MAY 2023

CONTENT FOR MAINS

ENRICHMENT(CME)
Enrich your UPSC Mains Prep with
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WWW.INSIGHTSONINDIA.COM
 24.Bihan Mela (Seed Festival) 14
INSIDE 25.Total e-Governance Kerala’s declaration
26.Punjab: Right to Walk
15
15
27.Agra Smart City 15
28.Digital Tripura project 15
CONTENT FOR MAINS ENRICHMENT 29.India Data Capacity Accelerator 15
30.Sam Altman: Challenges and future of AI technology
(CME)  16
31.Regulation of AI 16
1. NITI Aayog’s Compendium on Best Practices in Social 32.Thirsty AI 16
Sector 2023 3 33.Giant Artificial Intelligence 17
a. Best Practices in ‘AGRICULTURE’ 3 34.’Odisha for Artificial Intelligence’ and ‘Artificial Intel-
b. Best Practices in ‘EDUCATION’ 3 ligence for Youth’ initiatives 17
c. Best Practices in ‘SOCIAL WELFARE’ 4 35. WHO: Potential harm of using AI 17
d. Best Practices in ‘ENVIRONMENT’ 4 36.Technophobia 18
e. Best Practices in ‘SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY’ 5 37.NYC skyscrapers turning to carbon capture 18
F. Best Practices in SKILL DEVELOPMENT 5 38.Examples of initiatives under Mission LiFE 18
g.Best Practices in HEALTH & NUTRITION 6 39.Bhopal and local SDGs 19
h.Best Practices in Financial inclusion and Energy con- 40.Ganga Prahari 19
servation 6 41.Disposable Diapers 19
i. Best Practices in ‘E-governance and digitization’ 7 42.Appointment of Sultan Al Jaber as the president-del-
j. Best Practices in Women’s Empowerment 8 egate of COP28 19
k.Best Practices in Sports and Disaster mitigation 8 43.Saving Olive Ridley Turtles 20
2.Colonel John Pennycuick 9 44.Nature Education Centre 20
3.Commander Abhilash Tomy 9 45.Napier grass 20
4.John Sullivan 9 46.Utilizing pine needles 20
5.Maria Mies 9 47.Bushfire Management Program 21
6.Neeraj Chopra 10 48.Heli-tourism 21
7.Georgi Gospodinov 10 49.Riverine-Based Religious Tourism Circuit 22
8.L. Elayaperumal 10 50.Use of animals for espionage 23
9.Tina Turner 10 51.‘Shuttle Diplomacy’ 23
10.Richard Feynman: Think on your own 11
11.My life as a Comrade 11
12.Return to Roots 11
13.25 years of Kudumbashree 11
14.Sachhi Saheli Mahila Agro Producer Company Limit-
ed 12
15.Welfare fund for MGNREGS workers 12
16.Shramavahini 12
17.Rajasthan Platform-based Gig Workers Bill 13
18.Single-teacher schools (Jharkhand) 13
19.Changathi literacy examination 13
20.Keep Underprivileged Youth Away from Drugs 13
21.Racism in football 14
22.Shift to Cash Transfer 14
23.Freeing “dotted lands” 14

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 CONTENT FOR MAINS ENRICHMENT (CME)
1. NITI Aayog’s Compendium on Best Practices in Social Sector 2023

a. Best Practices in ‘AGRICULTURE’

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

b. Best Practices in ‘EDUCATION’

Initiative Nodal Agency Brief Description
Vidya Samiksha Kendra Government of Gujarat An online, real-time mechanism to monitor the learning
for monitoring of learning progress of every student across every grade in every
outcomes school in Gujarat using technology such as AI, ML, and
Big Data Analytics to improve grade-appropriate learn-
ing outcomes of every student.
Home-based education Government of NCT of A program to provide home-based education to chil-
for children with disabili- Delhi dren with severe and profound disabilities who are un-
ties able to attend regular schooling in Delhi, in line with the
Right to Education Amendment of 2012 and the Zero
Rejection Policy.
Phoenix mobile app – Chandigarh A mobile application that serves as a monthly report
measuring students’ prog- card for students and teachers in Chandigarh, with pre-
ress scribed learning outcomes, pre-fed into the application
to track the performance of each class and subject in
each government school.

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Academic Bank of Credits Ministry of Electronics A system that provides academic credit deposit ac-
(ABC) and Information Tech- counts to all students studying in recognized Higher Ed-
nology ucational Institutions (HEIs) in India, allowing them to
accrue and redeem credits for any academic program at
any convenient time.
Kalika Chetarike – Activi- Government of Karnata- A program designed to address learning gaps and attain
ty-based learning ka subject-wise, grade-specific learning outcomes for all
students in Karnataka
‘Kalika Habba’ - A State- Karnataka A state-wide festival designed around activities in sci-
wide Festival on Learning ences, mathematics, social sciences, and languages in
Karnataka involving students from grade 4 to grade 9, to
involve the community with the education programme
and academic practices of schools.
School Adoption Initiative, Government of Assam An initiative under which one college teacher adopted
Darrang (Assam) one school in the district of Darrang, Assam, with the
aim of improving teaching and learning practices.
Abhyudaya Dhubri Assam The initiative uses virtual reality (VR) to make learning
a more fun experience for the children, where the focus
has shifted from memorizing to understanding.

c. Best Practices in ‘SOCIAL WELFARE’

Initiative Region Description
Prayatna Delhi-NCR (by Ministry of Skill A livelihood and enterprise training program for trans-
Development and Entrepre- genders in Delhi-NCR, aimed at helping beneficiaries
neurship (MSDE)) attain a basic quality of life and impart entrepreneur-
ship skills to some of them.
Nasha Mukt Bharat All over India (by Ministry of So- The National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduc-
cial Justice and Empowerment) tion (NAPDDR) aims to prevent drug addiction by pro-
viding education, counselling, and treatment to indi-
viduals with substance dependence. It finances NGOs
for rehabilitation centres and addiction treatment
facilities. The plan also includes the establishment of
District De-Addiction Centers in each district for com-
prehensive treatment.
Aangan Punjab (by Department of So- A digital inspection of the childcare institutes (using
cial Security and Women & the SafCa App) being run by the department and reg-
Child Development) istered under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protec-
tion of Children) Act, 2015.
Dhimsa Radio Koraput, Odisha (implemented A community radio station that has become a tool for
by South Odisha Voluntary Ac- social change in disseminating information on govern-
tion (SOVA) with UNICEF sup- ment schemes.
port)

d. Best Practices in ‘ENVIRONMENT’

Initiative Region Goal
Electric vehicle policy Government of NCT of Reduce emissions from the transport sector to improve Del-
and Induction of Elec- Delhi hi’s air quality
tric Buses

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A life, less ordinary: Ministry of Jal Shakti, Establish a trained cadre of local communities to institu-
Ganga Prahari - Guard- Government of India tionalize conservation efforts for the river Ganga at the
ians of the Ganga grassroots level
Bio Decomposer Solu- Government of NCT of Fight pollution caused by stubble burning by providing
tion and Spray Pro- Delhi Bio-decompose spray to farmers
gramme – Fighting
stubble burning
Solving dry waste han- Udupi District, Karnata- Provide good waste management service and use non-recy-
dling - Materials Recov- ka clable waste as a raw material in cement factories
ery Facility
Palle Prakruthi Vanam / Government of Telan- Create dense mini forests in rural areas using the Yadadri
Village Nature Park gana Miyawaki forestation technique to increase green cover and
biodiversity

e. Best Practices in ‘SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY’

Initiative Nodal Agency Objective
National AI Portal (IN- National e-Governance To create a unified AI ecosystem in India and promote
DIAai) Division (NeGD), Ministry knowledge creation, fostering economic growth and so-
of Electronics and IT (Me- cial empowerment through a one-stop digital platform
itY), in partnership with for AI-related developments in the country.
NASSCOM
Santhe Kaushalkar - Self- UNDP Karnataka and De- To create a rural self-help group (SHG) and artisan pro-
Help Group and Artisan partment of Planning, filing platform (with digital Identity) that provides pro-
Profiling Platform Programming, Monitor- files of rural SHGs/artisans engaged in the manufactur-
ing and Statistics, Gov- ing of various products and artefacts, and facilitates their
ernment of Karnataka connection with potential buyers and customers.
Innovations for Defence Defence Innovation Or- To foster innovation and technology development in the
Excellence (iDEX) ganisation (DIO) under defence and aerospace sector by engaging industries
the aegis of the Depart- including MSMEs, start-ups, individual innovators, R&D
ment of Defence Produc- Institutes, and academia, and promote self-reliance. The
tion, Ministry of Defence MoD also procures the newly innovated products as per
the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 (DAP-2020)
from iDEX winners.

F. Best Practices in SKILL DEVELOPMENT

Initiative Name Objective Implementing Agency
Project Excel – prog- Empower marginalized communities to ac- Village council body and a cadre of
ress of the Marginal- cess government schemes and entitlements soochna sathis (Information Friends)
ized in Gujarat through a tech platform.
Strengthening of han- Enable handloom weavers and local artisans Uttarakhand and UNDP India
dloom culture in Sa- for market-oriented skills, quality standard-
haspur (Uttrakhand) ization, and branding
Rural Self-Employ- Provide training to rural youth in entrepre- District Administration, Goalpara, As-
ment Training Insti- neurship development sam, and Ministry of Rural Develop-
tute in Goalpara ment, Government of India

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Navpravartan: A Launched in May 2020 and with support from The district administration, West Cham-
Startup Zone in Chan- the Bihar government ‘Zila Audyogik Navpra- paran (Bettiah), Bihar
patia, West Cham- vartan Yojana’, Navpravartan startup zone
paran provides innovative solutions to the returnee
migrants

g.Best Practices in HEALTH & NUTRITION

Initiative Name Objective Outcome
HBNC+ (Odisha) Reduce diarrhoea and pneumonia in 68% of infants receiving four complete home visits in
infants and improve nutrition three districts
ReMiND (Uttar Reduce maternal and newborn After 2 years of ReMiND implementation, there was
Pradesh) deaths by strengthening supportive an increase in knowledge of pregnancy danger signs;
supervision of ASHAs more care-seeking and increased quality of care
Nutri Garden Promote nutrition security and di- 70% of 300 malnourished children were able to fight
Initiative (ICDS, etary diversity through community malnutrition in the Banswara district
Rajasthan) nutrition gardens
AMMA program Community-based program for man- More than 87% of children recovered during the
(ICDS, Rajas- aging acute malnutrition treatment phase
than)
Mera Baccha Combat malnutrition through public A remarkable reduction of 17% in malnutrition rate,
Abhiyan (Da- participation higher immunization rate, increased breast-feeding
tia, Madhya
Pradesh)

h.Best Practices in Financial inclusion and Energy conservation

Initiative Components Impact
PM SVANidhi (Min- For providing working capital loans to Over 26 lakh street vendors across India have
istry of Housing and urban street vendors affected by the availed benefits. More than 24 lakh street
Urban Affairs) COVID-19 pandemic, and other benefits vendors have been onboarded digitally.
to their family members
Components:
•
SVANidhi se Samriddhi programme
(for Socio-economic profiling of
beneficiaries to link them to other
schemes)
• Swadisht Vyanjan Ki Adhunik Du-
kaan (SVAD) (to increase the delivery
footprint of street vendors)
• Main Bhi Digital campaign (vendors
are trained to become digitally ac-
tive)
Project Uddyam (Ta- For enhancing the income of the tribal Agro-extension services to over 10,000 farm-
lasari, Palgarh, Ma- households and creation of local women ers; 20 Warli paintings producer groups
harashtra) managers for local collectives formed, community cadres organized.

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Telangana State En- Effective implementation of the Energy Around 430 commercial buildings have been
ergy Conservation Conservation Building Code (ECBC) certified as ECBC compliant. Received Nation-
Building Code (ECBC) al Energy Conservation Award, 2020 from
for commercial Bureau of Energy Efficiency
buildings
Ethanol Blending Production of ethanol from sugarcane Reduction in oil import bills, improvement
(Department of Food and its benefits to the Indian economy in air quality, investment opportunities, and
and Public Distribu- addressing the problem of excess sugarcane/
tion) sugar.

i. Best Practices in ‘E-governance and digitization’

Initiative Region Description
Farmer Registration and Unified Karnataka A database of farmers across Karnataka that facilitates faster
Beneficiary Information System and targeted delivery of agriculture-related services to farm-
(FRUITS) ers. It sends SMS on crop advisories, animal disease fore-
warning, and vaccination advisories.
Kutumba: Social Protection Karnataka An IT-based platform for improving ease of access to govern-
cum Entitlement Management ment benefits to the poor in Karnataka, bringing about inclu-
System sive growth.
UMANG (Unified Mobile Ap- Ministry of A mobile application that aggregates citizen-centric govern-
plication for New-age Gover- E l e c t r o n i c s ment services on a single platform.
nance) and Informa-
tion Technol-
ogy
Akanksha: An Integrated Online Karnataka An IT platform that brings together the stakeholders of the
Platform for SDG and CSR CSR ecosystem in Karnataka.

Blockchain-based caste certifi- G a d c h i r o l i , Issuance of caste certificates whose authenticity is guaran-

cates
Infrastructure Snapshot App
Loksewak App: E-Attendance
Maharashtra teed by a blockchain, thereby preventing forgery and disal-
lowing fake caste certificates to be used for availing govern-
ment services.
Goalpara, As- An application that enables a user to monitor the mainte-
sam nance of public services in the district and hold the con-
cerned officials accountable for tardy work.
K h a n d w a , An attendance and field monitoring tool based on M-gover-
M a d h y a nance and E-governance technology.
Pradesh

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 j. Best Practices in Women’s Empowerment

k.Best Practices in Sports and Disaster mitigation

Initiative Objectives Impact
Khelo India Scheme Promote excellence in sports Over 2000 national players, 60 sports infrastructures,
(Bishnupur, Manipur) and wellness, focus on in- and 90% of schools registered under Fit India
digenous games, and make
Bishnupur a powerhouse of
sports

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Khelo India Scheme Develop sports facilities, cre- Multiple medals at national level competitions, the
(Churu, Rajasthan) ate centres of excellence, en- decline in drug involvement, the cradle for armed
courage youth participation forces recruitment
Disaster Risk Reduction Integrate Disaster Risk Re- Enhanced resilience of local communities to cli-
(Chitrakoot, UP) duction in development, mate-induced stress
build local capacities, lever-
age technology for disaster
management
Flood and Landslide Di- Establish SOPs, coordination Proper disaster management, preventive evacua-
saster Management ( between departments and tions, relief camp amenities, crop loss compensations
Wayanad, Kerala) agencies, and minimize casu-
alties and distress

2.Colonel John Pennycuick

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

3.Commander Abhilash Tomy

Context: Commander Abhilash Tomy (Retd) made history as the first Indian to complete the Golden Globe
Race, a solo non-stop circumnavigation of the globe without modern technological aids. Despite
suffering a life-threatening injury during a previous attempt, Tomy returned to India triumphant
after finishing the GGR 2022 in second place. He sailed for 236 gruelling days alone at sea, over-
coming challenges such as a damaged boat and a broken auto-pilot.
Usage: The example can be used to highlight the values of Resilience, determination, resourcefulness,
and perseverance

4.John Sullivan
About John Sullivan, a British administrator, played a crucial role in introducing tea cultivation in the
Nilgiris hills. In 1834, the Tea Committee was formed in India with a focus on Assam and its sur-
rounding regions. He also played a significant role in the development of the Nilgiris district in
Tamil Nadu, India. Sullivan’s efforts led to the establishment of Udhagamandalam (Ooty) as a
popular hill station and his contributions are widely recognized in the region.
Usage The example can be used to cite some of the positive contributions of the British Legacy in India.

5.Maria Mies
Context Maria Mies, a Marxist Feminist scholar, recently passed away. She was known for her extensive
work on how patriarchy, capitalism, and colonialism exploit women and nature.
Her works:

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• Ecofeminism: She co-wrote the book “Ecofeminism” with Vandana Shiva, a scientist and activist. Ecofemi-
nism recognizes the interconnectedness of humans with nature and women.
• Mies’s work emphasized women’s contributions to the economy.
• “Indian Women and Patriarchy”: In this book, she highlighted how capitalism and Patriarchy undermine
women’s control over various sectors such as farming.
• Impact of climate change on women: Climate change disproportionately impacts women, denying their
knowledge and vulnerability to climate disasters.
Usage Her works and views can be directly quoted in the Essay/Indian Society/ Sociology paper.

6.Neeraj Chopra
Context Indian javelin thrower and Olympic Gold medalist Neeraj Chopra has achieved the top spot in
the World Athletics men’s javelin throw rankings. This marks the first time Chopra has reached the
number-one position in his career. Previously, he had secured the second spot in the rankings.
About Jav- The javelin throw is an athletic event in which athletes throw a spear-like object called a javelin as
elin throw far as possible. It is one of the track and field events. The javelin is made of metal or fibreglass and
has a pointed tip.
Usage: You can use the example to highlight the values of Dedication, Perseverance, Focus, Resilience,
Sportsmanship, etc.

7.Georgi Gospodinov
Context Bulgarian writer Georgi Gospodinov and translator Angela Rodel have won the International
Booker Prize for their novel “Time Shelter.”
About the The book explores the impact of nostalgia and memory through a story set in a clinic that recre-
book ates different decades of the past. It examines the allure of escaping the present and the conse-
quences of vanishing memories.
Lessons The book cautions against excessive nostalgia and the temptation to escape from the present. It
that can highlights the importance of living in the present and embracing the opportunities it brings.”Time
be drawn Shelter” underscores the importance of striking a balance between preserving the past and em-
from the bracing the future.
book
Usage: The example can be used in Essay/Ethics paper.

8.L. Elayaperumal
About L. Elayaperumal, a late Dalit leader, played a crucial role in the abolition of hereditary priest-
hood in Tamil Nadu. The recommendations of the committee headed by Elayaperumal formed
the basis for the historic amendment to the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endow-
ments Act, passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly in 1970. This amendment aimed to abolish the
system of hereditary priesthood and allow individuals of all castes to become priests.
Usage: Values that we can use from his life: Equality; Social justice; Human dignity; Integrity; etc

9.Tina Turner
Context Tina Turner, the legendary musician, passed away at the age of 83. She was a trailblazer, espe-
cially as an African-American woman in rock and roll. Her singing talent and on-stage persona
highlighted the pivotal role of African-American women in the genre.

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About Tina’s journey, marked by her escape from an abusive marriage, served as an inspiration to many.
Her reinvention as a pop icon in the 1980s solidified her place in music history. Tina Turner’s
contributions were widely celebrated, and she received numerous accolades, including Grammy
Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her impact extended beyond music,
with a bestselling autobiography and a stage show based on her life. Tina Turner’s legacy as a
pioneer across genres will continue to resonate.
Usage: Her life can be used as a story in an Essay paper. Also, values from her life e.g., Resilience and
Perseverance; Overcoming Obstacles; Self-Belief and Empowerment; Embracing Change and Re-
invention; etc. can be used in the Ethics paper

10.Richard Feynman: Think on your own

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

11.My life as a Comrade

Context • KK Shailaja, the former health minister of Kerala, who gained worldwide recognition for her suc-
cess in managing the Covid-19 pandemic, has released a memoir entitled “My Life As A Comrade”.
• Ms. Shailaja credits scientific thinking as an integral part of her decision-making process and re-
veals that her Ammamma (Grandmother), inspired her with her actions in tackling a smallpox
outbreak in Kerala.
Usage: Ethical values demonstrated by KK Shailaja and the Kerala state government’s response to the pan-
demic: Scientific thinking, Compassion, Responsibility, Preparedness, and Equality.

12.Return to Roots
The Australian High Commission in India announced its Government Grant for a project in Kargil called “Return
to Roots.” This project aims to integrate traditional knowledge with the current school science curriculum
in alignment with the goals of the National Education Policy, which includes increasing scientific engagement
among school children of the tribal background.

13.25 years of Kudumbashree

Kudumbashree Kudumbashree is a women’s self-help group network and poverty eradication program
in the state of Kerala
Inception Launched in 1998, it aims to empower women from economically disadvantaged back-
grounds by providing them with opportunities for entrepreneurship, skill development,
and social support.
Working Kudumbashree operates at the grassroots level, organizing women into neighbourhood
groups (NHGs), which then form larger community-level and ward-level organizations.
Achievements of Kudumbashree

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Economic Empower- Kudumbashree has helped marginalized women become successful entrepreneurs and
ment income generators.
Food security E.g., It has established “Janakeeya Hotels” across the state, offering affordable meals.
Currently, it operates 125 restaurants providing meals for just Rs 20.
Disaster Relief and Donated Rs 7 crore to the Chief Minister’s distress relief fund during the devastating
Rehabilitation floods in Kerala. Provided counselling to over 8,000 families affected by the floods.
COVID-19 Response Manufactured and supplied masks and sanitisers during the pandemic.
Women’s Empower- Mobilized women for community activities and grassroots planning. Enabled women’s
ment participation in local bodies after enforcing the 33% women’s reservation policy
Consultancy Work Kudumbashree’s success in poverty reduction was highlighted by studies and surveys,
and Poverty Reduc- including the Multidimensional Poverty Index by NITI Aayog. The extended consultancy
tion works on women’s empowerment in 13 other states, sharing knowledge and expertise.
Challenges Challenges include addressing gender-based atrocities and becoming a strong count-
er-culture force in Kerala.
Usage: Such innovative schemes for grass root development, can be used to cite your argu-
ments in Governance, women-related questions, and essays.

14.Sachhi Saheli Mahila Agro Producer Company Limited

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

15.Welfare fund for MGNREGS workers

About The Kerala government has introduced India’s 1st welfare fund specifically for workers under
the Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). This initiative pro-
vides benefits such as pensions for workers aged 60 and above, as well as financial assistance
for medical treatment, education, marriage, and other needs.
Usage: Such an initiative can be used to highlight the social security programme for unorganized work-
ers in the state.

16.Shramavahini
About In Odisha, a group of young bonded labourers have formed a network called Shramavahini, which
uses smartphones and social media to alert authorities and rescue fellow workers in distress. The
network has over 4,000 members who report cases of distressed labourers requiring assistance
from the district administration and concerned officials.
Aim Shramavahini aims to combat the issue of migrant labourers’ voices going unheard by local ad-
ministration by facilitating the rescue of distressed labourers as quickly as possible.
Usage The example highlights the ethical values of empathy towards fellow labourers in distress; Social
responsibility; collaboration with civic authorities etc. It can be used in ethics/Governance paper

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

18.Single-teacher schools (Jharkhand)

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

19.Changathi literacy examination

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

20.Keep Underprivileged Youth Away from Drugs

About • The Venda Cup is a football tournament organized by the Bengaluru-based NGO Fourth-
wave Foundation, aimed at keeping vulnerable youth away from drugs.
• The boys and girls aged under 18, have been selected from four districts in Kerala iden-
tified as prone to drug use. The competition will be held on the four-a-side international
slum soccer model, with fair play being an important component.
Project Venda The Foundation’s Project Venda, which was launched six years ago, aims to actively engage vul-
& nerable youngsters in sports and activities of interest to them. It has been recognized by the
It’s Aim United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime as one of the best practices in working with children
and young adults.
Usage: The example shows values of Empathy, Fairness, Community building, and Social responsibility

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 21.Racism in football
Context The La Liga game between Valencia and Real Madrid had to be temporarily stopped after the Bra-
zilian footballer Vincius Jr’s said he was racially abused by a fan.
Some of the ways of Racism in football are:
• Monkey chants directed at black players during matches
• Racial slurs and insults hurled at players
• Lack of diversity in club ownership and leadership positions
• Underrepresentation of black referees at the top level
Other ex- The racist incident involving England players Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, and Bukayo Saka af-
amples: ter they missed penalties in the Euro 2020 finals. They received online racist comments and abuse,
highlighting the persistent issue of racism in football.
Usage: These examples can be used to highlight the ethical issues of Discrimination and inequality; lack of
respect and dignity; biased media and representation

22.Shift to Cash Transfer

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

23.Freeing “dotted lands”

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

24.Bihan Mela (Seed Festival)

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

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

26.Punjab: Right to Walk

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

27.Agra Smart City

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

28.Digital Tripura project

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

29.India Data Capacity Accelerator

About The Rockefeller Foundation and Mastercard-backed data.org, with an over $2 million grant from
U.K.-based charity Wellcome, have launched a data skilling program called the India Data Capac-
ity Accelerator.

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Aim: The program aims to train one million Indians in using data to address climate and health-related
challenges.
C o l l a b o ra - The accelerator will collaborate with three universities—Ashoka University, the Indraprastha In-
tions: stitute for Information Technology, and BITS Pilani—and work with the South Asia arm of the
Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL).
Usage: The example can be used in questions related to skill development/ use of data to predict and
measure air pollution and inform mitigating strategies.

30.Sam Altman: Challenges and future of AI technology

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

31.Regulation of AI
The regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) is a challenging issue because it is rooted in two problems: the pacing
problem and the Collingridge dilemma.
Pacing Problem Collingridge Dilemma
D e f i n i - The difficulty of predicting the long-term The difficulty of controlling the development and use of
tion impacts of a technology when it is intro- a technology once it has been widely adopted.
duced quickly and widely.
Example The widespread adoption of social media The development and use of fossil fuels, which have
without considering the long-term effects had a significant impact on the environment and climate
on mental health and society. change.

32.Thirsty AI
About According to a recent study by the University of California, Riverside, ChatGPT requires half a
litre of water to answer every 20-50 questions, making the total water footprint of AI extremely
large.
Water use in Water used in maintaining AI tools is primarily used for cooling data centres to prevent equip-
AI: ment failure. Also, the water used in this process must be pure freshwater to prevent corrosion
and the formation of microorganisms.
Usage: The example can be used to show the water footprint of emerging technologies.

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

34.’Odisha for Artificial Intelligence’ and ‘Artificial Intelligence for Youth’ initiatives
About Odisha has launched the ‘Odisha for Artificial Intelligence’ and ‘Artificial Intelligence for Youth’ ini-
tiatives, to enhance digital literacy and familiarize the masses with cutting-edge AI technology. The
initiative also seeks to create an ecosystem that encourages research, innovation, and application
across various sectors.

The ‘Odisha for AI’ initiative offers a free 4-hour course on AI by Intel through their app/site.
Usage: Such initiatives can be quoted as examples of government schemes for the promotion of AI in India.

35. WHO: Potential harm of using AI

Context The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned about the potential harm of using artificial
intelligence (AI) in healthcare without proper monitoring and regulation.
Some of the concerns raised by WHO are:
• The use of biased data to train AI can result in misleading information, posing risks to health, equity,
and inclusiveness .
• Generate responses that seem reliable but may be completely incorrect, especially in health-related
contexts.
• AI can be trained on data without prior consent, potentially compromising sensitive user-provided
information.
• AI can be manipulated to spread convincing disinformation that is hard to distinguish from reliable
health content .
Usage: WHO’s concerns can be quoted in the Essay/medical ethics/Governance questions related to the
risk of AI in medicine field

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 36.Technophobia
Technophobia is the tendency of individuals or societies to exhibit resistance, fear, or negative attitudes toward
emerging technologies.
Examples of Technophobia:
Technology Description
Railroads In the early days of railroads, some people perceived them as the work of the devil, ex-
pressing fear and concerns about the speed, vibrations, and potential health impacts
associated with train travel.
Nuclear Energy The development of nuclear energy sparked widespread fear and worry, particularly after
incidents like the Three Mile Island accident and the Chornobyl meltdown.
Artificial Intelli- The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has generated fears of job displacement,
gence loss of human control, and potential misuse of AI technology.
Genetically Mod- Genetically modified organisms have faced resistance and criticism due to concerns
ified Organisms about potential health risks, environmental impacts, and ethical implications of manip-
(GMOs) ulating the genetic makeup of plants and animals.
Reason for “technophobia”:
It can be attributed to various factors such as complexity, lack of knowledge, fear of losing control, and emo-
tional responses.
Usage: Such terms and related examples can be used in the Essay to highlight psychological fear
related to ‘new technologies’.

37.NYC skyscrapers turning to carbon capture

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

38.Examples of initiatives under Mission LiFE

Initiative By Description
Clean Sea Initiatives N a t i o n a l “Fishing for litter” encourages fishermen to bring discarded fishing gear
Centre for to shore-based reception facilities.
Beach Cleaning Sustainable Beach cleaning activities are organized to collect plastic waste, includ-
Coastal Man- ing discarded fishing nets and single-use plastics.
Sensitization Pro- agement Educating the fishing community about responsible fishing, hygienic
grams fish handling, energy and water conservation.
Plantation Drives National In- Planting medicinal and horticultural species to promote healthy life-
stitute of Hi- styles and sustain resources.
malayan En-
vironment
Awareness Programs Z o o l o g i c a l Conducting programs in schools, colleges, offices, and marketplaces to
Survey of In- spread awareness of sustainable practices.
dia

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Waste Segregation National Mu- Promoting waste segregation and lifestyle changes to reduce environ-
Programs seum of Nat- mental impact.
ural History

39.Bhopal and local SDGs

About Bhopal has become the first city in India to adopt the localization of the United Nations-man-
dated sustainable development goals (SDG). The city will now have voluntary local reviews
(VLR) to demonstrate the local government’s capacity and commitment towards achieving the
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Usage: This example can be used in an essay on the importance of local government’s role in achieving
the SDGs.

40.Ganga Prahari
About Ganga It refers to the volunteers (about 4000 in number) who are part of the task force called
Prahari “Guardians of the Ganga.” They are individuals who have joined the National Mission for
Clean Ganga and Namami Gange initiative to protect and preserve the Ganga River in India.
Training: The Wildlife Institute of India provides training in conserving biodiversity as well as livelihood
training opportunities to the volunteers.
Responsibili- Monitoring the river, preventing littering, and reporting instances of poaching.
ties:
Usage: This example can be quoted in the Essay/Ethics and Environment paper. Also, Ganga Prahari
shows the values of Environmental Stewardship, Respect for Life, Civic Duty, Courage and
Resilience, Collaboration and Community Engagement, etc.
The United Nations in December 2022 recognised the Namami Gange initiative as one of the top 10 World
Restoration Flagships involved in reviving the natural world.

41.Disposable Diapers
About • Disposable diapers are single-use, absorbent diapers made of materials like plastic,
absorbent polymers, and soft fibres. They are commonly used for infants and young children
as a convenient alternative to cloth diapers.
• Scientists have found a unique solution to make building materials cost-effective and
environmentally friendly by incorporating disposable diapers into them.
Benefits: By using disposable diapers in construction, it can help reduce the environmental impact of
traditional building materials like concrete. Recycling diapers in this way can make a positive
difference by shrinking their carbon footprint and creating durable materials.
Usage: Such an example can be used in the Environment question to highlight the use of alternative
materials in construction and minimization of wealth.

42.Appointment of Sultan Al Jaber as the president-delegate of COP28

About Dozens of US Congress and European Parliament members are urging for the removal of oil
executive Sultan Al Jaber as the president-delegate of COP28, the United Nations climate sum-
mit. Al Jaber, who heads the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), is overseeing signifi-
cant oil and gas expansion plans that conflict with net-zero goals.

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Ethical Issues: Conflict of Interest; Lack of Credibility; Greenwashing Concerns (misleadingly presenting an en-
vironmentally harmful activity as environmentally friendly); Inadequate Representation; Lack
of Accountability; and Erosion of public trust in the COP process and international efforts to
combat climate change.
Usage The example can be used in Ethics/Essay/ Environment questions.

43.Saving Olive Ridley Turtles

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

44.Nature Education Centre

Context A group of environmentalists and nature conservationists have come together to establish a nature
education centre on a two-acre land at Kottemcherry Hills in Kasaragod district. It aims to create
awareness and educate students about the importance of nature and the environment.
About The trust, an extension of the Society for Environmental Education in Kerala (SEEK), seeks to
establish an alternative non-conventional ecological school that cultivates interest and skills in
biological and environmental studies among students, teachers, and the public.
Usage Such an example can be quoted to highlight the work of NGOs/CSOs for creating awareness about
nature conservation.

45.Napier grass
About Also known as elephant grass, is a productive and versatile forage grass native to Africa and
Southeast Asia. It is widely used as feed for livestock and in bioenergy applications.
Favourable properties for its use in bio-energy:
• Energy output-to-input ratio of approximately 25:1
• High yield
• Ability to withstand drought conditions
• An excellent feedstock for anaerobic digestion processes
• it can be harvested 5-6 times annually
• Short cycle: Its first harvest occurs four months after planting.
Location It is found in various parts of India, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu,
Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala.
Usage The example can be used in Geography/Economy/Environment questions for alternative en-
ergy sources.

46.Utilizing pine needles

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

47.Bushfire Management Program

Context Bushfire is a wildfire that occurs in bushland or forested areas. It is characterized by uncontrol-
lable flames that rapidly spread and can cause significant damage to vegetation, wildlife, and
property.
About • Australia faces frequent bushfires due to its hot and dry climate, flammable vegetation like
eucalypt forests, weather patterns including droughts and strong winds, and human activi-
ties like land clearing and arson.
• To deal with it, a highly effective bushfire management program has been developed over
the past 20 years. From April to June each year, fire managers use small controlled fires
to reduce fuel loads and make the landscape safer. This practice, known as “painting with
fire,” combines satellite data with Indigenous knowledge and expertise from pastoralists
and park rangers.
Significance: The program has led to significant declines in fire across the region and has gained internation-
al attention as a model for fire management. It highlights the importance of integrating tech-
nology, local knowledge, and diverse skills to achieve sustainable and resilient environmental
management.
Usage: Such techniques can be used for Indian forest fire management as well. Such solutions can be
used in Disaster Management/ Environment/ Geography Questions.

48.Heli-tourism
About Kerala Tourism is planning to introduce heli-tourism to attract premium tourists. They have
drafted guidelines for heli-taxi services connecting Kochi with popular tourist destinations
like Thekkady, Munnar, and Kumarakom. The department aims to set up the necessary infra-
structure through public-private partnership (PPP) to facilitate this initiative.
Usage Such an example can be used in questions related to tourism/the importance of PPP etc.

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 49.Riverine-Based Religious Tourism Circuit

About Brahmaputra River:

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

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 50.Use of animals for espionage
Context Hvaldimir, the beluga whale spotted off the Swedish coast, gained attention due to the harness
attached to its head, leading to speculations of it being a Russian spy.
Examples During World War I, pigeons were equipped with cameras and used to capture images over enemy
of ani- territory; Dolphins and sea lions, have been trained for military purposes, such as detecting sub-
mals be- marines and retrieving materials; the CIA even attempted to use cats as listening devices in the
ing used Acoustic Kitty project, although with limited success.
for espio-
nage:
Ethical is- Animal cruelty, lack of respect for animal rights, and the potential for unintended consequences
sues and harm to innocent animals.
Usage Such examples can be quoted in International Ethics / War ethics-related questions / Essays.
About Beluga whale: The beluga whale is an Arctic and sub-Arctic cetacean. It is 6 m long, related to dolphins,
and known for its chirps, clicks, whistles, and squeals. Distribution: Arctic and subarctic coastal waters; It sheds
its skin every year, turning from grey to white as it ages. IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened

51.‘Shuttle Diplomacy’
About Shuttle diplomacy refers to a type of diplomacy where a mediator travels back and forth be-
tween two or more parties in order to facilitate negotiations and resolve disputes. It is often used
when direct talks between the parties are not possible due to political, geographical, or security
reasons.
Example Efforts made by then-U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in the 1970s to negotiate peace be-
tween Israel and Egypt. Kissinger flew back and forth between Jerusalem and Cairo, meeting with
leaders from both sides, in order to broker a ceasefire and ultimately the Camp David Accords.
Present con- More recently, the term “shuttle diplomacy” has been used to describe the efforts made by Jap-
text: anese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to mend ties be-
tween their two countries.
Usage: Such terms can be directly asked in prelims or can be used in Mains in International Relations/
Essay paper.

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