BTRIBE GK Compendium#3 (Revised)

GDPI-WAT Cracker’24 GK Compendium
GDPI-WAT Cracker‘24
Current Affairs Compendium #3
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Source: Editorials, News Articles
Sl. No. | Category 1 | Geopolitics
Topic Dilemmas before India in current geopolitics: Challenges in South Asia
The South Asian region, is not enthusiastic about aligning with India's ambitions partly
Context due to the emergence of a powerful neighbour (China). This has been presenting a
unique and challenging situation for India.
Political
Anti-India regimes: Maldives has taken an anti-India stance, explicitly asking Indian
troops to leave
Ideological shift: Possibility of Khaleda Zia-led government in Bangladesh
What are the
dilemmas?
Structural
Growing Chinese influence: China’s emergence as a non-normative power has
disrupted the dynamics of South Asian diplomacy. It is growing in presence by
attracting nations seeking material benefits.
Belt and Road Initiative (BRI):

Massive investments by China are resulting in growing entanglement of smaller
states in the region.
China’s deep pockets enable substantial impact and influence in the region.
Proactive outreach to South Asian states:

How does China stand China's has actively engaged with Taliban-led Afghanistan, military-ruled Myanmar,
out? and crisis-hit Sri Lanka. While India also has diplomatic ties, China’s scale and
financial backing contribute to a more significant impact.
Border dispute resolution strategy:

China’s approach to settling border disputes with neighbours excluding India is a
unique strategy aimed at winning over the region. E.g. Bhutan. China seeks to
establish itself as a reliable + cooperative partner.
Diminishing presence of the US: Absence of US in South Asia after a long time
has created a power vacuum. This has led to the rise of China as a political buffer.
Several small countries have strategically aligned with China in their foreign policy.
Why is India facing
these dilemmas now? China’s appeal v/s Neighbours’ autonomy: While these states may desire
strategic autonomy in their relationships, there is limited enthusiasm for asserting
this autonomy when dealing with China. This has made smaller states more adept
at leveraging their relationships with both India and China to pursue their interests.
1) Invest more resources and personnel in its diplomatic pursuits

2) Position itself as a reliable partner and not as a domineering one with a
focus on long term stability and growth in the region
What can/ must India 3) Flexible diplomacy: Engage with all leaders and not just the current ones
do? (the ones in power)
4) Emphasize its historical, cultural and economic links with the region and
build partnerships in areas spanning trade, security, development with a
long term vision
Spend 15 mins on:

1) Names of key ministers across China, India
What should you do
2) Names of countries bordering China, India
now?
Track latest news if any regarding geopolitical tensions and causes in South-East
Asia
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Topic Israel-Palestine Conflict

The Israeli–Palestinian conflict has its roots in the late 19th and early 20th centuries,
Context with the birth of major nationalist movements among the Jews and the Arabs, both
geared towards attaining sovereignty for their people in the Middle East.
Recently, Hamas, the militant group ruling the Gaza Strip, has mounted a scathing
attack on Israel from the land, air, and water leading to multiple casualties. This has
revived the century-old dispute between the Israel-Palestine Conflict once again,
necessitating the intervention by global and regional powers. The recent escalation
Why in the News? of conflict between Israel and Hamas militants has thrust the Gaza Strip into the
global spotlight
* Israel, in recent times, has cemented many peace agreements with neighbouring
countries such as UAE, Saudi Arabia, etc which is set to feel a jolt due to the
recent attack. *
The Israeli–Palestinian conflict is an ongoing military and political conflict in the

Levant. Beginning in the mid-20th century, it is one of the world's longest-continuing
conflicts. Various attempts have been made to resolve the conflict as part of the
Israeli–Palestinian peace process.
Public declarations of the desire to see a Jewish homeland established in Palestine,
including the Balfour Declaration of 1917, created early tensions in the region.
Following World War I, the Mandate for Palestine included a binding obligation for the
What is the Israel-
"establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people".
Palestine Conflict?
Tensions grew into open sectarian conflict between Jews and Arabs hence the 1947
United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine was never implemented and provoked the
1947–1949 Palestine War.
The current Israeli-Palestinian status quo began following the Israeli military
occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, known as the Palestinian territories.
• India was one of the few countries to oppose the UN’s partition plan in 1947,
echoing its own experience during independence a few months earlier.
• India recognized Israel in 1950 but it is also the first non-Arab country to
recognize the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) as the sole
representative of the Palestinians.
How has the • India was also one of the first countries to recognize the statehood of Palestine
Relationship of in 1988.
India with Israel In recent times, India has shifted towards a Dehyphenation of Policy.
Evolved over the Dehyphenation of Policy: India’s policy on the longest-running conflict in the world
Years? has gone from being unequivocally pro-Palestine for the first four decades to a
tense balancing act with its three-decade-old friendly ties with Israel.
In recent years, India’s position has also been perceived as pro-Israel.
Further, India believes in a Two-State Solution concerning the Israel-Palestine
conflict and proposes the right to self-determination to both countries in a peaceful
manner.
What is the Impact of One of the reasons for Hamas’ assault on Israel can be attributed to disrupting
Assault on Israel- efforts to bring Saudi Arabia and Israel together, along with other countries that may
Saudi Arabia Ties? be interested in normalizing relations with Israel.
Spend 15 mins on:

1) Emergence of the conflicts
What should you do
2) Statements made by Indian officials regarding the conflict
now?
Track the latest news if any regarding geopolitical tensions between the 2 countries
before your interviews (briefly)

Sl. No. | Category 3| Geopolitics
Topic India-Maldives Relations

Maldives, located to the south of India, in the Indian Ocean, saw the election of a
pro-China candidate as the next president of the nation, which allegedly raised
concern for India in recent times.
Historically, Maldives had an Executive Presidency system since 1968, transitioning
Why in the News? to a multi-party democracy in 2008. No incumbent president has been re-elected
since then, which is concerning for India this time.
Note- Maldives’ electoral system is like France’s, where the winner has to secure
more than 50% of votes. If no one crosses the mark in the first round, in the second
round, the top two candidates go head to head.
• India provides the largest number of training opportunities for the Maldivian
National Defence Force (MNDF), meeting around 70% of their defense training
requirements.
• A drug detoxification and rehabilitation center in Addu built with Indian assistance.
The center is one of 20 high-impact community development projects being
How have India’s implemented by India in areas such as healthcare, education, fisheries, tourism,
Relations with the sports, and culture.
Maldives been? • India emerged as Maldives’ 3rd largest trade partner in 2021. A Bilateral USD
Currency Swap Agreement between RBI and Maldives Monetary Authority was
signed on 22nd July 2019.
• The India-Maldives relationship suffered a setback when Maldives entered
into a Free-Trade Agreement (FTA) with China in 2017.
Maldives’ strategic location in the Indian Ocean, along key maritime routes,
continues to make it strategically significant for both India and China.
As a result, both countries are likely to closely monitor developments in Maldives and
Why is Maldives vie for influence in these regions.
Important for India? Maldives, a Toll Gate in the Indian Ocean, located at the southern and northern
parts of this island chain lies the two important sea lanes of communication (SLOCs).
These SLOCs are critical for maritime trade flow between the Gulf of Aden and the
Gulf of Hormuz in West Asia and the Strait of Malacca in Southeast Asia.
Chinese Infrastructure Investments: Maldives, like many other countries in the

Indian Ocean region, has been a recipient of Chinese infrastructure investments. €
Maldives has massive Chinese investment and became a participant in China’s Belt
and Road Initiative (BRI). China funded and built various projects in Maldives,
including the development of ports, airports, bridges, and other critical infrastructure
as part of the “String of the Pearls” initiative.
What is the Issue Shift in Alliances: The pro-China stance led to a shift in Maldives’ traditional
of China in India- foreign policy, which had typically been closer to India. This shift created
Maldives Relations? apprehensions in India about China’s growing influence in its neighborhood and the
potential strategic implications.
India’s Concerns: India has expressed concerns about China’s growing presence
in the Indian Ocean region, particularly in countries like Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and
Maldives. The development of Chinese-controlled ports and military facilities in
these areas has been seen as a challenge to India’s strategic interests and regional
security.
Spend 15 mins on:
1) Names of key ministers across Maldives, India
What should you do 2) Names of countries bordering China, India, Maldives
now? 3) Maldives Strategic importance to India & China
Track latest news if any regarding transitioning geopolitical relationships between
the 2 countries before your interviews (briefly)

Topic G-20 Summit & presidency of India
The G20, formed in 1999, is a group of twenty of the world’s largest economies that
Context
meets regularly to coordinate global policy on trade, health, climate, and other issues.
Agenda
Focus on areas that have the potential to bring structural transformation, including
supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in global trade, promoting labour
rights and welfare, addressing the global skills gap, and building inclusive agricultural
value chains and food systems.
Members
Agenda and Members
The G20 is a forum comprising nineteen countries with some of the world’s largest
economies, as well as the European Union (EU) and, as of 2023, the African Union
(AU). The countries are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France,
Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa,
South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States. Spain is
invited as a permanent guest. At the 2023 summit, the group welcomed the African
Union as its newest member.
• Theme - Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (One Earth, One Family, One Future)

• G20 2023 Presidency - INDIA
• The G20 Summit marked the end of India’s term as Chair for 2023. As the G20
Chair, Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed over the Presidency to the next G20
host nation, Brazil.
• The gavel was handed over by Prime Minister Modi to Brazilian President Lula
da Silva. Brazil will officially take over the Presidency of the elite grouping on
December 1 this year.
• On September 10, the two-day Group of 20 Summit (G20)—the premium forum
for international economic cooperation among the top 20 global economies—
concluded in New Delhi with the adoption of the Leaders’ Declaration.
Highlights of G20 • The summit witnessed the announcement of an economic corridor linking
summit, 2023 countries across the Middle East, South Asia, and Europe. The corridor would
link shipping ports, rail networks, and road transport routes. The mega
infrastructure project is supported by the US and the World Bank.
• Another major highlight of the Summit was the launch of the Global Biofuels
Alliance initiative by India, with the US and Brazil as its founding members. The
initiative is a major step to expand cooperation among G20 countries on
sustainability and clean energy.
• In a historic step, members at the summit agreed to admit the African Union (AU)
to join the G20 as a permanent member. AU is the second regional organization
after the European Union to receive full membership.
• G20 Declaration referred to negative impact of Ukraine conflict on supply chains,
macro-financial stability, inflation, and growth.
Spend 15 mins on:

1) Names of the members of the G20 Summit
2) Developments of G20 Summit 2023
What should you do
3) Importance of G20 Summit 2023 for India
now?
Analyse the specifics of the declaration, focusing on global issues addressed and
their potential implications on international policies.

Sl. No. | Category 5 | Economics
Topic Central Bank Digital Currency
Context First Digital Currency launched by the Central Bank of India.
Central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) are a form of digital currency issued by a
country's central bank. They are similar to cryptocurrencies, except that their value is
fixed by the central bank and equivalent to the country's fiat currency.
• CBDCs are a digital form of a paper currency and unlike cryptocurrencies that
operate in a regulatory vacuum, these are legal tenders issued and backed by a
central bank.
• It is the same as a fiat currency and is exchangeable one-to-one with the fiat
What is CBDC currency.
(Flat currency - A fiat currency is a national currency that is not pegged to the
price of a commodity such as gold or silver.)
• The digital fiat currency or CBDC can be transacted using wallets backed by
blockchain.
Though the concept of CBDCs was directly inspired by Bitcoin, it is different from
decentralized virtual currencies and crypto assets, which are not issued by the state
and lack the ‘legal tender’ status.
Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor has highlighted the potential of
Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) or E-rupee in improving cross-border
payments’ efficiency.
Why in the news? RBI is gradually expanding its CBDC pilots to include more banks, cities, diverse use
cases, and a broader audience.
The RBI launched pilots for the digital rupee in the wholesale in November 2022 and
the retail segment in December 2022.
Privacy Concerns:
The first issue to tackle is the heightened risk to the privacy of users—given that the
central bank could potentially end up handling an enormous amount of data regarding
user transactions.
Disintermediation of Banks:
If sufficiently large and broad-based, the shift to CBDC can impinge upon the bank’s
ability to plough back funds into credit intermediation.
If e-cash becomes popular and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) places no limit on
What are the the amount that can be stored in mobile wallets, weaker banks may struggle to retain
Challenges low-cost deposits.
in Adopting CBDC Other Risks are:
Across India?
• Faster obsolescence of technology could pose a threat to the CBDC ecosystem
calling for higher costs of upgradation.
• Operational risks of intermediaries as the staff will have to be retrained and
groomed to work in the CBDC environment.
• Elevated cyber security risks, vulnerability testing, and the costs of protecting
the firewalls.
• Operational burden and costs for the central bank in managing CBDC
Spend 15 mins on:

1) Significance of CBDC
What should you do 2) Improvements in Cross Border Transactions by digital currencies
now?
Track the latest news if any regarding the developments of CBDC before your
interviews (briefly)

Sl. No. | Category 6 | Science and Technology
Topic Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit

The Prime Minister of India inaugurated the Global Partnership on Artificial
Intelligence (GPAI) Summit.
Why in the news?
India is the lead chair of GPAI in 2024. The GPAI is an alliance of 28 countries; the
European Union adopted the ‘New Delhi Declaration’ of the GPAI.
The Prime Minister of India discussed the national AI portal, highlighting the
AIRAWAT initiative and raising concerns over the potential misuse of deep fake
technology.
YUVAi was prominently featured at the GPAI Summit, and the winners of the YUVAi
initiative and start-ups showcased their AI models and solutions.
What are the Key The Prime Minister suggested using AI to make digital services available in local
Highlights of the GPAI languages to increase digital inclusion.
Summit?
Responsible AI, data governance, future of work, and innovation and
commercialization are the four different themes of four sessions organized in the
GPAI.
The summit also included various side events showcasing AI progress and engaging
in discussions, such as industry panel discussions, workshops, research
symposiums, hackathons, and the Global AI Expo.
AI is the ability of a computer, or a robot controlled by a computer to do tasks that are
usually done by humans because they require human intelligence and judgement.
Although no AI can perform the wide variety of tasks an ordinary human can do, some
AI can match humans in specific tasks.
What is Artificial
Intelligence (AI)?
The ideal characteristic of AI is its ability to rationalize and take actions that have the
best chance of achieving a specific goal. A subset of AI is Machine Learning (ML).
Deep Learning (DL) techniques enable this automatic learning through the absorption
of huge amounts of unstructured data such as text, images, or video
Deepfakes are synthetic media that use AI to manipulate or generate visual and audio
content, usually with the intention of deceiving or misleading someone.
Deepfakes are created using a technique called generative adversarial networks

(GANs), which involve two competing neural networks: a generator and a
discriminator.
The generator tries to create fake images or videos that look realistic, while the
What is DeepFake? discriminator tries to distinguish between the real and the fake ones.
The generator learns from the feedback of the discriminator and improves its output
until it can fool the discriminator.
Deepfakes require a large amount of data, such as photos or videos, of the source
and the target person, which are often collected from the internet or social media
without their consent or knowledge.
Spend 15 mins on:

1) Explore ethical dilemmas in AI implementation.
What should you do 2) Look for recent breakthroughs or controversies in AI
now?
Track the latest news if any regarding the developments of Artificial Intelligence
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Sl. No. | Category 7 | Governance
Topic India, that is Bharat: The Ongoing Debate
Recently, invitations for the upcoming G-20 Summit in New Delhi have introduced a
noteworthy alteration. Instead of the conventional "President of India," the invitations
Why in the news?
now bear the term "President of Bharat", renewing a broader conversation regarding
the nation's nomenclature and its historical connotations.
Constitutionality:
Article 1 of the Indian Constitution employs both "India" and "Bharat" interchangeably,
stating, "India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States."
The Indian Constitution's preamble starts with "We the People of India," while its Hindi
version uses "Bharat," indicating the interchangeable usage of both terms.
Some government institutions, like the Indian Railways, already incorporate Hindi
variants that include "Bharatiya."
Origin of the Name Bharat:

"Bharat" holds deep historical and cultural roots, tracing back to Puranic literature and
the epic Mahabharata. It signifies a socio-cultural and religious entity more than a
purely political or geographical one.
Described in Vishnu Purana, "Bharata" refers to the land between the southern sea
and the northern snowy Himalayan Mountain range, embodying a symbol of heritage
and ancestry for the subcontinent's people.
Origin of the Name India:

The term "India" is derived from "Indus," the name of a river in the northwestern part
of the subcontinent.
Historical Perspectives Ancient Greeks referred to the people beyond the Indus as "Indoi," signifying "the
people of Indus."
The name "India" was adopted by Europeans from Greek and later used officially
after British colonial rule.
Constitutional Assembly Deliberation Regarding India and Bharat:

The debate surrounding the country's name is not new. When the Constituent
Assembly was framing the Constitution in 1949, there was a division of opinions
regarding the name.
Some members felt that "India" was a reminder of colonial oppression and sought to
prioritize "Bharat" in official documents.
Seth Govind Das from Jabalpur advocated for placing "Bharat" above "India,"
emphasizing that the latter was merely a translation of the former in English.
Recent Development:
In 2015, Centre opposed a name change, stating that the issue had been extensively
deliberated upon during the Constitution's drafting.
The Supreme Court has twice rejected pleas to rename 'India' to 'Bharat', once in
2016 and then in 2020, reaffirming that "Bharat" and "India" both find mention in the
Constitution.
Spend 15 mins on:

1) Explore stances taken by political parties and leaders on this issue
2) Look for public sentiment through surveys or opinion polls regarding
What should you do
preferences between "India" and "Bharat."
now?
Track the latest news if any regarding the developments of India vs Bharat before
your interviews (briefly)

Topic Economic Insights Beyond GDP: ICOR

India’s latest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data is making headlines with a
remarkable 7.8% growth during the April to June quarter of 2023, solidifying its
position as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. However, India’s
Context
economic narrative extends beyond the numerical figures. Incremental Capital Output
Ratio (ICOR) is also gaining traction, offering insights into capital efficiency and
resource allocation.
GDP is one of the most widely used indicators of economic performance and
development. It measures the total value of goods and services produced within a
country in a given period of time.
While GDP has its merits, it does not offer a complete view of economic well-being.
It overlooks factors like efficiency, income distribution, and institutional quality, which
are essential for sustainable growth.
Merely increasing investment may inflate GDP, but true sustainable growth relies on
productivity enhancements. Therefore, economists and policymakers often use other
What is GDP and ICOR? complementary indicators to assess the efficiency, sustainability, and quality of
economic growth.
One such indicator is the ICOR; it has evolved from the Harrod-Domar Growth Theory
and examines the relationship between fresh investments and economic growth,
indicating how much additional capital is required to generate a 1% higher output.
A lower ICOR signifies greater efficiency and productive use of capital. According to
an SBI report, India is experiencing an upward trend in savings and investments,
which is accompanied by a simultaneous decrease in the ICOR. z The current ICOR
in India stands at 4.4, indicating a reasonably efficient use of capital.
Informal Economy Impact: India’s informal economy is vast and dynamic, but it
largely operates outside the scope of formal data collection.
Price Distortions: ICOR is based on nominal values of investment and output, which
are affected by price changes over time.
What are the limitations Infrastructure Bottlenecks: Despite a declining ICOR, India continues to grapple
of Using ICOR as an with infrastructure bottlenecks.
Economic Indicator?
Regional Disparities: Regional variations in India can significantly affect the
interpretation of ICOR. A declining national ICOR might hide disparities where some
regions benefit from more efficient capital use while others lag.
Natural Resource Depletion: A lower ICOR may not reflect the depletion of natural
resources, which can lead to long-term sustainability challenges.
Spend 15 mins on:
1) Explore Incremental Capital Output Ratio (ICOR) further, understanding
its significance in assessing capital efficiency and its relationship with
economic growth.
What should you do
2) Explore the limitations of GDP as a sole measure of economic well-
now?
being, emphasizing its inability to capture factors like efficiency, income
distribution, and institutional quality.
Track the latest news if any regarding the developments of ICOR before your
interviews (briefly)

Sl. No. | Category 9 | Science & Technology
Topic Space Exploration and Colonization: A New Frontier

The recent space frenzy, with missions to Mars, the Moon, and beyond, fuels
Context renewed interest in human colonization of other worlds. Public fascination intertwines
with scientific advancements, making this a captivating discussion.
Ongoing missions by public and private entities, coupled with debates on colonization
Why in News?
feasibility, keep this topic at the forefront of public discourse.
Mars: Perseverance continues its search for ancient life, Ingenuity's helicopter
achievements pave the way for future aerial exploration, and missions like NASA's
Artemis and SpaceX's Starship aim for human boots on Martian soil.
Moon: The Artemis program gears up for the first crewed lunar landing in decades,
while the Lunar Gateway station plans to become a vital hub for deeper lunar
exploration. Ice deposits discovered in the polar regions, including the south pole,
hold potential for resource utilization and even lunar water-based life forms.
News: India's Chandrayaan-3 mission, scheduled for 2024, aims to become the first
Exploring Missions and
mission to land near the south pole, opening up a new frontier for lunar exploration.
Current Developments:
Beyond our Solar System: Breakthroughs in interstellar communication and
theoretical frameworks for interstellar travel keep our cosmic ambitions soaring.
Exoplanet discoveries continue to fuel hopes for habitable worlds, while ongoing
missions like ESA's JUICE probe to Jupiter's icy moons expand our understanding of
planetary systems.
Private Players: SpaceX's Starship advances towards Mars colonization, Blue
Origin and Virgin Galactic offer suborbital space tourism experiences, and
competition among players continues to drive innovation and cost reduction.
Habitability Studies: Mars remains a challenging environment with thin atmosphere,
radiation, and extreme temperatures. The Moon's south pole offers potential for
resource extraction due to ice deposits, but its lack of atmosphere and harsh
conditions still pose hurdles. Venus and exoplanets remain largely inhospitable with
current technology.
Colonization: Feasibility Technological Innovations: 3D printing, closed-loop life support systems, and
and Challenges: resource utilization techniques like asteroid mining and lunar ice processing are
crucial for developing self-sustaining space colonies. Advancements in robotics and
AI will also play a vital role.
Socio-Economic Implications: Ownership, governance structures, legal

frameworks for resource extraction, and potential economic opportunities and
challenges need careful consideration for future space societies.
Ownership and Governance: International treaties like the Artemis Accords and
existing frameworks like COPUOS aim to govern space activities and prevent
conflict. However, questions about resource rights and governance structures for
future space colonies remain open for discussion.
Environmental Protection: Preventing contamination and space debris build-up in

Ethics and Governance
pristine extraterrestrial environments is crucial. International collaboration and
regulations are essential for responsible exploration.
Ethical Debates: Indigenous rights, potential for weaponization of space resources,

and the long-term psychological impact of space habitation raise complex ethical
considerations
Spend 15 mins on:
1) Exploring Sustainability and Self-Sufficiency
What should you do 2) Exploring existential threats from Asteroid impacts, solar flares, cosmic rays
now?
Track the latest news if any regarding the developments of Space Exploration

Sl. No. | Category 10 | Environment & Ecology
Topic E-Waste Management in India

The Indian Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) has released a
comprehensive report titled 'Pathways to Circular Economy in the Indian
Why in News?
Electronics Sector. This report highlights the urgent need to rethink e-waste
management and explore opportunities to harness its potential.
E-waste management in India is mainly informal, with about 90% of collection
and 70% of recycling handled by the competitive informal sector. This sector
The E-Waste Landscapein
excels in salvaging parts from older devices for profit and efficiently conducts
India:
repairs.
Specific industrial hubs like Moradabad specialize in processing printed circuit
boards (PCBs) to recover valuable materials like gold and silver.
Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Collaboration between government and
privatesectors to establish a reverse supply chain for collecting, erasing data,
and processing devices.
Auditable Database: Creating a transparent database for collected materials to
enhance traceability and accountability.
Circular Economy
Geographical Clusters: Establishing hubs for dismantling discarded devices to
Principles:
optimize recycling efficiency.
Incentivizing High-Yield Recycling: Encouraging advanced recycling centres
to maximize value extraction from electronics.
Promoting Repair and Longevity: Supporting repair initiatives and product
durability to reduce environmental e-waste impact.
E-waste includes discarded electrical and electronic equipment, housing
hazardous substances like lead, cadmium, and mercury. India ranks third
globally in e-waste generation, hitting 1.6 million tonnes in 2021-22.
65 cities produce over 60%, and 10 states contribute 70% of India's e-waste.
What is the Statusof
E-waste management began in 2008, evolving through regulations in 2010,
E-Waste
2016, and 2018. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Product
Management in India?
Stewardship are keyaspects, emphasizing producers' responsibility throughout a
product's lifecycle.
The 2022 E-Waste (Management) Rules aim to digitize the management

process, enhancing visibility and limiting hazardous substances in electronic
equipment to protect human health and the environment.
To formalize e-waste management, a comprehensive regulatory framework is
suggested, mandating registration and licensing of collection centers and
recyclers.
Implementing e-waste tax credits for manufacturers encourages eco-friendly
designs, to extend product lifespans and discourage planned obsolescence.
Introducing E-Waste ATMs in public spaces allows depositing old devices for
How can India Work
incentives like vouchers or transportation benefits, coupled with educational
Towards Reducing
displaysto raise recycling awareness.
and Recycling E-Waste
More Effectively?
Proposed is a blockchain-based tracking system to trace electronic devices'
lifecycles, providing digital certificates for manufacturing, ownership, and
disposal toensure accountability.
Spend 15 mins on:

What should you do
now? 1) Exploring initiatives highlighting successful circular economy practices.
Track recent developments or innovations in circular economy models or
technology, particularly in the context of e-waste.

11 | Environment & Ecology

Sl. No. | Category
Battery Waste Management Rules
Topic
The Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022 is a step in the right direction,
Why in News? however, the Rules suffer from a few critical gaps that unless addressed can
impede efficient and effective recycling
1. Coverage: The rules cover all types of batteries, including Electric Vehicle
batteries, portable batteries, automotive batteries, and industrial batteries.
2. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): The producers of batteries are
responsible for the collection and recycling/refurbishment of waste batteries
and the use of recovered materials from waste into new batteries. Rules
prohibit disposal in landfills and incineration.
(To meet the EPR obligations, producers may engage themselves or authorize
any other entity for the collection, recycling, or refurbishment of waste
batteries.)
3. Online Portal for exchange of EPR Certificates: It will enable the setting
up of a mechanism and centralized online portal for the exchange of EPR
What are the Battery certificates between producers and recyclers/ refurbishes to fulfill the
Waste Management obligations of producers.
Rules, 2022? 4. Online Registration: Online registration & reporting, auditing, and
committee for monitoring the implementation of rules and taking measures
required for removal of difficulties.
5. Principle of Polluter Pays: Environmental compensation will be imposed for
non-fulfillment of Extended Producer Responsibility targets, responsibilities,
and obligations set out in the rules.
6. Recovery Target: There is a target for recovery of the battery material —
70% by 2024-25, then 80% by 2026, and 90% after 2026-27 onwards.
7. Environmental Compensation Fund: The funds collected under
environmental compensation shall be utilized in the collection and refurbishing
or recycling of uncollected and non-recycled waste batteries.
• Labeling and Information Deficiency: Current battery labels lack
comprehensive information about their chemical composition, impeding
What are the Gaps in effective recycling.
Battery Waste • Design Complexity: Battery packs often have intricate assembly methods
Management Rules, involving welding, adhesive, and screws, making disassembly challenging.
2022? • EPR Implementation and Budgeting: The rules lack a clear directive on the
budget that manufacturers should allocate for collecting and recycling batteries.
• Informal Sector Competition: As the volume of spent batteries increases,
informal collectors might outprice formal collectors, potentially leading to
hazardous recycling practices and safety concerns.
• Chemical Composition Changes: The shift towards safer but less valuable
lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries poses a challenge. Recyclers might
struggle to recover value due to the minimal lithium content in LFP cells.
• Policy Refinement: Implement regulations mandating detailed information on

How can such Gaps battery labels, including chemical composition and recyclability.
be Addressed? • Incentivize Recycling-Friendly Design: There is a need to introduce policies
encouraging manufacturers to design batteries with standardized methods and
eco-friendly materials, facilitating easier disassembly and recycling.
• Technological Advancements: There is a need to allocate resources for
research and development initiatives
• Environmental Auditing and Standards: Strengthen rules requiring thorough
audits for both formal and informal collectors, ensuring compliance with
environmental safeguards and safety standards.
Spend 15 mins on:
What should you do
now? 1) Track recent developments or innovations in rules or technology,
particularly in the context of battery waste.

Sl. No. | Category 12 | Polity and Governance
Topic Civil War in Myanmar
Recently, due to the ongoing Civil War in Myanmar, 1,500 nationals of Myanmar took
refuge in Mizoram’s Champhai district following an intense gunfight between the
Why in News?
Myanmar Army, and pro-democracy militias in the country’s western Chin State
abutting Mizoram.
2020 Elections and Military Coup:

• In the November 2020 elections, Aung San Suu Kyi’s party National League for
Democracy (NLD) won the election. However, the military junta, known as the
Tatmadaw, claimed electoral fraud without substantial evidence and rejected the
election results.
• In February, 2021, the military staged a coup, detaining Aung San Suu Kyi and
other elected leaders, declaring a state of emergency, and seizing control of the
government.
Protests and Resistance:
• The coup triggered widespread protests across Myanmar, with citizens
demanding the restoration of democracy and the release of detained leaders.
What is Background of
• Civil servants, activists, and various groups joined the civil disobedience
the Current Civil War in
movement, staging strikes and demonstrations.
Myanmar?
Formation of Resistance Forces:
• As the Tatmadaw intensified its crackdown on dissent, opposition groups,
including Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) and armed civilians, formed the
People’s Defence Forces (PDFs) to resist the military junta.
• These groups aligned themselves with the National Unity Government (NUG),
established by ousted lawmakers, aiming to challenge the military’s authority.
Current Scenario:
Fighting has also broken out elsewhere in the country, led by various local resistance
forces — in the Rakhine State, Kayin State, Sagaing region bordering Manipur, and
Chin State bordering Mizoram.
1. Balanced Stance:
India has so far walked a fine line between expressing concern at the “interruption”
of democracy in Myanmar, and engaging with the junta to protect its “vital interests”
2. Immediate Concern for India:

The influx of Myanmarese nationals in the border states of the Northeast. This too at
What does the Ongoing
a time when the situation in Manipur remains volatile.
Civil War in Myanmar
Capturing of Two Important Towns by Rebels:
Mean for India?
The anti-junta forces have captured two important towns close to the only two border
crossing points between Myanmar and India.
These are Rikhawdar, close to Zokhawthar in Mizoram, and Khampat in Sagaing
region, around 60 km from Moreh in Manipur.
The latter (Khampat in Sagaing region) is also part of the proposed India-Myanmar-
Thailand trilateral highway project
Spend 15 mins on:

1) Emergence of the conflicts
What should you do
2) Statements made by Indian officials regarding the conflict
now?
Track the latest news if any regarding geopolitical tensions between the 2 countries

13 | Polity and Governance

Sl. No. | Category
Abrogation of Article 370
Topic
On December 11, 2023, the Supreme Court of India upheld the constitutional
Why in News? validity of the abrogation of Article 370 in a landmark judgment. This verdict has
reignited discussions and debates about the decision and its implications.
• Article 370 of the Indian Constitution conferred special status on the state of
What is Article 370? Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). The state had its constitution, flag, and autonomy
in internal administration.
• It limited the central government's legislative powers in J&K
1) The Indian government argued that Article 370 created a sense of alienation
and separatism in J&K.
Why was it abrogated? 2) It hindered the full integration of J&K with the rest of India.
3) The government viewed abrogation as a step towards promoting national
unity and development in J&K.
• Political: J&K is now fully integrated into the Indian Union, losing its
special status and separate constitution This has been seen as a
positive step by some towards national unity and security concerns.
However, it has also been met with resentment and protests from a
section of the Kashmiri population, feeling their autonomy has been
undermined.
Direct elections to the J&K assembly are planned for late
2024, potentially increasing inclusivity in governance.
• Security: There has been a decrease in cross-border infiltration and
militancy-related incidents post-abrogation, according to the Indian
government.
• Human rights: Allegations of human rights violations, including
restrictions on movement and communication, have been raised by
various organizations and international bodies. This has drawn criticism
and scrutiny towards the Indian government's actions in J&K.
Impact of the • Economic: The government aims to attract investments and boost
abrogation of Article economic development in J&K by removing earlier restrictions.
370 However, the security situation and uncertainty hinder
progress, discouraging potential investors.
• Social: Concerns exist about the potential erosion of Kashmiri identity
and cultural autonomy following the abrogation. The fear of
marginalization and loss of distinct cultural practices fuels anxieties
among some sections of the Kashmiri population.
• International relations: Pakistan continues to oppose the abrogation
and raise concerns at international forums. This adds to the diplomatic
tensions between India and Pakistan regarding the Kashmir issue
Spend 15 mins on:

What should you do
now? Track recent developments (If any)

Sl. No. | Category 14 | Polity and Governance
Topic 6th India-OPEC Energy Dialogue
The 6th High-Level Meeting of the India-Organization of the Petroleum Exporting

Countries (OPEC) Energy Dialogue brought together key representatives at the
Why in News?
OPEC Secretariat in Vienna, Austria.
The meeting delved into critical aspects of oil and energy markets.
• The Meeting focused on key issues related to oil and energy markets with a
specific emphasis on ensuring availability, affordability and sustainability, which
are necessary to ensure the stability of energy markets.
• The meeting concluded with both parties underscoring the importance of fostering
enhanced cooperation between OPEC and India moving forward. World Oil
Outlook 2023, which forecasted that India would be the fastest-growing major
developing economy, averaging long-term growth of 6.1% between 2022-2045
What are the Key and accounting for over 28% of incremental global energy demand during the
Highlights of India-OPEC same period.
Energy Dialogue? (Both sides have recognized the importance of India as the third-largest energy
consumer, crude oil importer and the fourth-largest global refiner, in global
economic growth and energy demand.)
• The meeting also acknowledged the achievements and initiatives of India in the
fields of renewable energy, energy efficiency, hydrogen economy, and climate
change mitigation.
• It was agreed to hold the next High-Level Meeting of the India-OPEC Energy
Dialogue in 2024 in India.
The OPEC is a permanent, intergovernmental Organization, created at the Baghdad

Conference in 1960, by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela.
Objective: OPEC’s objective is to coordinate and unify petroleum policies among

Member Countries, to secure fair and stable prices for petroleum producers; an
What is the Organization efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to consuming nations; and a fair
of the Petroleum Exporting return on capital to those investing in the industry.
Countries (OPEC)?
Members: Algeria, Angola, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait,
Libya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Venezuela.
OPEC nations produce about 30% of the world’s crude oil.
Saudi Arabia is the biggest single oil supplier within the group, producing more than
10 million barrels a day
In 2016, largely in response to falling oil prices driven by significant increases in

U.S. shale oil output, OPEC signed an agreement with 10 other oil-producing
countries to create what is now known as OPEC+.
OPEC+ OPEC+ now includes the 13 OPEC member countries along with Azerbaijan,
Bahrain, Brunei, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Russia, South Sudan, and
Sudan.
OPEC+ countries produce about 40% of all the world’s crude oil.
Spend 15 mins on:
What should you do now?
OPEC and It’s Objective
Track the latest news ( if any)

Topic Global Marine Life and Oceans Warming
Recently, a study published in the journal ‘Trends in Ecology and Evolution’

highlighted that climate change is making the oceans warmer, and as a result, tropical
Why in News? marine species are shifting from the equator towards the poles.
The temperate species are receding as it gets too warm, they face increased
competition for habitat, and new predators.
About:
The ocean absorbs most of the excess heat from greenhouse gas emissions, leading
to rising ocean temperatures.
Reason:
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural
gas) for energy, deforestation, and industrial processes releases significant
amounts of greenhouse gasses, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane
(CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), into the atmosphere.
What is Ocean Warming? These gases trap heat, leading to a warming effect on both the atmosphere and
the oceans.
• Carbon Dioxide Absorption: Oceans act as a vast reservoir that absorbs a
significant portion of the excess carbon dioxide from human activities. While this
absorption helps mitigate climate change on land, it also results in the warming
of the ocean itself.
• Solar Radiation: Changes in solar radiation, though a minor contributor
compared to human-induced factors, can influence ocean temperatures over
long periods.
1) Coral Bleaching: Elevated temperatures can cause corals to expel the

symbiotic algae living in their tissues, leading to coral bleaching. Prolonged
bleaching weakens corals and makes them more susceptible to diseases,
posing a significant threat to coral reef ecosystems.
2) Sea Level Rise: Warmer ocean temperatures contribute to the thermal
expansion of seawater. This, along with the melting of polar ice caps and
glaciers, leads to rising sea levels, which can result in coastal erosion and
increased vulnerability of coastal communities.
Impact
3) Disruption of Marine Food Webs: Changes in ocean temperatures can alter
the distribution and abundance of marine species, affecting the structure of
marine food webs. This can have cascading effects on fisheries and the
livelihoods of communities dependent on them.
4) Ocean Acidification: The absorption of excess carbon dioxide by the
oceans leads to ocean acidification. Acidification can harm marine organisms
with calcium carbonate skeletons or shells, including corals, mollusks, and
some plankton, affecting the entire marine food chain.
Spend 15 mins on:

What should you do
now? 1) Tropicalization and Ocean Warming
2) Recent Development in the field (If any)

Sl. No. | Category 16 | Environment and Sustainability
Topic As COP28 concludes, have we taken enough steps to combat the climate crisis?
The recent conclusion of COP28 saw the global community convening to address the
Context pressing challenge of climate change. Despite historic agreements, there remain
critical loopholes and contentious points that draw skepticism.
Environmental Impact
Global Warming Trajectory: The world approaches a critical 1.5°C limit, with
temperatures rising steadily due to greenhouse gas emissions.
Consequences of Delay: Delays in climate action intensify extreme weather events,
diseases, and health risks, challenging global well-being.
What are the key Global Equity and Responsibility
dilemmas? Emission Contributions: Developed nations, historically major emitters, face calls for
reparative funds from developing countries grappling with climate-induced
challenges.
Clarity on Fund Utilization: While a 'loss and damage' fund gained traction, concerns
linger over its operational mechanisms, sustainability, and adequacy to address
global needs.
Financial Commitments
'Loss and Damage' Fund: Developed nations pledged around $800 million, yet
skepticism remains about its scope, voluntary nature, and adequacy compared to the
actual $400 billion required annually.
How did the summit Transition from Fossil Fuels: A resolution aiming for a fossil fuel transition by 2030 to
address these renewables and zero carbon by 2050 was passed, but lacks condemnation of oil
dilemmas? exploration and loopholes raise doubts.
Concerns and Criticisms
Inadequate Resolution: Absence of denouncement of oil exploration and lack of
clarity regarding 'phase-down' or transition to cleaner energy sources led to criticism.
• Potential 'Transitional Fuels': Concerns arise about investing in transitional fuels
like natural gas due to economic viability and increased methane emissions,
posing risks to climate goals.
Global Transition to Clean Energy: The need for a structured transition away from
fossil fuels and facilitating the same for developing nations remains a critical
Future Implications and challenge.
Challenges Vulnerability of Developing Nations: The urgency for climate action extends
beyond adaptation, posing life-and-death challenges for countries facing worsening
climate conditions.
1)Study key ministers and officials responsible for climate policies in influential
countries and follow updates on their actions, statements, and involvement in
international climate discussions.
What should you do
now? 2)Research countries neighboring major emitters and understand their stance and
concerns regarding climate change, track geopolitical tensions or cooperation related
to environmental policies and agreements.

Sl. No. | Category 17 | Environment and Sustainability
Topic Cement and Steel Sector's Carbon Footprint
The recent COP28 summit emphasized the urgency of climate action, highlighting
the pivotal role of construction materials like cement and steel in the climate crisis.
Context
However, new studies indicate that current strategies may fall short in mitigating their
massive carbon footprints.
Carbon Intensive Sectors

Projections vs. Reality: The study reveals a vast gap between projected and actual
deployment of carbon capture infrastructure in the cement and steel industries,
hindering emission reduction efforts.
Carbon Budget Shortfalls: Current trends suggest that even with advancements in
recycling and hydrogen-based production, steel and cement supply might fall
What are the key drastically short (35-78%) of Paris Agreement-compliant carbon budgets.
findings and dilemmas?
Timeframe and Challenges
Risk of delayed action: Relying solely on future infrastructure development poses a
significant risk, considering the urgent need to decarbonize by 2050.
Energy Intensiveness: Cement and steel industries, major CO2 contributors globally,
pose a significant challenge to meet decarbonization targets.
Redesigning Practices: To align with Paris Agreement budgets, a drastic reduction
(60% for construction and 40% for manufacturing) in material usage is proposed,
How should necessitating innovative design and utilization practices.
stakeholders cope and
act now? • Collective Responsibility: Governments, industries, and individuals must
collectively reevaluate material consumption and adopt more sustainable usage
patterns.
1, Awareness and Education:
Research current carbon capture and storage initiatives in the cement and steel
sectors.
Study potential technologies or innovations aimed at reducing emissions in
manufacturing and construction.
2. Policy Advocacy:
Stay informed on global policies addressing carbon-intensive industries' emissions.
What should you do Advocate for policies incentivizing innovative solutions and sustainable material
now? usage.
3. Global Equity and Responsibility:
Understand the impact of carbon-intensive industries on developing countries and

the disproportionate responsibility placed on high-income nations.
Engage in discussions or initiatives advocating for equitable distribution of
responsibilities in mitigating carbon footprints.

Sl. No. | Category 18 | Science and Technology
Topic How close are we to peak AI?
The discussion around AI's current state, specifically generative models, continues
after a year post-ChatGPT, prompting contemplation about whether the technology
Context has reached its zenith. The pursuit of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) remains
aspirational, yet the practicality of significant advancements in present generative AI
models is questioned.
Theoretical Potential:
Theoretical studies hint at possibilities to improve AI performance but practical
implementation poses challenges.
Researchers suggest there's room for advancement in generative AI models but
achieving these improvements is proving more complex in practice.
What are the key
findings and dilemmas? Challenges in Advancements:
Despite anticipation surrounding models like Gemini Ultra, their real-world
performance falls short of expectations, raising doubts about achieving substantial
leaps in current generative AI models.
The recently unveiled Gemini Ultra by Google aimed to surpass GPT-4 but failed to
significantly outperform it in key benchmarks.
Evaluation of Competing Models: Despite the emergence of models like Grok,

Mixtral, and Gemini Pro, none have convincingly surpassed GPT-4 yet.
•
Industry Trends and Hopes for AGI: Industry visionaries aim for AGI, yet challenges persist,
Expectations especially regarding transformer models' scalability and limitations in
generalization.
Transformers' Performance Scaling: Research suggests transformers scale

linearly with increased data and compute resources, but this scalability has its
limitations.
Insights into Limitations and Proposed Solutions: Recent studies highlight transformers'
Technological Scaling challenges in generalization and reasoning abilities, prompting exploration of
and Limitations solutions like the world model.
Emerging Technologies and Solutions: Ongoing research aims to address

limitations by integrating reasoning abilities into existing transformer architectures,
such as the proposed world model
1. Dive deeper into comparative analyses of recent AI models like GPT-4,

Gemini Ultra, and others.
2. Analyze the practicality of achieving AGI given the current limitations and
What should you do technological constraints in AI models.
now? 3. Investigate the concept of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and the
challenges hindering its realization.

Topic 2023: The year that startups started to grow up

VC funding reduced by 73% in 2023, pushing startups towards sustainability.
Unicorns like Byju’s, Swiggy and Ola saw valuation markdowns, few others shut shop.
Facts and figures Founders shifted focus to profitability and 18% of them said they’re profitable in a
survey.
Half of India’s 100 unicorns could turn profitable by FY27, predicts Redseer.
The year of 2023 was tough for many startups which had to survive without the VC
funding bottle. A few like Frontrow, CarDekho shuttered down, while the fate of others
like Dunzo hangs in balance. But most others also learnt their lessons, changing
tracks to profitability from growth — proving that startups are agile and maturing.
Only $7 billion was raised by startups in 2023 – barely a quarter of 2022’s funding.
Context While the public markets remained vibrant, they were unrewarding to ‘profitless
growth’. So, PharmEasy and Udaan had to delay IPO plans, to raise private capital.
VCs too changed track from betting on fast-growing startups to those that live up to
their value. So, only two startups turned unicorns in 2023 – Incred Finance and Zepto.
Also, a few large unicorns like Swiggy, Ola and Byju’s had to swallow the bitter pill of
valuation markdowns.
Most founders have moved to fix their problems. As many as 18% of founders in an
Elevation Capital survey said they are already profitable. An additional 58% said that
they’re aspiring to achieve it in the near to medium term.
A few that raised large funds this year like Udaan went in for immediate job cuts. It
indicates that the process of belt tightening will go on, even as over 20,000 startup
jobs were cut this year. Moreover, 38% of founders in the survey also said that they
Breakeven not burn cut marketing costs and 20% of them also significantly reduced engineering and
product development expenditures.
As many as 45% of consumer sector founders are focused on managing burn, the
survey says. Also, 55% of B2B & SaaS founders are attempting to handle longer and
more challenging sales cycles. The motto of ‘growth at all costs’ is fast vanishing from
the startup system, say experts.
The year of 2023 was a ‘do or die’ year for startups. As per Redseer, half of India’s
100 or so unicorns face bleak future like a shutdown, acquisition or pivot to new
models. But half of them could turn profitable by FY27, it predicts.
Moreover, at least 30% of India’s unicorns will go for an IPO in the coming fiscal year
of FY25. These 30 unicorns which cut across sectors like SaaS, B2C product
companies, fintechs, media and entertainment and others — have sizable revenues
of over ₹500 crore. It also says that India could have 40 listed or IPO-ready new-age
companies, which can grow to 90 by FY28.
Public markets will That’s a good exit option for VCs and PEs which have taken valuation cuts of their
open investee companies. “There’s a large headroom for value creation in the tech space.
The scenario looks similar to what was seen during the US tech bubble as tech IPOs
grew by three times as much, in the years post the dot-com bubble,” says Rohan
Agarwal, partner at Redseer.
Before that, however, unicorns and other startups will have to pass the profitability
test. “The question that has to be asked now is not when to go for an IPO but why go
for an IPO? A sustainable company that survives on its own. They need sustainable
business models like path to profitability, predictability of revenues, profits, new areas
they are venturing into,” Amarjeet Singh Makhija, partner at PwC.
The new year will be a litmus test for startups- time will tell how many will emerge
successful, and how many will quit the game.


Need to increase per capita income to make India 3rd largest economy: Bandhan
Topic
Bank MD
New Delhi, Bandhan Bank managing director Chandra Shekhar Ghosh said there is
a need to increase per capita income to make India third largest economy in the world.
The per capita income of the fifth largest economy, as per the government data, stood
at Rs 98,374 in 2022-23.
India ranks 130th globally in terms of Human Development Index comprising per
capital income, education and health parameters,
Context Speaking at an event organised by CII here, Ghosh said, to make India third largest
economy in the world or to achieve USD 5 trillion size, per capita income has to
increase.
"We need to focus on per capita income improvement so that people have higher
income and therefore spending would increase. So that should be the main focus,"
he said.
Ghosh said financial inclusion and access to institutional credit play an important role
in improvement of per capital income.
The government has taken many initiatives, including Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan
Yojana (PMJDY) and Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, in this direction.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Under the PMJDY, around 51 crore zero balance bank accounts have been opened
Dhan Yojana so far.
PMJDY was launched as the National Mission for Financial Inclusion on August 28,
2014. It aims to ensure comprehensive financial inclusion in the country by
providing universal access to banking facilities and basic bank accounts to every
unbanked adult.
The Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana or PMMY is a flagship scheme of the Government
of India to extend affordable credit to micro and small enterprises.Mudra schemes
are designed to bring enterprises into the formal financial system, or to “fund the
Pradhan Mantri Mudra unfunded”. Loans under PM mudra loan scheme are available to non-farm micro or
Yojana small enterprises engaged in income generation through manufacturing, trading and
services.
Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) is helping unbanked to get collateral-free

credit. More than 44 crore loan accounts opened and more than Rs 26.12 lakh crore
sanctioned as on November 24, 2023
Digital Public Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has helped significantly in the growth of digital
Infrastructure (DPI) payment in the country, he said, adding, this has also created a need for digital
literacy to save people from cyber crime.
1. Research and understand key economic policies and initiatives introduced
by the Indian government to boost per capita income and overall economic
growth.
2. Analyze the correlation between financial inclusion measures and economic
development indicators.
3. Focus on initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana and Pradhan
Mantri Mudra Yojana, analyzing their objectives and impact on financial
What should you do
inclusion.
now?
4. Learn about Digital Public Infrastructure and its role in fostering digital
payments and financial inclusion.
5. Understand the importance of digital literacy in mitigating cybercrime risks
associated with increased digital transactions.
6. Explore India's position in the Human Development Index (HDI) and the
correlation between per capita income, education, and health parameters in
economic growth.

Sl. No. | Category 21| Governance & Economics
Topic Rural Wage Disparities in India
Recent data from the Reserve Bank of India highlights stark differences in rural wages
across different states in India, showcasing significant disparities in earnings for farm
and non-agricultural workers.
Context
The stark contrast in rural wages across states underscores the need for equitable
distribution and policies that bridge this disparity, ensuring a more balanced livelihood
for agricultural and non-agricultural workers nationwide.
• Rural Economic Disruptions: During the fiscal year 2021-22, the rural
economy faced challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic affecting employment
and income levels. Subsequently, in the fiscal year 2022-23, elevated inflation
rates and increased interest rates significantly disrupted rural demand. These
factors heavily impacted job opportunities and income stability in rural areas
across the nation.
• Rural Wage Disparities: Rural wages in Madhya Pradesh for agricultural and
non-agricultural workers are significantly below the national average standing at
Rs 229.2 and Rs 246.3 daily, respectively, impacting the livelihoods of rural
What are the Major families. Kerala boasts the highest wages across various sectors, with rural
Highlights of the Rural farm workers earning Rs 764.3 per day. In case of wages for rural construction
Wages Data by RBI? workers too, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh stand at opposite ends of the
spectrum at Rs 852.5 and Rs 278.7 daily, respectively.
• National Average Wages: Agricultural workers: Rs 345.7, Non-agricultural
workers: Rs 348, Construction workers: Rs 393.3
• Stagnant Rural Income Growth: Despite some wage growth peaks in 2022-
23, rural income prospects remained subdued, stagnating the real rural wage
growth and indicating an incomplete recovery in the unorganized segment of
the economy. For instance, MGNREGA job demand dipped but remained
higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2022- 23, signaling an incomplete recovery,
especially in the unorganized sector
1. Economic Development Disparities: Regions or states with varying levels of
economic development showcase substantial wage differences.
Advanced industrial regions tend to offer higher paying non-agricultural jobs
compared to agrarian-centric areas.
2. Policy Interventions: Diverse state-level policies regarding minimum wages,
labor regulations, and social security schemes also create wage disparities.
What are the Major States with stringent labor laws may offer higher wages but could also face fewer
Factors Responsible for job opportunities.
Wage Inequality in India? 3. Market Forces and Demand-Supply Dynamics: Wage rates often align with
market demand for specific skills or labor. Regions with higher demand and
limited workforce supply in certain sectors tend to offer higher wages. ¾ Cost of
Living and Standard of Living: Variations in the cost of living, housing expenses,
and other essential amenities directly impact wage disparities. Areas with higher
living standards or higher costs of necessities often offer higher wages to
compensate.
4. Migration and Labor Mobility: Labor mobility from low-wage regions to high-
paying areas creates imbalances in wages, impacting both source and
destination regions’ wage structures.
1. Research and understand key economic policies and initiatives introduced

by the Indian government in compliance with RBI to improve per rural wages
What should you do
and overall economic growth.
now?
2. Analyze the factors responsible for wage inequality
3. Analyze MNGREGA scheme and its drawbacks

Topic RBI Tightens Capital Norms for Unsecured Loans

Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased Risk Weight on Bank
Exposure to check on Unsecured Loans, like Personal Loans, Credit Card
Receivables etc.
The RBI’s move to increase the risk weight on unsecured loans is a way of increasing
the Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) requirement for banks that lend to
Context
these categories.
(An Unsecured Loan is a loan that does not require one to provide any collateral to
avail them. It is issued by the lender on one’s creditworthiness as a borrower. And
hence, having an excellent credit score is a prerequisite for the approval of an
Unsecured Loan.)
• Risk weight on bank exposure refers to a method used by regulators, such as
central banks or financial supervisory authorities, to assess the risk associated
with various types of assets held by banks.
• This method determines the amount of capital that banks need to hold against
these assets as a buffer to cover potential losses.
• The risk weight assigned to different categories of assets is based on their
perceived riskiness.
What is Risk Weight on • Lower-risk assets receive lower risk weights, requiring banks to allocate less
Bank Exposure? capital against them, while higher-risk assets have higher risk weights,
necessitating a greater capital allocation.
Examples: Low-risk assets like cash or government securities might have a risk
weight of 0% or a very low percentage. This implies that banks need to allocate
minimal capital against these assets
Higher-risk assets like unsecured consumer loans, corporate loans, or derivatives
may have risk weights ranging from 20% to 150% or higher, depending on their
perceived risk. This means banks must allocate more capital as a buffer against
potential losses from these assets.
Increased Risk Weights- The RBI has raised the risk weight on banks’ exposure to
certain categories like consumer credit, credit card receivables, and NBFCs. The risk-
weights on banks’ unsecured personal loans and consumer durable loans have been
What is the RBI’s Move increased to 125% from 100%, and that on credit cards have been increased to 150%
Pertaining to from 125%.
Unsecured Loans and Further, the risk-weights on NBFCs’ unsecured personal and consumer durables
Need for it? loans and credit cards have been increased to 125% from 100%.
It means that banks and financial institutions need to set aside more capital as a
buffer against potential losses arising from these specific loan categories. The RBI
has, however, exempted microfinance loans by NBFCs from the risk-weight increase.
Need for Such a Move-
Control Unbridled Growth: Unsecured Loans, especially consumer Loans, had
been expanding rapidly, surpassing the growth rate of less risky lending assets. This
unchecked growth could pose risks to the stability of the financial system.
Risk Mitigation: By increasing risk weights on consumer loans provided by banks,
NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial Companies), and credit card providers, the RBI aims
to make these loans more capital-intensive for financial institutions.
Analyse-
What should you do 1. What is the Current Scenario of Unsecured Credit for Banks?
now? 2. What will the Implications of this Move on Banks and NBFCs?
3. Way Forward for the banks

Topic Digital Advertisement Policy, 2023
Recently, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has approved the Digital
Advertisement Policy, 2023 to enable and empower the Central Bureau of
Communication (CBC) to undertake campaigns in the Digital Media space.
• The CBC operates under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and is
Context
responsible for creating awareness and disseminating information about
various government programs, schemes, and policies in India.
• CBC is committed to adapting to the changing media landscape and embracing
new technologies to reach a wider audience.
• Expansion to Digital Platforms: The CBC can advertise on social media,

Overthe-Top (OTT) platforms, digital audio platforms, mobile applications, and
websites.
It mandates that the websites, mobile apps, OTT platforms and digital audio
platforms need to be at least a year old to be eligible to apply under the
scheme.
• Advertisement Rates and Transparency: Advertising rates will be linked to
What are the Key
subscriber base and viewership numbers, determined through competitive
Policies under the
bidding to ensure transparency and efficiency. Rates discovered through this
Digital Advertisement
process will remain valid for three years.
Policy, 2023?
• OTT Platforms Engagement: OTT platforms can be empanelled not only for
placing advertisements during regular content but also for the production of
embedded/in-film advertisements, promotions, or branding activities as per
CBC’s Letter of Intent.
• Funding Source: The CBC typically utilizes 2% of the total outlay of
government schemes for publicity and outreach activities, and this fund is
used for advertisements and campaigns.
1. This policy marks a pivotal moment in CBC’s mission to disseminate information
and create awareness regarding various schemes, programs, and policies of
the Government of India in response to the evolving media landscape and the
What is the Significance increased digitalization of media consumption.
of Digital Advertisement 2. The huge subscriber base in the Digital Universe, coupled with technology
Policy, 2023? enabled messaging options through Digital advertisements will facilitate
effective delivery of citizen-centric messages in a targeted manner, resulting in
cost efficiencies in public-oriented campaigns.
3. In recent years, the way audiences consume media has witnessed a significant
shift towards the digital space.
4. The Government of India’s Digital India program has led to a huge growth in the
number of people in the country who are now connected to the internet, social
and digital media platforms.
5. As per TRAI’s Indian Telecom Services Performance Indicators January–March
2023, the internet penetration in India as of March 2023, is over 880 million, and
the number of telecom subscribers as of March 2023 is over 1172 million.
Analyse
What should you do 1. What was the need for this policy?
now? 2. What problems can the government face while implementing this policy?
3. How the key stakeholders would be affected by this policy?

Topic Balancing Sustainable Energy Goals with Coal Realities
In the evolving landscape of renewable energy, the clash between traditional and
eco-friendly practices is evident.
Coal, a widely used yet highly polluting energy source, stands as a major hurdle for
Context
global sustainability goals.
Despite efforts to embrace cleaner alternatives, coal remains a significant challenge
for achieving sustainable development worldwide.
1. Coal in Global Global Energy Mix: In 2022, oil, coal, and gas accounted
for 30%, 27%, and 23% of the world’s total energy, while solar and wind
energy sources together contributed only 2.4%.
Coal supplies just over a third of global electricity generation even though it
is the most carbon-intensive fossil fuel.
2. Coal in India’s Energy Context: Only 10.4% of India’s primary energy
consumption is from renewables; coal and oil gas dominate at 55.1% and
33.3% in 2022.
Coal-fired thermal power plants (TPPs) generated 74.3% of India’s
electricity during FY 2022-2023, and generation by TPPs continues to grow
to meet demand.
96% of the coal used by TPPs in India comes from domestic mines and is
key to why electricity is so affordable in India. India’s National Electricity
What is the Role of Coal Plan projects that TPP capacity in India will reach 259-262 GW by FY32,
in the Energy Mix? from 212 GW in FY23.
• India’s per capita energy supply stands at 37% of the global average,
highlighting a growing energy demand that aligns with the Human
Development Index.
To balance this with India’s long-term goal of reaching net zero by 2070, the
country must continue to implement clean coal technologies to reduce the
power sector’s emissions.
• The efficient operation of TPPs (thermal power plants) is crucial for India to
ensure continuous and affordable supply to meet peak and off-peak
demands.
• India’s cumulative emissions from fossil fuels and industry between the start
of the industrial revolution in 1750 and the end of 2021 are only 3.3% of the
global total, far behind those of Europe (31%), the U.S. (24.3%), and China
(14.4%).
Analyze-
1. What are the Environmental and Social Impacts of Coal?
2. What are the Strategies to Reduce Coal’s Impact on Sustainable
What should you do Development?
now? 3. Ways to incentivizing Low-Carbon Technologies
4. Can Nuclear Energy Expansion help in Reduce Coal’s Impact on Sustainable
Development?

Topic ONDC
The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is a revolutionary initiative driven
Context by the Indian government, aiming to democratize e-commerce and create a fair, open,
and accessible marketplace for both buyers and sellers.
• 50,000 restaurants: ONDC has achieved significant growth in online food

delivery, now boasting 50,000 restaurants across 172 cities, giving a strong
challenge to Zomato and Swiggy.
• Over 1 lakh daily transactions: The network is now regularly recording over
1 lakh transactions per day, surpassing initial expectations.
Growth and Adoption
• Paytm's commitment: Paytm plans to onboard 10 million merchants onto
ONDC by 2025, demonstrating a major commitment to the open network.
• B2B exports: ONDC is expanding into B2B exports with Proxtera joining as
an international buyer app, opening up new avenues for Indian businesses.
• 'Build for Bharat' initiative: ONDC launched this initiative to address

challenges faced by rural and semi-urban users, aiming to make e-
commerce more inclusive.
• Gift card launch: ONDC introduced gift cards for consumers and corporate
Initiatives and gifting, providing a new payment option and boosting transaction volume.
Partnerships
• Meta partnership: ONDC partnered with Meta to unlock the power of digital
commerce for small businesses through WhatsApp integration.
• SellerApp and Delhivery collaboration: This partnership facilitates smoother
logistics and order fulfillment for Kanjeevaram weavers via
ONDC, empowering traditional artisans
• 85 cities, 800 merchants, 26 participants: ONDC's CEO expects a "bumper

2023" with significant expansion in geographic reach, seller diversity, and
network participants.
• New incentive scheme: ONDC's latest incentive structure offers more
autonomy for buyer apps and support for small cities, aiming to further
accelerate adoption.
• Potential for 2.5 lakh daily transactions: The CEO also anticipates reaching
Overall Progress 2.5 lakh daily transactions by FY24, showcasing the network's rapid growth
trajectory.
In conclusion, ONDC is experiencing a thriving phase with substantial growth in

transaction volume, merchant and buyer app participation, and strategic
partnerships. Its focus on inclusivity, innovation, and addressing specific challenges
positions it for continued success in democratizing e-commerce in India.
Analyze-
What should you do 1. Scalability of ONDC
now? 2. What was the need of this initiative?
3. Will ONDC kill Zomato & Swiggy?

Topic Investor Risk Reduction Access Platform
Recently, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), has launched the
Investor Risk Reduction Access (IRRA) to provide a ‘safety net’ for investors in case
of technical glitches faced by a trading member or a stockbroker.
Context
A trading member or stock broker is an individual or a firm that is authorized and
licensed to buy and sell securities (stocks, bonds, commodities, etc.) on behalf of
investors in financial markets. They act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers,
facilitating transactions within the stock market or other financial exchanges.
The IRRA platform has been developed to reduce risks faced by investors in the
eventuality of technical glitches at the trading member’s end at both the primary site
and disaster recovery site.
Its purpose is to provide investors with an opportunity to square off/close their open
positions and cancel pending orders using the IRRA platform in case of technical
glitches or unforeseen outages that render the trading member’s site inaccessible.
What is the IRRA
It is not meant for taking fresh positions or orders, but only to cancel the pending
Platform?
orders.
Developed By: IRRA has been jointly developed by all the stock exchanges – BSE
(Bombay Stock Exchange), NSE (National Stock Exchange), NCDEX (National
Commodity and Derivatives Exchange), MCX (Multi Commodity Exchange) and
Metropolitan Stock Exchange of India (MSE)
IRRA can be invoked by trading members when they are faced with a technical glitch
at their end impacting their ability to service clients across exchanges from both – the
primary site and disaster recovery site, where relevant.
Even stock exchanges can also monitor parameters like connectivity, order flow and
social media posts, and suo moto initiate the enablement of the IRRA service, if
needed, irrespective of any such request by the trading member.
Mechanism of Working This service shall be enabled by the exchanges, suo moto, only in case of disruption
and need of it? of trading services of trading members across all the exchanges, where the trading
member is a member.
Need:
• With technology glitches increasingly disrupting trading services, investors
face risks, especially in volatile markets, with no means to close positions.
• Despite business continuity plans, certain disruptions like delayed recovery
sites or Cyber-Attacks persist.
• This initiative ensures contingency services by stock exchanges during such
crises.
1. Analyze the risks associated with trading

What should you do
2. Analyze the role of intermediaries between buyers and sellers, facilitating
now?
transactions

Topic Macroeconomic Indicators
Definition: The total market value of all final goods and services produced within a
country's borders in a given year, regardless of the nationality of the owners of the
factors of production (land, labour, capital).
Significance: Measures the size and growth of an economy, reflects production
Gross Domestic
capacity and indicates living standards.
Product (GDP)
Types:
1. Nominal GDP: Measures GDP in current prices, susceptible to inflation.
2. Real GDP: Adjusts nominal GDP for inflation, providing a better comparison
of economic growth over time.
Definition: The total market value of all final goods and services produced by a
country's residents in a given year, regardless of the location of production. This
includes income earned by residents from abroad and excludes income earned by
Gross National Product
foreign residents within the country.
(GNP)
Significance: Measures the income-earning potential of a nation's citizens,
independent of geographical boundaries.
Relationship to GDP: GNP = GDP + Net Factor Income from Abroad (NFIA)
Definition: Total value of final goods and services produced within a country's
borders minus the depreciation of physical capital assets (machinery, buildings).
Net Domestic Product Significance: Provides a more accurate measure of the sustainable productive
(NDP) capacity of an economy by accounting for the wear and tear of capital.
Relationship to GDP: NDP = GDP - Depreciation
Definition: Measures the average change in prices for a fixed basket of goods and
services commonly purchased by consumers over time.
Significance: Tracks inflation or deflation, affecting consumer purchasing power,
wage adjustments, and monetary policy decisions.
Consumer Price Index
Types:
(CPI)
1. Headline CPI: Tracks overall price changes in the basket.
2. Core CPI: Excludes volatile components like food and energy for a better
gauge of underlying inflation trends.
Definition: Records all international financial transactions between a country's

residents and the rest of the world in a given period.
Components:
1. Current Account: Measures trade in goods and services, income from
investments, and current transfers (aid, remittances).
Balance of Payments
2. Capital Account: Records foreign investment inflows and outflows (direct and
(BOP)
portfolio investments).
3. Financial Account: Captures changes in financial assets and liabilities (loans,
bonds).
Significance: Reflects overall economic activity, foreign exchange flows, and
potential imbalances in external relations.
Definition: The difference between the value of a country's exports and imports of
goods and services in a given period.
Types:
Trade Balance 1. Trade Surplus: Exports exceed imports, indicating net exporter position.
2. Trade Deficit: Imports exceed exports, indicating net importer position.
Significance: Affects employment, foreign exchange reserves, and macroeconomic
policy decisions.

Topic India’s Legislative structure
India's Legislative Structure:

India boasts a complex and fascinating legislative structure that reflects its vast
size, diverse population, and rich history. It's a bicameral system, meaning it has
two chambers of parliament:
1. Upper House: Rajya Sabha ("Council of States")

2. Lower House: Lok Sabha ("House of the People")
Both houses play crucial roles in lawmaking and hold the government accountable.
Federal Elements:
India also has a federal system, where power is divided between the central
government and individual state governments. Each state has its own legislature,
though the central government holds ultimate supremacy.
Key Features of the Legislature:

• Parliament: Supreme legislative body, composed of the President and the
two houses.
• President: Head of state and legislature, but primarily exercises ceremonial
powers.
• Rajya Sabha: Represents states and Union Territories, with members
indirectly elected by state legislatures.
245 members, serving six-year terms with one-third elected every two
India's Legislative years. Focuses on long-term issues and provides a voice for states.
Structure: A Bicameral • Lok Sabha: Represents the people directly, with members elected by
System with Federal universal adult suffrage.
Elements 545 members, elected for five-year terms.
More powerful than the Rajya Sabha, responsible for initiating money bills
and holding the government accountable.
Legislative Process:
Bills can be introduced in either house, but most financial bills must originate in the
Lok Sabha. Both houses must pass a bill for it to become law.
Other Important Bodies:
• State Legislatures: Similar to Parliament, with unicameral or bicameral

structures depending on the state.
• Union Territories: Governed by the central government, with limited
legislatures in some cases.
Challenges and Criticisms:
• Size and complexity: The vastness of India's legislative structure can lead
to bureaucratic inefficiencies and delays.
• Party Politics: Dominance of a few major parties can lead to limited debate
and opposition.
• Representation: Concerns about adequately representing diverse
populations and interests across the country.

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GDPI-WAT Cracker’24 GK Compendium

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Sl. No. | Category 1 | Geopolitics

Topic Dilemmas before India in current geopolitics: Challenges in South Asia

Belt and Road Initiative (BRI):

Proactive outreach to South Asian states:

Border dispute resolution strategy:

1) Invest more resources and personnel in its diplomatic pursuits

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Sl. No. | Category 2 | Geopolitics

Topic Israel-Palestine Conflict

The Israeli–Palestinian conflict is an ongoing military and political conflict in the

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Sl. No. | Category 3| Geopolitics

Topic India-Maldives Relations

Chinese Infrastructure Investments: Maldives, like many other countries in the

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Sl. No. | Category 4 | Geopolitics

Topic G-20 Summit & presidency of India

• Theme - Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (One Earth, One Family, One Future)

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Sl. No. | Category 5 | Economics

Topic Central Bank Digital Currency

Context First Digital Currency launched by the Central Bank of India.

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Sl. No. | Category 6 | Science and Technology

Topic Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit

Deepfakes are created using a technique called generative adversarial networks

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Sl. No. | Category 7 | Governance

Topic India, that is Bharat: The Ongoing Debate

Origin of the Name Bharat:

Origin of the Name India:

Constitutional Assembly Deliberation Regarding India and Bharat:

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Sl. No. | Category 8 | Economics

Topic Economic Insights Beyond GDP: ICOR

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Sl. No. | Category 9 | Science & Technology

Topic Space Exploration and Colonization: A New Frontier

Socio-Economic Implications: Ownership, governance structures, legal

Environmental Protection: Preventing contamination and space debris build-up in

Ethical Debates: Indigenous rights, potential for weaponization of space resources,

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Sl. No. | Category 10 | Environment & Ecology

Topic E-Waste Management in India

The 2022 E-Waste (Management) Rules aim to digitize the management

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11 | Environment & Ecology

• Policy Refinement: Implement regulations mandating detailed information on

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