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Economics

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Hurdles to overcome before
becoming ‘Digital India’
Central Idea: The digital payments landscape in India has
experienced a remarkable transformation in recent years, with the
United Payments Interface (UPI) playing a pivotal role in this
revolution. With every neighborhood kirana store now equipped with
a QR code scanner, the popularity of digital transactions has soared.

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Digital India Scheme

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Modes of payment and their growth trends
1. UPI (United Payments Interface):
• Introduction: UPI was introduced in 2016.
• Growth: Transactions in UPI have grown in value and volume since its
introduction.
• Push factors: Demonetisation in November 2016 and the COVID-19
lockdown
• Growth rate: From June 2021 to April 2023, UPI payments grew at
an average monthly rate of 6%.
• Share of total digital retail payments: The share of UPI payments
increased from less than 20% in mid-2021 to about 27% in March
2023.
• Comparison with other modes: UPI’s growth rate outpaced all other
modes of payment,

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• Impact on NEFT: NEFT transactions experienced a decline of about
10 points
• Real-time payment settlement: UPI’s popularity might be due to its
real-time payment settlement system, similar to IMPS, unlike NEFT.
2. NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer):
• Growth rate: NEFT transactions grew at an average monthly rate of
3% from June 2021 to April 2023.
• Declining share: declined from 64% to less than 54% over the same
period, with UPI gaining popularity.
3. IMPS (Immediate Payment Service):
• Growth rate: IMPS transactions grew at an average monthly rate of
3% from June 2021 to April 2023.
• Stable share: The share of IMPS transactions remained relatively
stable at about 9% in the total value of digital retail payments.

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4. Debit card payments and Prepaid payments:
• Growth rate: Debit card payments and prepaid payments
experienced slower growth, with an average monthly rate of 1.5%
from June 2021 to April 2023.
• Combined share: The combined share of these modes of payment
did not exceed 2.5% of the overall digital retail transactions.

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Existing Challenges
• Bank Account Penetration:
• India has made remarkable progress in bank account penetration,
with 80% of the population having bank accounts in 2017 and
2021, up from 53% in 2014.
• However, a concerning issue is the high percentage of inactive
accounts, which stands at 38%.
• Gender Gap:
• There is a substantial gender gap in digital transactions, with only
28% of women conducting any digital transaction in 2021,
compared to 41% of men.
• The difference of 13 points between men and women in digital
transactions is higher than many other comparable countries like
Vietnam, Brazil, China, and Kenya,

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• Rural-Urban Divide:
• The rural-urban gap in digital payments is evident, with only 30%
of Indians in rural areas making or receiving any digital payment
in 2021, compared to 40% in urban areas.
• In contrast, countries like Bangladesh and Kenya display less
discrepancy between rural and urban digital payment rates, with
over 70% of their populations engaged in digital transactions.
• Overall Digital Transaction Figures:
• Despite the increasing popularity of UPI, only 35% of the
population reported carrying out any digital transaction in 2021,
• India’s figures for digital transactions are lower compared to the
average of 57% for all developing countries and the world average
of 64%

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Need for Overhaul in UDAN
Scheme

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Central Idea
• The Union Civil Aviation Ministry inaugurated a new phase of the Ude
Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme, or UDAN 5.2, to improve last-
mile connectivity in remote regions of the country through small
aircraft.
• There have been aspersions regarding the success of the UDAN
regional connectivity scheme (RCS) since ONLY 11 of the 74
Greenfield airports are decently operational.

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Progress till now
• Route Closures: Out of the 479 routes launched under RCS, 225
have ceased operations, leading to significant route closures.
• Commercial Viability: Around 70 of the routes were found to be
commercially unviable even with subsidies, leading airlines to
discontinue their operations.
• Three-Year Sustainability: The objective of RCS was for airlines to
become self-sustaining after three years, but only 58 out of 155
routes completed this period successfully.
• Incomplete Infrastructure: Some airports, such as Thanjavur,
Moradabad, Saharanpur, and Ayodhya, were not ready for operations,
leading to the discontinuation of 12 routes.

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What is UDAN Scheme?
• UDAN Scheme, initiated in 2016, aims to enhance aviation
infrastructure and air connectivity in Tier II and Tier III cities.
• It was formulated based on the review of The National Civil Aviation
Policy (NCAP)-2016, with the goal of fulfilling the aspirations of the
common citizen.
• The scheme, designed to last for 10 years, operates with a self-
financing mechanism through the establishment of the Regional
Connectivity Fund (RCF).
• The RCF funds the viability gap funding (VGF) requirements
• As part of the scheme, the Airports Authority of India has waived the
airport fee.

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Significance of Udan scheme
• Connectivity to remote areas
• Boost to tourism
• Economic development
• Employment generation
• Social inclusion
• Enhanced connectivity for medical emergencies
• Promoting aviation sector growth

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Issues with the scheme
• Route Discontinuance: Some routes launched under UDAN have
been discontinued, raising concerns about their sustainability.
• Challenges in Expansion: Efforts to improve connectivity to hilly
regions and islands through helicopters and seaplanes have faced
hurdles due to land unavailability and operational difficulties.
• Unrecovered since the Pandemic
• Regulatory hurdles
• High operating costs

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• Seasonal variations
• Financial Constraints
• Maintenance Issues
• Pilot Availability: The availability of pilots can be a challenge for
smaller airlines, leading to higher costs when hiring foreign pilots.
• Competition: Routes dominated by bigger domestic players like
IndiGo and SpiceJet tend to see better success rates.

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Mapping India’s Chip Design
Ecosystem

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Central Idea
• The Indian government is considering a proposal to pick an equity
stake in domestic chip design-making companies as part of the
second phase of the Design-Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme for the
semiconductor industry.
• The aim behind the scheme is to establish a stable ecosystem and
promote the growth of “fabless companies” in India—entities that
design chips but outsource manufacturing.
• However, this policy requires a long-term strategy due to the capital-
intensive nature of the semiconductor sector and the lengthy
gestation periods for setting up design and fabrication units.

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What is DLI Scheme?
• DLI scheme is a program aimed at providing financial and
infrastructural support to companies establishing semiconductor
manufacturing plants in India.
• Eligible participants who set up fabrication units in the country can
receive fiscal support of up to 50% of the total cost.
• Additionally, participants building compound semiconductors, silicon
photonics, and sensors fabrication plants can avail fiscal support of
30% of the capital expenditure under this scheme.
• Companies engaged in semiconductor design for integrated circuits,
chipsets, system-on-chips, systems, and IP cores will receive
incentives of 4% to 6% on net sales for a duration of five years.
• The scheme is expected to promote the growth of at least 20 such
companies, achieving a turnover of more than ₹1500 crore in the next
five years.

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Significance of the scheme
• Promotes innovation and creativity
• Enhances product quality and competitiveness
• Boosts economic growth
• Fosters industry collaboration
• Increases exports
• Supports small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
• Attracts foreign investment
• Improves user experience

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• Promotes sustainability
• Drives industry transformation
• Enhances brand value

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Present Chip Dynamics
• Long Gestation Period
• Capital Intensive
• Cyclic Nature
• Supply Chain Disruptions

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Domestic Chip Industry Scenario
• Talent Pool: around 20% of the world’s workforce, working for global
companies like Intel, Micron, and Qualcomm, among others.
• IP Ownership: Despite a thriving talent pool, India owns a smaller
portion of the intellectual property (IP) related to chip designs, which
is mostly retained by global companies.
• DLI Scheme for Chip Designing: The DLI scheme introduced in
December 2021 aimed to indigenize innovations and support the
growth of chip design companies with financial incentives.
• Changing Landscape: The scheme has led to the establishment of
over 30 semiconductor design startups in India, with some already
receiving government support.

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Growing market in India
• The semiconductor industry is growing fast and can reach $1 trillion
dollars in this decade. India can grow fast and reach $64 billion by
2026 from $27 billion today.
• Mobiles, wearables, IT, and industrial components are the leading
segments in the Indian semiconductor industry contributing around
80% of the revenues in 2021.
• The mobile and wearables segment is valued at $13.8 billion and is
expected to reach $31.5 billion in 2026.

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Challenges and Considerations
• Effectiveness and Efficiency: Some experts view the government’s
plan to become a venture capital firm for chip design companies as
ineffective and inefficient. Companies may prefer foreign buyers for
higher valuations and global ecosystem connections.
• Venture Capital Support: The lack of venture capitalists in the private
sector focused on semiconductors is a challenge for the growth of
design firms.
• Equity Stake’s Impact: Offering an equity stake can align the interests
of design companies with the project’s success, ensuring shared risk
and reward.
• IP and Value-Added Activities: The government must consider who
can keep the IP and how investments can drive more innovation and
employment generation. Moving up in the value chain and enabling
the ecosystem is crucial.

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In news: New GI Tags Awards
Central Idea: The Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai
recently granted the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag to
many distinctive products from across India.

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GI Tags for Rajasthani Crafts
• Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft: This traditional craft involves
ornamenting weapons with intricate designs, gold and silver wire
embedding, and polishing.
• Bikaner Kashidakari Craft: Traditional craftspeople from the
Meghwal community in Bikaner and nearby districts create this craft
on cotton, silk, or velvet. The intricate fine stitches and mirror-work
are mainly used for marriage-related objects and are believed to ward
off the ‘evil eye.’
• Jodhpur Bandhej Craft: Known for its vibrant and colorful appeal,
Bandhej is an ancient Rajasthani art of tying and dyeing textiles. The
fabrics, including muslin, silk, and voile, are tied with cotton thread
before dyeing.
• Bikaner Usta Kala Craft: Also known as gold nakashi or gold manauti
work, this craft is characterized by the use of untreated raw camel
hide. The skilled Dapgar community of leather craftspeople
meticulously processes and molds the leather to create durable and
golden-hued products.

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GI Tags for Rajasthani Crafts
• Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft: This traditional craft involves
ornamenting weapons with intricate designs, gold and silver wire
embedding, and polishing.
• Bikaner Kashidakari Craft: Traditional craftspeople from the
Meghwal community in Bikaner and nearby districts create this craft
on cotton, silk, or velvet. The intricate fine stitches and mirror-work
are mainly used for marriage-related objects and are believed to ward
off the ‘evil eye.’
• Jodhpur Bandhej Craft: Known for its vibrant and colorful appeal,
Bandhej is an ancient Rajasthani art of tying and dyeing textiles. The
fabrics, including muslin, silk, and voile, are tied with cotton thread
before dyeing.
• Bikaner Usta Kala Craft: Also known as gold nakashi or gold manauti
work, this craft is characterized by the use of untreated raw camel
hide. The skilled Dapgar community of leather craftspeople
meticulously processes and molds the leather to create durable and
golden-hued products.

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Other GI Tagged Products
• Jalesar Dhatu Shilp (Uttar Pradesh): This craft from Jalesar in Uttar
Pradesh’s Etah district involves making decorative metal craft and
brassware, including ghungrus (anklets) and ghantis (bells). The
Thatheras community, residing in the Hathuras locality, is responsible
for creating these beautiful metal products.
• Goa Mankurad Mango (Goa): Also known as malcorada, cardozo
mankurad, corado, and Goa mankur, this variety of mango was
granted a GI tag. The All Goa Mango Growers Association filed the
application for this mango, which holds historical significance with its
Portuguese-inspired name.
• Goan Bebinca (Goa): Known as the ‘queen of Goan desserts,’
Bebinca is a traditional Indo-Portuguese pudding. The All Goa
Bakers and Confectioners Association filed the application for the GI
tag.

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Other GI Tagged Products
• Jalesar Dhatu Shilp (Uttar Pradesh): This craft from Jalesar in Uttar
Pradesh’s Etah district involves making decorative metal craft and
brassware, including ghungrus (anklets) and ghantis (bells). The
Thatheras community, residing in the Hathuras locality, is responsible
for creating these beautiful metal products.
• Goa Mankurad Mango (Goa): Also known as malcorada, cardozo
mankurad, corado, and Goa mankur, this variety of mango was
granted a GI tag. The All Goa Mango Growers Association filed the
application for this mango, which holds historical significance with its
Portuguese-inspired name.
• Goan Bebinca (Goa): Known as the ‘queen of Goan desserts,’
Bebinca is a traditional Indo-Portuguese pudding. The All Goa
Bakers and Confectioners Association filed the application for the GI
tag.

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• Kanniyakumari Matti banana (TN): It is a banana variety grown in the
Kanniyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is known for its unique
sweet taste and small size. It is cultivated in the southernmost part of
India, and its retail market value has increased. The variety is in high
demand, especially in the Thiruvananthapuram region of Kerala,
where it is exported to Gulf countries. The banana is used in the
making of “panchamirtham.”

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Law passed allowing Auction,
Mining of Lithium Reserves

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Central Idea
• The Union Cabinet approved amendments to the Mines and Minerals
(Development and Regulation) Act to allow commercial mining of
lithium and five more minerals.
• This move is aimed at increasing the exploration and mining of these
valuable resources from newly discovered mines by opening them to
private sector participation.

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Mining of Critical Minerals
• Minerals Removed from Atomic Minerals List: The law removes
lithium, beryllium, titanium, niobium, tantalum and zirconium from the
list of atomic minerals, which previously restricted their exploration
and mining to state-run companies only.
• Private Sector Participation: With the removal of these minerals from
the atomic minerals list, private companies can now participate in the
exploration and mining processes.

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Why such move?
• New Lithium Reserves in J&K: Earlier this year, lithium reserves were
discovered in the federally administered region of Jammu and
Kashmir
• Force Multiplier: The involvement of private companies is seen as a
“force multiplier” as it is expected to boost the production of these
critical minerals, meeting the growing demands of the country.

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Need for Vigorous Exploration and Production
• Meeting Growing Demands: India’s increasing focus on electric
vehicles and other technological advancements necessitates a robust
supply of critical minerals. Vigorous exploration and production are
crucial to fulfill the country’s requirements.

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Vivad se Vishwas II Scheme
launched
Central Idea: The Centre has launched the Vivad se Vishwas II scheme,
a one-time settlement scheme, to effectively resolve pending contractual
disputes with vendors or suppliers to the government and its
undertakings.

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Vivad se Vishwas II Scheme
• The scheme was announced in the Union Budget 2023-24.
• It aims to settle government and government undertakings’
contractual disputes wherein arbitral awards are challenged in courts.
• The Vivad Se Vishwas I scheme was announced under Union Budget
2020 to reduce ongoing legal disputes under direct taxation.
• Around 150,000 cases were resolved with the recovery of about 54
per cent of the amount under litigation.
• The scheme was started in March 2020, and closed on March 31,
2021.

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Key details about the Scheme
• Deadline and Guidelines: The scheme sets an October 31 deadline
for firms to submit their claims for consideration.
• Eligibility: The scheme applies to domestic contractual disputes
where one of the parties is either the Government of India or an
organization working under its control.
• Cut-off Dates: To be considered for settlement, an arbitral award
must have been secured by the aggrieved party by January 31, 2023,
while the cut-off date for court orders is set at April 30.
• Graded Settlement Terms

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• Processing and Registration: Eligible claims shall be processed only
through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), which has developed
a dedicated web-page for implementing this scheme. For Ministry of
Railways’ contractors, claims can be registered on the Indian
Railways E-Procurement System.

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The new restriction on
Personal Computers/laptop
imports: Why the move, and
its potential impact
What’s the news?: The central government has placed restrictions on
the import of laptops, tablets, and computers with immediate effect. As
per the notification, the import would be allowed under a valid license
for restricted imports.

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Central Idea
• India has imposed restrictions on the import of personal computers,
laptops, and other IT hardware from China to promote domestic
manufacturing and reduce dependence on Chinese imports. This
move is part of the government’s efforts to boost the electronics
sector and strengthen India’s self-reliance in the production of IT
hardware.

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What does the notification for the restriction on
imports state?
• Restricted Categories: The notification restricts the import of
personal computers, laptops, palmtops, automatic data processing
machines, microcomputers and processors, and large or mainframe
computers falling under the HSN code 8471.
• Import Against a Valid License
• Exemption for Research and Development

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China’s Dominance in IT Hardware Imports
• Increase in Electronic Goods Imports:
• India has witnessed a significant increase in imports of electronic
goods and laptops/computers in recent years.
• During the April-June quarter, the import of electronic goods surged
to $6.96 billion, accounting for 4–7 percent of the overall imports.
• Dominance in the Personal Computers Category:
• In the April-May period, imports of personal computers from China
amounted to $558.36 million, representing roughly 70–80 percent
of India’s total imports in this category.

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• In 2021–22, imports of personal computers and laptops from China
saw a year-on-year increase of 51.5 percent, amounting to $5.34
billion.
• Similarly, in 2020–21, there was a significant year-on-year increase of
44.7 percent, with imports totaling $3.52 billion.

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Reasons behind the restrictions
• Boosting Domestic Production
• Reducing Reliance on China
• Supporting the PLI Scheme:
• Addressing Trade Imbalance: India has faced a trade imbalance in
the electronics sector with China. By limiting imports, India aims to
address this imbalance and potentially improve its trade position.

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Tree Felling Estimates for GNI
Project
Central Idea: The ambitious ₹72,000-crore Great Nicobar Project,
proposed by the Union government, is facing environmental scrutiny as
the number of trees expected to be felled has been revised to 9.64 lakh,
higher than the previously estimated 8.5 lakh

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What is the GNI Project?
• The GNI Project refers to the “Holistic Development of Great
Nicobar Island,” a proposed mega project being piloted by NITI
Aayog.
• The project aims to develop the southern end of the Andaman and
Nicobar group of Islands in the Bay of Bengal by constructing –
• Transhipment port
• Dual-use military-civil international airport
• Power plant and
• A township over a span of 30 years on more than 160 sq. km of
land, of which 130 sq. km is primary forest

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Features of the Project
• Transshipment hub of the East: The proposed port will allow Great
Nicobar to participate in the regional and global maritime economy
by becoming a major player in cargo transhipment.
• Naval control: The port will be controlled by the Indian Navy, while
the airport will have dual military-civilian functions and will cater to
tourism as well.
• Urban amenities: Roads, public transport, water supply and waste
management facilities, and several hotels have been planned to cater
to tourists.

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Significance of the Project
The GNI Project holds both economic and strategic significance:
• Economic Significance: It positions Great Nicobar as a transhipment
hub in the East, strategically located along the East-West
international shipping corridor. This can potentially boost revenue
and make India a significant player in cargo transhipment.
• Strategic Significance: The development of Great Nicobar has been
deemed crucial for national security and consolidating India’s
position in the Indian Ocean Region. The project serves as an oceanic
outpost and addresses concerns over increased Chinese presence in
the Indian Ocean.

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Challenges and Concerns
• Biodiversity Threat
• Indigenous Tribes Displacement
• Deforestation Impact
• Inadequate Environmental Assessments
• Fragile Topography: The region’s tectonic volatility and disaster
vulnerability add to the challenges, particularly considering the 2004
Tsunami’s impact on tribal communities.

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Major Concerns
• Tree Felling Estimate
• Environmental Consequences: The forest earmarked for
development on the Great Nicobar Island is an evergreen tropical
forest with high biological diversity, housing nearly 650 species of
flora and 330 species of fauna.
• Compensatory Afforestation: To offset the tree felling, the
government plans to carry out compensatory afforestation in
Haryana. The state has agreed to provide an area of 261.5 square km
for this purpose.

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• Tribal concerns: The island administration did not grant forest land
ownership to local tribespeople as required under the Forest
Conservation Rules, 2017, raising concerns about consent and rights
recognition.
• Inconsistencies with Stage-I Clearance: The approval process for the
project faced delays, and claims over forest land under the FRA were
not processed adequately.

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Governance

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LPG consumption in Indian
households saw an absolute
reduction in 2023
What’s the news?: For the first time, LPG consumption in Indian
households saw an absolute reduction in 2023 (minus 0.5% versus
FY22) after years of steady growth.

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Central idea
• Over the past 15 years, the Government of India has endeavored to
replicate the urban success of LPG adoption in rural and poorer
households. The Grameen Vitrak Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala
Yojana (PMUY) have significantly expanded the rural distributor base
from 18% to 60%. However, the recent decline in LPG consumption
raised questions about its sustainability and highlighted the need for
a transition.

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PMUY Scheme

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Significant growth in the LPG sector
• Share Increase: The share of Indian households using LPG as their
primary cooking fuel rose from 33% in 2011 to 71% in 2020,
according to the India Residential Energy Consumption Survey
(IRES) conducted by the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water
(CEEW).
• Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY): The successful
implementation of PMUY, launched in May 2016, played a pivotal role
in promoting LPG adoption. Over 8 crore (80 million) free LPG
connections were provided to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL)
households by March 2021.
• Reduction of Health and Environmental Hazards
• Government Initiatives

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Challenges faced by the LPG sector
• Financial Barriers:
• Underutilization of Subsidies: Despite providing three free cylinders
to all PMUY consumers in FY21 as part of the Pradhan Mantri Garib
Kalyan Yojana, only 14.1 crore out of the possible 24 crore free
cylinders were consumed
• Distribution and Logistics: Despite significant efforts, home delivery
and distribution channel issues persisted, particularly affecting non-
PMUY consumers, leading to slow refill rates and hindering the
seamless supply of LPG.

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• Price Volatility
• Import Dependency
• Budgetary Constraints

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Steps and a data-driven approach for India’s clean
cooking transition
• Promote Electric Cooking
• Leverage Electricity Access in Rural Areas
• Incentivize Transition to Electric Cooking
• Support Domestic Manufacturing Ecosystem
• Monetize Avoided Emissions
• Shift the Policy Focus

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Central Idea
• Recent incidents of violence and crime in Manipur have brought the
concept of the ‘Zero First Information Report (FIR)’ into the spotlight.
• The Supreme Court has sought for all data regarding such FIRs in
Manipur Gangrape Incidence.

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What is Zero FIR?
• Provision and Purpose
• No diary
• Swift Action
• Focus on Victims: It is designed to expedite complaint lodging,
particularly for serious crimes involving women and children, without
the need to approach multiple police stations.
• Preserving Evidence: Early registration helps prevent the loss or
tampering of crucial evidence and witnesses.
• Transferred Jurisdiction: The Zero FIR is later transferred to the
relevant police station where the offence occurred or where the
investigation should be conducted.

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Legal Provisions for Zero FIR
The provision of Zero FIR finds support in various judgments and
recommendations.
• Satvinder Kaur vs. State (1999): The Delhi High Court held that a
woman has the right to lodge her complaint from any place other
than where the incident occurred.
• Justice Verma Committee (2012): The introduction of Zero FIR was
based on the recommendation of the Justice Verma Committee,
which was formed in response to the 2012 Nirbhaya gangrape case.
• Lalita Kumari vs. Govt. of UP (2014): The Supreme Court ruled that
registration of an FIR is mandatory when information discloses the
commission of a cognizable offence.

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IIM bill 2023
What’s the news?: A new amendment bill introduced by the Centre in
the Lok Sabha has sparked a debate on the autonomy of the Indian
Institutes of Management (IIMs). The bill proposes to make the
President of India the Visitor to IIMs with powers to audit their
functioning, order probes, and appoint as well as remove directors.

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Central idea
• In 2017, the Parliament passed the IIM Act, significantly expanding
the autonomy of IIMs and giving them greater control over their
affairs. One crucial provision mandated an independent review of the
institutes every three years, with the report to be made public.
However, after six years, only a few IIMs have complied with this
requirement, leading the government to table the IIM (Amendment)
Bill in 2023.

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The proposed provisions in the Bill
• Creation of the Post of Visitor
• Appointment Powers: The Visitor will have the authority to appoint
the chairperson of the Board of Governors (BoG) of the IIMs. This
move grants the President of India a significant say in the leadership
of the institutes.
• Involvement in Director Appointments: The Bill empowers the Visitor
to have a say in the appointment process for directors of IIMs. The
Visitor will have representation on the selection committee for the
appointment of directors, allowing them to influence the choice of
institute heads.
• Review and Inquiry Initiation: The Visitor will have the power to
initiate reviews or inquiries into the affairs of any IIM. This provision
allows for greater oversight and scrutiny of the institutes’ functioning.

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• Director Removal: The Visitor will be granted the authority to remove
a director of an IIM if deemed necessary. This move gives the
President the power to take action against directors who may not be
performing their duties effectively or who are involved in any
misconduct.

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Issues with the Current Governance
• Lack of Accountability: The current governance structure in IIMs
lacks adequate accountability due to the significant autonomy
granted by the 2017 IIM Act.
• Absence of Norms on Key Matters: The IIM Act’s failure to establish
clear norms on crucial matters, such as the appointment of key
positions, has led to a lack of transparency and objectivity in decision-
making.
• Turmoil and Protests
• For instance, at IIM Ahmedabad, faculty and alumni protested against
changes to the institute’s logo and the decision to demolish
architecturally significant structures on the campus.

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• Rising MBA Course Fees: An additional concern with the current
governance is the relentless rise in the fee for MBA courses, which is
not necessarily related to the actual costs of the course.
• Unresponsive to Queries and Suggestions: There have been reports
that some IIMs have been unresponsive to queries and suggestions
from various stakeholders, including the government.
• Uneven Governance Practices: The level of governance and
accountability might vary across different IIMs. Some of the lower-
ranked IIMs have been accused of operating as petty tyrannies, with
directors holding unchecked power.

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Importance of Government Control
• Ensuring Accountability
• Preserving the Public Interest
• Academic Integrity
• Addressing Societal Needs: Government involvement allows IIMs to
align their objectives with societal demands, producing graduates
with relevant skills to address the country’s evolving challenges.

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• Equitable Access and Affordability: Government control promotes
inclusivity by implementing policies that ensure equal access to
quality education, irrespective of socio-economic backgrounds.
• Quality Assurance: Government oversight allows the establishment of
quality assurance mechanisms, ensuring that the IIMs maintain their
reputation as world-class institutions adhering to global standards.

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Concerns Regarding the IIM Amendment Bill 2023
• Potential Government Control
• Autonomy Erosion
• Lack of Stakeholder Involvement: Stakeholders, including directors
of IIMs, are apprehensive about insufficient consultation during the
bill’s drafting, which they believe could impact the institutes’
governance.
• Apprehensions About the Independent Board Model: Critics argue
that the existing independent board model governing B-schools has
been successful globally and could continue to be effective in India
without introducing a Visitor.

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• Potential for Ideological Influence: The critiques allege that the bill
may be used to enforce ideological conformity, raising concerns
about the Visitor’s influence over the institutes’ academic pursuits.
• Impact on Institutional Reputation: Uncertainty surrounding the bill
could affect IIMs’ reputation, leading stakeholders to question their
stability and governance.

80
WHO Report on Tobacco
Control

81
Central Idea
• The WHO has released a report on the progress made in global
tobacco control in the last 15 years.
• The report highlights the impact of the MPOWER measures,
introduced by WHO, to combat tobacco use and protect public
health.

82
What are MPOWER measures by WHO?
• The World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced a set of global
health targets known as “MPOWER measures” to address the global
tobacco epidemic.
• The MPOWER measures were developed to assist countries in
implementing effective tobacco control policies and interventions.
• The term “MPOWER” is an acronym, with each letter representing a
specific area of focus:
☐ M – Monitor tobacco use and prevention policies
☐ P – Protect people from tobacco smoke
☐ O– Offer help to quit tobacco use
☐ W – Warn about the dangers of tobacco
☐ E – Enforce bans on tobacco advertising, promotion, and
sponsorship
☐ R – Raise taxes on tobacco products

83
Key Findings of the Report
• Reduction in Smoking: Globally, there are 300 million fewer smokers
today, with smoking prevalence declining from 22.8% in 2007 to 17%
in 2021. In a city-specific example, hundreds of enforcement drives
and awareness campaigns resulted in a 27% reduction in smoking in
public places.
• Impact of MPOWER Measures: The MPOWER measures have
positively impacted tobacco control efforts worldwide. 71% of the
global population, or 5.6 billion people, are protected by at least one
MPOWER measure, up from 5% in 2008. The number of countries
implementing at least one measure has increased from 44 to 151.
• Global Challenges: Despite progress, 44 countries still do not
implement any MPOWER measure, and there are shortcomings in
enforcing smoke-free policies in healthcare facilities and restaurants.

84
• Focus on Second-Hand Smoke: The report emphasizes the
importance of curbing second-hand smoke, which causes significant
health risks, including 1.3 million tobacco-related deaths among non-
smokers annually. India is among the countries making efforts to
control this aspect.

85
India’s Achievements and Areas for Improvement
• Health Warning Labels: India ranks among the top 10 countries for
having health warning labels on cigarette packs, with 85% of packs
carrying warnings on both sides.
• Ban on E-cigarettes: India has implemented a ban on the sale of e-
cigarettes, which WHO recognizes as an essential step in curbing the
tobacco epidemic.
• Smoking Bans: India has banned smoking in healthcare facilities and
educational institutions, although there is scope for improvement in
terms of enforcement.
• Warnings on OTT Platforms

86
Expert Perspectives
• Experts suggest the need for further amendments to India’s
comprehensive tobacco control laws, with specific attention to
banning the loose sale of cigarettes.
• Implementing warnings on OTT platforms is seen as a necessary
measure to reach a broader audience, especially young viewers.

87
National Youth Policy—Will it
help India reap the promised
demographic dividend?
What’s the news?: India, with 66 percent of its population below the
age of 35, possesses the world’s largest youth population. The National
Youth Policy (NYP) aims to provide a comprehensive framework and
vision for the development and empowerment of young people,
recognizing them as a critical national demographic.

88
Central idea
• As other countries grapple with ageing populations, India’s future
growth trajectory depends on how it nurtures and invests in its youth.
To address this, the Government of India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs
and Sports drafted the NYP 2021, envisioning a 10-year vision for
youth development by 2030.

89
Historical evolution of the National Youth Policy
• NYP 1988: The first NYP was drafted in 1988, aimed at addressing
youth development issues, but specific details were not provided.
• NYP 2003: The NYP was updated in 2003, emphasizing patriotism,
morality-oriented values, and gender justice. However, it lacked
specific action plans.
• NYP 2014: The policy was revised in 2014 with a more focused
approach, defining the youth age group as 15-29. It identified
objectives and priority action areas but faced criticism for lack of
detailed plans.
• NYP 2021: The most recent version, drafted in 2021, takes a holistic
approach and aligns with the UN SDGs. It covers diverse aspects, but
challenges in implementation were noted.

90
Key Features of NYP 2021

91
Significance of the NYP
• Youth Empowerment
• Vision for Future Growth: Each iteration of the NYP builds upon the
previous one, adapting to changing times and needs. The policy’s
forward-looking approach helps India prepare its youth for the future,
enabling them to contribute to the nation’s growth and development.
• Alignment with Global Goals: The NYP 2021 aligns with the United
Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reflecting India’s
commitment to international development agendas.
• Holistic Development: The NYP 2021 takes a holistic approach,
covering various aspects of youth development, such as education,
health, skill development, and social welfare.

92
• Fostering Inclusivity: By focusing on inclusivity, the NYP strives to
provide equal opportunities for all young individuals.
• Social Cohesion: By promoting values of unity, integrity, and respect
for diverse faiths and cultures, the NYP fosters social cohesion
among the youth. This contributes to a harmonious and cohesive
society

93
Challenges to NYP 2021
• Reintegration of NEET Youth: The policy rightly focuses on
reintegrating NEET youth (not in education, employment, or training).
• Disparity in Access to Opportunities: Many socially and economically
disadvantaged youth face enormous challenges in accessing
sustainable livelihoods.
• Structural Barriers in Education: While the policy addresses
symptoms like dropouts, it fails to address inherent structural
barriers within the education system, such as economic migration,
discrimination, and early marriages.
• Complex Implementation: The policy assumes an ideal scenario with
seamless coordination between various ministries, government
departments, and non-state stakeholders.

94
Homeopathy and associated
issues
What’s the news?: In a recent development, the ICMR and the Ministry
of Ayush have agreed to enhance cooperation in health research related
to integrated medicine.

95
Central idea
• The recent push to integrate AYUSH medicinal systems into
mainstream health care to achieve universal health coverage and
decolonize medicine is a commendable pluralistic approach.
However, this endeavor must prioritize safety and efficacy standards
for every participating system. Unfortunately, Homeopathy falls short
of meeting these essential criteria.

96
What is an integrated system of medicine?
• An integrated system of medicine refers to an approach that
combines elements from different healthcare systems or modalities,
such as conventional medicine and traditional, complementary, or
alternative medicine, with the goal of providing comprehensive and
patient-centered care.

97
What Is Homeopathy?
• Homeopathy is a system of alternative medicine founded in the late
18th century by Samuel Heinemann, a German physician.
• Homeopathy is a medical system based on the belief that the body
can cure itself. Those who practice it use tiny amounts of natural
substances like plants and minerals. They believe these stimulate the
healing process.
• This is based on the idea that a substance that causes symptoms in a
healthy individual can stimulate the body’s natural healing response
to overcome similar symptoms in an ill person.

98
Key principles of Homeopathy
• The Law of Similar
• Minimum Dose
• Individualization
• Totality of Symptoms

99
Concerns over the efficacy and safety of
Homeopathy
• Weak Evidence: The Nuremberg Salt Test (1835), a well-conducted
double-blind randomized controlled trial, discredited homeopathy,
attributing its claimed effects to imagination, self-deception, or
potential fraud.
• Inconsistent Systematic Reviews: Multiple systematic reviews and
meta-analyses have consistently shown that homeopathic treatments
lack clinically significant effects across various ailments, population
groups, study types, and treatment regimes.
• Unregistered Trials: Researchers found that more than half of the 193
homeopathic trials conducted in the last two decades were not
registered.

100
• Lack of confidence: The World Health Organization (WHO) has
issued warnings against using homeopathy for serious conditions
such as HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and infant flu and diarrhea. This
indicates a lack of confidence in its effectiveness in treating such
illnesses.
• Ineffectiveness for Serious Conditions: Evidence suggests that
homeopathy may not work effectively in treating cancers and may not
help reduce the adverse effects of cancer treatments.
• Potential Delay in Effective Treatment

101
Arguments in favor of Homeopathy
• Historical Usage
• Individualization of Treatment:
• Minimal Side Effects
• Holistic Approach
• Anecdotal Testimonials

102
Jan Vishwas Bill

103
Central Idea
• The Jan Vishwas Bill, aimed at enhancing ease of doing business,
has sparked a heated debate over certain amendments that modify
the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
• While the bill intends to streamline regulatory provisions, critics
argue that it may allow manufacturers of substandard medicines to
evade imprisonment and instead pay fines for their offenses.

104
Background:
• The Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha on 22nd December 2022 and
referred to the Joint Committee of Parliament.

105
Need:
• Rationalize criminal provisions to reduce undue pressure on the
justice system.
• Address technical and procedural defaults without imposing severe
penalties.
• Establish a balanced approach between the severity of offence and
prescribed punishment.
• Boost the growth of businesses by eliminating barriers and
promoting a conducive legal environment.

106
Key Features of the Bill:
• The Bill seeks to remove imprisonment clauses and/or fines in some
provisions and convert them into penalties in some others.
• The penalties will be determined by adjudicating officers appointed
by the respective Ministries/Departments.
• The Bill also introduces compounding of offences in some provisions,
• The Bill provides for a periodic revision of fines and penalties every
three years, with an increase of 10% of the minimum amount for
various offences in the specified Acts.
• The Bill removes all offences and penalties under the Indian Post
Office Act, of 1898, which is considered to be obsolete and irrelevant
in the present context.

107
Polity

108
Money Bills vs Finance Bills:
What are the differences,
what the court has ruled
What’s the news?: The recent discussions over the Digital Personal
Data Protection (DPDP) Bill have brought to light an important
constitutional question – Is it a Money Bill or an Ordinary Bill? The
distinction between these two types of bills holds significant
implications for the legislative process and decision-making.

109
Central Idea
• In a recent statement, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi
clarified that the DPDP Bill is a regular Bill and not a Money Bill. This
clarification comes against the backdrop of earlier reports
suggesting that the Bill was being introduced under Article 117 of the
Constitution, which deals with special provisions for Finance Bills.

110
What is a Finance Bill?
1. Money Bill Criteria: A Finance Bill becomes a Money Bill when it
exclusively deals with matters specified in Article 110(1)(a) to (g) of the
Constitution.
2. Classification of Finance Bills
a. Category 1: Financial Bills related to Article 110(1)(a) to (f):
i. Introduced or moved only on the President’s recommendation.
ii. Cannot be introduced in the Rajya Sabha.
iii. Examples: Money Bills and other Financial Bills originating
solely in the Lok Sabha.
b. Category 2: Financial Bills related to other matters (Article 110(1)
(g)):
i. Similar to ordinary Bills.
ii. Require the President’s recommendation if they involve
expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India.
iii. It can be introduced in the Rajya Sabha, amended by it, or
deliberated by both Houses in a joint sitting.

111
Money Bill Requirements
• Exclusivity: A Money Bill must exclusively deal with matters specified
in Article 110(1)(a) to (g).
• Certification: A Money Bill must be certified by the Speaker.

112
Important Legal Perspective
• 2017 Finance Act:
• In November 2019, a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court,
headed by the then Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi, struck down
amendments to the 2017 Finance Act passed as a Money Bill.
• The court directed the formulation of fresh norms for appointing
tribunal members and raised questions about the correct
interpretation of Article 110. The matter was referred to a seven-judge
bench.
• 2016 Aadhaar Act:
• The Supreme Court also expressed doubts over its 2018 verdict
upholding the 2016 Aadhaar Act, which was passed as a Money Bill.
• Review petitions regarding the Aadhaar Act are still pending before
the court.

113
114
SC questions equating Article
370 to Basic Structure

115
Central Idea
• The Supreme Court is currently deliberating on the abrogation of
Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
• The court is exploring whether Article 370 can be equated with the
Basic Structure of the Constitution, a principle that enshrines
essential features beyond the Parliament’s amendment powers.

116
117
Background
• The Constituent Assembly of J&K was a temporary body convened for
drafting the State’s Constitution, becoming functus officio after its
completion.
• Article 370 was considered “temporary” because it allowed the people
of J&K to determine their Constitution and the jurisdiction of Union of
India.
• The collaborative relationship between the Union and J&K, with
constant dialogue and parliamentary laws applying to J&K through
Constitution Orders, was disrupted by the abrogation of special
constitutional status in 2019.

118
Debate over Article 370
• Constitutional Process: It has been argued that the abrogation of Article
370 was a purely political act and that there was no constitutional
process available to revoke it.
• Equating with Basic Structure: The court questioned whether
considering the abrogation of Article 370 as impossible amounts to
equating it with the principles of the Basic Structure of the Constitution.
• Article 370 as a “Compact”: It has been contended that Article 370 was
not part of the Basic Structure but a “compact” between the princely
State of J&K and the Government of India, engrafted into the Indian
Constitution.
• Government’s Actions: Concerns have been raised about the
government’s insertion of Article 367(4)(d), which some argue
circumvented the “residuary power” of the State and allowed the
Parliament to act as the J&K Constituent Assembly.

119
Challenges and Concerns Raised
• Permanence of Article 370: The permanence of Article 370 after the
Constituent Assembly’s dissolution in 1957 and the procedure followed
by the NDA government during the abrogation have been debated.
• Constitutional Machinery: Criticisms have been raised that the
Parliament and President took over the powers of the State without
considering the views of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Breakdown of Constitutional Structure: Some argue that the events
leading up to the abrogation constituted a “complete breakdown” of the
constitutional structure, as the State’s powers were absorbed by the
Centre, and the State was bifurcated without proper consent.

120
In news: Appointment of
Election Commissioner

121
Central Idea
• The Supreme Court dismissed a petition filed by the Association for
Democratic Reforms (ADR) challenging the appointment of an
Election Commissioner.
• The court cited a previous Constitution Bench ruling that had already
addressed the issue and decided not to quash the appointment.

122
About Election Commission of India (ECI)
• The ECI is a constitutional body was established by the Constitution
of India to conduct and regulate elections in the country.
• Article 324 of the Constitution provides that the power of
superintendence, direction, and control of elections.
• The body administers elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State
Legislative Assemblies, State Legislative Councils and the offices of
the President and Vice President of the country.
• Thus, the Election Commission is an all-India body in the sense that it
is common to both the Central government and the state
governments.
• The Election Commission operates under the authority of
Constitution per Article 324 and subsequently enacted
Representation of the People Act 1951.

123
Composition of ECI
• The ECI was established in 1950 and originally only had one Chief
Election Commissioner.
• Two additional Commissioners were appointed to the commission for
the first time during the 1989 General Election, but they had a very
short tenure, ending on 1 January 1990.
• The Election Commissioners are assisted by Deputy Election
Commissioners, who are generally IAS officers.
• They are further assisted by Directors General, Principal Secretaries,
and Secretaries and Under Secretaries.
• At the state level, Election Commission is assisted by the Chief
Electoral Officer of the State, who is an IAS officer of Principal
Secretary rank.
• At the district and constituency levels, the District Magistrates (in
their capacity as District Election Officers), Electoral Registration
Officers and Returning Officers perform election work.

124
Tenure
• The tenure of election commissioners is not prescribed by Indian
Constitution.
• However, the Election Commission conduct of service Act, 1991
prescribes the term of service.
• Chief Election Commissioner or an Election Commissioner shall hold
office for a term of six years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever
is earlier, from the date on which he/she assumes his/her office.

125
Removal from office
• The Chief Election Commissioner of India can be represented
removed from their office in a manner similar to the removal of a
judge of the Supreme Court of India.
• It requires a resolution passed by the Parliament of India a two-thirds
majority in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha on the grounds
of proved misbehaviour or incapacity.
• Other Election Commissioners can be removed by the President of
India on the recommendation of the Chief Election Commissioner.
• A Chief Election Commissioner has never been impeached in India.

126
Recent incidence of criticisms of ECI
Ans. Partiality in Elections
• Over the last couple of years, several actions and omissions of the
commission have come in for criticism.
• Nearly 66 former bureaucrats in a letter addressed to the President,
expressed their concern over the working of the Election Commission.
• They felt was suffering from a credibility crisis, citing various
violations of the model code of conduct during the 2019 Lok Sabha
Elections.

127
Importance of ECI for India
• Conduction of Election: The ECI has been successfully conducting
national as well as state elections since 1952.
• Electoral participation: In recent years, however, the Commission has
started to play a more active role to ensure greater participation of
people.
• Discipline of political parties: It had gone to the extent of disciplining
the political parties with a threat of derecognizing if the parties failed
in maintaining inner-party democracy.
• Upholds federalism
• Free and fair elections: It conducts elections with the highest
standard of credibility, freeness, fairness, transparency, integrity,
accountability, autonomy and professionalism.

128
Issues with ECI
• Flaws in the composition: The Constitution doesn’t prescribe
qualifications for members of the EC. They are not debarred from
future appointments after retiring or resigning.
• No security of tenure
• Partisan role
• Political favor
• Non-competence

129
Criminal Defamation in India

130
Central Idea
• The Supreme Court’s recent decision to stay the conviction in a
criminal defamation case has significant implications for the
parliamentary representation of a prominent political leader.
• The court highlighted the absence of valid reasons for awarding the
maximum sentence and emphasized the need for mutual respect and
caution in public speeches.

131
What is Criminal defamation?
• Criminal defamation is a type of crime where a person makes a false
statement about someone else that harms their reputation and does
so intentionally or with reckless disregard for the truth. This false
statement must be communicated to others, either in writing or
verbally.

132
What are the laws regulating Criminal defamation
in India?

133
In India, Criminal defamation is regulated by the following laws:
• Indian Penal Code (IPC): Sections 499 and 500 of the IPC define
defamation as a criminal offence.
• Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC): This law outlines the procedure
for prosecuting criminal offences, including criminal defamation.
• Indian Evidence Act: This act outlines the rules for presenting
evidence in court, including in cases of criminal defamation.
• Information Technology Act (IT Act): This act includes provisions
related to online defamation and cybercrime, which can be used to
prosecute cases of criminal defamation that occur on the internet.
• Right to Information Act (RTI Act): This law allows citizens to access
government records and information, which can be used to gather
evidence in cases of criminal defamation.

134
Advantages of Criminal Defamation
• Protection of Reputation
• Deterrence Against Falsehoods
• Preventing Vigilante Justice
• Balancing Freedom of Expression
• Promotion of Ethical Journalism

135
Issues related with criminal Defamation law
• Chilling Effect on Free Speech
• Misuse for Political Gain
• Unequal Power Dynamics
• Burden of Proof
• Slow Judicial Process
• Inhibition of Investigative Journalism
• Inconsistent Application
• Shift from Civil Remedies

136
What are the judicial interventions on Criminal
defamation in India?
• Constitutionality: In the Subramanian Swamy v. Union of India case,
the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of criminal
defamation laws in India, stating that they are necessary to protect
the reputation of individuals.
• Right to free speech: The Supreme Court has also recognized that
the right to free speech and expression is important, but it is not
absolute and must be balanced with the right to reputation.
• Interpretation of provisions: The courts have interpreted the
provisions of criminal defamation laws, such as what constitutes a
“public setting” and the scope of the defences available to the
accused.

137
• Remedies: The courts have provided remedies for those who have
been defamed, including compensation and punishment for the
offender. For example, In Arun Jaitley v. Arvind Kejriwal case, the
Delhi High Court held that the statements made by Arvind Kejriwal
against Arun Jaitley were defamatory and ordered him to pay
damages.
• Fair criticism: In the Ram Jethmalani v. Subramanian Swamy case,
the Supreme Court held that there is a difference between fair
criticism and defamation, and that criticism is not defamation unless
it is made with the intent to harm the reputation of the person.

138
Supreme Court’s recent observations
• Lack of Reasoning: The court noted that the trial judge failed to
provide any reasons for awarding the maximum sentence,
considering the penal code allowed various options for punishment.
• High Court’s Omission: The Supreme Court observed that the High
Court, in its judgment, overlooked the crucial aspect of the lack of
reasoning behind the severe punishment.
• Impact on Representation: The court highlighted that disqualification
from Parliament affects not only the individual but also the electorate
represented by the person in question, raising concerns about
unrepresented constituencies.
• Exercise of Caution by Public Figures

139
Parliamentary Privilege and
the Privileges Committee: A
Closer Look

140
Central Idea
• During the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, there were
differences between the ruling and opposition parties, leading to
complaints against 2 MPs.
• These complaints were referred to the Privileges Committee.

141
What is Parliamentary Privilege?
• Definition: Parliamentary privilege refers to the rights and immunities
enjoyed by legislators during the course of their legislative duties.
• Protection: MPs/MLAs are protected from civil or criminal liability for
actions or statements made while discharging their legislative functions.
• Constitutional Basis: The powers, privileges, and immunities of both
Houses of the Indian Parliament and their members are enshrined in
Article 105 whereas Article 194 deals with State Legislatures.

142
Understanding Privilege Motion
• Breaching Privilege: Any disregard of the rights and immunities
constitutes a breach of privilege and is punishable under parliamentary
law.
• Motion: A notice in the form of a motion can be moved by any member of
either House against those held guilty of a breach of privilege.
• Contempt Actions: The Houses also have the right to punish actions that
may not be a specific breach of privilege but are offenses against their
authority and dignity.

143
Instances of Privilege Notices
• Indira Gandhi’s Expulsion (1978): Indira Gandhi was expelled from the
Lok Sabha for obstructing government officials from collecting
information for a question on Maruti.
• Subramanian Swamy’s Expulsion (1976): Subramanian Swamy faced
expulsion from the Rajya Sabha for engaging in interviews perceived as
“anti-India propaganda.”
• Cash for Query Scandal (2005): Eleven “tainted” MPs involved in the
cash for query scandal were expelled from the Lok Sabha.

144
Referring to the Privileges Committee
• Composition: In the Lok Sabha, the Speaker nominates a 15-member
Committee of Privileges based on respective party strengths.
• Report Presentation: The Committee presents a report to the House for
consideration. A half-hour debate may be permitted while considering
the report.
• Final Orders: The Speaker may pass final orders or direct that the report
be tabled before the House.
• Resolution: A resolution relating to the breach of privilege must be
unanimously passed.
• Rajya Sabha: In the Rajya Sabha, the Deputy Chairperson heads the 10-
member Committee of Privileges.

145
Issues related to Parliamentary privilege in India
• Scope and Definition
• Conflict with Freedom of Speech
• Misuse of Privilege
• Accountability and Immunity

146
• Judicial Review
• Lack of Codification
• Modern Context: The traditional concept of parliamentary privilege was
developed in a different era, and there are debates about how well it
aligns with the needs and challenges of modern democracy and the
digital age.

147
Mains Marks enhancer: Suggestions of Commitees
and Supreme Court
• Parliamentary Committees:
• a. Venkatachaliah Committee (2002): The Committee on Parliamentary
Privileges, headed by former Chief Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah,
recommended that the power to punish for contempt of Parliament
should be used judiciously and not to suppress dissent or curtail
criticism.
• b. Standing Committee on Home Affairs (2007): The committee
emphasized the need for a balance between the privileges of Parliament
and the fundamental rights of citizens. It recommended that MPs
exercise caution while raising matters involving character assassination.

148
• Supreme Court of India:
• a. Keshav Singh Case (1965): The Supreme Court held that a person’s
right to speak freely about the character or conduct of members of the
Parliament is protected unless the statement is false and is made with
the knowledge or belief that it is false or with reckless indifference to the
truth.
• b. L. Chandra Kumar Case (1997): The Supreme Court upheld the
concept of judicial review over parliamentary privileges. It held that while
the validity of a law is subject to judicial review, the assessment of the
breach of privilege is within the exclusive domain of the legislature.
• C. Jaya Bachchan Case (2006): The Supreme Court, while hearing a
case involving statements made by an MP outside the Parliament, ruled
that MPs’ statements made outside the Parliament may not enjoy the
same level of immunity as statements made within the House.

149
150
1
International
Relations

2
Israel Judicial Reform
Explained: What is the crisis
about?

July 24, the governing coalition in Israel’s Parliament (Knesset) passed a critical
part of its judicial overhaul plan

3
4
5
PYQ Mains-

2019- France Indian constitution secularism

2020-Judicial systems between India and UK

2021- Equality- USA and India

2022- Presidents-India and France.

6
Motivations behind the Overhaul

• Right-Wing Government’s Agenda: Judiciary impeding their

legislative agenda and settlement expansion in Palestinian territories.

• Shift in Israel’s Polity

• Influence of Think Tank: The Kohelet Policy Forum, a think tank

backed by American and Israeli billionaires, has played a significant
role

7
Protests and Concerns

• Undermining Democracy: fears of authoritarian theocracy

• Spread to different groups, including military reservists

• Supreme Court Review: Petitions in the Supreme Court challenging

the legislation on the reasonability doctrine. The court, facing a
constitutional showdown, will review the challenges, even though the
law curtails its own powers.

8
Places in news: Kuril Islands

MAPPING - IR

WORLD HISTORY- OCCUPATION OF MANCHURIA .

9
The islands are home to several active volcanoes, with some of the notable ones being Alaid, Ebeko,
and Chikurachki. 10
11
12
Saudi Arabia to mediate
Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Saudi Arabia has taken step towards mediating the Russia-Ukraine conflict by hosting peace talks on
August 5 and 6 in Jeddah.

Participants: The UK, EU, India, South Africa, Poland, and the US National Security Advisor have
confirmed their attendance. Russia, having rejected Ukraine’s peace plan, has not been invited.

Goal: Ukraine aims to garner support for its 10-point peace plan and promote the restoration of
lasting and just peace. The talks are seen as a constructive way to involve non-aligned countries and
promote third-party mediation beyond the West.
13
14
MAPPING - IR - RIVERS, BLACK SEA, BORDERING COUNTRIES.

WORLD HISTORY- WORLD WARS.

15
16
Reasons Behind Russia-Ukraine War

• Historical Background: Soviet Union dissolution in 1991.

• Crimea Annexation - In 2014.

• Pro-Russian Insurgency in Eastern Ukraine: Pro-Russian separatist movements emerged in

parts of Eastern Ukraine ( Donbas ) .

• Geopolitical Interests: Russia views Ukraine as part of its sphere of influence. While Ukraine
seeks to assert its independence and sovereignty.

• Ethnic and Linguistic Divisions.

• Energy Resources: Natural gas exports to Europe.

17
Status of the War

• Kerch Bridge Incident: A terrorist attack on the Kerch Bridge led to Russia terminating the
Black Sea Grain Initiative, further impacting grain shipments from Ukraine.

• Ukraine’s Counter-Offensive: Ukraine continues its counter-offensive efforts, achieving

advances in some regions but facing challenges in others.

• US-Supplied Cluster Bombs: Ukraine’s use of US-supplied cluster bombs has been confirmed,
effective against Russian defensive positions.

• NATO Entry Denied: Ukraine’s last-ditch effort to secure an invitation for NATO membership
was not successful.

• Ukraine attacks Moscow: At least 3 different Ukrainian-made drones have been used in attacks
inside Russia, including Moscow.

18
India’s Position in the Conflict

• Exercising strategic autonomy: India practices strategic autonomy, maintaining nuanced

neutrality between the US-led West and Russia.

• Favor for Russia: India abstains from supporting the US-led Western coalition, focusing on
economic relationships with both parties.

• Symbolic Criticisms: India emphasizes the importance of respecting territorial integrity

while calling for an immediate end to violence and diplomatic solutions.

• Condemnation: PM Modi openly appealed to Mr. Putin for peace, highlighting the pursuit of
diplomatic solutions.
19
Security Issues

20
CERT-IN warns against Akira
Ransomware

21
The Computer Emergency Response Team of India (CERT-In) issued a warning about the Akira
ransomware

22
Two key features

Encryption and Data Theft: It encrypts sensitive data on targeted

devices and appends the “Akira” extension to filenames.

Shadow Volume Deletion: It deletes Windows Shadow Volume

copies, hindering data recovery options for affected
organizations.

23
Protective Measures against Akira Ransomware
• Regular Backups: Maintain up-to-date offline backups to ensure data recovery.

• System Updates: Regularly update operating systems and networks, and implement virtual
patching for legacy systems.

• Email Authentication: Establish Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and

Conformance (DMARC), Domain Keys Identified Mail (DKIM), and Sender Policy
Framework (SPF) to prevent email spoofing and spam.

• Strong Authentication: Enforce strong password policies and multi-factor authentication

(MFA) to secure user accounts.
• Data Encryption: Implement data-at-rest and data-in-transit encryption to protect sensitive
information.
• Attachment Blocking: Block suspicious attachment file types like .exe, .pif, or .url to prevent
malicious downloads.
• Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits, especially for critical networks and
database servers, to identify vulnerabilities.
24
MAINS-

2020- DIFFERENT TYPES OF CYBER CRIMES AND MEASURES REQUIRED

2017- POTENTIAL THREATS OF CYBER ATTACK AND SECURITY FRAMEWORK TO PREVENT IT

2015- CRITICAL EVALUATION OF NATIONAL CYBER SECURITY POLICY 2013.

NEED FOR DIGITAL ARMED FORCES??

RELATION OF SUCH CYBER CRIMES WITH DATA SECURITY

25
IoT & SMART technology
threats from China: Pathways
for India’s military

Chinese software technologies and applications that were once

widespread are now facing bans and restrictions worldwide due to data
leaks, vulnerabilities, and national security risks.

26
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The IoT sector in India is projected to reach a turnover of US$1.1 billion by 2023, with significant
growth observed in the market for IoT products (264 percent increase in Q2 2022.

CONCERNS DUE TO POPUL ARITY, DIVERSITY AND REMOTE CAPABILITIES

28
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Addressing Security Concerns in India’s Military Establishments

• Need to formalize strategies to address security concerns related to SMART technologies.

• Categorizing Vulnerable Devices: Analyzing and categorizing SMART products used in non-
technical, non-operational military spaces for potential bans on devices relaying information to
China.

• Thorough Vetting for New Implementations of Any software or technologies.

• Coherent and Institutionalized Approach: Will enable proactive prevention of data leaks and
breaches through SMART technologies and IoT

32
Inter-Services Organizations
Bill, 2023

The Lok Sabha recently passed the Inter-Services Organisation

(Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023, as part of a series of
military reforms aimed at empowering the nation.

33
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Existing Challenges

• Rigid Service Rules: Implementing changes in fixed rules of the three services presents a
challenge, requiring careful consideration and consensus-building.

• Incorporating Advanced Technologies: Integrating emerging technologies like AI and drone

technology into modern warfare poses a challenge that demands effective planning and
adaptation.

• Logistical Issues: Formulating joint rules and collaboration is hindered by logistical challenges
specific to certain services, necessitating coordination and cooperation.

• Burden on CDS: The Chief of Defence Services (CDS) carries multiple roles, leading to potential
operational burdens that must be managed for effective execution.
36
Enviro & Biodiversity

37
International Tiger Day

First instituted in 2010 at the Tiger Summit in St Petersburg, Russia when the 13 tiger range
countries came together to create Tx2, the global goal to double the number of wild tigers by the
38
year 2022.
39
PRELIMS - IUCN STATUS OF EACH OF THESE

MAINS -QUESTION ON CONSERVATION OF BIG CATS

Q. As apex predators, big cats play a crucial role in preserving ecosystems. However, their

conservation faces several obstacles. Discuss.

40
41
Regional Distribution: In 2022, the states with the highest tiger populations were Madhya
Pradesh (785), Karnataka (563), Uttarakhand (560), and Maharashtra (444). Nearly 25% of
the tigers were reported outside protected areas.
42
INDIA - A BEACON OF HOPE,
TRANSLOCATING TIGERS EVEN
TO CAMBODIA

43
Reasons behind increase in Tiger Population in India

• Effective Conservation: “Project Tiger,” 1973.

• Case study: Kaziranga Tiger Reserve in Assam- conservation and population recovery of
the one-horned rhinoceros and the Bengal tiger and Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka.

• Strict Anti-Poaching Measures: Increased law enforcement and anti-poaching efforts.

• Habitat Protection and Restoration: Efforts to protect existing tiger habitats and restore
degraded areas have provided more space for tigers to thrive.

44
• Community Involvement around tiger habitats in conservation efforts
has reduced human-tiger conflicts and fostered support. Example
around Buxa Tiger Reserve in Bengal.

• Connectivity and Wildlife Corridors reducing genetic isolation and

enhancing breeding prospects. Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger
Reserve in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana benefits from this.

• Continuous research and monitoring of tiger populations have

improved understanding and aided conservation efforts.Example-
around Satpura Tiger Reserve.

• Collaboration with international organizations and other tiger-range

countries has enhanced conservation efforts on a global scale.
Sundarbans Tiger Reserve in West Bengal for ex through joint
patrolling
45
Challenges and Concerns

• Habitat Fragmentation due to developmental activities

• Quality of Forest Cover: This can impact prey availability

• Human-Wildlife Conflict

• Legal Framework Dilution in recent times for example the Forest

Conservation Act 1980

46
Cheetah deaths are a setback for
the reintroduction project but they
do not signal a failure

What’s the news?: Tblisi, a female cheetah translocated from Namibia, has died
at Kuno National Park. With 30% of the 20 translocated cheetahs dead in just
over four months, the alarm bells are ringing.

47
48
Historical Presence of Cheetahs in India

Historical Reference- India- Sanskrit word, Strabo, Mughals.

Last Cheetah- 1947.

1970s- from Iran.

2009- restarted.

2012- Judiciary stalled

49
Cheetah’s Role as an Evolutionary Force

• Prey Population Control: Survival of Fittest.

• Maintaining Biodiversity regulates the population of herbivores,

such as the blackbuck, which is its major prey species.

• Balancing Ecosystem Dynamics.

• Ecosystem Services: vegetation dynamics and nutrient cycling,

contributing to the overall functioning of the ecosystem.

50
Economic Benefits of Reintroduction

Ecotourism Revenue.

Employment Opportunities: Jobs in hospitality, guiding, park

management, conservation efforts, etc.

Promotion of Community-Based Ecotourism leading to a sense of

ownership and empowerment.

Inclusive development through sharing of tourist revenue with nearby

buffer zone villages incentivising positive attitude to conservation.

51
• Increase in Real Estate Value of surrounding areas.

• Research and Education Opportunities promoting studies on cheetah

behavior, ecology, and conservation, contributing to scientific
knowledge and environmental education.

• Positive Perception: Enhance India’s international image to be

capitalised for fund generation for conservation.

52
Challenges in Reintroduction and Conservation

• Mortality Risks such as snaring, attacks by leopards and feral dogs,

starvation, disease, and road kills.

• Adaptation to Indian Climate, Photoperiod, grassland ecosystem etc.

• Enclosed Protected Areas increase risk of mortality

• Issues of Genetic Diversity due to the small numbers causing

inbreeding depression and hamper the long-term viability .

• Interactions with Livestock: Cheetahs may occasionally prey on

livestock, leading to conflicts with local communities.

53
Hybrid EVs:Net-Zero Mobility

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Achieving Net-Zero for Vehicles:

• Decarbonization of Vehicles via Electrification.

• Renewable Energy Integration: Electricity used to charge batteries to

come from renewable sources.

• Sustainable Fuels for certain types of vehicles that may not be easily
electrifiable, such as heavy-duty trucks and aviation.

• Infrastructure Development: Building and expanding charging

infrastructure.

56
• Carbon Offsetting: Remove or reduce an equivalent amount of
carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, such as afforestation,
reforestation, or renewable energy projects.

• Policy Support: Incentives, subsidies, emissions standards, and

carbon pricing mechanisms can encourage consumers and industries
to adopt cleaner transportation options.

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How Hybrid Vehicle will help in achieving Net Zero
emission?

• Fuel Efficiency
• Reduced Emissions

• Increased Range and Flexibility: Extended driving range, making

them suitable for diverse driving conditions, including long-distance
trips.

• Charging Infrastructure: as HEVs donot solely rely on charging

stations

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• Transition to Full EVs

• Energy Security

• Technology Transfer and Local Manufacturing leading to

development of indigenous technologies and job creation.

60
Challenges in Transitioning to Electric Mobility

• Fast-Charging Infrastructure for successfull transition

• Grid Access and Reliability: Many regions lack access to a reliable

grid, posing challenges for slow and fast-charging capabilities.

• Vehicle Costs as battery costs are expensive

61
Steps taken by Indian Government

• FAME India Scheme: promotes the adoption of electric and hybrid

vehicles. It offers incentives and subsidies to both manufacturers
and consumers to reduce the upfront cost of hybrid vehicles.

• Tax Benefits: This includes reduced Goods and Services Tax

(GST) rates and lower registration fees for hybrid vehicles.

• Research and Development Incentives: Providing financial

incentives and grants.

• Infrastructure Development: Enhancing charging and refueling

infrastructure for electric and hybrid vehicles.

62
• Green Public Procurement: Promotion of the adoption of hybrid vehicles in public sector
organizations and government fleets to set an example.

• Awareness and Education Campaigns: To inform consumers about the benefits of hybrid
vehicles and to dispel any myths or misconceptions.

• Collaborations and Partnerships to foster technological advancements and knowledge

sharing.

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Mains marks enhancer: International Best Practice

• Carpool Lane Access: Incentivizes their adoption by offering a

time-saving advantage during peak traffic hours. Example:
Several states in the United States, such as California provide this.

• Low Emission Zones where only vehicles meeting specific

emission standards, including hybrids, are allowed to enter .
Example: London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charges
higher fees for higher-emission vehicles.

• Research and Development: Encouraging research and

development in hybrid vehicle technology helps improve
efficiency and performance as had been done by South Korea

65
• Education and Awareness: Conducting educational campaigns to
dispel myths. Example: New Zealand’s Energy Efficiency and
Conservation Authority (EECA) has run educational campaigns to
inform the public about the benefits of hybrid vehicles.

• Tailored Incentives: Tailoring incentives and benefits based on the

level of electrification (e.g., mild hybrids, full hybrids, plug-in hybrids)
Example: Germany offers varying levels of incentives based on the
electric range of plug-in hybrid vehicles to promote their use.

66
Captive breeding of Himalayan
Vultures achieved
67
Central Idea

• In a remarkable achievement for conservation efforts, researchers

have successfully recorded the first instance of captive breeding of
the Himalayan vulture (Gyps himalayensis) in India.

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PRELIMS-

IUCN STATUS OF SOME KEY VULTURES-

White-rumped vulture (Critically Endangered) Slender-billed vulture (Critically Endangered), Long billed vulture
(Critically Endangered), Red headed vulture (Critically Endangered), Egyptian vulture (Endangered), Himalayan
Griffon (Near Threatened), Cinereous vulture (Near Threatened), Bearded vulture (Near Threatened) , Griffon
Vulture (Least Concern).

https://youtu.be/DGRB5jwS3U4

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Experts laud Centre’s move to ban aceclofenac, ketoprofen

What’s the news?: The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare banned the manufacture, sale,
and distribution of ketoprofen and aceclofenac and their formulations for animal use under Section
26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 (23 of 40) in a notification dated July 31, 2023

The alarming revelation in 2004 showed that 97% of the vulture population had been lost, primarily
affecting species like oriental white-backed vultures, long-billed vultures, and slender-billed vultures due
to diclofenac

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Enzymes cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2)

Since vultures are slow breeders and have long lifespans, any increase in the annual mortality
rate above 5% could threaten their survival.

72
Threats posed by Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac to
vultures

• Conversion to Toxic Metabolites such as diclofenac. Diclofenac is

extremely harmful to vultures and can cause kidney failure and death
when they consume the carcasses of treated animals.

• Slow Metabolism in Vultures: Vultures have a slow metabolism

compared to other birds, which makes them more susceptible to the
harmful effects of these drugs. The accumulation of toxic metabolites
in their bodies over time can lead to severe health issues and
fatalities.

• Scavenging Behavior: Vultures are obligate scavengers, meaning

they primarily feed on carrion (dead animals). However, this
scavenging behavior makes them highly vulnerable to ingesting
contaminated animal remains.

73
At Assam State Zoo, Guwahati. The nestling was later moved to an artificial brooding facility
on March 15.

Vulture Conservation Breeding Centers: Four Vulture Conservation Breeding Centers (VCBC)
in Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, and West Bengal. These centers focus on conserving
White-rumped vultures, Slender-billed vultures, and Indian vultures, all of which are
categorized as ‘Critically Endangered.’

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Vulture Recovery Plan 2004

aimed to ban the veterinary use of diclofenac, find safer substitutes, and
establish conservation breeding centers for vultures.

• In 2006, the use of diclofenac as a veterinary drug was banned and

later gazetted in 2008.

• The ban prompted the recommendation to use the safer drug,

meloxicam, as an alternative.

• Despite this progress, other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

(NSAIDs), such as ketoprofen and aceclofenac, still posed a threat to
vultures.

75
Challenges in Implementation
• Conflicting Situations on the Ground: While many experts and
organizations support the ban to protect vultures, there may be
opposing views from stakeholders who have vested interests in the
use of these drugs.
• Role of State and Central Governments: While the ban decision
comes from the central government, it is essential to observe how the
state and central governments collaborate to enforce the prohibition
effectively.
• Immediate Implementation and Awareness: The ban has been
introduced without a specified date for implementation, making it an
immediate measure. This calls for swift action from state authorities
and relevant agencies to ensure that the ban is followed promptly.
• Potential Opposition to the Ban: Given the significance of livestock
and agriculture in India, there may be opposition to the ban from
certain quarters, who rely on the use of Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac
for animal treatment.

76
• Extending Safety Measures to Other Raptors: Ensuring the safety of
drugs for other raptors might require additional research and testing
to understand potential risks and adverse effects on these birds.

77
Science Tech

78
BPaL Trial yields 85% TB Cure
Rate

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Issues with the treatment

• Three to four trial participants experienced serious adverse effects,

but these were either managed or occurred too late in the disease’s
progression to be helped.

• Some cases of mild adverse effects caused by linezolid included a

drop in haemoglobin and platelet counts, as well as neuropathy
(tingling sensation and numbness in the legs).

85
Potential of Cell-Free DNA
(cfDNA) in Disease Research
Researchers worldwide are increasingly using Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) as
a valuable tool to better comprehend human diseases, improve
diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis.

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WorldCoin: Building a Global
Digital Network with
Biometric Identity

90
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WLD is a cryptocurrency based on the
Ethereum blockchain and can be bought,
sold, or traded on major exchanges.

93
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Various risks/Concerns

• Price Volatility: Its value can rise or fall, and users should be cautious
about investing in lesser-known digital currencies.

• Security Risks: Users must be wary of potential scams or hacks

related to cryptocurrency investments.

• Privacy Concerns

• Scanning in Emerging Economies: It scanned underprivileged

people’s irises in emerging economies during the COVID-19
pandemic, raising ethical questions about informed consent and
rewards for scans.

95
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About National Deep Tech Startup Policy (NDTSP)
• The policy aims to secure India’s position in the global deep tech
value chain, with a focus on areas such as semiconductors, Artificial
Intelligence (AI), and space tech.
• It aims to bolster research and development in deep tech startups,
streamline intellectual property regimes, provide financing support,
and promote the growth of these startups through various measures.

98
Key objectives:
• Focus on Fundamental and Technical Problems: The NDTSP
emphasizes support for deep tech startups focusing on fundamental
and technical challenges rather than just commercializing existing
technologies.
• Financing Support: The policy addresses the critical financing needs
of deep tech startups, especially during the pre-market phase when
they introduce their products or ideas.
• Streamlined Intellectual Property Regime: The policy aims to simplify
the intellectual property landscape for deep tech startups to
encourage innovation without undue complexities.
• Ease of Regulatory Compliance: The NDTSP proposes measures to
ease regulatory requirements for deep tech startups, creating a
conducive environment for their growth.
• Commercialization Support: The policy suggests providing
assistance and resources to effectively manage and commercialize
technologies developed by deep tech startups.

99
Measures to Promote Deep Tech Startups
• Export Promotion Board: The NDTSP recommends creating an
Export Promotion Board to facilitate Indian deep tech startups’ entry
into foreign markets.
• Coordinated Oversight: To streamline the deep tech ecosystem, the
policy recommends establishing an “Inter-Ministerial Deep Tech
Committee” to review and coordinate requirements effectively.
• International Collaboration and Market Access: The policy promotes
strategic international collaborations and partnerships to enhance
market access for Indian deep tech startups globally.
• Defense and Space Sector Focus: The NDTSP specifically targets
deep tech startups in defense and space sectors, aiming to enhance
their contributions to national security and space exploration.

100
Attracting Global Talent and Expertise
• Networking Opportunities: The policy advocates providing
networking opportunities to international deep-tech startups and
experts interested in contributing to India’s local ecosystem.
• Resource-Intensive Approaches: The NDTSP emphasizes resource-
intensive measures to attract global talent, strengthening India’s
deep tech capabilities.
• Visa and Immigration Facilitation: The policy proposes simplifying
visa and immigration processes to attract foreign experts and
investors to support the growth of deep tech startups.
•

101
Room Temperature Superconductivity

102
Central Idea
• Recently, two South Korean researchers sparked excitement in the
physics community by claiming to have achieved Superconductivity
at room temperature.
• They claim to have developed a lead-based compound exhibiting
superconducting properties at normal room temperature and
pressure (NTP) conditions.

103
104
What is Superconductivity?
• Zero Resistance: Superconductivity occurs when a material offers
almost zero resistance to the flow of electric current, enabling energy-
efficient electrical appliances and lossless power transmission.
• Magnetic Behavior: Superconductors also display fascinating
behavior under magnetic fields, enabling technologies like MRI
machines and superfast Maglev trains.

105
Exploring the Material LK-99
• Apatite Structure: The Korean group utilized copper-substituted lead
apatite, a phosphate mineral with unique tetrahedral motifs, to create
LK-99.
• Superconducting Behavior: LK-99 displayed essential
superconducting properties, with almost zero resistance to current
flow and sudden emergence of resistance above a critical current
threshold.
• Magnetic Resilience: LK-99 retained superconductivity even under
the presence of a magnetic field until reaching a critical threshold.

106
Current Superconductors and Their Limitations
• Earlier Discoveries: In the 1980s, scientists found copper oxide
materials exhibiting superconductivity above -240°C. Subsequent
research yielded limited success in achieving higher temperatures.
• Extreme Conditions: Existing superconductors operate at extremely
low temperatures, often below -250°C, close to absolute zero
(-273°C).
• Critical Temperatures: Materials like Mercury, Lead, and Aluminum,
Tin, and Niobium exhibit superconductivity at critical temperatures
just above absolute zero.
• High-Temperature Superconductors: Some materials, labelled ‘high-
temperature’ superconductors, display superconducting properties
below -150°C.

107
Quest for Room Temperature Superconductors
• Ideal Conditions: Scientists seek a material that shows
superconductivity at or near room temperature (20-25°C) under
normal pressure.
• False Starts: Numerous claims of room temperature superconductors
have been made, but none have withstood rigorous scrutiny.
• Cautious Optimism: The scientific community remains cautious due
to previous unverified claims, retracted papers, and concerns about
data accuracy.

108
Challenges and Possibilities
• Intense Competition: The race to discover room-temperature
superconductors drives some scientists to make premature or
exaggerated claims.
• Complexity of Materials: True room-temperature superconductors
are expected to be more complex and challenging to synthesize and
stabilize than low-temperature superconductors.
• Reproducibility: Critical experiments and data must be reproducible
by other researchers to validate any claims.

109
Scientific Community’s Response
• Cautious Optimism: The scientific community responded cautiously
to the claims of LK-99’s room-temperature superconductivity, given
previous controversies and unverified claims.
• Technical Errors: Some data in the research papers raised questions
and were deemed “sloppy” or “fishy” by independent scientists.
• Replication Efforts: Numerous research groups worldwide are
attempting to reproduce the results to validate the claim.
• Mixed Perspectives: The authors’ unwavering confidence in their
work contrasts with certain aspects of the research that appear
hurried or contentious.

110
Legacy of Voyager Mission
Central Idea: After more than four decades in space, Voyager 2, Earth’s
longest-running space probe, experienced a communication loss with
NASA.

111
112
Voyager Mission
• Originally planned to explore the five outer planets (Mars, Jupiter,
Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune) with four complex spacecraft, NASA
changed its approach due to budget constraints.
• The agency decided to send two identical probes, Voyager 1 and
Voyager 2, initially slated to explore only Jupiter and Saturn. In 1974,
they were redirected to explore Uranus and Neptune as well.
• The Voyager spacecraft took advantage of a rare alignment of
Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune that occurs once every 175
years.
• This alignment allowed the spacecraft to harness the gravity of each
planet, enabling them to swing from one to the next using minimal
fuel.

113
Features of the Voyager
• Identical Design: Both Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 are equipped with 10
different instruments to carry out various experiments. These
instruments include cameras for celestial imaging, infrared and
ultraviolet sensors, magnetometers, plasma detectors, and cosmic-
ray sensors.
• Nuclear Power Source: As their missions involved traveling far from
the Sun, the spacecraft relied on a small nuclear power plant fueled
by the radioactive decay of plutonium pellets, providing hundreds of
watts of power.
• Golden Phonograph Records: Each spacecraft carries a golden
phonograph record, intended as a time capsule for any
extraterrestrial life that might encounter the probes in the distant
future. The record contains images, natural sounds, music, greetings
in multiple languages, and instructions for playing it.

114
Notable Achievements of Voyager Spacecraft
• Jupiter Encounter: Voyager 1 reached Jupiter on March 5, 1979,
followed by Voyager 2 on July 9. Among the exciting discoveries were
active volcanoes on Jupiter’s moon, Io, and three new moons: Thebe,
Metis, and Adrastea.
• Saturn Revelations: Voyager 1 passed by Saturn’s moon, Titan,
revealing it was not the largest moon in the solar system, as
previously thought. Titan’s atmosphere was found to be composed
mainly of nitrogen, and it likely had clouds and methane rain.
• Uranus Exploration: Voyager 2 arrived at Uranus in 1986, providing
stunning photographs and confirming that its main constituents are
hydrogen and helium. The spacecraft discovered 10 new moons, two
new rings, and made significant observations about Uranus’s
atmosphere.
• Neptune Flyby: Voyager 2 became the first human-made object to fly
past Neptune in 1989. It discovered new moons and rings, observed
the Great Dark Spot—a massive spinning storm on Neptune—and
measured winds blowing at 1,100 kph.

115
Continuing Journey Among the Stars
• Entering Interstellar Space: Both Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 officially
entered interstellar space in 2012 and 2018, respectively. These
milestones helped astronomers define the edge of interstellar space,
around 18 billion kilometers from the Sun.
• Communication Loss and Hope: Voyager 2 recently experienced a
glitch after a faulty command, affecting its ability to receive
commands and transmit data. However, the “heartbeat” signal
detected by NASA assures that the spacecraft is still operational, and
scientists hope to regain full communication soon.
• Silent Journey: While most instruments on the spacecraft are no
longer operational, both Voyagers will continue their silent journey
among the stars, powered by their small nuclear power sources.
Eventually, their missions will end.

116
DRACO Program: Nuclear
Propulsion for Faster Space
Travel

117
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Central Idea
• NASA, in collaboration with DARPA, has selected Lockheed Martin to
design and build a nuclear-powered propulsion system for DRACO
program.
• It is a breakthrough technology that could propel astronauts on a
faster journey to Mars.

119
What is DRACO Program?
• DRACO stands for Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar
Operations.
• It aims to leverage nuclear reactions to significantly reduce travel
time, making interplanetary missions more efficient and safer.
• The spacecraft will orbit at an altitude of approximately 700 to 1,994
kilometers, staying in orbit for over 300 years to ensure safe decay of
radioactive elements.

120
How it is different from conventional spacecraft?
• DRACO, a nuclear thermal rocket (NTR) utilizes a nuclear reactor to
heat propellant to extreme temperatures before exhausting the hot
propellant through a nozzle to produce thrust.
• Compared to conventional space propulsion technologies, NTRs
offer a high thrust-to-weight ratio.
• This thrust is around 10,000 times greater than electric propulsion,
and a specific impulse (i.e., propellant efficiency) two-to-five times
greater than in-space chemical propulsion.

121
Benefits of DRACO
• Shorter Journey to Mars: With nuclear-powered propulsion,
astronauts could reach Mars in just three to four months, cutting the
current travel time in half. The spacecraft could continue accelerating
through the first half of the journey and then start slowing down
again, reducing the need for extensive propellant storage.
• Enhanced Fuel Efficiency: Nuclear reactions, using the splitting of
uranium atoms, are far more efficient than conventional rocket
engines that rely on fuel combustion. The DRACO engine features a
nuclear reactor that heats hydrogen gas to generate thrust, offering
greater fuel efficiency for interplanetary travel.
• Reduced Exposure to Deep Space: Faster journeys to Mars would
minimize astronauts’ exposure to the harsh environment of deep
space, reducing potential risks and health hazards.

122
Art and Culture

123
History of Pepper Trade from
India
Central Idea: Pepper, often referred to as the “king of spices,” played a
pivotal role in driving exploration, colonization, and cultural exchanges
between the East and West.

124
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Early Origins and Mystique of Pepper
• Luxury Commodity: Pepper, once considered a luxury good, was
produced predominantly along India’s Malabar Coast and was
shrouded in secrecy and legend. European Christians believed it
came from the mythical land of “Prester John,” while Arabs, who
controlled the trade, believed it grew behind waterfalls guarded by
fire-breathing dragons.
• Ancient Trade: Archaeological evidence indicates that pepper was
consumed in ancient India as early as 2000 BCE. It was exported to
other parts of Asia and North Africa, with the mummified remains of
Ramesses the Great from 1213 BCE found with peppercorns in Egypt.
• Arab Dominance: By the 10th century, Arab traders held a virtual
monopoly on the spice trade, connecting India with the Middle East,
Africa, and Europe, controlling supply and prices.

126
Pepper’s Role in Global Commerce
• Currency and Rent: Pepper became so valuable that it was used as
currency and rent in various parts of the world. For example, in 408
BCE, the King of Visigoths demanded 3,000 kilograms of pepper as
part of the siege of Rome.
• Spices and the Age of Discovery: The European craving for spices,
particularly pepper, was a driving force behind the Age of Discovery.
Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas in search of India,
while Vasco da Gama found the route to India around the Cape of
Good Hope.
• Portuguese and Dutch Dominance: The Portuguese initially
controlled the spice trade from the Malabar region but were unable to
dominate the pepper-producing areas. The Dutch East India
Company monopolized the sale of pepper and challenged
Portuguese supremacy.
• English East India Company: Queen Elizabeth I granted the English
East India Company the right to trade in the East Indies in 1600. The
Company’s expeditions marked the foundation of the English colonial
presence in India.
127
Cultural Exchanges and Islam’s Spread:
• Malabar’s Trading Legacy: The Malabar Coast, known as “the city of
spices,” served as a hub for international trade. The Zamorin
welcomed traders from various cultures, including Jewish, Christian,
and Muslim communities.
• Islamic Influence: The pepper trade helped spread Islam across
regions, extending from East Africa to southern China. Malabar
witnessed a significant Islamic presence going back almost a
thousand years.

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Pepper’s Evolution and Legacy
• From Luxury to Staple: Improved production techniques and
cultivation in tropical regions led to pepper becoming a household
staple. Its significance in driving exploration and colonial empires
remains a significant part of world history.

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