, and financial analysis. It has increased
the speed and accuracy of financial transactions while
introducing challenges related to market volatility and
algorithmic bias.
• Data Analytics: AI-driven data analytics tools help businesses
make data-driven decisions, optimize processes, and gain
insights from vast datasets.
• Climate and Environment: AI is employed in climate modeling,
weather prediction, and environmental monitoring. It aids
in understanding climate change patterns, optimizing
renewable energy sources, and addressing ecological
challenges.
• Security and Surveillance: Enhances security through
facial recognition, behavior analysis, and threat detection.
However, it also raises concerns about privacy and
surveillance ethics.
• Ethical and Bias Concerns: AI systems can inherit biases
from their training data, leading to unfair or discriminatory
outcomes.
• Energy Efficiency: AI is used in energy management systems
to optimize energy consumption, reducing carbon footprints
in industries, buildings, and transportation.
• Creative Industries: AI-generated art, music, and content
creation tools have emerged, challenging notions of creativity
and raising questions about copyright and authorship.
Way Ahead:
• Ethical AI: Promote ethical guidelines and regulations to
ensure responsible AI development and deployment.
• Education and Training: Invest in AI education to bridge the
skills gap and prepare the workforce for AI-related jobs.
• Research and Innovation: Continue research to advance AI
capabilities and address limitations.
• Public Engagement: Involve the public in AI discussions to
shape policies and mitigate fears.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Encourage collaboration
among experts in AI, ethics, law, and other fields to address
AI's societal impact.
• Strengthen data protection laws and privacy regulations to
safeguard personal information used by AI systems.
• Promote diversity in AI development teams to reduce bias
and ensure AI systems work for all.
• Advocacy for transparent AI algorithms and decision-making
processes.
• AI for Social Good: Encourage AI initiatives that address
societal challenges, such as healthcare, poverty, and climate
change.
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 Current Affairs
Geography Feature Articles
Edition: November 2023

HYDROPOWER IN INDIA
The Union Minister for Power and Renewable Energy informed that the Glacier Lake Outburst (GLOF)
that destroyed the Chungthang dam in Sikkim will not slow down India’s reliance on hydropower.

About: DO YOU KNOW ?

• The Chungthang dam, a key component of the 1,200 MW
Sikkim Urja hydel power project, was destroyed along with
several highways, villages, and towns in Sikkim.
• The early reports say that the dam wasn’t engineered to
withstand flow from GLOF events.
• Scientists who have been studying the glacier lakes in the
Himalayas have warned of such events and the need for early
warning systems for over a decade.
Hydropower:
• It is clean, green, renewable, non-polluting and
environmentally friendly. It has a renewed emphasis due to
the changing energy mix of India.
CATEGORISATION
Projects like Hirakud & Bhakra Dam have increased
Agriculture Productivity and have been behind the success
of Green Revolution in India while the role of Tehri Dam in
mitigating the 2013 Uttarakhand disaster.
India’s Potential:
• The hydropower potential of India is around 1,45,000 MW and
at 60% load factor, it can meet the demand of around 85,000
MW. Around 26% of Hydropower potential has been exploited
in India.
• India has about 100 large hydropower plants, defined
as those with over 25 MW capacity, but their share in the
country’s overall electricity mix has been falling and now
accounts for around 12%.

• Micro: up to 100 KW
• Mini: 101 KW to 2 MW
• Small: 2 MW to 25 KW
• Mega: Hydro projects with installed capacity >= 500 MW
• The Indian power sector has undergone a significant
transformation in the past decade. In 2012, the energy deficit
was nearly 4.2%. Over 175 GW generation capacity has been
added since 2014 transforming the country to power surplus.
• It is critical in India’s response to the challenge of meeting the
energy needs and combating the issues of climate change.
TREND: HYDRO POWER GENERATION
• In 1947, hydropower capacity was about 37% of the
total power generating capacity and over 53% of power
generation.
• In the late 1960s, coal-based power generation started
displacing hydropower in India and hydropower’s share in
both capacity and generation fell dramatically.
• In 2022-23, hydropower accounted for 12.5 % of power
generation in India. India had about 4745.6 MW pumped
storage capacity in operation in 2023 with about 57,345
MW of pumped storage capacity under various stages of
investigation and construction.
• Hydropower infrastructure helps in averting the floods,
mitigating the impacts of global warming, and ensuring
redistribution of water to arid regions and improving water
security along with electricity generation.
• The Government of India has set an ambitious target for
enhancement of non-fossil fuel Energy capacity to 500 GW by
2030 (as announced in the COP26 Summit in Glasgow).
• Hydro projects also have a long useful life. Some projects like
Bhakra are in operation for last 50 years, while some others
like Pykara (59.2 MW) & Mettur Dam (50 MW) in Tamil Nadu,
Pallivasal (37.5 MW) in Kerala and Sivasamudram (42 MW)
in Karnataka etc., are in existence for more than 70-80 years
now.
Challenges:
• Hydropower can also cause environmental and social problems.
• Reservoirs drastically change the landscape and rivers they are
built on. Dams and reservoirs can reduce river flows, raise water
temperature, degrade water quality and cause sedimentation.
• Major challenges are examining scientific evidence, analysing
energy policy imperatives, geopolitical considerations, and
future directions for a sustainable hydropower policy in India
in the context of ongoing climate change.
Conclusion:
• The government must consider changes occurring due to
global warming while planning new hydropower projects.
 There will be a simultaneous rise in extreme inflow and
high reservoir storage conditions for most dams.
• The Union Ministry of Power signed a memorandum of
understanding with the Defence Research and Development
Organization (DRDO) for the implementation of an ‘Early
Warning System’ for vulnerable hydro projects or power stations

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 Geography
GLACIAL LAKE OUTBURST FLOOD (GLOF)
Flash floods occurred in northern Sikkim after the South Lhonak Lake, which is a
glacial lake burst due to incessant rains.
About:
• The South Lhonak Lake is situated in the state’s northwest at
17,000 ft. It formed due to the melting of the Lhonak glacier.
• The outburst of the lake has caused the rise of water levels
in Teesta river that flooded at least four districts, including
Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong and Namchi.
• Lhonak lake is one of the largest and fastest growing proglacial
lakes in Sikkim and is among the 11 large glacial lakes
monitored by the Central Water Commission.
• During the past 29 years, the glacier’s length has reduced from
6.4 km to 5.1 km.
• The Lhonak lake, which measured just 0.17 square kilometres
in 1977, grew to 0.78 square kilometres in 2002 and 1.35
square kilometres in 2019.
• Between September 17 and September 28, its size shot up by
around 5 hectares, which is around three percent of its size.
What is GLOF?
• Glacial Lakes are large bodies of water that sit in front of, on
top of, or beneath a melting glacier.
• As they grow larger, they become more dangerous because
glacial lakes are mostly dammed by unstable ice or sediment
composed of loose rock and debris.
• In case the boundary around them breaks, huge amounts of
water rush down the side of the mountains, which could cause
Feature Articles Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023
flooding in the downstream areas. This is called glacial lake
outburst floods or GLOF.
• GLOF can be triggered by several reasons, including
earthquakes, extremely heavy rains and ice avalanches.
• These lakes are often found in steep, mountainous regions,
which means landslides or ice avalanches can sometimes
fall directly into the lakes and displace the water, causing it to
over-top the natural dam and flood downstream.
About Sikkim Geology and Geomorphology:
• East district is a part of the Eastern Himalayas Five geological
units encountered in the district are Kanchenjunga gneiss,
Darjeeling gneiss, Chungthang schists and gneiss, lingtse
granite gneiss and the daling group of rocks.
• In the East District out of the total geographic area (964 sq
km) , 679 sq km of area is covered by forest which is 71.17%
of the total geographic area.
• The major drainage systems in the East district are Teesta,
Rangpo Chhu, and Dik Chhu.
• The Teesta basin in Sikkim Himalaya hosts numerous glacial
lakes in the high-altitude glacierised region, including one of
the largest and fastest-growing South Lhonak Lake.
• Sikkim has 733 glacial lakes, with 288 located above an altitude
of 5,000 m, according to the National Remote Sensing Centre
(NRSC).
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OLD STUDY WARNED ABOUT THREAT OF Conclusion:

LAKE BURSTING IN SIKKIM • GLOFs requires a multifaceted approach. Implement

• A study by an international team of researchers had warned monitoring, early warning systems, and infrastructure
two year ago that the South Lhonak lake in Sikkim may burst development while mitigating climate change.
in the future and significantly impact the downstream region. • Conduct risk assessments, engage in international
• The 2021 study, published in the journal Geomorphology, cooperation, and build local capacity. Promote ecosystem-
highlighted that South Lhonak Lake had witnessed a based approaches and adaptive land use planning.
significant growth in the past decades due to glacial retreat, • Raise public awareness and seek international funding for
thereby increasing its chances of glacial lake outburst GLOF risk reduction projects. This comprehensive strategy
floods (GLOF).
aims to minimize the impact of GLOFs on vulnerable regions.

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CYCLONE TEJ
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted that Cyclone Tej, a depression gathering force in the
Arabian Sea, intensified into an ‘extremely severe cyclonic storm’ near the coasts of Oman and Yemen.

About:
• It developed from a low-pressure area in the southeast
Arabian Sea and intensified into a depression.
• Cyclone Tej has the potential to bring heavy rainfall, strong
winds, storm surges, and coastal flooding to the affected areas.

Increase in Frequency of Arabian Sea Cyclones:

• Warming Sea Surface Temperatures (SSTs): Rising sea surface
temperatures in the Arabian Sea provide the necessary
energy for cyclone formation and intensification. Warmer
waters allow cyclones to draw more moisture and heat,
leading to increased storm intensity and frequency.
• Changing Ocean and Atmosphere Patterns: Alterations in
ocean and atmosphere warming patterns are causing more
frequent and severe tropical cyclones in the Eastern Arabian
Sea, near India's west coast.
• Indian Ocean Dipole's Role: The positive phase of the Indian
Ocean Dipole (IOD), akin to the Indian Nino, results in
warmer sea surface temperatures and increased rainfall in
the western Indian Ocean region. Nomenclature:
• Human-Induced Impact: The recent surge in extremely severe • The names are maintained and updated by an international
post-monsoon cyclonic storms in the Arabian Sea is attributed committee of the World Meteorological Organization. The tropical
to anthropogenic factors, marking a shift away from natural cyclones/hurricanes are named neither after any particular
variability. Human-induced climate change is amplifying the person, nor with any preference in alphabetical sequence.
frequency and intensity of cyclones in the Arabian Sea.
• The Regional Specialised Meteorological Centres (RSMCs)
What are Cyclones? – They are responsible for monitoring and prediction of
tropical cyclones over their respective regions. They are also
• A cyclone is a low-pressure area with winds spiralling
responsible for naming the cyclones.
inwards and is caused by atmospheric disturbances around a
low-pressure area distinguished by swift and often destructive • There is a strict procedure to determine a list of tropical cyclone
air circulation. names in an ocean basin by the Tropical Cyclone Regional Body
• The air circulates inward in an anticlockwise direction in the responsible for that basin at its annual/biennial meeting.
Northern hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern hemisphere. • The importance for naming tropical cyclones:
• The centre of a cyclone is a calm area. It is called the eye of  It helps to identify each individual tropical cyclone.
the storm. The diameter of the eye varies from 10 to 30 km. It  It facilitates disaster risk awareness, preparedness,
is a region free of clouds and has light winds. management and reduction.
• A large cyclone is a violently rotating air mass in the  Local and international media become focused on the
atmosphere, 10 to 15 km high. A cyclone is known by different tropical cyclone.
names in different parts of the world as:  It removes confusion where there are multiple cyclonic
systems over a region.
Name Region
Hurricane American continent. Way Forward:
• Cyclone management involves a combination of proactive
Typhoon Philippines and Japan
measures to reduce vulnerability, improve early warning
Willy-Willy Australia
systems, and enhance disaster response and recovery
Cyclone Indian Subcontinent capabilities.

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GLOBAL ESTIMATION OF THE IMPACT OF
DISASTERS ON AGRICULTURE
Recently, The Impact of Disasters on Agriculture and Food
Security report released by the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
About the Report:
• It brings the first-ever global estimation of the impact of
disasters on agricultural production focused on crops and
livestock.
• It also notes that the figure may be higher if systematic data
on losses in the fisheries and aquaculture and forestry sub
sectors were available.
• It shows that about $3.8 trillion worth of crops and livestock
production has been lost over the last 30 years.
• The loss corresponded to an average of $123 billion per
year, or 5 percent of annual global agricultural gross domestic
product (GDP).
Key Highlights:
• Losses by product groups: Agriculture is one of the most highly
exposed and vulnerable sectors in the context of disaster risk,
given its profound dependence on natural resources and
climate conditions.
 Recurrent disasters have the potential to erode gains in
food security and undermine the sustainability of agrifood
systems.
 Losses in cereals amounted to an average of 69 million
tonnes per year in the last three decades – corresponding
to the entire cereal production of France in 2021
 Meats, dairy products and eggs showed an average
estimated loss of 16 million tonnes per year, corresponding
to the whole production of meats, dairy products and
eggs in Mexico and India in 2021.
• Regional differences: Global losses mask significant variability
across regions, subregions and country groups.
 Asia experienced by far the largest share of the total
economic losses.
 Africa, Europe and the Americas also displayed a similar
order of magnitude.
 In absolute terms, losses were higher in high-income
countries, lower-middle-income countries and upper-
middle-income countries
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ECONOMY
• Cascading impacts of disasters: Disaster events have increased
from 100 per year in the 1970s to around 400 events per year
worldwide in the past 20 years.
 Disaster events impact is also expected to worsen, as
climate-induced disasters amplify existing social and
ecological vulnerabilities.
 Underlying disaster risk drivers include climate change,
poverty and inequality, population growth, health
emergencies caused by pandemics, practices such as
unsustainable land use and management, armed conflicts
and environmental degradation.
 In extreme cases, disasters result in the displacement
and outward migration of rural populations.
 Farmers, particularly smallholders farming under rain-fed
conditions, are the most vulnerable actors in the agrifood
systems and bear the brunt of disaster impacts.
Suggestions and Recommendations:
• Supporting the adoption of farm-level disaster risk reduction
good practices can help small-scale farmers to avoid losses
and enhance their resilience.
• Investment in farm-level disaster risk reduction good practices
can perform on average 2.2 times better than previously
applied practices.
• Proactive and timely interventions in response to forecasted
hazards are crucial to build resilience by preventing and
reducing risks in agriculture.
• Improving data and information on the impacts of disasters
on all subsectors of agriculture — crops, livestock, fisheries
and aquaculture and forestry;
• Developing and mainstreaming multisectoral and multi-
hazard disaster risk reduction approaches into policy and
programming at all levels; and
• Enhancing investments in resilience that provide benefits in
reducing disaster risk in agriculture and improve agricultural
production and livelihoods.
GLOBAL MARITIME INDIA SUMMIT 2023
The Prime Minister inaugurated the third edition of Global
Maritime India Summit 2023.
About:
• The Prime Minister also unveiled ‘Amrit Kaal Vision 2047’, a
blueprint for the Indian maritime blue economy.

 The blueprint outlines strategic initiatives aimed at
enhancing port facilities, promoting sustainable practices,
and facilitating international collaboration.
 The foundation stone for projects worth more than Rs
23,000 crores that are aligned with the ‘Amrit Kaal Vision
2047’ was laid.
• Tuna Tekra all-weather deep draft terminal: Its foundation was
laid down at Deendayal Port Authority in Gujarat.
• The terminal is likely to emerge as an international trade hub,
will handle next-gen vessels exceeding 18,000 twenty-foot
equivalent units (TEUs) and will act as a gateway for Indian
trade via the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor
(IMEEC).
WHAT IS THE BLUE ECONOMY?
• The Blue Economy is defined by the World Bank as the
“sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth,
improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health
of the ecosystem.”
• The blue economy of India is a subdivision of the national
economy that includes the complete ocean resources
system as well as human-made economic infrastructure
in the country's legal jurisdiction marine, maritime, and
onshore coastal zones.
• Initiatives such as the Blue Revolution and the Pradhan
Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana promote sustainable
aquaculture and fisheries development.
• The development of offshore wind energy and tapping
into offshore oil and gas reserves are also part of India's
Blue Economy strategy.
• The "Sagarmala" initiative aims to modernize ports,
enhance connectivity, and promote coastal shipping.
• Initiatives like "Project Dolphin" and "Project Seabird"
focus on the conservation of marine species and habitats.
• India is collaborating with the neighbouring countries
and international organizations on issues related to the
Indian Ocean, including maritime security, disaster
management, and sustainable resource management.
• India’s blue economy accounts for roughly 4% of the
GDP and is estimated to increase once the mechanism is
improved.
About Summit:
• The summit provides an excellent platform for attracting
investment in the country's maritime sector.
• The first Maritime India summit was held in 2016 in Mumbai
while the Second Maritime Summit was held virtually in 2021.
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• The summit of 2023 will witness the participation of Ministers
from across the globe representing countries from Europe,
Africa, South America, and Asia (including central Asia,
Middle East and BIMSTEC region).
 The three-day summit will discuss and deliberate key
issues of the maritime sector including ports of the future;
decarbonisation; coastal shipping and inland water
transportation; shipbuilding; repair and recycling; finance,
insurance & arbitration; maritime clusters; innovation &
technology; maritime safety and security; and maritime
tourism, among others.
MATSYA SAMPADA JAGRUKTA ABHIYAN
Union Minister Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying,
launched Matsya Sampada Jagrukta Abhiyan on the occasion
of completion of three successful years of implementation of
Pradhan Mantri Matasya Sampada Yojna (PMMSY).
About:
• It is the flagship scheme of the Department of Fisheries,
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, and was
launched in 2020.
• Aim: To give momentum to the ‘sunrise’ fisheries sector through
consolidated efforts from various schemes and initiatives.
• The PMMSY is an umbrella scheme with two separate
Components namely Central Sector Scheme (CS) and Centrally
Sponsored Scheme (CSS).
• The Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) Component is further
segregated into non-beneficiary oriented and beneficiary
orientated subcomponents/activities:
 Enhancement of Production and Productivity
 Infrastructure and Post-harvest Management
 Fisheries Management and Regulatory Framework.
DELHI-MEERUT RRTS CORRIDOR
The maiden voyage of India's first regional train service, the
Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), also
known as RapidX, is set to begin on a 17-kilometer stretch.
Delhi-Meerut RRTS:
• The RRTS is developed by the National Capital Region Transport
Corporation (NCRTC), a joint venture of the Government of
India and governments of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and
Uttar Pradesh.
• Infrastructure: The construction of the corridor began in 2019.
The total length of the Delhi-Meerut corridor is 82 kilometres
which will be covered in just an hour. It comprises 24 stations.
It will be completed by 2025.
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• Funding: The project has been constructed at a cost of ₹30,274
crore. The Asian Development Bank, New Development Bank
and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank have also funded
this project.
• Speed: The RRTS is different from the Metro rail. It has an
operational speed of 160 kilometres per hour against the
Metro's speed of 80 kph.
• Facilities: The RRTS trains feature several commuter-centric
facilities such as overhead luggage racks, Wi-Fi, mobile and
laptop charging facility at every seat. Each train will have one
premium class car with wider seats, more legroom, and coat
hangers. The trains will also come equipped with a vending
machine facility.
• The first phase covering 17 kilometres will cover five
stations- Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Guldhar, Duhai and the
Duhai Depot. These RRTS stations will be integrated with
various metro lines, airports and bus stands, wherever
possible.
COPYRIGHT OF RELIGIOUS TEXTS
The Delhi High Court has found “large-scale infringement” in
the reproduction on the Internet of copyrighted works of the
Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.
About:
• The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust claimed that certain websites,
mobile apps, and Instagram handles were making available
a large number of the trust’s copyrighted works without its
permission, which amounted to infringement.
High Court’s Verdict:
• Adaptation of the scriptures, including “explanation, meaning,
interpretation or creating any audio visual works”, would be
entitled to copyright protection because these are the original
works of the authors themselves.
• Thus, there can be no objection in the actual reproduction
of the text of Srimad Bhagavad Gita or similarly other spiritual
books.
 However, the manner in which the same is interpreted
by different gurus and spiritual teachers being varied in
nature, copyright would vest in respect of the original parts
of the literary works which preach, teach or explain the
scripture.
• The HC added that since Srila Prabhupada had himself
handed over the copyrights to be administered by the trust,
the works cannot be “reproduced without authorization, licence
or the permission” of the trust.
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BHAKTIVEDANTA BOOK TRUST
• It publishes books and commentaries on Indian religious
philosophy and spiritualism, especially classic Vaishnava
texts.
• It was established in 1970 by Bhaktivedanta Swami
Prabhupada (Srila Prabhupada), who also founded the
Gaudiya Vaishnava religious organisation International
Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), colloquially
known as the Hare Krishna Movement.
Are Religious Texts Protected by Copyright?
• Religious scriptures are in the public domain, and in copyright
law, no exclusive intellectual property rights apply to creative
works in the public domain.
• The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, one of the most
widely used translations of the Bible, are not protected by
copyright. However, many modern translations of the Bible
are copyright-protected because they represent new creative
works by the translators.
• While the Ramayana and Mahabharata are not protected
by copyright, the television series Ramayana created
by Ramanand Sagar or B R Chopra’s Mahabharata are
“transformative works” that would be protected.
• Modern translations, interpretations, and commentaries of
religious texts are typically protected by copyright.
• The Copyright Act in India includes provisions for fair dealing,
which allows limited use of copyrighted material for purposes
such as religious study, research, criticism, or review.
• India is a signatory to international copyright agreements
such as the Berne Convention and the Agreement on Trade-
Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
What does the copyright law in India say?
• Indian copyright law protects “original work” — a creative
and independently created expression fixed in a tangible
medium.
• The law grants the creator/ author of the work the exclusive
right to “use, reproduce, distribute, perform, and display their
work”.
• The law also protects transformative work which is a creative/
artistic work that takes existing material (text, music, art) and
significantly modifies, reinterprets, or builds upon it to create
something new and distinct.
LARGE LANGUAGE MODELS & NDTSP
India aims to build Large Language Models (LLMs) for Indian
languages.

About:
• LLMs are a cornerstone technology underlying several
‘intelligent’ software and make possible applications such as
ChatGPT.
Significance of LLMs for India:
• Deep Technology refers to innovations founded on advanced
scientific and technological breakthroughs. Due to their
disruptive nature, they have the potential to solve India’s
most pressing societal issues. These include:
 Preserving and promoting linguistic diversity and
enhancing cultural representation;
 Improving accessibility and reducing the digital divide
and fostering greater inclusivity;
 Supporting local businesses by the development of
language-specific applications and services to support
unique regional needs;
 National Security, by allowing better control over data and
technology domestically.
Draft National Deep Tech Startup Policy (NDTSP):
• Acknowledging the key significance of deep technology
in propelling innovation, economic growth, and societal
development, the NDTSP lays the foundation for India's
emerging Deep Tech Startup ecosystem.
• The purpose of the policy is to ‘ensure India’s position in the
global deep tech value chain’, in areas such as semiconductors,
artificial intelligence, and space technology.
• It is strategically formulated to stimulate innovation, spur
economic growth, and promote societal development
through the effective utilisation of deep tech research-driven
innovations.
• This policy aims to significantly strengthen India's capabilities
and enhance global competitiveness.
Pillars of NDTSP:
• Ensuring the Security of India's Economic Future;
• Facilitating a Seamless Transition to a Knowledge-Driven
Economy
• Bolstering National Capability and Sovereignty through the
Atma Nirbhar Bharat Imperative;
• Fostering Ethical Innovation.
The priorities under NDTSP:
• R&D and Innovation
• Intellectual Property
• Funding
• Infrastructure
• Create a conducive regulatory environment for innovations.
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Edition: November 2023
• Diversity & Capacity Building
• Adoption
• Policy Interlinkages
Collaborations on LLM Models:
• Large language models are a subset of generative AI, which
is the “new big thing” in technology right now. Large tech
companies such as Meta, Google, IBM have their own LLM
models. However, India does not have any major presence in
this space.
• The Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET):
Governments, businesses, and academic institutions to realise
their shared vision for the strategic technology partnership.
 It focused on an open, accessible, and secure technology
ecosystem, based on mutual confidence and trust that
reinforces our shared values and democratic institutions.
Way Forward:
• LLMs exist in the world in the form of applications. However,
in an Indian context, cultural diversity is one of the biggest
challenges we face. The services should be available in all
Indian languages, even for people who do not have access
to technology.
MINIMUM SUPPORT PRICES FOR RABI CROPS
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved
the increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for all
mandated Rabi Crops for Marketing Season 2024-25.
About:
• The increase in MSP for mandated Rabi Crops for Marketing
Season 2024-25 is in line with the Union Budget 2018-19
announcement of fixing the MSP at a level of at least 1.5 times
of the All-India weighted average Cost of Production.
• The expected margin over All-India weighted average Cost of
Production is 102 percent for wheat, followed by 98 percent
for rapeseed & mustard; 89 percent for lentil; 60 percent for
gram; 60 percent for barley; and 52 percent for safflower.
What is MSP?
• Minimum Support Price (MSP) is a form of market intervention
by the Government of India to insure agricultural producers
against any sharp fall in farm prices.
• MSP protects the producer- farmers against distress sale
during bumper production years.
• MSPs have no statutory backing — a farmer cannot demand
MSP as a matter of right.
• Government agencies, such as the Food Corporation of India
(FCI), are responsible for procuring crops from farmers at
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the MSP. These agencies ensure that farmers receive the
minimum support price for their produce.
• MSP acts as a form of market intervention, ensuring that
farmers are not compelled to sell their crops at distress
prices when market prices fall below the MSP.
Crops Covered:
• The Centre announces the MSP for 22 mandated crops.These
include:
 14 kharif crops (paddy, jowar, bajra, maize, ragi, tur/arhar,
moong, urad, groundnut, soyabean, sunflower, sesamum,
niger seed, cotton),
 6 rabi crops (wheat, barley, gram, masur/lentil, rapeseed
and mustard, and safflower) and
 2 commercial crops (jute and copra).
• In addition, MSP for Toria and de-husked coconut is also fixed
on the basis of MSPs of rapeseed & mustard and copra
respectively.
FAIR AND REMUNERATIVE PRICE (FRP)
• FRP is the minimum price at which the sugar mills purchase
sugarcane from farmers.
• The Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs announces the
FRP on the recommendations of CACP.
• It is calculated based on various factors, including the cost
of production, the basic recovery rate of sugar, and the
margin for the farmer.
Who decides what the MSP would be and how?
• The Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs announces the
MSP at the start of each sowing season, taking into account
the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural
Costs and Prices (CACP).
• While recommending MSPs, the CACP looks at following
factors:
 the demand and supply of a commodity;
 its cost of production;
 the market price trends (both domestic and international);
 inter-crop price parity;
 the terms of trade between agriculture and non-agriculture
(that is, the ratio of prices of farm inputs and farm outputs);
 a minimum of 50 per cent as the margin over the cost of
production; and
 the likely implications of an MSP on consumers of that
product.
Calculation Formula:
• The CACP does not do any field-based cost estimates itself. It
makes projections using state-wise, crop-specific production
cost estimates provided by the Directorate of Economics &
Statistics in the Agriculture Ministry.
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• The CACP calculates three types of costs — A2, A2+FL and
C2 — for each mandated crop for different states.
 A2 cost: It is the lowest and covers all paid-out costs
directly incurred by the farmer — in cash and kind —
on seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, hired labor, leased-in
land,fuel, irrigation, etc.
 A2+FL cost: It includes A2 plus an imputed value of unpaid
family labor.
 C2 cost: It is the highest of the three costs and defined
as a more comprehensive cost that factors in rentals and
interest for owned land and fixed capital assets, on top of
A2+FL.
• The National Commission for Farmers, chaired by MS
Swaminathan, had recommended MSP under the C2+50
percent formula. That is, the total cost of the crop (C2) and
the profit thereon is 50 percent. However, the government
announces MSP on the basis of A2+FL.
PROXY ADVISORY FIRMS
Proxy advisory firms oppose Anant Ambani’s appointment
on Reliance Industries Limited board.
About:
• They are independent organizations that provide research,
analysis, and recommendations to institutional investors
(such as mutual funds, pension funds, and asset managers)
regarding corporate governance matters and voting decisions
related to company shareholder meetings, particularly annual
general meetings (AGMs) and special meetings.
• They aim to provide impartial and expert advice to help
institutional investors exercise their voting rights effectively
and align their investments with their goals, values, and
fiduciary duties.
Importance of Proxy Advisory Firms:
These firms play a crucial role in assisting institutional investors
in making informed decisions on issues such as:
• They evaluate the qualifications and independence of board
members, assess potential conflicts of interest, and make
recommendations on whether shareholders should vote for
or against their election.
• Executive Compensation: They analyse executive pay
packages and provide recommendations on whether
shareholders should approve them, considering factors like
performance and alignment with shareholder interests.
• Shareholder Proposals: They assess shareholder proposals
on various topics, including environmental, social, and
governance (ESG) issues, and advise investors on how to
vote.

• Mergers and Acquisitions: They evaluate proposed mergers,
acquisitions, and other corporate transactions, providing
recommendations on whether shareholders should approve
or reject these deals.
• Environmental and Social Issues: These firms often weigh
in on issues related to environmental sustainability, social
responsibility, and other ESG concerns.
• Proxy Contests: They offer guidance on contested board
elections, where multiple parties compete for control of a
company's board.
Criticism:
• They have faced some criticism and regulatory scrutiny over
potential conflicts of interest and the influence they wield over
corporate governance decisions.
• Critics argue that proxy advisory firms are not directly
accountable to shareholders or the companies they evaluate.
Shareholders may rely on their recommendations without fully
understanding the methodologies or potential biases behind
the advice.
• Proxy advisory firms are criticized sometimes for applying a
one-size-fits-all approach when making recommendations,
without considering the unique circumstances and needs of
individual companies.
• There are concerns that proxy advisory firm recommendations
may lead to a focus on short-term financial metrics at the
expense of long-term sustainable corporate governance.
SMALL SAVINGS INSTRUMENTS (SSIS)
The government raised the interest rate on the five-year
recurring deposit scheme for the December quarter and
retained the rates for all other small savings schemes. The
government reviews the rate every quarter.
About:
• They are a set of savings instruments managed by the central
government with an aim to encourage citizens to save regularly
irrespective of their age.
• It comprises instruments, including the National Saving
Certificate (NSC), Public Provident Fund (PPF), Kisan Vikas
Patra (KVP) and Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme.
• The money raised from people who save through these
schemes goes to the Centre and is put into a fund called the
National Small Savings Fund (NSSF).
• The government resets the interest rate at the beginning of
every quarter. Theoretically, since 2016, interest rate re-setting
has been based on yields of government securities of the
corresponding maturity, with some spread on the scheme for
senior citizens, as advised by the Shyamala Gopinath Committee.
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Edition: November 2023
Latest Developments:
• National Savings (Monthly Income Account) Scheme, 2019 has
been amended through National Savings (Monthly Income
Account) (Amendment) Scheme, 2023 and the maximum
investment limit has been raised from ₹ four lakh fifty thousand
to ₹ nine lakh for a single account and from ₹ nine lakh to ₹ 15
lakh for a joint account with effect from 1st April 2023.
• Likewise, the Senior Citizen Savings Scheme, 2019 has been
amended through Senior Citizens Savings (Amendment)
Scheme, 2023 and the maximum investment limit has been
raised from ₹ 15 lakh to ₹ 30 lakh.
DO YOU KNOW ?
• The Mahila Samman Savings Certificate Scheme (MSSC) is a
newly launched small savings scheme of the Government
to commemorate the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav and is
exclusively for women and girls in India.
• It has been made available for a two-year period up to
March 2025.
• Some of the salient features of the schemes include:
 MSSC accounts may be opened by women of any age
group including the girl child with a minimum deposit of
₹1000/- and maximum deposit of ₹2 Lakhs for a period of
two years.
 The interest rate for MSSC is 7.5% p.a. which is
compounded quarterly.
 The facility of partial withdrawal and premature closure
on compassionate grounds are also available under
this Scheme.
JAMRANI DAM MULTIPURPOSE PROJECT
UNDER PMKSY
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired
by the Prime Minister, has approved inclusion of Jamrani
Dam Multipurpose Project of Uttarakhand under Pradhan
Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana-Accelerated Irrigation
Benefit Programme (PMKSY-AIBP).
About PMKSY:
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) is Central
Sponsored Scheme (Core Scheme) launched during the year
2015-16.
• It aims to enhance physical access of water on farms and
expand cultivable areas under assured irrigation, improve
on-farm water use efficiency, introduce sustainable water
conservation practices, etc.
• Government of India has approved implementation of PMKSY
during 2021-26 with an overall outlay of Rs.93,068.56 crore.
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AIBP Component of PMKSY:
• It is for creation of irrigation potential through major and
medium irrigation projects.
• 53 projects have been completed so far under PMKSY-AIBP
and additional irrigation potential of 25.14 lakh hectare has
been created.
• Six projects have been included after the AIBP component of
PMKSY 2.0 since 2021-22.
Jamrani Dam Multipurpose Project:
• Jamrani Dam Multipurpose Project is the seventh project to be
included in the list.
• It involves constructing a dam near Jamrani village, spanning
the Gola River, a tributary of the Ram Ganga River.
NANO DI-AMMONIA PHOSPHATE (DAP)
LIQUID FERTILIZER
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation,
inaugurated IFFCO's Nano DAP (Liquid) plant at Kalol in
Gandhinagar. IFFCO has taken India to first position in the
world in Nano Urea and Nano DAP production.
About:
• Nano-DAP is a concentrated phosphate-based fertilizer that
offers phosphorus nutrition support throughout the entire
crop growth and development cycle. Contains 8% nitrogen
and 16% phosphorus compared to 18% nitrogen and 46%
phosphorus contained in the conventional DAP bag.
• DAP is the second most widely used fertilizer in India, following
urea.
• IFFCO Nano Urea (liquid) is the world's first Nano fertilizers
which has been notified by Fertilizer Control Order (FCO,
1985).
Anticipated Benefits:
• Nano-DAP is expected to reduce India's expenditure on
fertilizer imports.
• It is projected to lower the yearly subsidies allocated to non-
urea fertilizers.
• It will reduce the use of chemical fertilizers helping our land
to move towards natural farming.
• Targeted nano-DAP application increases agricultural
sustainability and environmental safety by reducing pollution
of soil, air, and water.
IFFCO:
• IFFCO, or the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited was
founded in 1967 and is headquartered in New Delhi, India.
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• IFFCO primarily operates in the field of agriculture and
agribusiness, focusing on providing agricultural inputs and
services to farmers, promoting sustainable agriculture, rural
development, and farmer education.
• The cooperative is known for its role in the production and
distribution of fertilizers, including urea and other agriculture
inputs.
• In addition to fertilizers, IFFCO provides farmers with various
farm inputs and services, including seeds, pesticides,
agricultural machinery, and crop advisory services.
• It has embraced digital technologies to provide farmers
with information, access to services, and financial solutions
through initiatives like the "IFFCO eBazar" and mobile apps.
REFERENCE FUELS
India began producing 'reference' petrol and diesel, joining a
select league of nations that produce the highly specialized
fuel which is used for testing automobiles.
About:
• Indian Oil Corporation Limited launched India’s first gasoline
and diesel Reference Fuel (RF).
• Currently, reference fuels are being imported by India.
• Reference fuels are specially formulated and standardized
blends of hydrocarbons used in research and testing within
the automotive and fuels industry.
• 'Reference' petrol and diesel strictly conform to government-
mandated regulations, encompassing parameters such as
cetane number, flash point, viscosity, sulphur and water
content, hydrogen purity, and acid number.
• These specialized fuels are vital for conducting emission tests
on vehicles equipped with spark ignition engines, ensuring
accurate and reliable assessment of emissions.
Significance:
• It is part of the four-pronged energy security strategy which
includes diversification of energy supplies, increasing
exploration and production footprint, alternate energy sources
and meeting energy transition through gas-based economy,
and green hydrogen and EVs adopted by the government to
make the nation 'energy-independent' by 2047.
• They are used to calibrate instruments and equipment,
such as combustion analyzers and emissions measurement
devices. By using a known reference fuel, researchers can
verify the accuracy of their instruments.
• Reference fuels are often part of standardized testing
protocols and methods established by organizations like
ASTM International (formerly known as the American Society
for Testing and Materials) and other standards-setting bodies.
 In-Shorts | International Relations
INTERNATIONAL
RELATIONS
REFORMS FOR MULTILATERAL DEVELOPMENT
BANKS
A G20 expert panel on strengthening Multilateral
Development Banks (MDBs) wants the institutions to shift
from financing individual projects to prioritizing programmes
with sectoral focus and long-term transformation plans.
What are Multilateral Development Banks?
• Multilateral Development Banks are institutions whose
members include multiple developed and developing
countries, which have to fulfill certain lending obligations to
facilitate developmental objectives.
• They provide financing and technical assistance to countries
and organizations undertaking projects across sectors
including transport, energy, urban infrastructure, and waste
management.
• Lending operations: Usually, developed countries in MDBs
contribute to the lending pool while developing countries
primarily borrow from these institutions to fund development
projects.
Need for reforms within MDBs
• To deal with the climate crisis: A reformed MDB ecosystem
can equip stakeholders to better deal with global challenges
in effective ways.
• Private sector engagement: The existing perception and
practices of MDBs have adversely impacted their engagement
with the private sector. MDBs are often seen as bureaucratic
and risk averse, which deters the private sector from being
more involved in assisting with financing.
• Sustainable development goals (SDG): According to the expert
group, MDBs should focus their operations – financial as
well as analytical – on helping national governments create
and operationalise their respective country platforms for the
highest priority sustainable development goals (SDG).
Role of MDBs in India's Development:
• The World Bank, has committed to lending worth $97.6 billion
in India, including all active and closed projects.
• The Asian Development Bank, has cumulatively committed
to assistance worth $59.7 billion in India for project and
technical assistance.
• The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), has approved
financing worth $9.9 billion in India.
Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023
• The European Investment Bank, has signed off on 22 projects
in India with a cumulative value of Euro 4.5 billion.
WORLD BANK
• The World Bank Group is an international partnership
comprising 189 countries and five constituent institutions
that works towards eradicating poverty and creating
prosperity. It traces its origin to the Bretton Woods
Conference,1944.
• The World Bank is the collective name for the International
Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and
International Development Association (IDA), two of five
international organizations owned by the World Bank
Group.
• Headquarters: Washington, D.C
ASIAN INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT BANK (AIIB)
• AIIB is a multilateral development bank that provides
financing for infrastructure projects in Asia.
• The bank was established in 2016 and has 109 members.
• Headquarters: Beijing, China
THE EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK
• EIB is the European Union's development bank and is
owned by the EU Member States. It is one of the largest
supranational lenders in the world.
• The bank was established in 1958
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK
• ADB is a regional development bank established in 1966
for Social and Economic Development. It has 68 members.
• Headquarters: Manila, Philippines.
Conclusion:
• Multilateral development banks play a pivotal role in global
economic development, fostering cooperation, funding
infrastructure, and addressing critical issues, enhancing the
world's collective prosperity.
INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW
The bombing of Hospital in Gaza has pushed countries
around the world to label Israel’s recent aggressions as a “war
crime”, and a “violation of international humanitarian law”.
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What is a War Crime? Conclusion:

• According to the United Nations, no single document in • War crimes, grave violations of international law, highlight
international law codifies all war crimes. Lists of what may the need for accountability and justice in conflict zones,
count as a war crime can be found in various branches of reaffirming the importance of upholding human rights and
international law: humanitarian, criminal and customary law. international humanitarian law.
• According to the UN, a war crime occurs during armed conflict
and is a breach of the Geneva Conventions and a violation of
international humanitarian law also known as the “law of war”.
VIENNA CONVENTION ON DIPLOMATIC
RELATIONS
GENEVA CONVENTION
Recently, India asserted that it did not violate diplomatic
• International humanitarian law, particularly in times of war, norms as enshrined in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic
is dictated primarily by the Geneva Conventions which
Relations, while dealing with Canada.
Israel has ratified.
• Its four central conventions were formed by a series of About:
treaties that took place between 1864 and 1949, with the
• According to Canada’s Foreign Minister, unilateral revocation
first one being a shield for the sick and wounded in the
of diplomatic privileges and immunities is contrary to
armed forces.
international law, including the Vienna Convention on
• The Fourth Geneva Convention, established in 1949, was
Diplomatic Relations.
the first to call for the overall protection of people who do
not take part in any hostilities – be it children, patients or • However, India claims that reduction in the number of
healthy adult men. Canadian diplomats in India in fact did not impact the staff
requirement in the Canadian consulates, and it does not
• The 1949 Geneva Conventions have been ratified by all
violate the Vienna Convention.
Member States of the United Nations, while the Additional
Protocols and other international humanitarian law treaties
Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations:
have not yet reached the same level of acceptance.
• The Convention was adopted in 1961, is a foundational
• India ratified the Geneva Convention in 1950, becoming
document of modern diplomacy. It updated and codified
the 5th country in the World and the first country in the
diplomatic practices that had evolved over centuries.
region to adopt and implement legislation for the 1949
Conventions. India also ratified Protocol III but is not a • It is a comprehensive treaty that covers various aspects of
signatory to the Additional Protocols I and II. diplomatic relations, including the establishment of diplomatic
missions, the status and privileges of diplomatic agents, and
HAGUE CONVENTIONS
the termination of diplomatic relations.
• The Hague Conventions address the conduct of warfare
• It has been ratified by 193 countries, making it one of the
and allow for reciprocity toward an enemy party.
most widely accepted international treaties.
• The Hague Conventions adopted in 1899 and 1907 focus
• The convention says that persons working as diplomats are
on the prohibition to warring parties to use certain means
“inviolable” and can therefore not be arrested or detained.
and methods of warfare.
• Host nations hold the responsibility to protect diplomats from
• They are binding on even non-ratifying states as a part of
international customary law. attacks on their freedom and dignity.
• The treaty says that foreign envoys cannot be prosecuted or
ROME STATUTE
punished by the host country for actions carried out in the line
• The Rome Statute is a treaty that established the
of duty.
International Criminal Court (ICC).
• It also gives host countries the right to expel envoys.
• The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a permanent tribunal
established in 2002 to prosecute individuals for genocide, Conclusion:
crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of
• The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, a cornerstone
aggression). The body is responsible for investigating and
of international diplomacy, ensures diplomatic immunity
prosecuting Geneva Convention violations such as attacks
and fosters peaceful relations among nations, promoting
on hospitals and historical monuments.
diplomacy and international cooperation. Its implementation
• It promotes global justice. in letter and spirit is need of the hour.

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INTERNAL SECURITY
SAMPRITI-XI
India and Bangladesh commenced the 11th edition of annual
joint military exercise, SAMPRITI in Umroi, Meghalaya.
About:
• SAMPRITI-XI is scheduled for 14 days. It is centered on the
conduct of Sub-Conventional Operations as per Chapter VII
of the UN mandate and will include a Command Post Exercise
(CPX) and a Field Training Exercise (FTX), culminating in a
Validation Exercise.
• Representation: The Indian contingent is mainly made up of
troops from a battalion of the RAJPUT Regiment.
• Significance: The exercise promises to further enhance
defense cooperation between India and Bangladesh,
fostering deeper bilateral relations, cultural understanding,
and mutual benefits from shared experiences in Sub
Conventional Operations.
EXERCISE HARIMAU SHAKTI 2023
A joint bilateral training exercise of Indian and Malaysian
Armies has commenced inMeghalya'sUmroi Cantonment
to enhance military capability for conduct of multi-domain
operations in a sub-conventional scenario.
About:
• The 5th Royal Battalion of the Malaysian Army and the
a Battalion of the Rajput Regiment of Indian Army have
participated in the 'Exercise Harimau Shakti 2023'.
 The previous edition of the exercise was conducted in
Pulai, Kluang, Malaysia in November 2022.
• Exercise Harimau Shakti 2023 is aimed to enhance the level of
defence cooperation between Indian and Malaysian Armies
along with fostering bilateral relations between the two
nations.
India Malaysia Defence Corporations:
• In 1993, India & Malaysia signed an MoU on Defence
Cooperation, which is the cornerstone of defence relations
between the two countries.
• Both sides send naval ships and delegations to the biannual
LIMA, DSA (Malaysia) and MILAN, DEFEXPO, AEROINDIA (India)
regional events.
Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023
• India is also participating in the Cooperative Mechanism on
the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) and contributed
to two of the six International Maritime Organization (IMO)
Projects for enhancement of navigational safety and
environmental protection in the Straits.
SMART FENCING ALONG MYANMAR BORDER
The Ministry of Home Affairs has said that an advanced smart
fencing system of 100 km along the Indo-Myanmar Border is
in the pipeline to strengthen the existing surveillance system.
What is Smart Fencing?
• Smart fencing entails deploying laser-activated fences and
technology-enabled barriers to plug vulnerable gaps along
frontiers.
• Smart fencing uses a number of devices for surveillance,
communication and data storage. Sensors like thermal
imager, underground sensors, fiber optical sensors, radar
and sonar will be mounted on different platforms like aerostat,
tower and poles as part of the smart fence
• India's first 'smart fence' pilot project under the CIBMS project
was launched in two 5-km patches along the India-Pak border.
Need for Smart Fencing:
• The system will provide for round-the-clock surveillance on
the border and in different weather conditions be it dust
storm, fog or rain.
• Unfenced border and unregulated migration from Myanmar
have been attributed as some of the factors responsible for
the ethnic violence in Manipur.
• Intelligence reports suggest that several northeast-based
insurgent groups who have their camps in Myanmar keep
coming to this side of the border to further fuel the already
aggravated situation of Manipur.
 Manipur is affected by the activities of Meitei, Naga, Kuki,
Zomi, and Hmar insurgent groups.
 The Government of India and the Government of Manipur
entered into a Cessation of Operation (CoO) Agreement
with Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) group of Manipur in
December 2022.
Free Movement Regime(FMR) on the IMB:
• India shares a 1,643 km long border with Myanmar which
passes through the states of Arunachal Pradesh (520 km),
Nagaland (215 km), Manipur (398 km) and Mizoram (510 km).
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• The FMR is a mutually agreed arrangement between the two
countries that allows tribes living along the border on either
side to travel up to 16 km inside the other country without a visa.
• The FMR was implemented in 2018 as part of Act East policy.
The FMR was supposed to provide impetus to local trade
and business. The region has a long history of trans-border
commerce through customs and border haats.
Why is the FMR being Discussed Critically?
• FMR has been criticized for unintentionally aiding illegal
immigration, drug trafficking, and gun running.
INDIA’S BORDERS
• India shares land borders with China, Bhutan, Nepal,
Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar.
• India’s borders are unique due to the variety of terrains
through which these borders pass, namely deserts,
mountains, glaciers and forests.
 It is obvious that managing such large borders in
diverse terrain conditions pose myriad challenges.
India’s strategy to guard its borders:
• Construction activities: As part of the strategy to secure the
borders and also to create infrastructure in the border areas
of the country, several initiatives have been undertaken by
the Border Management Division.
 These include: Construction of fence, floodlighting,
roads, Border Out Posts (BOPs), Company Operating
Bases (COBs) and
 Deployment of technological solutions along the India-
Pakistan, India-Bangladesh, India-China, India-Nepal,
India-Bhutan and India-Myanmar borders.
• Deployment of troops & surveillance: The Indian Army and
the BSF are deployed in multiple layers to form an anti-
infiltration grid.
 The border fence and deployment of other surveillance
devices have helped in reducing infiltrations.
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CHAKRAVAT-2023
The Indian Navy hosted the Annual Joint Humanitarian
Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise—
"CHAKRAVAT-2023" at Goa.
About:
• It is the multi-agency annual exercise initiated in 2015 which
involves the participation of all three Indian Armed Forces,
paramilitary forces, as well as several other organisations.
• The exercise has been conducted by the Indian Army,
Indian Navy (IN) and Indian Air Force (IAF) in rotation since
2016. The last edition of the exercise was conducted at
Agra by IAF.
• Indian Armed Forces have been frequently called upon to
render assistance to our friends and partners in the Indian
Ocean Region (IOR) , thereby, strengthening the need and
resolve to be the 'First Responder’ in the region.
About the 2023 Edition:
• AJHE-23, planned over three days, includes a seminar, a Table-
Top Exercise, and a Multi-Agency Capability Demonstration.
• The exercise witnessed participation from various national
agencies.
• Logo: The Logo for this year’s exercise depicts crests and
logos of all participating agencies and flags of all nations
subsumed into one single entity.
BHARAT NCX 2023
Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India,
inaugurated the ‘Bharat NCX 2023’.
About:
• The 2nd Edition of the National Cyber Security Exercise 2023
‘Bharat NCX 2023’ will be conducted as a hybrid exercise
over a period of twelve days from 09 to 20 October 2023.
• Aim: To train senior management and technical personnel
of Government/Critical Sector organizations and Public
and Private agencies on contemporary cyber threats and
handling cyber incidents and response.
• Location: The program is being conducted by the National
Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), Govt. of India in
strategic partnership with Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU).
• Significance: Bharat NCX India will help strategic leaders
to better understand cyber threats, assess readiness, and
develop skills for cyber crisis management and cooperation.
 This will also help develop and test cyber security skills,
teamwork, planning, communication, critical thinking, and
decision-making.
 In-Shorts | Internal Security
MQ-9B
The 31 MQ-9B Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) deal with
the U.S. is expected to be concluded by February 2024 and
deliveries will begin from February 2027.
About:
• This sets the stage for the acquisition of 31 of these armed
UAVs, 15 Sea Guardians for the Indian Navy and 16 Sky
Guardians — eight each for the Indian Army and Air Force.
• As part of this plan, General Atomics (GA) is scheduled to
establish a global Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO)
facility in India.
About:
• MQ-9B is a High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Unmanned
Aerial Vehicle(UAV).
• MQ-9B is designed to fly over the horizon via satellite for up to
40 hours, depending on configuration, in all types of weather
and safely integrate into civil airspace.
• The Sea Guardian configuration can include a 360-degree
surface-search maritime radar, automatic identification system,
sonobuoy monitoring system, and sonobuoy dispensers for
persistent anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare missions.
Applications:
• According to General Atomics, the MQ-9B can provide
roughly 80% of the capability of a large human-flown maritime
patrol aircraft at about 20% of its cost per hour.
• For the Army and Air Force, the MQ-9Bs can provide round-
the-clock surveillance looking far beyond the borders.
• It also seamlessly integrates with other U.S.-origin platformsthat
India operates, the P-8Is, AH-64 Apache attack helicopters,
Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023
MH-60R multi-role helicopters among others expanding MQ-
9B’s multi-domain mission set.
• Thus, MQ-9B is expected to significantly boost the Intelligence,
Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities of the Indian
armed forces.
OPERATION CHAKRA II
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has recently
launched Operation Chakra-II.
About:
• The operation was launched to fight against transnational
organised cyber-enabled financial crimes in India.
• For this, CBI has partnered with Microsoft and Amazon as
well as with national and international agencies to combat and
dismantle infrastructure of illegal call centres.
• The CBI is working closely with the Federal Bureau of
Investigation (FBI) of the United States, the Cyber Crime
Directorate and IFCACC of the INTERPOL, the National
Crime Agency (NCA) in the United Kingdom, the Singapore
Police Force and the BKA of Germany to notify further
leads.
Why Microsoft and Amazon are Part of Operation
Chakra-II?
• In these scams, commonly known as tech support fraud,
criminals establish and operate illegal call centres, by
impersonating Microsoft and Amazon customer support.
• According to the companies, the cybercriminals have
targeted over 2,000 customers based in the US, Canada,
Germany, Australia, Spain, and the UK which are the important
customer bases of these companies.
• They believe actionable partnerships like these are critical in
helping protect consumers from impersonation scams.
Conclusion:
• Amazon and Microsoft will be working closely on the tech part
to mitigate threats online, users should be aware of such ‘tech
support’ calls. Also, always treat all unsolicited messages with
scepticism and do not provide any personal information.
DO YOU KNOW ?
• Chakra-1 was conducted nearly a year ago by the CBI in
coordination with the Interpol, the FBI and police forces of
multiple countries.
• The agency had conducted searches at 115 locations with
police forces in various states, the officials said.
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POLITY &
GOVERNANCE
SHREYAS SCHEME
The SHREYAS scheme has been making a substantial impact
to empower economically disadvantaged Scheduled Castes
(SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
About:
• The umbrella scheme of "SHREYAS" comprises 4 central
sector sub- schemes namely "Top Class Education for SCs",
"Free Coaching Scheme for SCs and OBCs", "National
Overseas Scheme for SCs" and "National Fellowship for SCs".
• The scheme has been implemented over the past nine
years,from 2014-15 to 2022-23.
Free Coaching Scheme for SCs and OBCs:
• Objective: To provide coaching for economically
disadvantaged Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other
Backward Classes (OBCs) candidates to enable them
appear in competitive and entrance examinations for
obtaining appropriate jobs in Public/Private Sector as well as
for securing admission in reputed technical and professional
higher education institutions.
• Eligibility criteria: The ceiling of the total family income under
the scheme is 8 lakhs per annum.
• Per annum 3500 slots are allotted. The ratio of SC: OBC
students is 70:30 and 30% slots are reserved for females in
each category.
Top Class Education for SCs:
• Objective: The Scheme aims at recognizing and promoting
quality education amongst students belonging to SCs, by
providing full financial support. The Scheme will cover SC
students for pursuing studies beyond 12th class.
• Eligibility criteria:The ceiling of the total family income under
the scheme is 8 lakhs per annum.
National Overseas Scheme for SCs:
• Objective: Under this scheme financial assistance is provided
to the students for pursuing masters and Ph.D. level courses
abroad. Under the scheme, total tuition fee, maintenance and
contingency allowance, visa fee, to and fro air passage etc.
are provided to the awardees.
• The Eligibility criteria is as:
 The total family income including the candidate should be
less than Rs. 8 lakhs per annum,
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 The students should have more than 60% marks in the
qualifying examination, below 35 years of age and secured
admission in top 500 QS ranking foreign Institutes/
Universities.
 The students will be selected from SCs; De-notified,
Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes; landless agricultural
laborers and traditional artisan categories.
National Fellowship for SC Students:
• Objective: Under the scheme fellowship is provided to
Scheduled Castes students for pursuing higher education
leading to M.Phil/Ph.D degrees in Sciences, Humanities and
Social Sciences in Indian Universities/Institutions/ Colleges
recognized by University Grants Commission (UGC).
• The scheme provides for 2000 new slots per year who
have qualified the National Eligibility Test- Junior Research
Fellowship (NET-JRF) of UGC and Junior Research Fellows
for Science stream qualifying UGC-Council of Scientific and
Industrial Research (UGC-CSIR) Joint Test.
CREATION OF NEW DISTRICTS
Rajasthan Chief Minister announced the formation of three
new districts – Malpura, Sujangarh and Kuchaman – taking
the total number of districts to 53.
Process of Creating New Districts:
• While Malpura will be carved out of the existing Tonk district,
Sujangarh will be created from Churu and Kuchaman from
Nagaur.
• The power to create new districts or alter or abolish existing
districts rests with the State governments.
• Process: This can either be done through an executive order
or by passing a law in the State Assembly. Many States prefer
the executive route by simply issuing a notification in the
official gazette.
• Reason: States argue that smaller districts lead to better
administration and governance.
Role of Central government:
• The Centre has no role to play in the alteration of districts or
creation of new ones. States are free to decide.
• The Home Ministry only comes into the picture when a State
wants to change the name of a district or a railway station.
 In-Shorts | Polity & Governance
• The State government’s request is sent to other departments
and agencies such as the Intelligence Bureau, Department
of Posts, Geographical Survey of India Sciences and the
Railway Ministry seeking clearance. A no-objection certificate
may be issued after examining their replies.
How Many Districts in India?
• Past Trends: The number of districts in the country has been
going up steadily over the years. The 2001 Census recorded
593 districts, which went up to 640 in 2011. India currently
has more than 775 districts.
• Highest Number of Districts: Uttar Pradesh has the most
districts (75) in the country, followed by Madhya Pradesh
(52).
• Lowest Number of Districts: Among states, Goa has only 2
districts. Among union Territories, Ladakh has 2 districts and
Chandigarh and Lakshadweep have one each.
ELECTORAL BONDS
The Supreme Court recently said that it will hear petitions
challenging the electoral bonds scheme.
About:
• The 2018 scheme introduced instruments through which
money could be donated to political parties in India.
• Later on, a petition was filed by NGOs, Common Cause and
Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) challenging the
scheme.
What is Electoral Bonds Scheme?
• Announced in the 2017 Union Budget, electoral bonds
are interest-free bearer instruments used to donate money
anonymously to political parties.
• Such bonds, which are sold in multiples of Rs 1,000, Rs 10,000,
Rs 1 lakh, Rs 10 lakh, and Rs 1 crore, can be bought from
authorised branches of the State Bank of India (SBI).
• The political parties can choose to encash such bonds within
15 days of receiving them and fund their electoral expenses.
If a party hasn’t encased any bonds within 15 days, SBI
deposits these into the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.
• There is no limit on the number of bonds an individual or
company can purchase.
• Rationale: It aims to establish a transparent method of funding
political parties which is vital to the system of free and fair
elections.
 Political parties continue to receive most of their funds
through anonymous donations which are shown in cash.
Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023
Why is the scheme facing a legal challenge and what
are its larger criticisms?
• The scheme is challenged as “an obscure funding system
which is unchecked by any authority”.
• Also, before the electoral bonds scheme was announced,
there was a cap on how much a company could donate to
a political party: 7.5 per cent of the average net profits of a
company in the preceding three years.
 However, the government removed this limit by amending
the Companies Act, 2013, opening the doors to unlimited
funding by corporates.
 This amendment to the Companies Act may lead to “private
corporate interests taking precedence over the needs and
rights of the people of the State in policy considerations”.
• The anonymity of donors under the scheme further makes the
process opaque instead of meeting its aim of bringing about
transparency.
• It has been also claimed that because such bonds are sold
via a government-owned bank (SBI), it leaves the door open for
the government to know exactly who is funding its opponents.
 Critics have highlighted that more than 75 percent of all
electoral bonds have gone to the ruling party at centre in
2022.
• Further, one of the arguments for introducing electoral bonds
was to allow common people to easily fund political parties of
their choice but more than 90% of the bonds have been of the
highest denomination (Rs 1 crore) as of 2022.
Way Ahead:
• It is to be seen what decision the Supreme court takes on
the issue. But, In the case of continuance of the Scheme, the
principle of anonymity of the bond donormust be done away with.
• The bonds should ensure that the funds being collected by
the political parties are accounted for clean money, thereby
fulfilling the tenets of free and fair elections.
SAMMAKKA SARAKKA CENTRAL TRIBAL
UNIVERSITY
The Union Cabinet recently gave its approval for introduction
of the Central Universities (Amendment), Bill, 2023 in the
Parliament.
About:
• It is to amend the Central Universities Act, 2009 for setting up
of Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University.
• The university is to be set up at Mulugu District in the State
of Telangana as provided in the Thirteenth Schedule to the
Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.
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CENTRAL UNIVERSITY ACT, 2009
• It was passed by the Parliament in 2009, which aims to
establish and incorporate universities directly governed
by the federal government for teaching and research
purposes, across all the States in India.
• Visitor: The President of India shall be the Visitor of the
University.
• The following shall be the officers of the University,
namely:-- The Chancellor; The Vice-Chancellor; The Pro-
Vice-Chancellor; The Deans of Schools; The Registrar;
The Finance Officer; The Controller of Examination; The
Librarian; and Such other officers as may be declared by
the Statutes to be the officers of the University
• Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor: The Chancellor and Vice-
Chancellor shall be appointed by the Visitor in such manner
as may be prescribed by the Statutes.
 The Chancellor shall be the head of the University and
preside at the Convocations of the University held for
conferring degrees and meetings of the Court.
• Central Universities (Amendment) Act, 2014 changed the
name of the Central University of Bihar (CUB) to Central
University of South Bihar (CUSB) and the new central
university was proposed to be called Mahatma Gandhi
Central University.
Significance:
• The new university will increase access and improve the quality
of higher education in the State.
• It also promotes avenues of higher education and advanced
knowledge by providing instructional and research facilities
in tribal art, culture and traditional knowledge systems for the
benefit of the tribal population in the State.
• This new university will also create additional capacity and will
strive to remove regional imbalances.
HABITAT RIGHTS
The Baiga Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG)
recently became the second to get habitat rights in the state,
after the Kamar PVTG.
About:
• A total of 19 Baiga villages with a population of 6,483 people
(2,085 families) have been given the habitat rights.
• The Baiga community primarily resides in Rajnandgaon,
Kawardha, Mungeli, Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi (GPM), and
Bilaspur districts of Chattisgarhand also in the adjacent
districts of Madhya Pradesh.
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What are Habitat Rights?
• Habitat rights recognition provides the community concerned
rights over their
 customary territory of habitation,
 socio-cultural practices,
 economic and livelihood means,
 intellectual knowledge of biodiversity and ecology,
 traditional knowledge of use of natural resources, as
well as
 protection and conservation of their natural and cultural
heritage.
• Habitat rights safeguard and promote traditional livelihood
and ecological knowledge passed down through generations.
• They also help converge different government schemes
and initiatives from various departments to empower PVTG
communities to develop their habitats.
• Habitat rights are given to PVTGs under section 3(1) (e) of
The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers
(Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 also known as the
Forest Rights Act (FRA).
• According to Section 2(h) of FRA, “Habitat includes the area
comprising the customary habitat and such other habitats
in reserved forests and protected forests of primitive tribal
groups and pre-agricultural communities and other forest
dwelling Scheduled Tribes.”
Can habitat rights be used to stop activities like
mining?
• Yes, the habitat rights will help the PVTG protect their habitat
from developmental activities harmful to them.
• The title may not be an ownership title in the nature of a
private property owner, but consent and consultation of the
gram sabha will be needed for any developmental activity.
• Forest Rights have legal protection under the Forest
Conservation Act, the Land Acquisition law of 2013, and even
the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. Grant of habitat rights
under the Forest Rights Act provide an additional layer of
legal protection.
• If any kind of development activity is hampering their habitat
rights, the tribal group concerned can take up the matter with
the administration under the Forest Rights Act, and if not
resolved, the matter can be taken to court.
How many states have recognised habitat rights?
• Out of 75 PVTG in India, only three have habitat rights. The
Bharia PVTG in Madhya Pradesh was the first, followed by the
Kamar tribe and now the Baiga tribe in Chhattisgarh.
• Based on the MoTA guidelines, the traditional tribal leaders
of the tribe are consulted about the extent of their culture,
traditions, occupation. It is corroborated by the government
and then a habitat is declared.
 In-Shorts | Polity & Governance Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023

 In case of programme components specifically meant for

PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TRIBAL GROUPS (PVTGS)
the adolescents, the beneficiaries will be in the age-group
• PVTGs are the most marginalized and extreme backward
of 10-19 years.
sections among Scheduled Tribes (STs).
• Mandate: It aims to serve as an overarching enabling
• The criteria for identifying Particularly Vulnerable Tribal
mechanism powered by technology for youth development
Groups are:
and youth led development.
 Pre-agricultural level of technology,
 It also aims to provide equitable access to youth to actualize
 Low level of literacy,
their aspirations and build Viksit Bharat across the entire
 Economic backwardness,
spectrum of the Government.
 A declining or stagnant population.
• Approach: It will engage youth and their empowerment
• History of PVTGs: Dhebar commission (1960-61) identified
will be guided by the principles of ‘whole of government
that there is inequality among tribal communities in terms
approach’ (activities involving support from all segments of
of socio-economic development.
the government).
 In 1975, acting on the Dhebar Commission report, the
government identified Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) as Need of the Platform:
a separate category and listed 52 tribal groups as PTGs. • In a rapidly changing world, which has an environment
 Later, in 1993, more tribal groups were added to the of high velocity communications, social media, new digital
list. As per 2001 census, there are 75 Particularly opportunities and emergent technologies the Government has
Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) with a total population decided to establish an overarching enabling mechanism.
of 27,68,322, living in 18 States and Union Territory.
• It seeks to harness the immense youth energy for nation-
 In 2006, PTGs were renamed as Particularly Vulnerable
building.
Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
 In six States namely, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Expected Impacts:
Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil
• Community change agents and nation builders: Under the
Nadu, the PVTGs constitute more than 77% of their total
new arrangement, with access to resources & connection to
population covering 38 out of the 75 PVTGs.
opportunities, youth would become community change agents
 Among the 75 listed PVTG’s the highest number are
and nation builders allowing them to act as the Yuva Setu
found in Odisha.
between the Government and the citizens.
• The Saharia tribe of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan is the
• Leadership Development in the Youth: It would improve the
largest among PVTGs, with a population of more than 4
leadership skills through experiential learning by shifting
lakhs.
from isolated physical interaction to programmatic skills.
• Active drivers of development: Investing more in youth will
Conclusion:
make them social innovators and leaders in the communities.
• PVTGs are one of the most vulnerable sections of the country. Focus of the Government on Youth Led development will
Therefore, there is a need for taking steps for the empowerment
make the Youth “active drivers” of development and not merely
of such tribal groups.
“passive recipients”.
• However, it needs to be kept in mind that while taking such
• It expects better alignment between youth aspirations and
steps, the autonomy of the tribes is not disturbed and affirmative
community needs.
action is taken while keeping their uniqueness in mind.
• Further, it will usher enhanced efficiency through convergence
of existing programmes and act as a one stop shop for young
MERA YUVA BHARAT people and Ministries.

The Union Cabinet recently approved the establishment of

an autonomous body Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat).
About:
• Age Group: Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) will benefit the
youth in the age-group of 15-29 years, in line with the definition
of ‘Youth’ in the National Youth Policy.
INDIA SKILLS PROGRAM 2023-24
The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship
launched the India Skills 2023-24 program and felicitated
WorldSkills 2022 winners. India had secured 11th position in
the global competition last year.

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Edition: November 2023
About:
• It is the biggest skill competition in India held every two years
exhibiting extraordinary talent from across the country with
the support of State Governments and Industry.
• The India Skills serves as a stepping stone to the World Skills
Competition.
 Participants who will excel in India Skills at the national
level will take part in the global event.
 The next WorldSkills Competition is to be held in Paris.
• These competitions provide both a benchmark for high
performance and a way to assess vocational excellence
among the workforce.
About World Skills Competition:
• It is the most extensive skill competition globally, taking place
biennially.
• It is conducted by WorldSkills International, which has 86
member countries.
 World Skills is an international charity that organises world
and national championships for vocational skills and is
held every two years in different parts of the world, and
also hosts conferences about vocational skills.
• World Skills India is an initiative of the National Skill
Development Corporation (NSDC) under the Ministry of Skill
Development and Entrepreneurship.
About the World Skills Competition 2022:
• WorldSkills Competition 2022 Special Edition was the official
replacement for World Skills Shanghai 2022.
• It saw over 1,000 competitors from 58 countries in 61 skills.
 India participated in 50 skills including new-age skills like
robot system integration, additive manufacturing, industry
4.0, digital construction, mobile application development,
and renewable energy.
APPOINTMENTS AND TRANSFER OF JUDGES
IN HCs
The Union government recently notified the transfer of 16
high court judges and appointment of 17 new judges in
various high courts.
About:
• Qualifications: The qualifications regarding the appointment
are provided in Article 217. The person:
 must be a citizen of India;
 He should have held a judicial office in the territory of India
for at least ten years;
 He should have been an advocate in the High Court for at
least ten years.
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• Procedure: Article 217 of the Indian Constitution provides the
procedure regarding the appointment of judges in the High
Courts.
 The judges of the High Courts can be appointed only by
the warrant of the President and his seal.
 The appointment can be done only after consulting the
Chief Justice of India and the Governor of the State.
 The appointment of Judges other than the Chief Justice
can be done after consulting the Chief Justice of the High
Court.
• Age: The person can hold the office as a judge until he is
sixty-two years old.
• Oath: The Judges appointed must take an oath before the
Governor of the State according to Article 219. The oath must
be according to the form that is provided for the purpose in
the Third Schedule.
Collegium System and Memorandum of Procedure:
• The procedure agreed upon by the government and the
judiciary on appointment of judges, is a crucial document
as the Collegium system of appointing judges is a judicial
innovation that is not mandated through legislation or text of
the Constitution.
• The MoP has evolved as the standard based on three SC
decisions – the First Judges Case (1981), Second Judges Case
(1993) and the Third Judges Case (1998) forming the basis of a
peer selection process for appointment of judges.
• As per the MoP, the proposal for appointment of a Judge of
a High Court shall be initiated by the High Court Collegium
headed by the Chief Justice of the High Court.
• Once the recommendation is made, the opinion of state
governments and the input from the Intelligence Bureau are
sought.
• The recommendations are then processed, before they
are sent to the Supreme Court Collegium, which in turn
recommends to the central government who then sends it to
the President for approval.
Transfer of Judges in the High Court:
• Article 222 of the Constitution makes provision for the transfer
of a Judge (including Chief Justice) from one High Court to
any other High Court.
• The initiation of the proposal for the transfer of a Judge
should be made by the Chief Justice of India whose opinion in
this regard is determinative.
• Consent of a Judge for his first or subsequent transfer would
not be required.
• All transfers are to be made in public interest i.e. for promoting
better administration of justice throughout the country.
 In-Shorts | Polity & Governance
Issues:
• Huge vacancy: As of October 1 2023, 347 posts of high court
judges were lying vacant in the 25 high courts across the
country against the total strength of 1,114. The vacancy
translates to more than 31% of the total strength.
• Inordinate delay: The Supreme Court recently observed
that collegium’s recommendations cannot remain in limbo,
emphasising that instead of sitting on them indefinitely, the
government must either notify those appointments or send
them back citing specific objections.
• Tussle between judiciary and the executive: Lack of
consistency in the time taken by the Centre to notify the
recommendations creates “issues of faith” between the
judiciary and the executive.
Way Forward:
• Judges are the most important part of the judicial system. The
appointment of Judges must be done properly and in a time
bound manner.
• The Judges should not be transferred unnecessarily and the
transfer must be done only in a public interest not for personal
and political reasons.
PROCEDURE FOR RAISING THE QUESTIONS
IN LOK SABHA
Trinamool Congress MP announced that she welcomes
answering questions from the Central Bureau of Investigation
(CBI) and the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee pertaining to ‘cash
for query’ allegations against her.
About:
• The procedure for raising questions is governed by Rules
32 to 54 of the “Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in
Lok Sabha” and Directions 10 to 18 of the “Directions by the
Speaker, Lok Sabha‟.
• A Member gives notice in writing addressed to the Secretary-
General, Lok Sabha, intimating one’s intention to ask a
question.
 A Member is allowed to give not more than five notices of
questions, both for oral and written answers, in all, for any
day.
• The normal period of notice of a question is not less than
fifteen clear days.
• Exception: However, the Speaker can relax the required
minimum notice period of fifteen clear days to protect the
interest of the Members.
 A Short Notice Question can be asked with a notice
shorter than ten days but the Member has to state briefly
the reasons for asking the question at such short notice.
Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023
Questions that can’t be Raised:
• Questions shall not ordinarily contain more than 150 words.
• They shouldn’t contain arguments, defamatory statements,
refer to the character or conduct of any person except in their
official or public capacity.
• Queries raising larger issues of policy are not allowed, for it is
not possible to enunciate policies within the limited compass
of an answer to a question.
• A question isn’t admissible if its subject matter is pending
judgment before any court of law or any other tribunal or
body set up under law or is under consideration before a
Parliamentary Committee.
• A query also can’t seek information on matters which may
weaken the unity and integrity of the country.
What is Question Hour?
• Generally, the first hour of a sitting of the Lok Sabha is devoted
to Questions and that hour is called the Question Hour.
• It is during the Question Hour that Members can
ask questions on every aspect of administration and
governmental activity.
• MPs raise questions during Question Hour to hold the
government accountable for its policies and actions.
Types of Questions:
• Questions are of four types: Starred, Unstarred, Short Notice
Questions and Questions addressed to Private Members.
• A Starred Question is one to which a Member desires an oral
answer in the House and which is distinguished by an asterisk
mark (*), supplementary questions can be asked thereon.
• An Unstarred Question is one which is not called for oral answer
in the House and on which no supplementary questions can
consequently be asked.
• A Short Notice Question is one which relates to a matter of
urgent public importance and can be asked with a shorter
notice than the period of notice prescribed for an ordinary
question.
• The Question to a Private Member is addressed to the
Member herself/ himself and it is asked when the subject-
matter of it pertains to any Bill, Resolution or any matter
relating to the Business of the House for which that Member
is responsible.
POLITICIZATION OF BUREAUCRACY
Recently the Union government has asked all departments
to deploy officers to showcase its achievements across the
country, creating a political row.
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About: • Enhancing Public Perception: The importance of enhancing

• The circular is issued by the Department of Revenue, Ministry
of Finance to nominate bureaucrats as "rath prabharis"
for "showcasing achievements of the last nine years of
government of India through the "Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra."
• Joint Secretaries, Directors, and Deputy Secretaries will be
appointed as Rath Prabharis (chariots in-charge) for the road
show.
• A similar order had been issued by the Ministry of Defense
directing soldiers on annual leave to promote government
schemes as “soldier-ambassadors”.
• Similarly, the Ministry of Defense is setting up 822 ‘selfie
points’ where citizens can click a picture of the current Prime
Minister of India.
Impact of Politicization of Bureaucracy:
the legitimacy of government actions and policies in the eyes
of the public.
• Control and Decision-Making: The desire to establish control
and influence over key government departments and
agencies to ensure direct involvement in decision-making
and prevent bureaucratic resistance to policies.
Way Forward:
• The bureaucracy must be neutral and independent, and it
is crucial that it be seen to be so, especially in polarized
times when traditional notions of neutrality are increasingly
strained.
• There is a greater responsibility to ensure that important lines
are not crossed, and the governing principle of non-political
domains is given its due respect.

• Resistance from the opposition: Opposition has alleged

that the ruling dispensation is attempting to politicize the APPEALS PENDING WITH INFORMATION
bureaucracy by drafting civil servants into government COMMISSIONS: REPORT
propaganda ahead of elections.
• Violation of the Central Civil Services Rules: Central Civil More than three lakh appeals and complaints are pending
Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 are violated which directs that in 27 State Information Commissions across the country,
no government servant shall take part in any political activity. according to the report of Satark Nagrik Sangathan (SNS),
a citizens' group working to promote transparency and
• Apprehensions about partisanship: While both the bureaucracy
accountability in governance.
and the military are strictly under the control of the political
executive, they are insulated from partisan politics.
About:
• Erosion of Neutrality: The primary role of the bureaucracy is
to implement government policies and programs impartially. • Of the 3,21,537 pending appeals, the maximum number was
Politicization can compromise this neutrality, as civil servants reported in Maharashtra (1,15,524) followed by Karnataka
may be pressured to favour political objectives over the (41,047). Tamil Nadu declined to provide the information.
public interest.
CASE BACKLOG
• Undermining Professionalism: A professional and competent
The time taken to dispose a complaint field was computed
civil service is essential for effective governance. Politicization
using the average monthly disposal rate and the pendency.
can lead to the appointment of individuals based on political
connections rather than merit, eroding professionalism and Information commission Estimated time for disposal
competence. West Bengal 24 years and 1 month
• Loss of Public Trust: When citizens perceive that civil servants Chhattisgarh 4 years and 4 months
are serving political interests rather than the public good.
Maharashtra 4 years
Reasons for the Recent Development: Arunachal Pradesh 2 years and 11 months
• Public Service and Government Duties: Public service delivery Odisha 2 years and 7 months
is a government responsibility, with public servants tasked Madhya Pradesh 1 years and 11 months
to reach grassroots levels for effective implementation of
Karnataka 1 years and 11 months
schemes.
Telangana 1 years and 7 months
• Loyalty and Ideological Neutrality: Civil and military officials
are expected to remain loyal to the elected government, Kerala 1 year
irrespective of their personal ideological inclinations. Himachal Pradesh 1 year
• Efficient Implementation and Policy Execution: The need to
expedite scheme implementation and promptly translate • The ‘Report Card on the Performance of Information
election campaign promises into policy actions. Commissions in India, 2022-23’ said that the 2019 assessment

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had found that as of March 31 that year, a total of 2,18,347
appeals/complaints were pending in the 26 Information
Commissions from which data was obtained, which climbed
to 2,86,325 as of June 30, 2021 and then crossed three lakh as
of June 30, 2022.
• Four Information Commissionsare defunct: Jharkhand,
Telangana, Mizoram and Tripura, as no new Information
Commissioners were appointed upon incumbents demitting
office.
• Six Information Commissions are currently headless: The
Central Information Commission, and the State Information
Commissions of Manipur, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Bihar,
and Punjab.
RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT 2005
• RTI Act 2005 was passed based on the“Shourie
Committee” report and RTI movement by Mazdoor Kisan
Shakti Sangthan in the 1990s.
• Applicable to government at all levels: Central, state, local
and bodies owned, controlled or substantially financed by
government, including NGOs.
• Suo moto declaration: Every public authority should
provide possible suo moto information to the public at
regular intervals.
• Three levels for attaining information: Public information
officers (PIOs) followed by the first appellate authority,
followed by appeal to the State Information Commissions
(SICs) and Central Information Commission (CICs).
• Fixed timelines to provide information:
 PIOs have to provide information within 30 days in
normal cases, 48 hours if it is a matter of life or liberty of a
person.
 First appellate authority within 30 days (45 days in
exceptional cases) from the date of filing appeal.
 SIC/CIC – No time limit for disposal.
UNLAWFUL ACTIVITIES (PREVENTION)
TRIBUNAL
Centre has constituted an Unlawful Activities (Prevention)
Tribunal for adjudicating if there is sufficient cause for
declaring the Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom
Party (JKDFP) as an unlawful association.
Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023
About UAPA Tribunal:
• The UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act) establishes a
tribunal to give legal validity to government bans.
• The tribunal is led by a retired or sitting High Court judge.
• Upon receiving notification from the Central government,
the tribunal summons the concerned association, giving
them 30 days to justify why they should not be labelled as
unlawful.
• After considering arguments from both sides, the tribunal
can conduct an inquiry within 6 months to determine if there
is enough evidence to declare the association unlawful.
• The Centre's notification under the UAPA does not take effect
until the tribunal confirms the declaration through its official
order.
UNLAWFUL ACTIVITIES PREVENTION ACT (UAPA)
About:
• The UAPA in India primarily aims to prevent and address
unlawful activities that threaten the nation's integrity and
sovereignty, often referred to as an anti-terror law.
• Unlawful activities encompass actions taken by individuals
or associations with the intent to disrupt India's territorial
integrity and sovereignty.
• This act grants significant authority to the central
government, with the provision for severe penalties such
as the death penalty and life imprisonment.
Key Provisions:
• Designation as Terrorist: The UAPA enables the central
government to designate individuals or organizations as
terrorists or terrorist organizations if they are involved in
acts of terrorism, preparation for terrorism, promotion of
terrorism, or any other form of terrorism.
• Property Seizure: To seize properties linked to terrorism,
the investigating officer must obtain prior approval from
the Director General of Police. When investigations are
conducted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA),
approval from the Director General of NIA is required for
property seizures.
• Expanded Investigative Powers: The UAPA empowers NIA
officers with the rank of Inspector or higher to investigate
cases, supplementing the authority of officers with the
rank of Deputy Superintendent, Assistant Commissioner of
Police, or higher.
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SHRESTHA SCHEME
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has launched
the "Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High
Schools in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA)”.
About:
• Aim: To provide seats to the meritorious SC students in the
best private residential schools in the country.
• Implementation: It is being implemented in two Modes:
 Schooling under CBSE/State Board Affiliated Private
Residential Schools:
 Students will be selected through the National Entrance
Test for SHRESHTA (NETS), conducted by the National
Testing Agency (NTA).
 Eligibility: Under this scheme, around 3000 SC
students with parents' annual income of up to 2.5 lakh
are selected annually based on their merit.
 Admission to NGO-operated schools:
 Schools and hostels receiving grant-in-aid and
demonstrating satisfactory performance will continue to
benefit under this mode.
RETAILER SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
‘Skill India Mission’ partners with Coca-Cola India to launch
the Super Power Retailer Skill Development Program.
About:
• The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), working
under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development &
Entrepreneurship, announced a partnership with Coca-Cola
India to launch the Super Power Retailer Program under the
Skill India Mission.
• The program is aimed to empower the retailer community in
the states of Odisha and Uttar Pradesh, and is being piloted in
the state of Odisha.
• The program aims to upskill retailers across key states over
three years.
Significance:
• It aims to empower retailers and provide them with training to
expand their businesses and enhance consumer experiences.
• It can play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s economy by
skilling, reskilling, and upskilling the retailers.
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SOCIETY
• It aims to provide 14 hours of quality retail training through the
Skill India Digital Portal to 1.40 crore retailers of the country.
• It aims to enable a retail ecosystem that will exceed customer
expectations, embrace the Future of Work, and provide
exponential growth to the industry.
• It aims to provide training to small and micro retailers,
equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to
better understand consumer behaviour and their preferences.
Skill India Mission:
• It aimed at enhancing the employability of the youth by providing
them with skill training, by offering various programs to improve
vocational skills and make individuals more job-ready.
Other schemes launched by Government for Skilling:
• Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
• Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood
Promotion (SANKALP)
• UDAAN
• Standard Training Assessment and Reward Scheme (STAR)
• Polytechnic Schemes
• Vocationalisation of Education
TRIBAL YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAM (TYEP)
The Union Home Minister interacted with tribal youth under
the Tribal Youth Exchange Program (TYEP).
About:
• The main focus was to encourage them to eradicate the idea of
Naxalism and the ideology of Left-Wing Extremists (LWEs) from
the country as it is against development and a bright future.
• Moreover, 10 tribal museums would be built across the
country in memory of tribal freedom fighters.
• The tribal youth from various states like Bijapur, Sukma,
Bastar, Dantewada, Kanker, Narayanpur, and Rajnandgaon of
Chhattisgarh, Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh; were present at the
event.
About Tribal Youth Exchange Program (TYEP):
• Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan has been organizing the Tribal
Youth Exchange Programme since 2006 for the development
and mainstreaming of Tribal Youth in collaboration and
financial support from the Department of Left Wing Extremism.

• The aim of this program is to sensitize LWE Tribal Youth to the
Rich Cultural Heritage of India.
THE STATE OF INDIA’S SCHEDULED AREAS
Despite persistent demands by Adivasi organisations,
villages have been left out in the 10 States with Scheduled
Areas and in other States with ST populations.
Scheduled Areas & Constitutional provisions in India:
• Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities: India’s 705 Scheduled
Tribe (ST) communities — making up 8.6% of the country’s
population — live in 26 States and six Union Territories.
• Scheduled Areas: Scheduled Areas cover 11.3% of India’s
land area, and have been notified in 10 States: Andhra
Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh,
Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and
Himachal Pradesh.
• Article 244: Pertaining to the administration of Scheduled
and Tribal Areas, Article 244 is the single most important
constitutional provision for STs.
 Article 244(1) provides for the application of Fifth Schedule
provisions to Scheduled Areas notified in any State other
than Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
 The Sixth Schedule applies to these States as per Article
244(2).
In-Shorts | Society Current Affairs
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 The Fifth Schedule under Article 244(1) of Constitution defines
Scheduled Areas. On the other hand, the Sixth Schedule
under Article 244 (2) of the Constitution defines Tribal areas.
Governance of Scheduled Areas:
• Notification of the Scheduled Areas: The President of India
notifies India’s Scheduled Areas.
 The court has observed that the declaration of a Scheduled
Area is “within the exclusive discretion of the President”.
• Tribal Advisory Council: States with Scheduled Areas need to
constitute a Tribal Advisory Council with up to 20 ST members.
 They will advise the Governor on matters referred to them
regarding ST welfare.
 The Governor will then submit a reportevery year to the
President regarding the administration of Scheduled
Areas.
• Role of national government: The national government can
give directions to the State regarding the administration of
Scheduled Areas.
• Role of Governor: The Governor can repeal or amend any law
enacted by Parliament and the State Legislative Assembly in
its application to the Scheduled Area of that State.
 The Governor can also make regulations for a Scheduled
Area, especially to prohibit or restrict the transfer of tribal
land by or among members of the STs, and regulate the
allotment of land to STs and money-lending to STs.
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• Identification of the Scheduled Areas: Neither the Constitution
nor any law provides any criteria to identify Scheduled Areas.
 However, based on the 1961 Dhebar Commission Report,
the guiding norms for declaring an area as a Scheduled
area are —
 Preponderance of tribal population;
 Compactness and reasonable size of the area;
 A viable administrative entity such as a district, block or
taluk; and
 Economic backwardness of the area relative to
neighbouring areas.
ENACTMENT OF PESA
• About: It was only when Parliament enacted the provisions
in various laws applicable to Scheduled Areas, including
the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, or
PESA, in 1996 that the intent of the Constitution and the
Constituent Assembly was actualized.
• Need of the Act:
 The 73rd and the 74th Amendments to the Indian
Constitution passed in 1992 took the three-tier
Panchayati Raj governance structure to rural and urban
parts of the country. It came into force in April 1993.
 However, scheduled areas, predominantly inhabited
by the tribal population, were exempted from the new
amendments.
• Empowerment of gram sabhas:
 State panchayat laws had empowered the elected
panchayat bodies, rendering the gram sabhas moot.
 But PESA empowered the gram sabhas to exercise
substantial authority through direct democracy, and
stated that structures “at the higher level do not assume
the powers and authority” of the gram sabha.
• Defining ‘Village’ & ‘ Gram Sabha’:
 The Act defined a ‘village’ as ordinarily consisting of
“a habitation or a group of habitations, or a hamlet or a
group of hamlets comprising a community and managing
its affairs in accordance with traditions and customs”.
 All those “whose names are included in the electoral
rolls” in such a village constituted the gram sabha.
Issues & Challenges:
• Exclusion of areas: Delay in Indian government’s approval for
proposals by the State governments.
 Despite persistent demands by Adivasi organisations,
villages have been left out in the 10 States with Scheduled
Areas and in other States with ST populations.
 As a result, 59% of India’s STs remain outside the purview
of Article 244.
 They are denied rights under the laws applicable to
Scheduled Areas, including the Right to Fair Compensation
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and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and
Resettlement Act 2013 and the Biological Diversity Act 2002.
• Demands for denotification: There has also been demand for
the denotification of parts of Scheduled Areas where STs are
now a minority due to the influx of non-tribal individuals.
• Non-inclusion of areas: The 2002 Scheduled Areas and
Scheduled Tribes Commission had recommended that
“all revenue villages with 40% and more tribal population
according to the 1951 Census may be considered as
Scheduled Area (sic) on merit”.
Suggestions & Way Ahead:
• All habitations or groups of habitations outside Scheduled
Areas in all States and Union Territories where STs are the
largest social group will need to be notified as Scheduled
Areas irrespective of their contiguity.
• The geographical limit of these villages will need to be
extended to the ‘community forest resource’ area on forest
land under the FRA 2006 where applicable, and to the
customary boundary within revenue lands made possible
through suitable amendments to the relevant State laws.
TELE-MANAS SERVICE
Recently, the Tele-MANAS, India's round-the-clock mental
health helpline, has completed one year on World Mental
Health Day.
About:
• On this occasion, the National Mental Health Conclave was
organized on World Mental Health Day (October 10).
• The States/union territories were awarded certificates of
appreciation with mementos for achieving the highest number
of calls in the National Tele Mental Health Programme.
• Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh (From first to third)
were awarded in large states category
• Telangana, Jharkhand, and Kerala were awarded in the smaller
States category.

ENVIRONMENT
TORTOISE TRAFFICKING NETWORK
Recently a study titled ‘From pets to plates’ claims that
Chennai is the highest-ranked node in the tortoise and hard-
shell turtle trafficking network fueling the global pet trade.
About:
• The first-of-its-kind study compared the supply networks of
tortoise or hard-shell turtles and soft-shell turtles based on 78
and 64 seizures, respectively, reported in the media during
2013 to 2019.
Key Points of the Findings:
• Tortoise or hard-shell turtles from India are traded to more
places globally and through a wider trafficking network than
soft-shell turtles.
 The former is mostly traded as pets while the latter for
meat, primarily within the country.
 The trade network for pet turtles was also observed to
be more organized than that for soft-shell turtles sold for
meat.
• ‘Asian turtle crisis’ is a term often used to describe the current
state of tortoises and freshwater turtles (TFTs) in the largest
continent on earth. Wild populations of TFTs have suffered
immensely due to the onslaught of habitat destruction and
illegal and unsustainable harvest.
• The study found that the tortoise and hard-shell turtle network
had a larger geographical scale with more international
trafficking links than the soft-shell turtle network.
• A lack of training on and awareness of illegal wildlife trade
amongst enforcement authorities at entry / exit points and
a lack of functional scanning equipment may also facilitate
trafficking.
Soft-Shell Turtle:
• Softshell includes some of the world’s largest freshwater
turtles, though many can adapt to living in highly brackish
areas.
• Members of this family occur in Africa, Asia, and North America,
with extinct species known from Australia.
• Softshell turtles lack hard shells or carapace, which is
characteristic of most turtle species. Instead, their shell is
more like leather than hard and bony. It lacks the large scales
known as scutes that make up the hard carapace of other
turtle species.
In-Shorts | Environment Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023
• The Indian Softshell turtle, also known as the Ganges Softshell
Turtle, is a reptile found in freshwater habitats and its
distribution is restricted to the Ganges, Indus and Mahanadi
rivers in northern and eastern India.
Tortoise or Hard-Shell Turtles:
• The shell in tortoises is generally hard, and like other members
of the suborder Cryptodira, they retract their necks and heads
directly backward into the shell to protect them.
• Tortoises are generally considered to be strict herbivores,
feeding on grasses, weeds, leafy greens, flowers, and
some fruits. However, hunting and eating of birds has been
observed on occasion.
• Tortoises are found from southern North America to
southern South America, around the Mediterranean basin,
across Eurasia to Southeast Asia, in sub-Saharan Africa,
Madagascar, and some Pacific islands.
PYGMY HOG
Recently, eighteen captive-bred pygmy hogs were released
in western Assam’s Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve.
About:
• Scientific Name: Porcula Salvania.
• Genus: It is the rarest species of pig in the world today, and is
the only species in the genus Porcula. It is also the smallest
species of pig.
• Description: The skin of the pygmy hog is a grayish-brown
color, and its coat consists of blackish-brown bristles.
Habitat and Distribution:
• Habitat: They live in the wet high grasslands at the foothills of
the Himalayas.
• Distribution: The only known population of pygmy hogs
resides in Manas National Park in Assam, India.
• It is an indicator species. Its presence reflects the health of its
primary habitat, the tall, wet grasslands of the region.
Conservation Status:
• IUCN status: Critically Endangered.
• It is protected under Schedule I of India's Wildlife (Protection)
Act, 1972.
• It is also listed in CITES Appendix I.
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Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme (PHCP):

• The PHCP is a collaboration among Durrell Wildlife
Conservation Trust of UK, Assam Forest Department, Wild
Pig Specialist Group of International Union for Conservation
of Nature and Union Environment Ministry.
• The PHCP target is to reintroduce 60 pygmy hogs in Manas
National Park, by 2025.
• It is being implemented by NGOs Aaranyak and EcoSystems
India.

Manas National Park:

• It was one of the first tiger reserves under Project Tiger in
1973. It was declared as a National park in 1990.
• It is included as a site of international importance under
UNESCO's world heritage convention in 1988 as well as
Biosphere Reserve in 1989.
• It is home to the Red Panda, Golden Langur, Pygmy Hog, Hispid
Hare and Assam Roofed Top Turtle.
• Manas River, a major tributary of the Brahmaputra River,
passes through it.

INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES
About 66 per cent of the country’s natural systems are
threatened with invasive species, according to the report.
The study offered the first account indicating distribution
status of high-concern invasive plants spread across the
country.
Key Findings:
• It noted that 158,000 plots in 358,000 square kilometres of
wild area are invaded by alien species.
• The 11 highly-concern invasive plant species that showed
presence in 20 states of the country included Lantana camara,
Prosopis juliflora and Chromolaena odorata.
• The sampling effectively covered 31 percent of savannas, 51
percent of dry deciduous forests, 40 percent of moist deciduous
forests, 29 percent of semi-evergreen forests, 44 percent of
evergreen forests and 33 percent of moist grassland savannas,
the report said.
• The findings from the core tiger populated regions become
significant, as the survival of apex predators like tigers
depends on abundance of herbivores, which in turn depend
on habitats free from the negative impacts of plant invasions.
• The study estimated that loss due to biological invasions
would cost the Indian economy up to $182.6 billion.
• High concern invasive plants were recorded in 22 percent of
natural areas and predicted to potentially threaten 66 percent
of natural areas.
• The data indicated that invasive cover increases with
temperatures up to a threshold and declines with increasing
rainfall, seasonal vegetation opening and human modification
index.
 Human modification index is based on 13 anthropogenic
sensors that provide a cumulative measure on impact of
the human modification of terrestrial lands across the
globe.
• The study pointed out that Lantana camara had the largest
expanse spread across 574,186 square kilometers, covering
50 percent of natural areas occurring across all natural
systems.
 Mikania micrantha had comparatively least expanse
stretching over an area of 148,286 square km, covering
13 percent of the natural area.
• Most species depicted the eco-climatic affinity of these plants.
 94 percent invasion of Prosopis juliflora coincided with dry
grassland savannas and dry deciduous forests.
 Species like Senna tora, Xanthium strumarium and
Mesosphaerum suaveolens were predominant in dry
savannas and deciduous forests, whereas Mikania
micrantha and Ageratina adenophora were distributed in
moist grasslands and evergreen forests.
Affected Areas:
• Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve in Western Ghats was one of the
largest impacted hotspot areas due to invasion dominated by
Lantana camara, Prosopis juliflora and Chromolaena odorata.

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• Besides, Southern Eastern Ghats were found to host the most
densely invaded landscapes with maximum vegetation of
Prosopis juliflora and Lantana camara.
Driving Factors:
• The scientist said that human modifications, shifting soil
moisture regime, historical propagation of invasive plants and
altered cycles of natural disturbances are the main driving
factors behind the invasions.
• The increasing work population densities and proportional
increase of demand for food, infrastructure, energy and socio-
ecological drivers further threaten to intensify and possibly
escalate the accelerating invasion.
Impacts:
• Increase in invasive species means loss in ecosystem services
from forests.
• Further, increased propagules from invasive plants can give
rise to a new plant into agricultural areas and will result in
economic losses.
• An increase in the invasive plants which are unpalatable
will translate into lack of food and result in reduced carrying
capacity for herbivores, eventually causing decline and
shortage of food for the apex predators.
Way Ahead:
• The scientists said that all hope is not lost, and strategic high-
priority restoration can help manage invasions.
• Managing invasive species demands more than mere
removal. It necessitates context-sensitive restoration,
stakeholder participation, and adaptive holistic policies that
can enable positive changes.
ASIATIC WILD DOG (DHOLE)
The activity of the Asiatic wild dog in Assam’s Manas
National Park showed the highest temporal overlap with
the leopard.
About:
• Physical features: They are
large carnivores that resemble
a small wolf or a domestic dog
in size; however, unlike dogs
they have a rust-red to brown
coat and the ears are rounded
with fur.
• Habitat Ecology: They inhabit a variety of habitat types that
include dry-thorn forests, scrublands etc.
 In India, the species inhabits tropical dry and moist
deciduous forest supporting adequate prey base
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 It is the only endangered wild pack-living canid in the
tropical Indian forests.
• Distribution: It has a large distribution range south and
Central Asia and Russia.
 In India, the species inhabits the southern part of the
Indo-Gangetic plains, Eastern and Western Ghats and
most parts of North-Eastern India.
 It is also found in some parts of Ladakh and Kashmir.
• Threats: Loss of prey base, habitat loss and transformation.
Vulnerable to multiple disease threats from domestic dogs.
• Protection status:
 IUCN Red list status: Endangered
 It is included in CITES – Appendix II
PRINCIPLES TO CLOSE THE ASIA-PACIFIC
FINANCIAL GAP
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for
Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) has released the report named
‘Sustainable Finance: Bridging the Gap in Asia and the Pacific’.
About:
• Aim: To guide policymakers, regulators, and private finance
in mobilizing and deploying financing for key UN-mandated
Sustainable Development Goals, particularly around climate
action.
• The report presents 10 principles:
 Developing new climate finance partnerships
 Developing effective NDC financing strategies
 Developing policy coherence and capacities across key
government ministries
 Taking decisive regulatory action to shift capital in Asia
and the Pacific towards the Net Zero transition
 Driving investment in the capacities of financial personnel
 Driving investment in much-needed sectoral and project-
based financial data is undertaken
 Committing to Net Zero pledges for 2050 with credible
transition pathways and including 2030 goals
 Increasing local-currency financing of energy transition
projects as well as green technologies and other net-zero
investments
 Expanding and accelerating concessional financing
and risk-sharing by multilateral development banks,
bilateral development financial institutions, and public
development banks
 Increasing investment of time and effort with partners in
project preparation.
• Key Takeaways:
 Financial Need: Only 17 of the 51 Asia-Pacific countries
party to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
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have assessed and reported their financial needs to meet
their Nationally Determined Contributions.
 Economic Loss: The average economic losses in the
region from disaster-related and other natural hazards
are expected to rise to $1.1 trillion in a moderate climate-
change scenario and $1.4 trillion in a worst-case scenario.
UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL
COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC (ESCAP)
• UN-ESCAP is one of the five regional committees under
the jurisdiction of the United Nations Economic and Social
Council.
• The organization was formed to enhance the economic
activity in Asia and the Far East and to boost economic
relations between the region and other areas of the world.
• UN-ESCAP also provides support to partners at the national
level. ESCAP’s national offer is rooted in and linked with the
implementation of global and regional intergovernmental
frameworks, agreements, and other instruments.
GANGETIC RIVER DOLPHINS
A recent publication by scientists and researchers has
revealed that 19 Gangetic River dolphins had been rescued
from the irrigation canals of the Ganga-Ghagra basin in
Uttar Pradesh between 2013 and 2020.
About: Gangetic River Dolphins (Platanista Gangetica)
• It is one of the five river dolphins found in the world.
• It can only live in freshwater and is essentially blind.
• It feeds majorly on fishes and is usually found in counter
current systems of the main river channel.
• It hunts by emitting ultrasonic sounds waves that bounce off
of fish and other prey.
• Because of the sound it produces when breathing, the animal
is popularly referred to as 'Susu’.
• Distribution: It is distributed in Ganges and Brahmaputra
river basins of India, Nepal and Bangladesh.
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Threats:
• Ganges river dolphin is facing severe threats from water
development projects, hunting and death due to accidental
catches in fishing gear.
• Poaching for dolphin oil, used as fish attractant and for
medicinal purposes.
Conservation Status:
• The Ganges river dolphin is in Schedule 1 of the Indian
Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, Appendix 1 of the Convention
on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and
Appendix 1 of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).
• The species, also considered the national aquatic animal, is
listed as “endangered” on the IUCN Red List.
Initiatives:
• The International Whaling Commission’s (IWC) scientific
committee recognised that both Ganges and Indus river
dolphins require prompt and coordinated action to protect
them from imminent threats.
 It created the Asian River Dolphin Task Team (AR-TT) to
identify information gaps and research priorities and
develop concerted action for the protection of the Ganges
and Indus river species in their range.
• The Ganges river dolphin is indicator of the health of the
entire river ecosystem. The government of India declared it
the National Aquatic Animal in 2009.
DANCING FROG
The dancing frogs that are endemic to the Western Ghats are
the most threatened amphibian genus of India, according to
the Wildlife Trust of India, a nature conservation non-profit
organization.
About:
• Micrixalus kottigeharensis,
commonly called the
Kottigehar Dancing Frog is
endemic to Western Ghats.
• Habitat: The species are
found near the streams
and prefer habitats in
areas with thick canopy cover of at least 70-80 per cent.
• Unique display to mate: The males stretch up their hind legs
one at a time and wave their webbed toes in the air in a rapid
motion akin to a dance. This act is called “foot flagging” and
gives the species their name.
• Threats: Multiple anthropogenic stresses have impacted the
population of the dancing frogs.

 It is threatened by invasive species like the mosquito fish,
land use change, variation in temperature and humidity,
extreme weather events such as floods and excess rainfall,
infectious diseases, water pollution, light pollution, and
infrastructure projects such as dams.
 Globally, more than 41% of the amphibian species are
threatened with extinction. In India, 139 of the total
426 species were categorised as ‘Critically Endangered’,
‘Endangered’ or ‘Vulnerable’ in the IUCN Red List of
Threatened Species.
AMAZON RIVER DOLPHIN
The carcasses of 120 river dolphins have been found floating
in a tributary of the Amazon River.
About:
• Scientific Name: Inia geoffrensis
• It is also known as the pink river
dolphin or boto, and lives only
in freshwater.
• Habitat and Distribution: It is
found throughout much of the Amazon and Orinoco river
basins in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru,
and Venezuela.
 It is a relatively abundant freshwater cetacean with an
estimated population in the tens of thousands.
• IUCN Red List status : listed as Endangered
ARMAGEDDON REEDTAIL
A new damselfly species ‘Armageddon reedtail’ has been
discovered in Kerala’s southern Western Ghats.
About:
• Researchers named the insect ‘Armageddon reedtail’ to
draw attention to the global decline of insect populations due
to rampant habitat loss and climate change.
• Its only habitat is primary montane streams, where it thrives
beneath dense canopy cover.
• The term ‘ecological armageddon’ is used to describe the
devastating decline of insect populations around the world.
 This phenomenon, also called insect apocalypse, affects
entire ecosystems because insects pollinate, cycle
nutrients and provide food for other animals.
About Damselfly:
• Damselfly is any of a group of predatory, aerial insects that
are in the order Odonata.
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• Damselflies are found mainly near shallow, freshwater
habitats and are graceful fliers with slender bodies and long,
filmy, net-veined wings.
GREEN CREDIT PROGRAM (GCP) & ECOMARK
SCHEME UNDER LIFE INITIATIVE
Recently, the Green Credit Program (GCP) and the Ecomark
Scheme was initiated to take ahead the 'LiFE' - 'Lifestyle for
Environment' movement.
Green Credit Program (GCP): Incentivizing
Environmental Actions
• About: Green Credit Program (GCP) is an innovative
market-based mechanism designed to incentivize voluntary
environmental actions across diverse sectors, by various
stakeholders like individuals, communities, private sector
industries, and companies.
• Program Governance: The GCP's governance framework is
supported by an inter-ministerial Steering Committee
 The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education
(ICFRE) serves as the GCP Administrator, responsible for
program implementation, management, monitoring, and
operation.
• In its initial phase, the GCP focuses on two key activities:
 Water conservation and
 Afforestation.
• Green Credit Registry & digital platform: A user-friendly digital
platform will streamline the processes for registration of
projects, its verification, and issuance of Green Credits.
 The Green Credit Registry and trading platform, being
developed by ICFRE along with experts, would facilitate
the registration and thereafter, the buying and selling of
Green Credits.
Ecomark Scheme: Promoting Eco-Friendly Products
• About: The Ecomark Scheme provides accreditation and
labelling for household and consumer products that meet
specific environmental criteria while maintaining quality
standards as per Indian norms.
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 The scheme seeks to ensure accurate labelling and
prevent misleading information about products.
• Relevance: Products accredited under the Ecomark Scheme
will ensure minimal environmental impact.
 It will build consumer awareness of environmental issues
and encourage eco-conscious choices.
 It will also motivate manufacturers to shift towards
environmentally friendly production.
• Role of BIS: The Central Pollution Control Board administers
the Ecomark Scheme in partnership with Bureau of Indian
Standards (BIS), which is the national body for standards and
certification.
Significance:
• Both initiatives mark significant steps in promoting sustainable
living, environmental conservation, and, through individual
and collective choice, embody eco-friendly practices in India.
• They align with global sustainability goals and reflect the
government's commitment to conservation and protection of
the environment.
LiFE MOVEMENT
• Aim:
 The LiFE Movement aims to utilize the power of
collective action and nudge individuals across the
world to undertake simple climate-friendly actions in
their daily lives.
 It also seeks to leverage the strength of social networks
to influence social norms surrounding climate.
• Initiative of LiFE: The idea of LiFE was introduced by the
Prime Minister during the 26th United Nations Climate Change
Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow in 2021.
• Significance: The idea promotes an environmentally
conscious lifestyle that focuses on ‘mindful and deliberate
utilisation’ instead of ‘mindless and wasteful consumption’.
• Promoting circular economy: The Mission envisions
replacing the prevalent ‘use-and-dispose’ economy—
governed by mindless and destructive consumption—with
a circular economy, which would be defined by mindful and
deliberate utilization.
KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK
The Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve reopened
with a literary tribute to a British-era forest officer, Patrick
D. Stracey.
About: Patrick D. Stracey
• He played a key role in renaming the Kaziranga Game
Sanctuary as a wildlife sanctuary in 1950.
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• He introduced a course on Wildlife Preservation and wrote
books such as Elephant Gold, Nagaland Nightmare, and The
Authoritative Tigers.
• He also established the Assam Forest School, a training
institute catering to the northeastern region. It completed 75
years in 2023.
Kaziranga National Park:
• Location: Golaghat, Karbi Anglong and Nagaon districts of
the state of Assam.
• It is one of the oldest wildlife conservancy reserves of India,
first notified in 1905 and constituted as a Reserved Forest in
1908.
• It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. It is
recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International
(Global partnership of NGOs).
• It was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1950 and notified as
Kaziranga National Park in 1974 under the Wildlife (Protection)
Act, of 1972.
• The Park is the abode of more than 70% of One Horned
Rhinoceros in the world.
 The Greater one-horned Rhino is listed under Schedule I of
the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and vulnerable in the IUCN
Red List.
• Kaziranga also has the highest density of tigers in India.
TRADABLE GREEN CREDIT
The Government has introduced a program where an
individual or entity can earn green credit and trade it on a
dedicated exchange.
Green Credit Programme:
• Green Credit: It refers to a unit of an incentive provided for
a specified activity; delivering a positive impact on the
environment.
• A Green Credit programme is being launched at the national
level to leverage a competitive market-based approach for
green credit for incentivizing environmental actions of various
stakeholders. This programme is a follow-up action of the
‘LiFE’-(Lifestyle for Environment) campaign.
How to avail Green Credit?
• Registration of the activity: The applicant needs to register the
activity with the Administrator electronically through a website
to avail green credit.The activity will then be verified by a
designated agency and based on its report the Administrator
shall grant the applicant a certificate of green credit.
• Calculation of green credit: Calculation in respect of any
activity undertaken shall be based on equivalence of resource

requirement, parity of scale, scope, size, and other relevant
parameters required to achieve the desired environmental
outcome.
• A Green Credit Registry will also be included. The Administrator
will establish and maintain a trading platform.
Objectives of the Initiative:
• The initiative encourages industries, companies, and other
entities to meet their existing or other obligations, under any
law that is in force for the time being, and encourages other
persons and entities to undertake voluntary environmental
measures by generating or buying green credit.
• The programme will incentivise environmentally-positive
actions through a market-based mechanism and generate
green credit, which shall be tradable and made available for
trading on a domestic market platform.
• However, the green credit generated or procured to fulfill any
obligation, in compliance with any law, that is in force for the
time being shall not be tradeable.
THE HIGH COST OF CHEAP WATER REPORT
The global water crisis threatens $58 trillion in economic
value, food security and sustainability, according to The
High Cost of Cheap Water Report.
About:
• The report was released on the occasion of World Food Day
October 16 by World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
• The amount — $58 trillion — is the first ever annual estimate
of the economic value of water and freshwater ecosystems.
It is equivalent to 60 per cent of global gross domestic product,
the report elaborated.
Key Findings:
• Degradation of rivers, lakes, wetlands and aquifers threatens
their economic value and their irreplaceable role in sustaining
not only our food security, but also human and planetary health.
• Water and freshwater ecosystems offer several direct and
indirect benefits.
 Direct economic benefits, such as water consumption for
households, irrigated agriculture and industries, amount to
a minimum of $7.5 trillion annually, according to the report.
 At the same time, unseen benefits — purifying water,
enhancing soil health, storing carbon, and protecting
communities from extreme floods and droughts — are
seven times higher at around $50 trillion annually.
• Downward spiral:
 The world has lost a third of its remaining wetlands since
1970, while freshwater wildlife populations have, on
average, dropped by 83 percent.
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Edition: November 2023
 This has contributed to growing numbers of people facing
water shortages and food insecurity, with rivers and lakes
drying up, increasing pollution and food sources such as
freshwater fisheries dwindling. E.g. 80% of the floodplains
along the Danube, the second longest river of Europe,
after the Volga, have been lost.
Humans to Blame:
• The report noted that unsustainable agricultural practices
were among the primary threats to rivers and floodplains.
 Agriculture currently accounts for over 70 per cent of the
freshwater used by humanity, according to data from the
World Bank.
 Over-extraction of water for crop irrigation also reduces
its availability for other uses, such as natural flows that
support fisheries.
 Agricultural fields now occupy floodplains. This has
reduced the purification, flood and drought risk capacities
of river systems.
• Also, excessive fertilizer use diffuse pollution affecting surface
and groundwater.
• The current food production practices are not only harming
freshwater ecosystems but are also identified as the primary
contributors to biodiversity loss and climate change. They are
causing land erosion and reducing the capacity of landscapes
to deal with water scarcity and droughts.
Measures Needed:
• Threats to river systems are threats to food security. Hence,
only by protecting and restoring rivers and their active and
former floodplains, can we hope to maintain the productivity
of agricultural systems into the future.
• The countries must support nature-positive food production
and maintain free-flowing rivers for agricultural productivity.
• The world must also apply sustainable land use practices to
facilitate natural water retention and adopt diets that reduce
demand for products that strain freshwater.
Way Ahead:
• The report made a pitch for healthy water ecosystems which
plays a key role in climate adaptation by mitigating extreme
floods, building resilience to droughts, protecting against
storms and erosion, regulating temperatures and micro-
climates, and sustaining deltas.
WILDLIFE PROTECTION (AMENDMENT) ACT,
2022
A disproportionately large number of species have been
included in the new schedules of the Wildlife Protection
(Amendment) Act, 2022.
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About:
• Schedule I, which confers the highest protection, contains
about 600 species of vertebrates and hundreds of
invertebrates, while Schedule II contains about 2,000 species
(with 1,134 species of birds alone).
THE WILDLIFE (PROTECTION) ACT, 1972
• It provides the legal framework for the protection of various
species of wild animals, management of their habitat and
for the regulation and control of trade in the products
derived from various parts of wild animals. It includes:
 Prohibition of hunting of wild animals;
 Protection and management of wildlife areas and the
animals, birds and plants in these areas;
 Establishing new protected areas such as National
Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries; and
 Control of illegal wildlife trade.
Key Changes in the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act 2022:
• Changes in the Preamble: The phrase ‘protection of
wild animals, birds and plants’ is substituted with the
‘conservation, protection and management of wildlife’.
• Reduction of Schedules from six to four:
 Schedule I: Animal species that will enjoy the highest
level of protection including those which are critically
endangered.
 Schedule II: Animal species that will be subject to a
lesser degree of protection.
 Schedule III: Protected Plant species
 Schedule IV: Specimens listed in the Appendices under
CITES (scheduled specimens)
• Implementation of CITES: The Union Government shall form
a Managing Authority and a Scientific Authority to regulate
import export of specimens of species.
• Management of Wildlife Sanctuaries: State governments
have power to form an Advisory Committee consisting
of Chief Wildlife Warden, members of legislature, wildlife
NGOs and Panchayat Raj to manage wildlife sanctuaries.
 It empowers the Gram Sabha and other local village
institutions to collectively protect the forests, wild
animals and biodiversity and take action against any
activity posing threat to wildlife.
What are the Issues?
Issue of Conservation:
• The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: It was originally intended
to regulate the use of various species (including hunting),
restrict trade, and police the trafficking of species.
• The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022: Nowhere in
the Act has a clear connection between endangerment and
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conservation. It aligns itself with CITES and includes the
CITES appendices as well.
• The listing of species has two direct effects:
 The same level of protection is offered to tigers and
jackals, to the great Indian bustard and common barn
owls, to the king cobra and rat snakes.
 Instead of promoting conservation, these Acts disincentive
plantation owners from planting native trees, and promote
exotics.
Man-Animal Conflict (Impact on people):
• Various Schedule I species pose enormous physical, mental
and economic harm to people.
 Crocodiles in the Andamans, leopards in certain pockets,
and elephants everywhere kill people, destroy their
livelihoods, and leave lasting psychological impacts.
 The new Act elevates wild pigs and nilgai to Schedule I,
which means that the few States that have now allowed
limited culling of problematic animals may not be able to
retain that policy.
Getting permits for research work:
• Despite the support of many individuals in the forest
bureaucracy, the paperwork involved in getting permits for
research is tedious and time consuming.
• The listing of such a large number of species could have
debilitating effects on research.
Way Forward:
• All three issues – conservation, people’s issues, and
research – need to be addressed with different degrees
of urgency. Those whose lives are at stake need to be
safeguarded first.
• Management actions for species and habitats need to be
tailored to ecology, species biology, and context.
• Both citizens and ecologists have a right to observe nature
and collect data if they so desire, as long as it does not cause
undue harm to populations and follows the basic principles of
the ethical treatment of animals.
BAMBOO FOR LANDSLIDES PREVENTION
The Kerala Forest department is planning to plant bamboo
and bamboo creeper along the Gap Road stretch of the
Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway in Munnar to prevent
repeated landslips.
About:
• In 2017, the Government amended the Indian Forest Act to
categorise bamboo as grass. Now there is no prohibition on
growing or cutting bamboo trees even outside the forests.

Benefits:
• Bamboo and creeper bamboo will penetrate four to five feet
deep into the soil and will ensure strong protection to the soil.
It will also prevent future landslips in the area.
• Planting bamboo on slopes and hilly terrains can provide
natural slope stabilization. The dense network of bamboo
roots acts as a natural barrier, holding the soil together and
reducing the likelihood of landslides.
• Bamboo's strong and fibrous root system is effective at
controlling erosion caused by rainfall and surface water
runoff. It helps retain soil and prevents it from being washed
away during heavy rains.
• Promoting the planting and management of bamboo for
landslide protection can involve local communities in
conservation efforts and provide them with a source of
income through bamboo cultivation and products.
• If bamboo and reed bamboo are planted, it will ensure food
security for wild elephants in the area.
About Bamboo:
• This tree, which comes from the grass family, is known as a
poor man’s timber and green gold.
• Bamboo is known for its strength-to-weight ratio, making it a
strong and durable material.
• It is a sustainable resource because of its rapid growth and
regenerative nature. It can be harvested without causing
long-term damage to the plant or the environment.
• There are over 1,500 species of bamboo found in various
parts of the world. Each species has unique characteristics,
such as size, color, and growth habit. Common bamboo
species include Moso bamboo, Giant bamboo, and Black
bamboo.
• It grows fast and requires low maintenance.
• There are 110 different species of bamboo found in Northeast
India.
OTHER RELATED FACTS
• The National Bamboo mission was launched in 2018-19
to promote the growth of the bamboo sector by an area
based regionally differentiated strategy. It is a centrally
sponsored scheme (implemented by the state government
but sponsored by the central government).
• World Bamboo Day is observed on 18th Sept. every year.
WORLD ENERGY OUTLOOK-2023 REPORT
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has released its World
Energy Outlook 2023.
In-Shorts | Environment Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023
Key Highlights of the Report:
• Fossil fuel share in the global energy supply is projected
to reduce from around 80% to 73% by 2030. Global energy-
related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions peaking by 2025.
• India will record the highest growth in demand for energy
among countries or regions over the next three decades.
• Power consumption for running household air conditioners
alone is estimated to rise nine-fold by 2050.
• By 2030, India's industry will emit 30% less CO2 (carbon
dioxide), and each km driven on Indian roads by a passenger
car will emit 25% less CO2.
• As part of its energy development, India is entering a dynamic
new phase marked by a long-term net zero emissions ambition,
increased regulatory sophistication, a focus on clean energy
deployment, and the establishment of domestic clean energy
technology supply chains.
Suggestions Recommended:
• Clean Energy Transition such as encouraging a transition
towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources,
such as renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro), to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY
• The IEA was established in November 1974 by members of
OECD in response to the 1973 oil crisis, with the primary goal
of coordinating measures to deal with potential energy
supply disruptions.
• It is headquartered in Paris, France.
• India joined IEA as Associate member in 2017.
• One of the core functions of the IEA is to enhance global
energy security by promoting measures to ensure stable
and secure energy supplies.
• Member countries of the IEA maintain strategic oil reserves
equivalent to at least 90 days of net oil imports, and they
are committed to releasing these reserves in the event of
severe disruptions in global oil supplies.
• Reports published by IEA- World Energy Outlook (WEO),
Southeast Asia Energy Outlook.
• Increase investments in renewable energy infrastructure,
including solar and wind power projects, to meet growing
energy demand and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
• Promoting electrification of the transportation sector,
including the development of electric vehicles (EVs) and the
necessary charging infrastructure.
• Implementation of carbon pricing mechanisms, such as
carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems, to incentivize
emissions reduction efforts.
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• Engaging in international partnerships and collaborations to
access technology, expertise, and financing for sustainable
energy projects.
• Implementing measures to address air pollution, including
stricter emissions standards for vehicles and industries, to
improve public health and reduce environmental damage.
Initiatives taken by India to Reduce Carbon Emissions:
• International Solar Alliance (ISA): Launched in 2015, it’s an
alliance of the “sunshine countries” with an objective of
efficient utilization of solar energy.
• One sun, one world, one grid project along with the United
Kingdom: It is based on the vision of building and scaling
inter-regional energy grids to share solar energy across the
globe.
• Accelerating e-mobility transition with the Faster Adoption
and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles Scheme.
• Mission LiFE is a global mass movement led by India that
aims to encourage individual and collective action to protect
and preserve the environment.
• Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT): It is a
business-led initiative that encourages companies to adopt
low-carbon business practices and technologies.
KUNMING-MONTREAL GLOBAL
BIODIVERSITY FRAMEWORK (KMGBF)
The 25th meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical
and Technological Advice (SBSTTA-25) in Nairobi, agreed on
recommendations that support the implementation of the
Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
About: KMGBF
• The Framework was adopted in 2022 at the 15th meeting of
the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological
Diversity (CBD).
• It aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. It features
23 targets to be met by 2030 and four global goals to preserve
biodiversity for current and future generations.
• The agreement is not binding on members.
Convention on Biological Diversity
• The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is the international
legal instrument for "the conservation of biological diversity,
the sustainable use of its components and the fair and
equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization
of genetic resources".
• It was opened for signature in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio
de Janeiro and entered into force in 1993. It has been ratified
by 196 nations.
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• Secretariat: Montreal, Canada.
• The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and the Nagoya
Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing are supplementary
agreements to the CBD.
GLOBAL SOLAR STOCK-TAKE REPORT
The International Solar Alliance (ISA), for the first time, will
compile and release a ‘global solar stock-take report.’
About:
• This move is inspired by the first ever ‘Global Stocktake’ of the
United Nations Conference of Parties, scheduled in Dubai later
this year.
DO YOU KNOW ?
• The Global Stocktake follows from the Paris Agreement
signed in 2015 and is expected once in five years.
• Countries are expected to give an account of the actions
taken until now to transition their economies away from fossil
fuel and lay out plans to course correct, if their commitments
are insufficient to prevent runaway global warming.
• The ‘solar stocktake’ would be released in November 2023
and would take stock of the progress made by countries.
• In 2020, nearly $300 billions of investment in solar took place
and around $380 billion in 2022. However, manufacturing is
uneven with most of it concentrated in China. The stocktake
will look at ways to broaden this.
International Solar Alliance (ISA):
• Launched: At COP21 (2015), the UN climate meeting in Paris.
• Headquarters: India, with its Interim Secretariat being set up
in Gurugram.
• Members: It has 122 sunbelt countries as its prospective
member countries and currently boasts a membership of 86
countries globally.
 It is the largest grouping of states, after the United Nations.
• Vision: Let us together make the sun brighter.
• Mission: Every home no matter how far away, will have a light
at home.
Sixth Annual Meeting:
• The ISA, which is steered by India and France, is scheduled to
hold its sixth annual meeting in Delhi.
• A key focus area for the organisation is expanding solar
installations in Africa and to that end the organisation has set
up the Global Solar Facility (GSF).
 The aim is to boost the scale of solar investment there and
following that expand to West Asia, Latin America and the
Caribbean.

DO YOU KNOW ?
• The Global Solar Facility (GSF) was approved in the Fifth
Session of the ISA Assembly, in New Delhi, India in 2022
and later it was announced at COP27 in Sharm-el-Sheikh on
Nov 10, 2022.
• Mandate: It was launched to attract investments into the
solar energy sector, in line with the ISA goal of unlocking $1
trillion in solar energy investments by 2030.
• Objective: This Global Solar Facility (GSF) aims to help
alleviate the constraints of contractual and financial
uncertainty for solar energy.
• The GSF will have three funds:
 a payment guarantee fund,
 an insurance fund to mitigate project risks and
 an investment fund for technical assistance.
Current Status:
• Solar photovoltaic installations globally touched 1,133
gigawatts (GW) as of 2022 with 191 GW being added in 2022.
• Nearly a fourth, or about 350 MW, is installed in China, which is
not a member of the ISA.
 China is followed by the United States, a member country
at 111 GW.
 India ranks among the top 5 countries globally with 62 GW.
THE 2023 STATE OF THE CLIMATE REPORT
BioScience journal published a report stating that life on
earth ‘under siege’ as climate change pushes the planet into
‘uncharted territory’.
About:
• According to the ‘2023 State of the Climate Report: Entering
Uncharted Territory,’ published in the BioScience journal said
that the Earth’s ‘vital signs’ are worse than humans have ever
seen, putting life on the planet in peril.
Highlights of the Report:
• ‘Vital Signs’ of the Planet in Crisis: 20 out of the 35 signs, that
are used by the scientists to track climate change, are at
record extremes. However, a few vital signs are moving in
the right direction, like levels of renewable energy are at an
all-time high and continuing to rise.
• Fossil Fuel Subsidy: Report emphasises actions by certain
governments are artificially lowering the cost of energy
production by raising the fossil fuel subsidy.
 It highlights that fossil fuel subsidies doubled from $531
billion in 2021 to just over $1 trillion in 2022.
In-Shorts | Environment Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023
• Unprecedented Extreme Events: There are already global
average temperatures more than 1.5 °C above pre-industrial
levels. The highest average surface temperature of the planet
was recorded in July this year.
 According to the World Meteorological Organisation,
1.5°C of warming will start to become the norm in the next
five years – and become permanent by the mid-2030s.
 It is estimated that concentrations of carbon dioxide stand
as high as this haven’t been seen since the Pliocene around
four million years ago.
• Impacts on Human Well-being: By the end of the 21st century,
as many as three to six billion people may find themselves
outside the Earth’s liveable regions, meaning they will be
encountering severe heat, limited food availability, elevated
mortality rates, social unrest, and geopolitical conflict.
• Atmospheric CO2 Levels: The amount of CO2 in the atmosphere
is forecast to be 419.2 parts per million (ppm), and the global
average last year was 417.2 ppm. In the past 50 years, we
have added 100 ppm of CO2 to the atmosphere.
• Climate Justice and Resilient Development: The report focuses
on the critical need for action that considers climate justice
and focuses on climate resilient development. It outlines
that by sharing best practices, technology, effective policy
measures, and mobilising sufficient finance, any community
can decrease or prevent the usage of carbon-intensive
consumption methods.
OUR CLIMATE IN NUMBERS
• 1.1°C – the temperature Earth has warmed by since 1880.
• 4.93 tonnes – the average carbon dioxide emission of
every person on Earth.
• 150% – levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
compared before the Industrial Revolution.
• 1.75 million square kilometres – the area of sea ice lost in
the Antarctic in 2023, compared to the 1981-2010 average.
How to Improve Earth’s Vital Signs?
• Report identified and recommended key areas focusing on the
climate crisis, and its effect on biodiversity, food security and
disease etc. These include:
• Curbing global warming and phasing out the use of fossil
fuels;
• Technologies to take greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere
and exploring the negative emissions technology.
• Cooperation between people, government organisations and
institutions to support the needs of people and the planet.
• Ensuring social and climate justice for the world’s countries,
with nations needing to share resources more equally so that
everyone can benefit.
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R21/MATRIX-M MALARIA VACCINE
The R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine has been recommended
for use by the World Health Organisation (WHO) after
meeting required safety, quality and effectiveness standards.
About:
• The vaccine has been developed by the University of Oxford
and the Serum Institute of India, using Novavax’s adjuvant
technology.
• To date the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine has been licensed
for use in Ghana, Nigeria and Burkina Faso.
• The R21 vaccine is the second malaria vaccine recommended
by WHO, following the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine, which received a
WHO recommendation in 2021.
• The R21 and RTS,S vaccines act against Plasmodium
falciparum which is the deadliest malaria parasite and the
most prevalent on the African continent.
Malaria:
• Malaria is a life-threatening disease spread to humans by some
types of mosquitoes. It is mostly found in tropical countries.
• Transmission: It is caused by plasmodium protozoa. The
plasmodium parasites spread through the bites of infected
female Anopheles mosquitoes, blood transfusion and use of
contaminated needlesa.
• Types of parasites: There are 5 Plasmodium parasite species
that cause malaria in humans and 2 of these species – P.
falciparum and P. vivax – pose the greatest threat. The other
malaria species which can infect humans are P. malariae, P.
ovale and P. knowlesi.
• Symptoms: Fever and flu-like illness, including chills,
headache, muscle ache and fatigue.
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SCIENCE &
TECHNOLOGY
Disease Burden:
• According to the World malaria report, there were 247 million
cases of malaria in 2021 compared to 245 million cases in
2020. The estimated number of malaria deaths stood at 619
000 in 2021 compared to 625 000 in 2020.
• Four African countries accounted for just over half of all
malaria deaths worldwide: Nigeria (31.3%), the Democratic
Republic of the Congo (12.6%), United Republic of Tanzania
(4.1%) and Niger (3.9%).
Initiatives to Control Malaria by WHO:
• The WHO’s Global technical strategy for malaria 2016–2030
aims to reduce malaria case incidence and mortality rates by
at least 40% by 2020, at least 75% by 2025 and at least 90%
by 2030 against a 2015 baseline.
• ‘E-2025 Initiative’: The WHO has identified 25 countries with
the potential to eradicate malaria by 2025 under the initiative.
• High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) initiative: WHO has initiated
the initiative in 11 high malaria burden countries, including India.
Indian government Initiatives to Control Malaria:
• The Government of India set a target to eliminate malaria in
India by 2027.
• In India, a National Framework for Malaria Elimination (NFME)
has been developed and launched in 2016 aligned with the
Global Technical Strategy (GTS) for malaria elimination
2016-2030.
• Malaria Elimination Research Alliance-India (MERA-India): It
was established by the Indian Council of Medical Research
(ICMR) as a conglomeration of partners working on malaria
control.
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ANTI-TB DRUG
Recently, there have been some media reports alleging
a shortage of anti-TB drugs in India and questioning the
effectiveness of such drugs under the National TB Elimination
Programme (NTEP).
About:
• Three essential medicines used for treating drug-resistant TB
— Linezolid, Clofazimine, and Cycloserine, faced a stockout
recently, though the government denied stockout.
• Last year, Rifampicin - a medicine used for treating drug-
sensitive TB, was not available in many parts of India.
Tuberculosis (TB):
• About: TB is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium
tuberculosis. In humans, TB most commonly affects the lungs
(pulmonary TB), but it can also affect other organs (extra-
pulmonary TB).
• Many new cases of TB are attributable to five risk factors:
Undernutrition, HIV infection, Alcohol use disorders, Smoking
and Diabetes.
• Diagnosis: TB can be diagnosed using rapid tests, but it’s
challenging to diagnose in children.
• Transmission: TB is spread from person to person through the
air. Its common symptoms are cough with sputum and blood
at times, chest pains, weakness, weight loss, fever and night
sweats.
• Symptoms: Only a small number of infected individuals
will develop TB disease and experience symptoms like a
prolonged cough, chest pain, weakness, fatigue, weight loss,
fever, and night sweats.
 Certain conditions, such as diabetes, weakened immune
system (like HIV or AIDS), malnutrition, and tobacco use,
increase the risk of developing TB disease.
• Treatment: The usual first-line drugs are: isoniazid and rifampicin.
 TB is preventable and curable and around 85% of people
who develop the disease can be successfully treated with
a 4/6-month drug regimen.
Multidrug-Resistant TB (MDR-TB):
• About: It happens when TB bacteria become resistant to
common medicines due to improper use or early treatment
stoppage.
 MDR-TB doesn’t respond to the usual first-line drugs,
isoniazid, and rifampicin.
• Treatment: The treatment regimen of Multi Drug-resistant
TB consists of usually four months of 7 drugs (bedaquiline,
levofloxacin, clofazimine, isoniazid, ethambutol, pyrazinamide
and ethionamide) followed by five months of 4 drugs
(levofloxacin, clofazimine, pyrazinamide and ethambutol).
Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023
 In about 30% of persons with drug-resistant TB,
cycloserine and linezolid is required.
TB Burden:
• According to the WHO, 1.6 million people died from TB in
2021 (including 187,000 people with HIV). World wide, TB
is the 13th leading cause of death and the second leading
infectious killer after COVID-19 (above HIV/AIDS)
• India accounts for more than a quarter of the total TB cases
across the world.
 According to India TB report 2023, Year 2022 saw
notification of 24.2 lakh cases which was an increase of
13% over 2021.
Government Initiatives:
• National TB Elimination Programme: The programme aims
to meet the goal of ending the TB epidemic by 2025 in the
country, five years ahead of the Sustainable Development
Goals (SDG) for 2030.
• Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Mission: The government has
started utilising technology by creating digital health IDs
for TB patients under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Health
Mission to ensure proper diagnostics and treatment.
• Nikshay Poshan Yojana provides monetary support through
direct benefit transfer to the patients.
• Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan: It’s an initiative of the
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) to accelerate
the country’s progress towards TB elimination by 2025. It
provides additional patient support to improve treatment
outcomes of TB patients.
• TB Mukt Gram Panchayat Abhiyaan: TB Mukt Gram Panchayat
campaign aims to involve the community to realise the goal of
TB elimination.it provides for TB Champions who have been
identified and sensitised on TB at the Panchayat level.
• Tuberculosis Model: India has developed a mathematical
model for better estimation of the disease
 Using this model, TB incidence and mortality estimate data
for India will be available by March every year, months
before the annual WHO estimates. India can also prepare
similar estimates at the state level using the model in future.
• World Tuberculosis (TB) Day: The day is observed on 24th
March to spread awareness about the disastrous health,
social, and economic consequences of TB and to make
efforts to end the TB epidemic globally.
CHOLERA DISEASE
A June 2023 study by researchers at the University of Florida
found that Vibrio Cholera pathogens have a unique ability to
‘stick’ to microplastics.
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About: by 38,000 km by 2100 over the 1850-2014 average, in the

• Cholera is a water-borne disease caused by two strains called SSP5-8.5 emissions scenario.
O1 and O139 of the bacteria Vibrio cholerae. • According to the report, most cholera cases continue to be
 Of these, O1 is responsible for almost all outbreaks; reported from Africa and Asia, with Europe accounting for a
outbreaks of O139 are rare and none have been recorded few “imported cases” (Chart 2 and Map 3).
outside Asia.
• According to the WHO’s weekly epidemiological record
(September 2022), the world reported more than twice as
many cholera cases in 2022 as it did in 2021.
• Between these years, more than twice as many countries also
reported at least 10,000 suspected as well as confirmed cases of
cholera.
• Both these trends suggest a reversal of a short-term trend, of
declining prevalence since 2019. The reversal also complicates
a target the WHO specified in 2017, to reduce the number of
cholera deaths worldwide by 90% by 2030.
CANCER SCREENING
Causes of Cholera:
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has invited
• According to the United Nations health body, “Cholera
Expressions of Interest on the implementation of research to
transmission is closely linked to inadequate access to clean
accelerate cancer screening, early diagnosis, and treatment.
water and sanitation facilities.”
• Vibrio cholerae bacteria also favour warmer waters with lower
About:
salinity.
• This will be a four year project including six months for
 All these conditions are created as a result of climate
preparatory activities and another six months for analysis and
change which increases the likelihood of floods,
interpretation.
heatwaves, intense monsoonal rains and storms, and the
 It will also include formative, implementation, and
duration of warm periods and war.
evaluation phases.
• The epidemiological record report blames limited investments
in providing care to those most vulnerable to the disease; the • In the long run, the Council is looking at improving the
effects of climate change; and increasing conflict. coverage and quality of cancer screening through the existing
healthcare system using accepted and validated methods.
Recent Trends: • It plans to engage non-specialist physicians and other health
• A 2021 study concluded that the length of the coastline care workers within a supportive healthcare system for the
favourable to the development of Vibrio bacteria could increase screening of cancer as well as pre-cancerous conditions.

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• The Council also wants to ensure that all those who test • For CAR-T-cell therapy, blood is first drawn from the patient.
positive are linked to facilities for early diagnosis and treatment. Then, immune cells called T-cells are genetically modified in a
laboratory and are injected back into the patient to enable the
Cancer: cells to locate and destroy cancer cells more effectively.
• Cancer is an abnormal growth of body cells and can start
almost anywhere in the human body.
• These cells may form tumors, which are lumps of tissue.
Tumors can be cancerous or not cancerous (benign).
• Cancerous tumors spread into, or invade, nearby tissues and
can travel to distant places in the body to form new tumors
(a process called metastasis). Cancerous tumors are also
called malignant tumors.
• Benign tumors do not spread into, or invade, nearby tissues.
When removed, benign tumors usually don’t grow back,
whereas cancerous tumors sometimes do.

Cancer Burden on India:

• Cancer poses a significant and pressing public health
challenge in India, which currently ranks third in cancer
incidence after China and the United States.
• According to Global Cancer Observatory projections, India
is expected to witness a substantial 57.5% increase in cancer
cases between 2020 and 2040.
• The three most commonly occurring cancers in India are those
of the breast, uterine cervix and lip/oral cavity. Together, they
Significance:
account for approximately 35% of all cancers in India. • Now patients in India and countries with limited resources will
have access to this life-saving drug at an affordable cost.
Screening and Diagnosis of Cancer:  Abroad, the CAR-T cell therapy costs around ₹3-4 crore
• Early detection of cancer greatly increases the chances for per patient. The NexCAR19 will be ₹30-40 lakh per patient,
successful treatment. which is 1/10th of the cost abroad.
• Cancer screening tests aim to find cancer before it causes • In terms of technical achievement, it puts India on the elite list
symptoms and when it may be easier to treat successfully. of select countries that have access to CAR-T therapy.
• Dual stain testing is the best tool for screening for cervical
cancer, while a low-dose CT in those with a history of smoking
KÁRMÁN LINE
is the best for lung cancer.
Recently ,the Kármán Line was seen in the news.
CANCER TREATMENT BREAKTHROUGH CAR-T
THERAPY About:
• It is located at 100 km above sea level, it is an imaginary line
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) that demarcates the earth’s atmosphere from space.
has issued market authorisation to CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen
• Though not all scientists and spacefarers accept it, a majority
Receptor-T) cell therapy.
of countries and space organisations recognise this boundary
between earthsky and space.
NexCAR19:
• It was established in the 1960s by a record-keeping body
• Called NexCAR19, it is an indigenously developed CD19-
called Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI).
targeted CAR-T cell therapy.
• Within a short distance on either side of the line, there is no
 ImmunoACT – an IIT Bombay incubated company –
developed the treatment. significant difference in the pressure or the composition of air.
 CD-19 is a biomarker for B lymphocytes and can be utilized • The earth’s gravity continues to exert its pull here. Even the
as a target for leukemia immunotherapies. earth’s atmosphere doesn’t end here.

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Need and Purpose:
• The Kármán Line was established to regulate airspace. It
marks, roughly, the altitude beyond which a traditional aircraft
can’t fly.
• Any aircraft flying beyond it needs a propulsion system to pull
away from the earth’s tug.
• It also acts as a legal reference that separates airspace that a
country can claim to own from space itself, which is governed
like international waters.
PROJECT KUIPER
Amazon has recently launched the first test satellites for its
planned internet service under its Project Kuiper.
About:
• Amazon has deployed the first pair of prototype satellites for
its global internet service into space.
• It was launched along with the United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V
rocket.
• This marks the big tech company's first step before launching
thousands of such satellites into space to enable Project
Kuiper — the rival to SpaceX's Starlink.
Project Kuiper:
• Project Kuiper is a planned broadband internet service from
low-Earth orbiting satellites.
• It is a subsidiary of Amazon that was established in 2019.
• If Amazon's test satellites perform as expected, it will deploy
3,236 more satellites in the next few years and offer broadband
internet globally. In comparison, Starlink already has some
5,000 Starlink satellites in orbit.
Atlas V:
• Atlas V is an expendable launch system and the fifth major
version in the Atlas launch vehicle family.
• It is being operated by United Launch Alliance, a joint venture
between Lockheed Martin and Boeing.
• Atlas V is also a major NASA launch vehicle.
Starlink Project:
• Starlink is a satellite constellation that comprises thousands
of small satellites in low-Earth orbit.
• SpaceX first began sending them into space in 2019.
• Currently, there are around 5,000 of these satellites that send
internet signals to designated ground receivers.
• According to a report published by DW, SpaceX plans to
“expand the network to up to 12,000 satellites, with a possible
extension to 42,000”.
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• Required infrastructure: Unlike traditional internet providers,
Starlink doesn’t require any ground infrastructure.
 One just needs to have a small satellite dish or a
receiver device to access high-speed internet, much
like satellite TV.
• Accessibility: The company also has a mobile application for
Android and iOS that uses augmented reality to help customers
choose the ideal location and position for their receivers.
ADITYA-L1 MISSION: TRAJECTORY
CORRECTION MANEUVRE
The Aditya-L1 spacecraft performed a 16-second Trajectory
Correction Maneuvre (TCM).
About:
• The TCM was performed to correct the trajectory evaluated
after tracking the Trans-Lagrangian Point 1 Insertion (TL1I)
manoeuvre performed on September 19, 2023.
• The TCM was crucial to ensure that Aditya-L1 stays on course
for its intended destination—a Halo orbit insertion around L1.
NOTE TO READERS
To read more about Aditya L1 Mission refer September
Month Magazine.
AYUSHMAN BHARAT HEALTH ACCOUNT
(ABHA)-BASED SCAN AND SHARE SERVICE
Recently, the National Health Authority (NHA) has crossed
a major milestone of generating more than 1 crore tokens
for OPD registrations using the ABHA-based Scan and Share
service.
About:
• It was previously known as the National Digital Health Mission’s
Health Records app.
• This service was launched under the Ayushman Bharat
Digital Mission (ABDM).
• This service is a simple tech intervention that allows patients
to scan the QR code placed at the Out-Patient Department
(OPD) registration counter and share their ABHA profile for
instant registration.
 It is done to manage the queues at patient registration
counters and offer a better service experience to the
patients.
• There are various ABDM-enabled smartphone Personal
Health Record (PHR) players in the market that allow
 In-Shorts | Science & Technology
individuals to create their Ayushman Bharat Health Account
(ABHA) number, link and store their health records against
their ABHA number and share them with health facilities for
various care purposes.
• The hospital’s Health Management Information System (HMIS)
solution consumes this information and generates a token
number or queue number for the patients.
• Benefits:
 Reduced waiting time
 Accurate data about the patients
 Linked Health Records
MULTIMODAL ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Multimodal Artificial Intelligence is emerging as the next
frontier of Artificial Intelligence.
About:
• In multimodal systems users can engage with AI in several
ways. People absorb ideas and form context by drawing
meaning from images, sounds, videos and text around them.
• Recently, OpenAI announced that it had enabled its GPT-3.5
and GPT-4 models to study images and analyse them in words,
while its mobile apps will have speech synthesis so that people
can have full-fledged conversations with the chatbot.
• OpenAI is also reportedly working on a new project called
Gobi which is expected to be a multimodal AI system from
scratch, unlike the GPT models.
• Further, Google’s new yet-to-be-released multimodal large
language model called Gemini, was already being tested in a
bunch of companies.
Multimodality Working:
• DALL.E, a multimodal AI model based on a concept that links
together text and images in the training stage.
• The system looks for patterns in visual data that can connect
with data of the image descriptions. This enables these
systems to generate images according to the text prompts that
users enter.
• For multimodal audio systems, the training works in the same
way. GPT’s voice processing capabilities are based on its
own open-source speech-to-text translation model, called
Whisper, which can recognise speech in audio and translate it
into simple language text.
Applications of Multimodal AI:
• Some of the earlier multimodal systems combined computer
vision and natural language processing models or audio and
text together to perform functions like automatic image
caption generation etc.
Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023
• In 2020, Meta was working on a multimodal system to
automatically detect hateful memes on Facebook.
• Meanwhile, Google researchers published a paper in 2021
about a multimodal system they had built to predict the next
lines of dialogue in a video.
• Recently, Meta announced a new open-source AI multimodal
system called ImageBind that had many modes — text, visual
data, audio, temperature and movement readings. Meta had
speculated that future multimodal models could add other
sensory data to them, like “touch, speech, smell, and brain
fMRI signals.”
• Further, processing CT scans, or identifying rare genetic
variations all need AI systems that can analyse complex
datasets of images, and then respond in plain words.
• Speech translation: Google Translate uses multiple models
like Meta’s SeamlessM4T model. It can perform text-to-speech,
speech-to-text, speech-to-speech and text-to-text translations
for around 100 languages.
CANCER CELLS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
Chemotherapy eliminates the cancer cells without affecting
other non-cancerous cells nearby that are not dividing.
Chemotherapy and its impact:
• A characteristic feature of cancer cells is that they divide
rapidly, in uncontrolled fashion. Anti-cancer drugs – i.e.
chemotherapeutic agents – work by stalling or blocking this
proliferation.
• When the division of a cancer cell is arrested, it generally
responds by triggering a pathway of programmed cell death,
called apoptosis.
• But, any tissue with a significant number of normal cells (for
example, cells in the digestive tract, hair follicles etc) are also
dividing and affected by chemotherapeutic agents and suffer
apoptosis.
• This cell death underlies the unpleasant side-effects of
chemotherapy, such as painful inflammation of the oral cavity
and the gut, and nausea, diarrhoea, anaemia, and hair loss.
LYMPHATIC FILARIASIS (LF)
Lao People’s Democratic Republic has eliminated Lymphatic
Filariasis (LF), according to the World Health Organization
(WHO).
About:
• This is the country’s second neglected tropical disease (NTD) to
be eliminated in six years, following the elimination of trachoma
as a public health hazard in 2017.
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• Lao PDR is now the second country after Bangladesh to
eliminate lymphatic filariasis (LF) in 2023.
• Over the last 15 years, the global population requiring LF
interventions has decreased by 53 per cent. According to WHO,
this is due to the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic
Filariasis launched in 2000.
Lymphatic Filariasis (LF):
• LF, also known as elephantiasis, is a preventable mosquito-
borne infectious disease.
• Vector: Culex mosquitoes
• It occurs when one of the filarial (arthropod-borne) parasites
— Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and B. timori are
transmitted to humans through mosquito bites.
 The filariae are thread-like parasitic nematodes
(roundworms) that are transmitted by arthropod vectors.
• The parasites nest in the lymph vessels, damaging them. This
leads to hydrocele(swelling in the scrotum) and lymphedema
(swelling due to build-up of lymph fluid in the body).
Treatment:
• The most cost-effective method for treating all affected
residents of LF-endemic areas and stopping future
transmission is mass drug administration (MDA).
 WHO recommends the triple therapy combination of
ivermectin (I), diethylcarbamazine (D) and albendazole (A),
for MDA against LF.
 Multiple rounds of MDA, covering over 65 per cent of the
population, are required.
Status in India:
• Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, and Bihar account for
about 60% Lymphedema cases in India.
• Ministry of Health & Family Welfare recently launched
nationwide Sarva Dawa Sevan or Mass Drug Administration
(MDA) campaign to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) with
focus on High-burden districts in states of Bihar, Chhattisgarh,
Jharkhand, Maharashtra, among others.
• India aims to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis by 2027, three
years ahead of the global target.
QUANTUM ENGINE
New ‘Quantum Engine’ does work by flipping the identity of
atoms.
About:
• Physicists have come up with a way to convert the energy
difference between two quantum states of a group of atoms
into reality.
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• The basic principle is that, at a given temperature, a system of
fermions will have more energy than a system of bosons.
• They adapted the principles of the familiar classical engine
to the subatomic realm, allowing physicists to build better
quantum computers.
‘Pauli or Quantum Engine’:
• It converts Fermions to Bosons and further Fermions. It has
four stages, like Classical engines that convert heat into work.
• The atoms collected in the trap are compressed and kept in
a bosonic state.
• The strength of a magnetic field applied on the atoms is
increased by a small amount.
 Interactions between the atoms and the field cause the
former to slip into a fermionic state. They are forced to
move out of the lowest energy level and progressively
occupy higher levels.
• The compression applied in the first step is eased.
• The magnetic field strength is reduced to its original value.
Fermionic Energy:
• A system of fermions will have more energy at a low
temperature than a system of bosons.
• Physicists needed to convert some particles from being
bosons to being fermions, and found that if a collection
of fermions were cooled almost to absolute zero and then
prodded to interact with each other using a magnetic field,
they could be made to behave like bosons.
• The Exclusion Principle of Pauli states that, in a given system,
no two particles can have the same four quantum numbers –
that is, they can’t occupy the same energy level.
 Fermions are particles that are bound by Pauli’s Exclusion
rule. So they recursively occupy the lowest one available,
until all possible energy levels are filled.
 However, Bosons are not bound by the Exclusion Principle
of Pauli. They can all occupy the same lowest energy level
at a given low temperature. This is why superconductivity
is possible.
 In-Shorts | Science & Technology Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023

Efficiency of the Quantum Engine: • Under the Globally Harmonized System of Classification
• The energy of the atoms increases during the third step and and Labeling of Chemicals, the internationally agreed-upon
this can be converted to work. system to standardize chemical hazard classification and
communication, white phosphorus falls under “Pyrophoric
• The efficiency of the quantum engine is based on how much
solids, category 1”, which includes chemicals that catch fire
more energy is released in the third step relative to the energy
“spontaneously” when exposed to air.
added to the system in the first step.
 However, according to the Physicist, the quantum engine
is 25% efficient, and it is expected to be able to increase
this to 50% or more in future.

DO YOU KNOW ?
• All subatomic particles can be classified as either fermions
or bosons.
 Fermions are the building blocks of matter;
 Bosons are particles that carry the forces acting
between them.
• When a bunch of particles are cooled to very nearly
absolute zero, so that their quantum nature comes to the
fore, they would all like to have the lowest energy possible
– but they can’t.
• The filling of electrons into the orbitals of different atoms
takes place according to the Aufbau principle which is
based on the Pauli’s Exclusion Principle, the Hund’s rule
of maximum multiplicity and the relative energies of the
orbitals. Military uses of White Phosphorus:
• White phosphorus is dispersed in artillery shells, bombs, and
Pauli Exclusion Principle:
rockets. The Munitions can either be ground-burst for more
• The number of electrons to be filled in various orbitals is concentrated smoke, or air-burst in order to cover a larger
restricted by the exclusion principle of Pauli which was area.
given by Wolfgang Pauli in 1926. • It is used as a smokescreen to hide troop movement on
• According to this Principle: the ground. The smoke acts as a visual obscurant. White
 No two electrons in an atom can have the same set of phosphorus is also known to mess with infrared optics and
four quantum numbers. weapons tracking systems, thus protecting forces from
 Only two electrons may exist in the same orbital and guided missiles.
these electrons must have opposite spin. • White phosphorus can also be used as an incendiary weapon.

White Phosphorus Harms:

WHITE PHOSPHORUS
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch (HRW)
have accused the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) of using white
phosphorus munitions in Gaza and Lebanon.
About:
• White phosphorus is a pyrophoric that ignites when exposed
to oxygen, producing thick, light smoke as well as intense
815-degree Celsius heat. White phosphorus emits a distinct
garlic-like odor.
• Pyrophoric substances are those which ignite spontaneously
or very quickly when in contact with air.
• Upon exposure, white phosphorus can cause severe burns,
often down to the bone. The burns are difficult to heal, and
susceptible to infections. Particles of white phosphorus that
remain lodged in the body can reignite if in contact with air.
• Inhaling white phosphorus particles or smoke can cause
respiratory damage and harm to internal organs.
• White phosphorus can also devastate infrastructure and
property, damage crops and kill livestock, with raging fires,
especially in windy conditions.
First use of White Phosphorus Munitions:
• Irish nationalists in the late 19th century first used in a
formulation known as “Fenian fire”.

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• The US invasion of Iraq in 2004 and the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict have also witnessed the use of White phosphorus.
Legal Status of White Phosphorus Munitions:
• The use of white phosphorus is regulated under the
International humanitarian law (IHL). However there is
no blanket ban on White phosphorus munitions. It is not
considered a chemical weapon because its operational utility
is primarily due to heat and smoke, rather than toxicity.
• The use of white phosphorus is governed by the Convention
on Conventional Weapons (CCW), specifically Protocol III, which
deals with incendiary weapons. Palestine and Lebanon have
joined Protocol III, while Israel has not ratified the protocol.
QUANTUM ALGORITHMS
Quantum computers can efficiently solve the problems that
are very difficult to solve with a classical computer.
About:
• Quantum computing uses phenomena in quantum physics to
create new ways of computing.
• Quantum computing involves qubits.
• Unlike a normal computer bit, which can be either 0 or 1, a
qubit can exist in a multidimensional state.
• The power of quantum computers grows exponentially with
more qubits.
• Classical computers that add more bits can increase power
only linearly.
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Quantum v. Classical Algorithms:
• A quantum algorithm has a series of steps, but its
implementation requires quantum gates. Unlike classical bits,
qubits can exist in states of both 0 and 1 simultaneously,
allowing quantum algorithms to exploit superposition for
speed-up.
• One factor that controls this speed-up is the possibility of
superposition of the states of quantum bits, or qubits, that
encode information. Whereas a classical computer uses
semiconductor-based gadgets as bits to encode information,
quantum computers use qubits.
GRAPHITE
China imposes export curbs on graphite against the US-led
restrictions on technology sales to Chinese companies.
About
• China is the world's top graphite producer and exporter. It
refines over 90% of the world’s graphite for electric vehicle
battery anodes.
Graphite:
• Also called plumbago or black lead, is a naturally occurring
form of crystalline carbon. It is a native element mineral found
in metamorphic and igneous rocks.
• It is one of the common allotropes of carbon and crystallizes
in the hexagonal system.
• It is not elastic and has high electrical and thermal conductivity.
• Types: Two main types—natural and synthetic.
 Natural: Natural graphite is a mineral composed of graphitic
carbon. It can be in crystalline or amorphous form.
 Synthetic graphite: Produced from coke and pitch. Although
this graphite is not as crystalline as natural graphite.
• Applications: Pencils, lubricants, crucibles, foundry facings,
polishes, arc lamps, batteries, brushes for electric motors,
and cores of nuclear reactors.
STANDARDS & LABELLING PROGRAMME FOR
SOLAR PANELS
The Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy
has recently launched a Standards & Labelling Programme
for solar panels in New Delhi.
About the Programme:
• It is prepared by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) for PV
modules from January 1, 2024 till December 31, 2025. For
this period, there shall be no labelling fee as well.
 In-Shorts | Science & Technology
• The programme is voluntary in the initial two years and it will
be made compulsory after that.
• It will make it easier for citizens to make an informed and
judicious decision while purchasing and deploying solar
photovoltaic modules, known commonly as solar panels.
STAR AND LABELLING SCHEME
• Launched: May 2006.
• Objective: To help consumers make an informed choice
about various energy-consuming appliances, in terms
of energy savings, that would result based on each
appliance’s energy efficiency performance.
• Star Labelled Appliances: The program was launched in
2006 and is presently invoked for 34 equipment/appliances.
 The first 11 appliances have been notified under
mandatory labeling while the others are presently under
the voluntary labeling phase.
Significance:
• The formulation of performance standards will enable
customers to be better aware of the cost and energy savings
from using solar panels.
• It will enable the retail consumer to make the right choice, by
enabling him or her to better differentiate among different
models of solar panels which at present look alike.
• The programme will also bring in product differentiation, to a
market where the products are fully commoditized as of now.
• This also contributes to the government’s larger goal of
enhancing the share of renewable energy and reducing
emission intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030.
• Star enabling of solar panels will reduce carbon dioxide
emissions by 30 million tonnes per annum by 2030.
Growth of Solar Panels, its Efficiency and Impact:
• The growth of Solar Panels has been exponential, another
200 GW of solar panels to be added between 2023 and 2030,
both from ground-mounted and solar rooftops.
Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023
• Efficiency: It is expected that the Solar PV module efficiency
will enhance by 2% over its existing levels.
 Owing to performance improvement, the electricity
generation is expected to increase by 33GWh/year and
this will offset ~27,000 tons of CO2 emission per annum.
• Impact: On a typical 10 square-metre roof area, a progression
from 1-Star to 2-Star solar panel will result in additional
electricity generation of around 12%, while the increase as
compared to 1-Star solar panel can be as high as 29% - 35%
for 4-Star and 5-Star panels.
MOST DISTANT ‘FAST RADIO BURST’
RECORDED IN HISTORY
A new study that documented the most distant "fast radio
burst" in history says that FRBs can be used to measure the
mass of the universe.
About FRBs:
• They are astrophysical phenomena characterized by brief
and intense bursts of radio waves.
• These bursts last for just milliseconds, making them
challenging to detect and study.
Some Key Points about FRBs:
• Discovery: The first FRB was discovered in 2007 in archived
data from the Parkes Radio Telescope in Australia. Since
then, many more FRBs have been observed.
• Characteristics: FRBs are known for their extremely short
duration, typically lasting only a few milliseconds. During this
brief period, they emit a burst of radio waves that is far more
powerful than what is emitted by any known astrophysical
source.
• Frequency Range: FRBs are observed in a wide range of radio
frequencies, and they can occur across the radio spectrum.
• Unknown Origins: The exact source of FRBs remains a
mystery. Several theories have been proposed, including
neutron star mergers, magnetars, and even artificial sources
(like extraterrestrial signals). However, none of these theories
have been conclusively proven.
• CHIME Project: The Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping
Experiment (CHIME) project significantly contributed to the
study of FRBs. It detected a large number of FRBs, increasing
our understanding of these phenomena.
• Scientific Significance: FRBs are of great scientific interest
because they provide unique opportunities to study extreme
astrophysical environments and phenomena. Understanding
the sources of FRBs could shed light on various aspects of
astrophysics and cosmology.
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 Current Affairs In-Shorts | Geography
Edition: November 2023

GEOGRAPHY

ICHAMATI RIVER SUTLEJ-YAMUNA LINK CANAL

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has started The Supreme Court asked the Union government to conduct
work to revive the Ichamati River. The government has a survey of the land allocated for construction of part of
declared a part of 63 km of the Ichhamati River as a National the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal. It is the focal point of a
Waterway and marked it as Waterway number 44. water-sharing dispute between Haryana and Punjab.

About: What is the Dispute over Water Sharing?

• Ichhamati River is a transboundary river that flows through • The Punjab Cabinet opined that the State has no spare water
West Bengal, India, and Bangladesh. to share with Haryana, so there is no question of construction
• Origin: It is one of the bifurcations of river Mathabhanga and of the SYL canal and arguing that reassessment of the
originates at Mahjdia village in the Nadia district of West availability of water was required as per international norms.
Bengal.  It was also observed that Punjab’s 76.5% blocks (117
out of 153) are over-exploited where the stage of ground
• Ichamati River is now in three parts: The longer part flows
water extraction is more than 100%, whereas in Haryana
from the Mathabhanga River, then it joins the Kalindi River and
only 61.5% (88 out of 143) are over-exploited
then in North-24 Parganas and Debhata in Satkhira District.
• Haryana Chief Minister had urged the Punjab government to
• Tributaries: Ichhamati River and its tributaries form a large oxbow
ensure compliance with the orders of the Supreme Court.
lake complex in North 24-Paraganas district near Bangaon. The
agricultural chemical fertilizers and weed infestation, particularly • Haryana had stated that the construction of the SYL was the
with water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is a major concern rightful entitlement of the people of Haryana.
because it is covering the surface of lake waters.
• Significance:
 This river is the inspiration for many poems and songs.
 It also serves as a source of irrigation for the farmers living
along its banks.

DO YOU KNOW ?
About Inland Waterway Transport (IWT):
• India has an extensive network of inland waterways in the
form of rivers, canals, backwaters and creeks.
• It has about 14,500 km of navigable waterways which
comprise rivers, canals, backwaters, creeks, etc.
Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI):
• It is an autonomous organisation constituted on 27th
Sutlej Yamuna link canal Project:
October 1986 under the Inland Waterways Authority of
• Brief:
India Act, 1985.
 The Sutlej Yamuna Link Canal is a 211-km-long proposed
• IWAI is primarily responsible for the development,
canal connecting Sutlej and Yamuna, was planned in
maintenance and regulation of those waterways which
1966 after Haryana was carved out of Punjab. While a 121
have been declared as NWs under the National Waterways
km stretch of the canal was to be constructed in Punjab,
Act, 2016.
another 90 km falls in Haryana.
• The head office of IWAI is at Noida, UP.  While Haryana completed the project in its territory by
• The policy guidelines and directions issued by IWT Wing June 1980, the work in Punjab, though started in 1982,
are implemented by IWAI. was shelved due to protests in the Punjab state.

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• Background:
 In 1982, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi launched the
construction of the SYL Canal with a groundbreaking
ceremony in Kapoori village in Patiala district.
 The issue dates back to 1966 at the time of reorganization
of Punjab and formation of Haryana.
 Punjab was opposed to sharing the waters of the two
rivers with Haryana, citing riparian principles.
 In July 1985, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and then Akali
Dal chief signed an accord agreeing for a new tribunal to
assess the water.
 In 1996, Haryana moved the Supreme Court seeking
directions to Punjab to complete the work on the SYL.
 In 2002 and 2004, SC directed Punjab to complete the
work in its territory.
 In 2004, the Punjab State Assembly passed the Punjab
Termination of Agreements Act, terminating its water-
sharing agreements.
 The President sought the Supreme Court’s opinion on the
2004 Act under Article 143 (1) of the Constitution. The court
junked the 2004 law, terming it “unconstitutional”.
• Supreme Court’s opinion on the 2004 Act:
 The Supreme Court scrapped the Punjab Termination of
Water Agreements Act, 2004 which unilaterally allowed
Punjab to stop sharing Ravi, Beas waters with other States.
 Ever Since SYL has been a bone of contention between
Haryana and Punjab.
Punjab’s Arguments:
• Drying of the State: As per a state government study, many
areas in Punjab may go dry after 2029.
• The state has already over-exploited its groundwater for
irrigation purposes as it fills granaries of the Centre by
growing wheat and paddy.
• As per reports, water in about 79% of the state’s area is over-
exploited.
• Out of 138 blocks, 109 blocks are “over-exploited”, two
blocks are “critical” , five blocks are “semi-critical” and only
22 blocks are in the “safe” category.
Haryana’s Arguments:
• Water for irrigation: Haryana has been staking claim to the
Ravi-Beas waters through the SYL Canal on the plea that
providing water for irrigation was a tough task for the state.
• In southern parts: where underground water had depleted up
to 1700 feet, there was a problem of drinking water.
• Haryana has been citing its contribution to the central food
pool and arguing that it is being denied its rightful share in the
water as assessed by a tribunal.
In-Shorts | Geography Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023
CONSTITUTION PROVISION
FOR RIVER WATER SHARING IN INDIA
• Water is a state subject as per entry 17 of State List with
respect to water supplies, irrigation and canals, drainage
and embankments, water storage and water power, subject
to the provisions of Entry 56 of List 1.”
• Entry 56 of Union List gives power to the Union Government
for regulation and development of inter-State rivers and
river valleys.
• Article 262: Parliament may by law provide for the
adjudication of any dispute or complaint with respect to
the use, distribution or control of the waters of, in any inter-
State river or river valley.
• Article 143(1): Power of President to consult Supreme Court.
If at any time it appears to the President that a question of
law or fact has arisen, or is likely to arise, which is of such
a nature and of such public importance that it is expedient
to obtain the opinion of the Supreme Court upon it, he may
refer the question to that Court for consideration and the
Court may, after such hearing as it thinks fit, report to the
President its opinion thereon.
OZONE HOLE OVER ANTARCTICA
The European Space Agency Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite
has detected a 26 million square kilometer giant hole in the
ozone layer, near Antarctica.
What is an Ozone Layer?
• The ozone layer is a trace gas in the stratosphere, one of the
four layers of the Earth’s atmosphere. It is found between 15 to
35 kilometers above Earth.
• Ozone creation: Ozone is composed of three atoms of Oxygen.
The production of ozone in the stratosphere results primarily
from the breaking of the chemical bonds within oxygen
molecules (O2) by high-energy solar photons. This process,
called photodissociation, results in the release of single
oxygen atoms, which later join with intact oxygen molecules
to form ozone.
• Good and Bad Ozone: Stratospheric ozone (Good Ozone) is
formed naturally through the interaction of solar ultraviolet
(UV) radiation with molecular oxygen (O2).
 Tropospheric or ground-level ozone (Bad Ozone), what
humans breathe, is formed primarily from photochemical
reactions between (Volatile Organic Compounds & NOX).
• Significance: It functions as a protective gas shield that
absorbs ultraviolet radiation, protecting humans and
ecosystems from dangerous amounts of UV radiation
causing skin cancers.
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What is the Ozone hole?
• By 1984, the ozone layer over Antarctica's Halley Bay research
station had lost one-third of its thickness compared to
previous decades.
• The thinning of the ozone layer over Antarctica came to be
known as the ozone hole. The hole was caused by widespread
use of chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons.
• Ozone Depletion: When chlorine and bromine atoms come into
contact with ozone in the stratosphere, they destroy ozone
molecules. One chlorine atom can destroy over 100,000
ozone molecules before it is removed from the stratosphere.
Ozone can be destroyed more quickly than it is naturally
created.
What caused the Ozone hole this year?
• The size of the ozone hole over Antarctica fluctuates each
year. The ozone hole opens because of the rotation of the
Earth causing special winds over the closed landmass of
Antarctica. The winds create a mini climate, creating a shield
over Antarctica preventing it from mixing with surrounding air.
When the winds die down, the hole closes.
• Scientists believe this year’s big ozone hole could be due
to the Hunga-Tonga- Hunga -Ha'apai volcanic eruptions. This
eruption lead to excessive presence of water vapor into the
stratosphere. The water had an impact on the ozone layer
through chemical reactions and changed its heating rate.
Conventions for Protection of Ozone layer:
• Vienna Convention: First convention for the protection of the
Ozone layer.
 To promote cooperation among nations by exchanging
information on the effects of human activities.
• Montreal Protocol: Adopted in 1987, on Substances
that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The landmark multilateral
environmental agreement regulates the production and
consumption of nearly 100 man-made chemicals referred to
as Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS).
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• Kigali Agreement: Around 197 countries, including India,
China and the USA, agreed at Kigali to reduce the use of
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by roughly 85% of their baselines
by 2045, by amending the 1987 Montreal Protocol.
Know About UV Radiation:
• Shorter wavelengths than visible light, not visible from naked
eyes.
• Classified into three types as per wavelength: UV-A, UV-B and
UV-C.
• UV-A: Long-wavelength, 95% of the UV radiation reaching the
Earth's surface, high penetration power.
• UV-B: Short-wavelength that reaches the outer layer of your
skin (the epidermis), absorbed by the Earth’s ozone layer.
• UV-C: UVC radiation is the highest energy portion of the UV
radiation spectrum; Blocked by the ozone layer.
RWANDA
Rwanda stands out both in Africa and globally for its efforts
in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment,
and particularly in the area of political participation. Nearly
two third (61%) of its parliamentary seats and 55% of cabinet
position is held by women.
About:
• Rwanda is a country situated in
Central Africa.
• Capital City: Kigali
• It is bordered to the North by
Uganda, to the East by Tanzania, to the South by Burundi
and to the West by the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• It is also known as ’The Land of a Thousand Hills’
• It has five volcanoes, 23 lakes and numerous rivers, some
forming the source of the River Nile.
KONGTHONG VILLAGE
Kongthong has been honored with the prestigious 'Best
Tourism Village (Bronze)' award at the National Tourism
Awards 2023 by the Ministry of Tourism.
About:
• It is located in the East Khasi Hills district, around 65
kilometers from Meghalaya's capital city Shillong.
• It is popularly known as the Whistling Village.
• It has a unique oral tradition, Jingrwai lawbei, in which a song
(Jingrwai) is sung in honor of the root ancestress - the clan’s
first woman (Lawbei).

 This song is composed by the mother following the birth of
her child, during the first few weeks while she is regaining
her health.
SOUTHWEST MONSOON WITHDRAWS FROM
INDIA
The southwest monsoon’s withdrawal recently began from
Rajasthan and the northeast monsoon is likely to set soon.
About:
• Withdrawal of monsoon: Though monsoon withdrawal begins
from Rajasthan, it takes nearly until early to mid-October
for it to fully withdraw and be replaced by the northeast
monsoon.
• Retreating monsoon: The onset of the northeast monsoon,
also known as the ‘retreating monsoon’, would likely be
“weak” according to the India Meteorological Department
(IMD).
• Low pressure areas in Indian Ocean: The IMD has also reported
two developing low pressure areas — precursors to cyclones
— both in the Arabian Sea as well as in the Bay of Bengal that
are likely to become ‘depressions’.
In-Shorts | Geography Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023
Monsoon, its Onset & Withdrawal/Retreat:
• About the Monsoon: The monsoons are experienced in the
tropical area roughly between 20° N and 20° S. Following are
a few reasons for the formation of monsoons in the Indian
Subcontinent:
 The differential heating and cooling of land and water
creates low pressure on the landmass of India while the
seas around experience comparatively high pressure.
 The shift of the position of the Inter-Tropical Convergence
Zone (ITCZ) in summer, over the Ganga plain (this is the
equatorial trough normally positioned about 5°N of the
equator. It is also known as the monsoon trough during
the monsoon season).
 The presence of the high-pressure area, east of
Madagascar, approximately at 20°S over the Indian Ocean
gets intensified affecting the Indian Monsoon.
 The Tibetan plateau gets intensely heated during summer,
which results in strong vertical air currents and the
formation of low pressure over the plateau at about 9 km
above sea level.
 The shift of the westerly jet stream to the north of the
Himalayas and the presence of the tropical easterly jet
stream over the Indian peninsula during summer enables
the onset of monsoon.
• The onset of monsoon: The monsoon enters mainland India
between the last week of May and the first week of June.
 June 1 is officially considered as onset date over Kerala.
 The IMD only counts the rainfall between June 1 and
September 30 as monsoon rainfall.
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• The retreat of the monsoon: The ‘withdrawal’ or ‘retreat’ does
not mean that the monsoon system ceases to pour rain over
India which generally begans from 1st October.
 In fact, monsoon continue well into the first fortnight of
October and start retreating from India by late October.
 It is then replaced by the retreating, or northeast monsoon
in November which is the key source of rainfall for several
parts of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and northern
interioriors of Karnataka.
 More technically, withdrawal is a cessation of rainfall
activity over northwest India for five straight days, following
formation of anticyclone in the lower troposphere, marked
by reduction in the moisture content.
• The withdrawal of the monsoon is a complex meteorological
event marked by changes in wind direction, reduced rainfall,
and varying timing that has significant implications for
agriculture, water resources, and various aspects of life in
monsoon-affected regions.
“DWELLING IN FUCHUN MOUNTAINS”
PAINTINGS
The Chinese military had released an animated short
film showcasing the reunification of two torn pieces of
the renowned scroll painting, “the Dwelling in Fuchun
Mountains” which had been separated for over 300 years.
About:
• The animated film called “Dreams Come True on Fuchun
River”, features two elves, representing the two pieces of the
painting. At the end of the movie, the two characters come
together, magically making the painting whole again.
 The painting had been torn due to its ownership transitions.
• This short film was released on the National Day of China.
About the ‘Dwelling in Fuchun Mountains’ Painting:
• It was painted nearly 700 years ago by Huang Gongwang
(1269-1354), a highly acclaimed painter of the Yuan Dynasty.
• According to some popular folk stories, Huang and his friend
Master Wuyong once visited the Fuchun River (to the west
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of Hangzhou). He was immediately drawn to the beautiful
landscape and decided to settle down near the river to paint
a panorama of the landscape.
• It is a painting that shows mountains and settlements in
eastern China and is considered a great classical work.
• It got separated into two:
 The shorter section titled “Leftover Mountain” is now in the
collection of the Zhejiang Provincial Museum in China.
 The longer part, known as the “Master Wuyong Scroll”, is in
the city of Taipei, Taiwan.
 Through the film, it has served as a demonstration of
mainland China's commitment to incorporate the island of
Taiwan into its territory.
• The painting features layers of brush and ink, the landscape
forms outlined and washed with great variation.
• The painting depicts rolling slopes and banks, and even lofty
peaks, revealing a rich variety to the landscape pattern.
FUCHUN RIVER
• The Fuchun River flows 110 kilometers through Zhejiang
Province. It is renowned for its lush scenery and balanced
ecology.
• The banks of the river are occupied by villages and towns
steeped in local traditions.
• The river connects the West Lake in Hangzhou and
Huangshan Mountain in Anhui Province.
• It is characterized by lofty hills, limpid streams, long history
and tranquil environment, and is also reputed for the Little
Three Gorges along the Fuchun River.
• More than 1,000 poets in the past dynasties not only visited
here but also left over 2,000 poems that have won universal
praise. Therefore, the Little Three Gorges Along the Fuchun
River are also called the Tour Route of Tang Poems in West
Zhejiang.
NATIONAL DAY OF REPUBLIC OF CHINA
• It is celebrated on October 1 every year to commemorate
the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949.
• Chinese people enjoy a 7-day holiday, which is known as
Golden Week.
• It is a peak time for Chinese people to travel at home and
abroad.
• It is celebrated throughout the China mainland, Hong Kong,
and Macau with a variety of activities, especially in Beijing.
All Public places are decorated with flags and flowers.
• It is a peak time for Chinese people to travel at home and
abroad.

100 MILLION HECTARES OF ARABLE LAND
LOST YEARLY TO DEGRADATION: UNCCD
DATA
According to recently published United Nations Convention
to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) data, from 2015-2019,
the world lost at least 100 million hectares of healthy and
productive land each year.
Key Findings:
• Land degradation is accelerating in all regions of the world,
according to the UNCCD's first data dashboard, which
compiled national figures from 126 countries.
• Eastern & Central Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean have
the most severe degradation, affecting at least 20% of their
total land area.
• Sub-Saharan Africa, Western and Southern Asia, Latin America,
and the Caribbean all experienced faster rates of land
degradation than the global average.
• On the positive side, in sub-Saharan Africa, Botswana reduced
land degradation from 36 per cent to 17 percent of its territory.
• Similarly, between 2015 and 2019, the Dominican Republic's
proportion of degraded land decreased from 49% to 31%,
with ongoing efforts to restore 240,000 hectares in the Yaque
del Norte River basin and cocoa production areas in San
Francisco de Macoris province.
• The drying of the Aral Sea has degraded three million hectares
of land in Uzbekistan. From 2018 to 2022, Uzbekistan planted
1.6 million hectares of saxaul to eliminate salt and dust
emissions from the Aral Sea's drained bottom.
• According to the UNCCD data, if current trends continue, the
world will need to restore a staggering 1.5 billion hectares
of degraded land by 2030 in order to meet land degradation
neutrality (LDN) targets enshrined in the United Nations-
mandated Sustainable Development Goals.
Causes of Land Degradation in India:
• Deforestation: Extensive deforestation for timber, agriculture,
and developing planning regions has led to the loss of forest
cover and biodiversity, making the land more vulnerable to
degradation.
In-Shorts | Geography Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023
• Unsustainable agricultural practices: Such as monoculture,
excessive use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, overgrazing,
and improper irrigation techniques, contribute to soil erosion
led land degradation.
• Salinization: Salinization of soil negatively impacts plant
development and induces land degradation.
• Rapid Urbanization: Rising demand for housing &
infrastructure often led to land conversion, soil sealing,
reduced groundwater recharge, and altered drainage
patterns, influencing land degradation.
• Releasing industrial pollution: The release of pollutants, heavy
metals, and chemicals from industries contaminates soil and
renders it unsuitable for agriculture or other uses.
• Changing climate patterns: Such as increased temperatures
and altered precipitation exacerbate land degradation by
causing droughts, desertification, and shifts in vegetation.
Impact of Land Degradation:
• Desertification: Land degradation contributes to the
expansion of deserts, a process known as desertification.
This can displace communities, reduce the availability of
fertile land, and exacerbate poverty and resource scarcity.
• Biodiversity loss: Land degradation can lead to habitat
destruction and fragmentation, reducing the biodiversity
of affected areas. This can have cascading effects on
ecosystems, potentially leading to species extinctions.
• Reduced carbon sequestration: Healthy soils act as carbon
sinks, helping to mitigate climate change by storing carbon
dioxide. Land degradation diminishes this capacity,
contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
• Increased vulnerability to natural disasters: Land degradation
can make areas more susceptible to natural disasters such
as floods and landslides, as the soil's ability to absorb and
retain water is compromised.
• Impact on Indigenous communities: Indigenous communities
are closely connected to their land for cultural and economic
reasons and are prone to be disproportionately affected by
land degradation, threatening their traditional ways of life.
Measures for Controlling Land Degradation:
• Afforestation and Reforestation: Promoting tree plantation on
previously non-forested land along with restoring degraded
or lost forest cover.
• Soil conservation: Implementing soil conservation measures,
such as contour farming, terracing, and check dams, to
reduce soil erosion and protect land from degradation.
• Policies for land conservation: Develop and implement
policies and regulations that promote sustainable land use,
land conservation, and responsible land management.
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• Adoption of a watershed approach: Planning based on micro-
watersheds, use of remote sensing and spatial data in micro-
watershed planning, for land rejuvenation. For example, the
Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP).
• Sustainable practices: Developing sustainable water
management practices to prevent soil salinization and
waterlogging.
• Encouraging the judicious use of chemical fertilizers and
pesticides in agriculture to prevent soil contamination and
nutrient depletion.
• Promoting organic farming practices and the use of organic
matter along with Zero budget natural farming to improve soil
fertility.
MEASURES TAKEN BY GOVERNMENT
• National level land degradation mapping: It is taken up by ISRO
along with partner institutions, under the Natural Resources
Census (NRC) mission of DOS/ISRO, towards generating
information on land degradation at 1:50,000 scale.
• India is striving towards achieving the national commitments
of Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) and restoration of
26 million ha of degraded land by 2030 which focus on
sustainable and optimum utilization of land resources.
• India joined Bonn Challenge: India pledged to bring into
restoration 13 million hectares of degraded and deforested
land by 2020, and an additional 8 million hectares by 2030.
• The government schemes to address problems of land
degradation are- Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Soil
Health Card Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee
Yojana etc.
• National Afforestation Programme: It has been implemented
since 2000 for the afforestation of degraded forest lands.
It is being implemented by the Ministry of Environment,
Forest and Climate Change.
Way Forward:
• Land degradation conservation is a long-term commitment
that requires the active engagement of governments,
communities, and individuals towards the common goal of
achieving land degradation neutrality.
• Sustainable land management practices should be tailored
to the specific environmental conditions and challenges of
each region to conserve land from degradation.
VIZHINJAM PORT
Recently, first-ever cargo ship is flagged in at the under-
construction Vizhinjam international seaport project.
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About:
• It is India's first deepwater transshipment port.
• It is being built by Adani Ports and SEZ Private Limited on a
design, build, finance, operate and transfer (DBFOT) model.
• It is strategically located along the southwestern coast of
India, overlooking the Arabian Sea.
• It is one of the closest Indian ports to international shipping
routes in the Arabian Sea, making it strategically important for
both domestic and international trade.
• It has the potential to serve as a transshipment hub, allowing
larger vessels to transfer cargo to smaller ships for distribution
to other ports in the region, thereby reducing shipping costs
and enhancing efficiency.
INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION OUTLOOK 2023
The 2023 edition of International Migration Outlook has
been released by the Organization for Economic Cooperation
and Development (OECD).
Major Highlights:
• Permanent-type migration to OECD countries increased by
26% in 2022 compared with 2021.
• Family migration remained the primary category of entry
for new permanent-type migrants, representing 40% of all
permanent-type migration.
• The top origin countries for asylum applicants in 2022 were
Venezuela, Cuba, Afghanistan and Nicaragua.
• Immigrant mothers face a disproportionate disadvantage, the
gap in employment rates between immigrant and native-born
mothers is 20 percentage points.
• India saw the highest migration flows to OECD countries in
2021 and 2022.
 India replaced China as the main country of origin of new
migrants to OECD countries in 2020.
 In terms of nationalities, 0.13 million Indian citizens
acquired the nationality of an OECD country in 2021.
• In terms of workers, migration flows from India, Uzbekistan
and Turkey rose sharply, making them primary countries of
origin after Ukraine.
About Organization for Economic Cooperation and
Development:
• OECD is an intergovernmental organisation of 38 member
countries, most being rich developed nations that attract
migrant workers and students.
• The OECDs headquarter is in Paris, France.
• It was founded in 1961 to stimulate economic progress and
world trade.

• The forerunner to the OECD was the Organisation for
European Economic Co-operation and Development (OEEC),
formed in 1947 to administer American and Canadian aid
under the auspices of the Marshall Plan following World War II.
AN ANCIENT LANDSCAPE UNDER ANTARCTIC
ICE
Scientists discovered a hidden landscape ‘frozen in time’
under Antarctic ice. Scientists used satellite photos
combined with radio-echo sounding data to create an image
of Antarctica’s hidden landscape.
About Landscape:
• It is located in East Antarctica’s Wilkes Land region bordering
the Indian Ocean, covering an area roughly the size of
Belgium or the U.S. state of Maryland.
• It is a vast, hidden landscape of hills and valleys carved by
ancient rivers.
 The area spreads across 32,000 square kilometres
(12,000 square miles) and was once home to trees,
forests and probably animals,
• It has been “frozen in time” under the Antarctic ice for millions
of years. It has remained untouched for more than 34 million
years, but human-driven global warming could threaten to
expose it.
• The ice above the ancient landscape measures about 2.2-3
km thick.
• It has been modified by different processes influenced by
rivers, tectonics and glaciation over a very long period of
geological time.
DO YOU KNOW ?
• Antarctica was once part of the Gondwana supercontinent
that also encompassed what is now Africa, South America,
Australia, the Indian subcontinent and the Arabian
Peninsula, but eventually split off and became isolated in a
geological process called plate tectonics.
• In 2022, scientists discovered a city-size lake under the
East Antarctic Ice Sheet, which was named Lake Snow Eagle.
• India has three research stations in Antarctica, namely
Bharati, Dakshin Gangotri and Maitri.
TECTONIC PLATES ON ANCIENT VENUS
According to new research, Earth's sister planet-Venus may
have supported microbial life billions of years ago due to
tectonic activity.
In-Shorts | Geography Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023
Key Findings:
• According to the study, tectonic activity on Venus may have
occurred between 4.5 billion and 3.5 billion years ago.
• The atmosphere of the planet is mostly made up of carbon
dioxide (96.5%) and nitrogen (less than 3.5%).
PLATE TECTONICS
• Plate tectonics is a scientific theory that describes how
the Earth's thin outer shell is broken up into large chunks
known as tectonic plates, which float on the planet's
mantle.
• Plate tectonics created oceans, continents, and mountains,
as well as playing an important role in sustaining life on
Earth.
• The two planets (Earth and Venus) are thought to have formed
at the same time in the same solar system, operating in the
same plate tectonic regime with the same mode of tectonics
that allowed for life on Earth today.
• According to experts, plate tectonics would have likely ended
on Venus after it lost water & atmosphere which got too hot
and thick, leading to drying up of necessary ingredients that
make tectonic movements possible.
• In terms of size, mass, density, and volume, Venus and Earth
are alike.
• Researchers concluded that only early plate tectonics
could explain the current Venusian atmosphere and surface
pressure by comparing it to those generated by computer
models.
VENUS
• Venus is approximately the same size as Earth with primary
rock composition, with an iron-nickel core.
• Surface temperatures on Venus can reach up to 475
degrees Celsius, which is hotter than the surface of
Mercury.
• It is covered in thick clouds that obscure the surface
from visible light, making it challenging to observe from
space.
• It has many volcanoes, including some that are much
larger than those found on Earth.
• One example is Maat Mons, which is one of the highest
volcanoes in the solar system.
• Several space missions have been sent to study Venus,
including the Soviet Union's Venera program in the 1960s
and 1970s, as well as NASA's Magellan spacecraft in the
1990s.
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CULTURE & HISTORY
WAGH NAKH
Maharashtra government recently signed a MoU with
the Victoria and Albert Museum in London to bring back
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s legendary wagh nakh to
the state.
About:
• The MoU states that the antique weapon will be handed over
to the Government of Maharashtra on a loan basis for a period
of three years, during which it will be displayed in museums
across the state.
Wagh Nakh:
• Literally it means ‘tiger claws’, It is a medieval claw-like dagger
which was used across the Indian subcontinent.
• Designed to either fit over the knuckles(joints of the fingers)
or be concealed under the palm, the weapon consisted of
four or five curved blades affixed to a glove or a bar of some
kind.
• It was a weapon used for personal defence or stealth attack,
and could easily slice through skin and flesh.
Chhatrapati Shivaji’s Legend:
• The most famous use of the wagh nakh in history comes from
the story of Afzal Khan’s killing by Shivaji. Khan was a general
of Bijapur’s Adil Shahi Sultanate.
• Shivaji used to be a former vassal of the Adil Shahis but by
the 1650s, he had become increasingly assertive, taking forts
across the Konkan, and bringing under control large part of
Adil Shahi territory.
• Given Afzal Khan’s success in the south, he was sent by the
Sultan with a mighty army to subdue the Maratha icon.
• Khan marched into the Konkan and demanded a meeting
with Shivaji. But Shivaji smelled treachery and went prepared
to the meeting, wearing a chainmail under his robes and
hiding a wagh nakh in his sleeve.
• In the meeting, Khan, in the guise of embracing him, attempted
to stab the Maratha leader. But Shivaji was protected by his
armour and retaliated: the wagh nakh ripped out Khan’s guts.
Khan was eventually beheaded by one of Shivaji’s men and
in the battle that followed Shivaji’s army came out as victor.
• This was given to Mr. James Grant Duff of Eden(political agent
of East India Company, 1818-22) When he was Resident at
Satara By the Prime Minister of the Peshwa of the Marathas.
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PROJECT VEER GATHA 3.0
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) in collaboration with the
Ministry of Education (MoE) has now decided to launch
Project Veer Gatha 3.0.
About:
• Being a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, it has been
launched in schools to raise awareness about the Gallantry
Awards.
GALLANTRY AWARDS?
• These awards honor the acts of bravery and sacrifice of
the officers/personnel of the Armed Forces, other lawfully
constituted forces, and civilians.
• Classification:
 Classified into two Categories: Wartime Gallantry
Awards & Peacetime Gallantry Awards
 Wartime Gallantry Awards: Param Vir Chakra (PVC),
Mahavir Chakra (MVC), Vir Chakra
 Peacetime Gallantry Awards: Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra,
Shaurya Chakra
 Others: Sena Medal, Nao Sena Medal & Vayu Sena
Medal: Awarded for acts of exceptional devotion to
duty or courage in the Army, Navy & IAF respectively.
• Aim: To raise awareness about the brave acts and sacrifices
of the Gallantry Award winners among school students.
• Activities conducted:
 The projects can be interdisciplinary and in various
formats like poems, paintings, essays, videos, etc.
 Schools have conducted various projects/activities and
have uploaded a total of four best entries from each
school on the MyGov portal.
 Virtual/ face-to-face awareness programs/sessions for
schools across the country.
• Two editions of the Veer Gatha Project 1.0 and 2.0 have been
conducted in 2021 and 2022 respectively.
• The best project is rewarded nationally by the Ministry of
Defence on the forthcoming Republic Day.
• During the earlier two editions, 25 winners (Super 25) were
selected. However, in the Veer Gatha Project (3.0), 100
winners (Super 100) will be selected.
• Each winner will be awarded a cash prize of Rs.10,000.
 In-Shorts | Culture & History
YESHWANT GHADGE
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid tributes at the VC
Yeshwant Ghadge Sundial Memorial in Montone, Italy.
About:
• He was a soldier of the Mahratta Light
Infantry who served in Italy during
World War II (1939-1945).
• He was killed in action fighting on the
heights of Upper Tiber Valley.
 He was not even 23 when he
succumbed to German sniper fire
in Montone, a commune in the
Italian province of Perugia.
• He had been in service for at least four years at the time, and
had been promoted to the rank of Naik, commanding his own
rifle section.
• He was posthumously awarded Victoria Cross (VC), the UK’s
highest military decoration, for his uncommon courage in one
of the fiercest battles of the Italian campaign.
SHARDA TEMPLE
The Navratri pujas have been held in Sharda Temple in
Kashmir this year for the first time after 1947.
About:
• It is located in Neelum Valley in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir
(PoK) and falls in the Kupwara District of Jammu and Kashmir
along the Line of Control (LoC).
• It is one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas and is considered to be
the home of Hindu Goddess Saraswati.
 Goddess Sharada was referred to as Kashmira-Puravasani.
• The temple was also once regarded as one of the foremost
centres of higher learning of Vedic works, scriptures and
commentaries.
Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023
 It was considered to be at par with the ancient seats of
learning at Nalanda and Takshila.
• This temple also links with the Sharda-civilization and Sharda-
script, which is considered as the original script of our Kashmir.
GOND ART
Several of the tribal skilled artisans have made significant
contributions to fostering tribal art and culture including
Durga Bai Vyam an Indian artist renowned for her detailed
and bright Gond art.
About:
• She received the fourth highest civilian
honour in India, the Padma Shri, in
2022.
• Gond art is a traditional tribal art
style that evolved from the Gondi people of central India,
particularly in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh regions.
• It is one of India's most vivid and unique tribal art traditions.
• Detailed and colourful portrayals of nature, legends, and
daily life characterise Gond art.
Features of Gond Art:
• It is renowned for its intricate patterns, dots, and lines that are
used to create detailed and artistically pleasing compositions.
 These patterns are frequently used to fill in shapes and
forms in artwork.
• Many Gond art pieces feature the region's flora and fauna,
including animals, birds, trees, and other natural aspects.
• Tribal mythology and folklore are frequently used in Gond art.
• The artwork may include mythical animals, gods, and
goddesses from Gondi mythology.
KATIBIHU
The harvest festival of Kathi Bihu is observed on the first day
of the Kati month in the Assamese calendar.
About:
• Kathi Bihu is marked annually on the first day of the Kati
month in the Assamese calendar.The festival is also known
as Kongali Bihu.
• Significance:It marks a crucial phase of the year for every
farmer's family in Assam - the fresh start of the harvest season
and the relocation time of rice saplings.
• There are another two Bihu festivals celebrated
 Bhogali or Magh Bihu:It is observed in the month January.
 Rongali or Bohag Bihu:It is observed in the month of April.
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VAJRA MUSHTI KALAGA
Vajra Mushti, a Kalaga martial art form is in terminal decline.
About:
• The ‘Vajra Mushti Kalaga’ (diamond fist duel) is a form of
unique martial art that incorporates various techniques of
hand-to-hand combat like grappling, wrestling and striking
techniques.
• Vajra Mushti (Thunderbolt Fist) is characterised by the
utilisation of a knuckleduster, a small metal weapon, usually
made of animal horns like buffalo, elephant (ivory), is worn on
the knuckles of the fighter.
• The main objective of this Indian martial art form is to
neutralise the opponent and counter his weapon.
• It is held on the ninth day of Navaratri at Amba Vilas Palace in
Mysore.
• The fight is real and the jetty’s make all efforts to draw blood
from the opponent’s head, and whosoever draws the blood
from the opponent’s head first is declared the winner.
Background:
• It was popular during the period of the Vijayanagar rulers
(between the 14th and the 17th centuries).
 However, it has gone extinct and takes place only during
Dasara.
• Vajramushti was first mentioned in Manasollasa, a manual
of warfare in the time of King Someshwara III of the Chalukya
dynasty (1124–1138).
• Portuguese travellers noticed this form of wrestling during the
Navaratri celebrations in Vijayanagar empire and have left
detailed accounts of it.
• British soldier James Scurry, who was in captivity under
Tipu Sultan in Srirangapatnam, gives the first account of a
Vajramushti in English.
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Jetties:
• They are traditionally from Gujarat and settled in the old Mysore
area for over 600 years since the advent of the Moghuls.
• Their ancestors are settled in Maharashtra and are still
practising wrestling.
MERI MAATI, MERA DESH CAMPAIGN
The Indian Railways will operate special trains to transport
volunteers of Meri Maati, Mera Desh campaign carrying mitti
(soil) from State capitals and other major stations across the
country to reach New Delhi.
About:
• "Meri Maati Mera Desh" [My soil, my country] campaign is
envisaged from 9th August 2023 as a culminating event of
'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav'.
• It is a tribute to the Veers and Veeranganas who have made the
supreme sacrifice for the country.
• It is being organised by the Ministry of Culture.
• It comprises many activities and ceremonies conducted
across the country at Panchayat/Village, Block, Urban Local
Body, State and National levels.
Major Activities:
• Soil from the villages of India will be collected at block level
and then finally brought to the Capital along with volunteers
from each block who would assemble at Kartavya Path.
 The soil that gets collected would be used in the ‘Amrit
Vatika’, a special garden being created in Delhi along with
an ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ memorial.
 The Hon’ble Prime Minister would administer the Panch
Pran pledge to volunteers.
PURI TEMPLE RATNA BHANDAR
There is the demand to open the Ratna Bhandar (treasure
room) of the Puri Jagannath Temple that has not been
unlocked for three decades.
About:
• There are apprehensions that cracks have emerged in its
walls that could endanger the precious ornaments stored
there.
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• Most of the main temple sites are located in ancient Kalinga
— modern Puri District, including Bhubaneswar or ancient
Tribhuvanesvara, Puri and Konark
• It was built by Anantavarman of the Chodaganga dynasty in
the 10th century.
 However, the deities within the shrine are believed to be
much older.
• Subsequently, in 1230, king Anangabhima III dedicated his
kingdom to the deity and proclaimed himself as the ‘deputy’
of the god.
 All those who conquered Orissa, such as the Mughals, the
Marathas and the English East India Company, attempted
to gain control over the temple. They felt that this would
make their rule acceptable to the local people.

MAIN ELEMENTS OF HINDU TEMPLES

Garbhagriha Literally means ‘womb-bouse’ and is a cave like sanctum Garbhagriha is made to house the main icon
(main deity)
Mandapa It is the entrance to the temple. May be a portico or colonnaded (series of columns placed at regular
intervals) hall that incorporate space for a large number of worshippers. Some temples have multiple
mandapas in different sizes named as Ardhamandapa, Mandapa and Mahamandapa.
Shikhara or Vimana They are mountain like spire of a free standing temple.
Shikhara is found in North Indian temples and Vimana is found in South Indian temples.
Shikhara has a curving shape while vimana has a pyramidal like structure.
Amalaka A stone disc like structure at the top of the temple Shikhara.
Kalasha Topmost point of the temple above Amalaka
Antarala (Vestibule) A transition area between the Garbhagriha and the temple’s main hall (Mandapa)
Jagati A raised platform for sitting and praying
Vahana Vehicle of the temple’s main deity along with a standard pillar or Dhvaj.

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MISCELLANEOUS
NOBEL PRIZE FOR LITERATURE 2023
The Nobel Prize for Literature 2023 has been awarded to
Norwegian author Jon Olav Fosse, for his “innovative plays
and prose which give voice to the unsayable”.
About:
• Jon Fosse presented everyday situations that are instantly
recognizable in our own lives.
• His radical reduction of language and dramatic action
expresses the most powerful human emotions of anxiety and
powerlessness in the simplest terms.
• Fosse writes in Norwegian Nynorsk, the least common of the
two official versions of Norwegian language.
• Fosse has written around 40 plays, apart from novels, short
stories, children’s books, poetry and essays.
• His “A New Name: Septology VI-VII”, about two painters,
both named Asle but with different lives and demons and
preoccupations, was a finalist for the International Booker
Prize last year.
• Other notable works by Fosse include I Am the Wind,
Melancholy, Boathouse, and The Dead Dogs.
2023 NOBEL PEACE PRIZE
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has awarded Iranian
activist Narges Mohammadi the 2023 Nobel Prize for Peace.
About:
• She has been awarded “For her fight against the oppression
of women in Iran and her fight to promote human rights and
freedom for all”.
• The Committee also referred to last year’s protests in Iran
against the killing of a young woman named Mahsa Amini
while she was in the custody of Iran’s morality police.
Nobel Peace Prize:
• The Nobel Peace Prize is one of the original five Nobel Prizes
established by the will of Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel,
along with the prizes in Chemistry, Physics, Physiology or
Medicine and Literature. It was first awarded in 1901.
• The Peace Prize is the only Nobel Prize not presented in
Stockholm (in Sweden). The recipient is selected by the
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Norwegian Nobel Committee, a five-member committee
appointed by the Parliament of Norway. Since, 2020 the prize
will be awarded in the University of Oslo.
Indian Recipients:
• Mother Teresa (1979): She was a Catholic nun and the founder
of the Missionaries of Charity. She was born in Skopje (in
North Macedonia) and later to India, where she lived most of
her life.
• Kailash Satyarthi (2014): He is a social reformer who
campaigned against child labor in India and advocated the
universal right to education. He is the founder of multiple
social activist organizations, including Bachpan Bachao
Andolan.
NOBEL PRIZE IN ECONOMIC SCIENCES 2023
The Nobel Prize in Economics for 2023 was awarded to
Harvard University professor Claudia Goldin for research
that has advanced the understanding of the gender gap in
the labor market.
About:
• Claudia Goldin became the third woman to receive the Nobel
Prize in economics
 She provided the first comprehensive account of women’s
earnings and labor market participation through the
centuries.
 She has studied 200 years of women’s participation in
the workplace, showing that despite continued economic
growth, women’s pay did not continuously catch up to
men’s and a divide still exists despite women gaining
higher levels of education than men.
About the Award:
• In 1968, Sveriges Riksbank (Sweden’s central bank)
established the Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of
Alfred Nobel, founder of the Nobel Prize.
• The first prize in economic sciences was awarded to Ragnar
Frisch and Jan Tinbergen in 1969.
• It is awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences,
Stockholm, Sweden, according to the same principles as for
the Nobel Prizes that have been awarded since 1901.
• It has been awarded 55 times to 93 laureates between 1969
and 2023.
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 Last year’s winners were former Federal Reserve Chair Little Ones", which reflect the internet prowess of Hangzhou
Ben Bernanke, Douglas W. Diamond and Philip Dybvig city and Zhejiang province.
for their research into bank failures that helped shape
America’s aggressive response to the 2007-2008 financial
crisis.

ASIAN GAMES
The 19th Asian Games recently concluded in Hangzhou, China.

About:
• Background: Before the Asian Games, the
Far Eastern Championship Games were
held. After the Second World War, many
Asian countries gained independence • Winners: China topped the list with 383 - 201 gold medals,
and Guru Dutt Sondhi, a member of the 111 silver medals and 71 bronze.
Indian International Olympic Committee,
• More than 12,000 athletes from all 45 members of the Olympic
proposed the idea of Asian Games.
Council of Asia competed in the 19th Asian Games.
• The Asian Games, also known as Asiad, are the oldest
• India's performance: 28 gold, 38 silver and 41 bronze to a total
and most prestigious event, regulated by the Asian Games
of 107 medals. This is the best-ever performance of the Indian
Federation from 1951 to 1978 and since 1982, Olympic
contingent at the continental event.
Council of Asia regulates the Asian Games.
• The Symbol: Rising sun with interlocking rings.
• Athletes from all Asian countries are welcomed to participate SARASWATI SAMMAN
in this event and Thailand boasts an impressive record of
Tamil writer Sivasankari was presented with the ‘Saraswati
hosting this magnificent sporting event a staggering four
Samman’ 2022 for her book of memoirs Surya Vamsam.
times- 1966, 1970, 1978, and 1998.
• The Asian Games is recognized by the International Olympic
About:
Committee and is the second largest multi-sport event after
the Olympics. Like the Olympic Games, they are held every • Ms. Sivasankari, born in 1942, has a literary career spanning
four years. over five decades. She has authored 36 novels, 48 novelettes,
• The Games follow the sports programme of the Olympics, with 150 short stories, five travelogues, seven collections of
athletics and swimming as core sports, as well as featuring essays and three biographies.
disciplines which reflect the diverse sporting culture of the • Her greatest contribution to Indian literature is her four-
continent such as South East Asia’s sepak takraw, South volume Knit India Through Literature, a compendium of Indian
Asia’s kabaddi and East Asia’s wushu. literature.
• The first edition of the Asian Games was held in New Delhi in
March 1951. The ninth edition of the Asian Games was also About Saraswati Samman:
held in New Delhi in November and December 1982. • It is instituted by the KK Birla Foundation, carries a plaque,
• India is one of the seven countries to have participated in all citation, and a cash prize of ₹15 lakh.
the editions of the Asian Games. • It is given annually for outstanding literary works in 22 Indian
languages in the last 10 years and is among the highest
2023 Edition (Originally Scheduled for 2022):
recognitions in the field of Indian literature.
• Venue: Hangzhou, People's Republic of China, from 23
• The selection follows a rigorous three-tier process leading up
September to 8 October 2023.
to a final decision by Chayan Parishad currently headed by
• Next Edition: 2026 in Nagoya, Japan
former Supreme Court judge, justice Arjan Kumar Sikri.
• Theme: 'Tides Surging in Asia'.
• Besides the Saraswati Samman, the Vyas Samman and the
• Mascot: "Memories of Jiangnan", composed of Chenchen,
Bihari Puraskar are other literary awards instituted by the
Congcong and Lianlian, are three robots known as "The Three
foundation.

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FIVE SPORTS INCLUDED IN LOS ANGELES
2028 OLYMPICS
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session has
approved the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics organising
committee's proposal for the inclusion of 5 additional sports
in the sporting event.
About:
• Baseball/softball, cricket, flag football, lacrosse and squash
have been officially included as additional sports on the
programme for the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028.
 Flag football and squash will be making their Olympic
debut in LA, while baseball/softball, cricket and lacrosse
will make a comeback to the event.
 Baseball/softball have been part of the programme at
several editions of the Olympic Games, most recently at
Tokyo 2020.
 Cricket was on the programme for the Olympic Games
Paris 1900 and Lacrosse was included on the programme
at St Louis 1904 and London 1908.
The International Olympic Committee:
• It is a not-for-profit, civil, non-governmental, international
organisation made up of volunteers which is committed to
building a better world through sport.
• It redistributes more than 90 per cent of its income to the
wider sporting movement, which means that every day the
equivalent of USD 4.2 million goes to help athletes and sports
organisations at all levels around the world.
DO YOU KNOW ?
• The modern Olympic Games are the world’s foremost multi-
sports event.
• They are the largest sporting celebration in terms of
the number of sports on the programme, the number of
athletes present.
• Organised every four years, they include a summer and a
winter edition.
• Athletes from all 206 National Olympic Committees and the
IOC Olympic Refugee Team are eligible to compete in a
wide range of sporting disciplines and events, watched by
a worldwide audience.
• Timeline:
 The first edition of the modern Olympic Games was
staged in Athens, Greece, in 1896, while the first winter
edition was held in Chamonix, France, in 1924.
 Since 1994, the Olympic Games have alternated
between a summer and winter edition every two years
within the four-year period of each Olympiad.
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WHITE CANE DAY
The Department of Empowerment of persons with disabilities
under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment,
observed White Cane Day.
About:
• World White Cane Day is celebrated every year on Oct. 15.
• The day is observed to promote accessibility and inclusion
for people with disabilities and to increase public awareness
of the rules of conduct for the blind.
• The white cane is a vital tool for people with visual impairments.
It helps them navigate their surroundings safely, detect
obstacles, and gain independence in their daily lives.
• The day emphasizes the importance of equal rights,
opportunities, and access to education, employment, and
public spaces for individuals with visual impairments.
• In some countries, White Cane Day has led to the development
of legislation and policies aimed at protecting the rights and
safety of blind and visually impaired individuals.
• Many organizations and advocacy groups for the blind use
White Cane Day as an opportunity to raise funds, support
their initiatives, and engage in public outreach.
69th NATIONAL FILM AWARDS
The President of India presented the 69th National Film
Awards in various categories in New Delhi.
About:
• It honours films censored in the year 2021, was announced by
filmmaker Ketan Mehta who headed the 11-member jury.
• Films received awards this year have depicted issues like
climate change, girls’ trafficking, oppression of women,
corruption and social exploitation, and focus on various
subjects like tribal communities' love for nature and art,
establishment of the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, fighting with
indomitable spirit amidst adversities, transformative power of
education and special achievements in the field of art and
culture.
Highlights:
• The Best Actor award: Allu Arjun for his performance in
‘Pushpa: The Rise’.
• The Best Actress award:
 Alia Bhatt for her performance in Gangubai Kathiyawadi,
and
 Kriti Sanon for her performance in Mimi.
• Best Feature Film award: Rocketry: The Nambi Effect (written,
produced and directed by R. Madhavan).

• National Award for Best Director: Nikhil Mahajan for Marathi
film Godavari.
• National Award for Best Editing: Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali
for Gangubai Kathiawadi.
• Best Supporting Actor award: Pankaj Tripathi, who starred
alongside Kriti Sanon in Mimi.
• Best Supporting Actress award: Pallavi Joshi for The Kashmir
Files.
• Nargis Dutt Award (for best film on national integration): The
Kashmir Files, directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri.
• Best Non-feature Film Award: Ek Tha Gaon by Srishti Lakhera.
National Film Awards:
• It was established in 1954.
• By Whom: The President of India.
• Initially called ‘State Awards’, with two President's Gold
Medals, two certificates of merit and silver medals for a
dozen regional films, for the first six years.
• Separate awards for artists and technicians were instituted in
1968 for the films of 1967.
 First Best Actress (then called Urvashi) Awards: Nargis Dutt.
 First Best Actor (then called Bharat) Awards: Uttam Kumar.
Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award:
• The President of India conferred Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime
Achievement Award for the year 2021 on Ms Waheeda Rehman.
• Waheeda Rehman has been critically acclaimed for her roles
in Hindi films, prominent among them, Pyaasa, Kaagaz ke
Phool, Chaudhavi Ka Chand, Saheb Biwi Aur Ghulam, Guide,
Khamoshi and several others.
 She was honoured with the Padma Shri by the Government
of India in 1972, later receiving the Padma Bhushan in
2011. She won the National Award for Best Actress in 1971.
BEST TOURISM VILLAGES 2023
Dhordo village in Kutch district of Gujarat has gained global
recognition as one of the Best Tourism Villages.
About:
• It was launched in 2021 by the United Nations World Tourism
Organization(UNWTO) as part of the UNWTO Tourism for Rural
Development Programme.
 The Programme works to foster development and
inclusion in rural areas, combat depopulation, advance
innovation and value chain integration through tourism
and encourage sustainable practices.
• The accolade recognizes villages that are leading the way
in nurturing rural areas and preserving landscapes, cultural
diversity, local values, and culinary traditions.
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Criteria:
• The villages are evaluated under nine key areas: Cultural and
Natural Resources
 Promotion and Conservation of Cultural Resources,
Economic Sustainability, Social Sustainability,
Environmental Sustainability, Tourism Development and
Value Chain Integration,Governance and Prioritization of
Tourism, Infrastructure and Connectivity, Health, Safety,
and Security.
PM SCHOOLS FOR RISING INDIA (PM SHRI)
The Union Minister for Education will inaugurate ICT labs for
PM Shri schools on 25th October 2023 at Rohtak, Haryana.
About:
• Aim: The scheme aims to turn existing government schools
into model schools. It will provide high-quality education in an
“equitable, inclusive and joyful environment that takes care
of the diverse background, multilingual needs and different
academic abilities of children”.
• Funding: The scheme will be implemented as a Centrally
sponsored scheme with a total project cost of 27,360 crore
for the period of five years from 2022-23 to 2026-27 for
transforming nearly 14,500 schools across the country.
• It will showcase all components of the National Education
Policy 2020, act as exemplary schools and also offer
mentorship to other schools in their vicinity.
• A ‘School Quality Assessment Framework’ is being developed
to measure the progress and performance of these schools.
Key Features:
• Development of ‘Green schools’: These will be equipped
with solar panels, LED lights, nutrition gardens, and waste
management, water conservation and harvesting systems.
• Modern facilities: Schools will include ICT (information and
communication technologies) facilities, smart classrooms,
library, digital library, science labs and vocational labs etc.
Schools will also get science and math kits and annual school
grants for libraries or sports.
• Mother tongue and local languages to be encouraged.
Accreditation of the Schools App and Mobile
Application (NIPUN):
• Simplifying School Accreditation: At the event, the ministers
will introduce the Accreditation of the Schools app. This app
will play a crucial role in simplifying the accreditation process
for schools, ensuring that they meet the necessary quality
standards.
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• Skill Development: The Mobile Application (NIPUN) will
provide students with a handy platform for skill development,
helping them acquire new skills and knowledge.
PRADHAN MANTRI ANUSUCHIT JAATI
ABHUYDAY YOJANA (PM- AJAY)
Merger of three Centrally Sponsored Schemes into the Pradhan
Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhuyday Yojana (PM- AJAY).
About:
• Schemes like Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY),
Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan
(SCA to SCSP) and Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana
(BJRCY) are merged into the PM- AJAY.
• Objectives: It aims to reduce poverty of the Scheduled
Caste communities by generation of additional employment
opportunities through Skill development, income generating
schemes to improve socio-economic developmental
indicators by ensuring adequate infrastructure and requisite
services in the SC dominated villages.
Components of the Scheme:
• Adarsh Gram: Development of SC dominated villages. These
villages would have all such infrastructure facilities and its
residents will have access to all such basic services that
are necessary for a dignified living, creating thereby an
environment in which everyone is enabled to utilise his/her
potential to the fullest.
• Grants-in-aid: For District/State-level Projects for those
selected under Adarsh Gram component, construction of
Hostels/Residential schools, and Comprehensive Livelihood
Projects. The main objectives of this component are:
 To increase the income of the target population by way of
comprehensive livelihood projects.
 Improve socio-economic developmental indicators by
ensuring adequate infrastructure in the SC dominated
villages.
 Increase literacy and encourage enrolment of SCs in
schools by providing residential schools where required.
• Construction/Repair of Hostels: It is one of the means to
enable and encourage students belonging to Scheduled
Castes (SC) to attain quality education.
Eligibility Criteria:
• The Scheduled Castes persons living below the poverty lines.
• The villages having 50% or more SC population are eligible
for grants under the Scheme for infrastructure development.
Scheme Coverage:
• The scheme is implemented throughout the India, except:
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• States: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya & Mizoram
• UTs: A & N Islands, Dadra Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Ladakh
& Lakshadweep.
Special Provisions:
• Up to 15% of the total Grants exclusively on viable income
generating economic development schemes/programmes
for SC Women. Up to 30% of the total Grants utilised for
infrastructure development.
• At Least 10% of the total funds for skill development.
• Promote SC Women Cooperatives engaged in production
and marketing of consumer goods and services.
SHANTI SWARUP BHATNAGAR (SSB) AWARDS
Since 1958, only 20 of the 592 Bhatnagar prizes – among
the most prestigious science awards in India – have gone to
women scientists.
About:
• The award is named after the founder Director of the Council
of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) India, the late Dr
(Sir) Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar and is known as the ‘Shanti
Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) Prize for Science and Technology’.
• The Prize is given each year for outstanding contributions to
science and technology.
• Nature of the Prize: SSB Prizes, each of the value of Rs
5,00,000 (Rupees five lakh only), are awarded annually for
notable and outstanding research, applied or fundamental, in
the following disciplines:
 Biological Sciences,
 Chemical Sciences,
 Earth, Atmosphere, Ocean and Planetary Sciences,
 Engineering Sciences,
 Mathematical Sciences,
 Medical Sciences and
 Physical Sciences.
• Purpose: To recognise outstanding Indian work in science
and technology.
• Eligibility: Any citizen of India engaged in research in any
field of science and technology up to the age of 45 years as
reckoned on 31st December of the year preceding the year of
the Prize.
 Overseas citizens of India (OCI) and Persons of Indian
Origin (PIO) working in India are also eligible.
 The Prize is awarded on the basis of contributions made
through work done primarily in India during the five
years preceding the year of the Prize. (For this purpose
‘primarily’ will mean ‘for the most part’)

DATA RECAP
• Organ Donation Gender Disparity: On the NOTTO website,
women outnumbered men in organ donation sign-ups, with
82,000 participants.
• GST Evasion: The Directorate General of GST Intelligence
detected an overall goods and services tax evasion
amounting to Rs 1.36 lakh crore in FY23.
• Girls' Education Challenges: UNICEF reports that
approximately 43% of Indian girls drop out before completing
secondary education due to various reasons, including
household responsibilities, early marriage, child labor, and
inadequate facilities.
• Gender Disparity in Labor Force: World Bank data for India in
2022 reveals a significant gender disparity in labor force
participation, with only 24% of females aged 15 and older
being economically active, compared to 73.6% of males.
• Formal Job Creation: EPFO data indicates an 18% increase in
formal job creation in FY23, with over 50% of newly hired
employees between the ages of 18 and 25.
• Aging Population Projection: India's population of individuals
aged 65 and older is projected to increase by 14.4 crore by
2050, as per data from the Population Reference Bureau.
• Organic Product Exports: India exported a total of 1,978.46
million tonnes of organic products worth $2,480.24 million
between 2019-20 and 2021-22, with approximately 50% sent
to the United States and 37% to the European Union.
• Data Breach Concerns: A report from a cybersecurity firm
reveals that personally identifiable information of 81.5 crore
Indians has been leaked on the dark web.
• Road Accidents and Fatalities: According to the Road
Accidents in India Report for 2022, road accidents claimed
the lives of 1.68 lakh people, with an 11.9% increase in
accidents from the previous year.
• RCEP Global Representation: The RCEP members represent
30% of the global GDP, indicating their significant economic
influence.
• India-UK Relations:
 Trade Volume Increase: From April 2021 to March 2022,
India's trade with the UK reached £25.7 billion, marking
a significant 35.2% increase from the previous year. India
imported £8.8 billion worth of goods from the UK, while it
In-Shorts | Data Recap Current Affairs
Edition: November 2023
exported £16.9 billion to the country, resulting in a trade
surplus for India.
 Foreign Direct Investment India stands as the second-
largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) after
the US, with a substantial FDI presence in the UK.
The UK is the 6th largest inward investor in India, with
cumulative equity investment of US $82 billion (April 2000
– September 2022), constituting about 5.3% of total FDI in
India.
 Indian Diaspora in England and Wales: According to the
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), there are 1,864,318
people in England and Wales of Indian ethnicity,
accounting for 3.1% of the population.
• India-Qatar Relations:
 Commercial & Investment Relations: India's bilateral trade
with Qatar in 2022-23 was US$ 18.77 billion.
 Indian Diaspora: There are over 800,000 Indian nationals
residing in Qatar.
• Role of MDBs in India's development:
 World Bank: The World Bank has committed to lending
$97.6 billion in India, encompassing all active and closed
projects.
 Asian Development Bank: The Asian Development Bank
has cumulatively committed $59.7 billion in assistance for
projects and technical support in India.
 Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB): The AIIB has
approved financing worth $9.9 billion for various projects
in India.
 European Investment Bank (EIB): The European Investment
Bank has signed off on 22 projects in India, with a
combined value of Euro 4.5 billion, indicating significant
financial support.
• Cyber Crimes in India:
 Annual Incidents: CERT-In data reveals 1.3 million
cybersecurity incidents annually between 2020 and 2022
in India.
 Global Cybersecurity Costs: The Official Cybercrime Report
by Cybersecurity Ventures projects global cybersecurity
costs, estimated at $8 trillion for 2023, and an anticipated
increase to $10.5 trillion by 2025.
111
 Current Affairs
Test Yourself
Test Yourself
Edition: November 2023
Objective Questions
Visit: www.nextias.com for monthly compilation of Current based MCQs
Mains Questions
GS PAPER - I
1. Examine the distinctive features of Kalinga architecture and its
cultural significance in ancient India. (10 Marks, 150 Words)
2. Analyze the diverse forms and styles of martial arts practiced
across different regions of the country. Also, discuss the
contemporary relevance of Indian martial arts in the context of
sports and cultural preservation. (15 Marks, 250 Words)
3. Assess the legal and social implications of recognizing same-
sex marriage in India. Analyze the evolution of laws and the
changing societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights in the
country. (15 Marks, 250 Words)
4. Examine the social and economic factors contributing to
continuing manual scavenging practices. Propose a holistic
strategy for the complete elimination of manual scavenging in
India. (15 Marks, 250 Words)
5. Examine the demand for a caste-based census in India,
considering its social implications. Also, analyze the arguments
both in favor of and against conducting a caste-based census.
 (10 Marks, 150 Words)
GS PAPER - II
6. Discuss key factors responsible for the Israel-Hamas conflict,
and analyze the impact of this conflict on regional stability and
global geopolitics. What are the possible avenues for conflict
resolution and peace-building in the region?
 (15 Marks, 250 Words)
7. Examine the strategic significance of India-Qatar relations along
with the implications of this relationship on regional and global
dynamics. (10 Marks, 150 Words)
8. Critically analyze the concept of electoral bonds in India as
a means of political funding. Assess the arguments for and
against electoral bonds and propose reforms, if any, to address
concerns associated with this instrument. (15 Marks, 250 Words)
9. Analyze the objectives and functions of the question hour
in parliamentary proceedings and its role in enhancing
transparency and accountability in governance.
 (10 Marks, 150 Words)
10. Discuss the debates and controversies surrounding judicial
appointments, the role of the collegium system, and the need
for transparency and accountability in the judiciary.
 (15 Marks, 250 Words)
11. Examine the implications of a politicized bureaucracy on policy
implementation and accountability. Propose measures to
112
uphold the autonomy and professionalism of the civil services
while ensuring their accountability in a democratic system.
 (10 Marks, 150 Words)
12. Evaluate the arguments both in favor of and against the
implementation of simultaneous elections and propose
recommendations for its feasibility and implementation.
 (15 Marks, 250 Words)
13. Examine the significance of the Vienna Convention on
Diplomatic Relations, 1961, in international diplomacy. Assess
the challenges and contemporary issues related to diplomatic
immunity in the context of recent India-Canada relations.
 (10 Marks, 150 Words)
GS PAPER - III
14. Discuss the concept of angel tax in India. Analyze the challenges
associated with the taxation of angel investments, particularly in
the context of promoting entrepreneurship and innovation.
 (15 Marks, 250 Words)
15. Discuss the key sectors and resources associated with India's
blue economy and associate challenges for sustainable
development and economic growth. (15 Marks, 250 Words)
16. Analyze the criticisms associated with the operations of proxy
advisory firms. Also, discuss the need for reforms to ensure their
accountability in promoting corporate governance standards.
 (10 Marks, 150 Words)
17. Discuss the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI) as a social
welfare policy, examining its potential benefits, and challenges
in the context of India's socio-economic landscape.
 (15 Marks, 250 Words)
18. Discuss the applications and challenges of integrating Artificial
Intelligence (AI) in India's defense sector, emphasizing its
impact on military capabilities and national security.
 (10 Marks, 150 Words)
19. Analyze the security imperatives and challenges of
implementing joint theater commands in India's defense forces,
focusing on enhancing strategic coordination, interoperability,
and responsiveness to emerging security threats.
 (15 Marks, 250 Words)
GS PAPER - IV
20. Discuss the legal and institutional framework to combat
corruption within the civil services. Propose strategies to
enhance the integrity of the civil services and curb corruption.
 (10 Marks, 150 Words)