Dec

Seek Precise December 2023
Current Affairs: The Decisive Element in the Civil Services Examination

Current Affairs constitutes a fundamental component of both the Civil Services Preliminary and Main
Examinations. By examining past trends, it becomes evident that approximately 40 to 50 percent of
the questions posed in the Civil Services Preliminary Examination are directly or indirectly linked to
current events and developments.
Year Total CA Direct CA Applied CA + Static
Questions
2016 67 27 20 20
2017 45 15 20 20
2018 58 34 10 14
2019 45 14 12 19
2020 38 14 12 19
2021 36 12 8 16
2022 45 17 8 20
2023 51 19 7 25
There exists a plethora of resources for staying updated on current affairs, and students often find
themselves in a quandary when it comes to choosing the most suitable materials. A common
challenge is that these materials often contain a blend of information, encompassing topics that may
not be pertinent to the civil services examination. Thus, individuals are required to engage in
discerning study practices, which can prove to be quite challenging, especially for newcomers.
Additionally, aspirants frequently grapple with the dilemma of selecting topics for both the
preliminary and mains examinations, as many available resources do not clearly distinguish between
subjects relevant solely to the prelims and those specific to the mains. PRECISE current affairs
magazine is an endeavor to simplify the process of Prelims preparation for students.
Comprehensive coverage of current affairs topics from sources such as The Hindu, The Indian
Express, PIB, Down to Earth, Yojana, and others is provided, with a focus on excluding extraneous
or unnecessary details.
This book should be utilized as a supplementary journal alongside your standard UPSC preparation
materials. It is important to note that the journal does not duplicate the current affairs information
available in your standard books. For instance, topics related to "Polity" in current affairs, such as
the election of the President and the functions of the Governor, can be studied in-depth in a book
like "Indian Polity by Laxmikant" and will not be covered in this journal. The primary aim of this
magazine is to empower aspirants with insights into current affairs-related areas that cannot be
gleaned from a single source alone. This magazine will prove invaluable to all aspirants who are
diligently preparing for the Civil Services Examination.
www.gokulamseekias.com 1
What is inside?
The contents include current affairs topics supplemented with pertinent static content. The
incorporation of relevant images enhances the ease of grasping facts and facilitates quick retrieval of
essential information during the examination.
News topics are comprehensively covered from: PYQs
 The Hindu The previous year questions (PYQs)
 The Indian Express are conveniently presented in blue
 PIB boxes within the content. These
 Kurukshetra magazine PYQs are strategically organized so
 Yojana magazine that when you are studying a
 Down to Earth current affairs topic, a related PYQ is
 All India Radio located nearby. These provided PYQs
 Other relevant news publications. serve as a valuable tool to help you
connect the information you are
Facts Corner learning with the question patterns
Current affairs relevant to the exam, but need not be commonly seen in the UPSC Prelims,
studied in expanse are given in this segment. Direct terms facilitating better retention and
can be asked from this section for the exam. comprehension of the facts.
Maps
Infographics
Contents
Science ..................................................................................................................................8
Space Science .....................................................................................................................8
Cosmic Distance Ladder | Astronomical units (AU) | Light year | Parsecs ..............................8
Kilonova Explosion ................................................................................................................8
Solar Wind Ion Spectrometer (SWIS) .......................................................................................8
Atacama Large Millimetre/submillimetre Array (ALMA) Telescope ...........................................9
Comet P12/Pons-Brooks ...................................................................................................... 10
Sub-Neptunes ..................................................................................................................... 10
Goldilocks Zone (Habitable zone) .......................................................................................... 10
Cassini mission ................................................................................................................... 10
Electron rocket .................................................................................................................... 10
Selam contact-binary satellite .............................................................................................. 10
X-37B.................................................................................................................................. 10
Technology .......................................................................................................................11
Web3 ................................................................................................................................... 11
1,000-qubit quantum chip – Condor .................................................................................... 11
JT-60SA | International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor | Nuclear fusion ................... 12
Nuclear Reactors ................................................................................................................. 14
Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology | National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
........................................................................................................................................... 15
Zero Trust Authentication .................................................................................................... 15
Chameleon Trojan ............................................................................................................... 15
Biotechnology ...................................................................................................................16
Genome Sequencing | Indigen ............................................................................................. 16
Algae-assisted Carbon Capture ............................................................................................ 17
INSUQUICK ......................................................................................................................... 17
Anthrobots .......................................................................................................................... 17
Diseases ............................................................................................................................18
Anthrax disease ................................................................................................................... 18
Kala azar ............................................................................................................................. 18
Variant of Interest and Types of Variants .............................................................................. 19
Late Blight Disease .............................................................................................................. 20
Huntington Disease ............................................................................................................. 20
Pompe Disease .................................................................................................................... 20
Mycoplasma pneumonia ...................................................................................................... 20
Defence .............................................................................................................................21
Agni Missiles | Integrated Guided Missile Development Program........................................... 21
Defence Acquisition Council | Acceptance of Necessity ......................................................... 21
Exercise Astrashakti | Akash weapon system ....................................................................... 22
VINBAX-2023 ...................................................................................................................... 22
Miscellaneous ...................................................................................................................23
World Malaria Report 2023 .................................................................................................. 23
Polar Science and Cryosphere Research (PACER) .................................................................. 24

Pesticides ............................................................................................................................ 24
Aarogya Maitri Aid Cube ...................................................................................................... 25
Mission-Operation Storm Makers II ...................................................................................... 25
Krutrim ............................................................................................................................... 25
Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant | Uranium Enrichment .................................................... 26
Kakrapar-4 nuclear reactor | Criticality ............................................................................... 26
Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit ................................................... 27
Meftal .................................................................................................................................. 27
Barracuda boat ................................................................................................................... 27
Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) ....................................................................... 27
AKTOCYTE .......................................................................................................................... 27
Bhashini ............................................................................................................................. 27
Environment ........................................................................................................................28
CoP 28 ..............................................................................................................................28
Green Credit initiative | ALTÉRRA | Green Climate Fund | Adaptation Fund ....................... 28
GREE Pledge | UAE Declaration | Climate club | DTNE ....................................................... 29
Green Rising Initiative ......................................................................................................... 30
Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter (OGDC) ...................................................................... 30
Global Stocktake | Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative (AGII) ......................................... 31
Global River Cities Alliance (GRCA) ...................................................................................... 32
Initiatives .........................................................................................................................33
Global Biodiversity Framework Fund .................................................................................... 33
Global Energy Monitor's Global Coal Plant Tracker ............................................................... 33
Global Green Credit Initiative (GGCI) .................................................................................... 34
Carbon Credits Trading Scheme (CCTS) ............................................................................... 35
City of Lakes Project | C40 .................................................................................................. 35
Airgun Surrender Abhiyan ................................................................................................... 36
Indian Forest & Wood Certification Scheme (IFWCS) ............................................................. 36
Protected Sites .................................................................................................................37
Kaziranga National Park ...................................................................................................... 37
Neora Valley National Park ................................................................................................... 37
Species in News.................................................................................................................38
IUCN Red List | Saiga Antelope ............................................................................................ 38
Budgett Frog ....................................................................................................................... 39
De Winton’s Golden Mole ..................................................................................................... 39
Flying Squirrel | Namdapha National Park ........................................................................... 40
White-bellied sea eagle ......................................................................................................... 40
Jumping spiders .................................................................................................................. 40
Similipal Tiger Reserve | Black Tiger .................................................................................... 41
Jellyfish............................................................................................................................... 41
Mosasaur ............................................................................................................................ 41
Dodo (Raphus cucullatus) .................................................................................................... 41
Miscellaneous ...................................................................................................................42
State of Finance for Nature 2023 Report ............................................................................... 42

Tropicalisation ..................................................................................................................... 42
Arsenic contamination ......................................................................................................... 43
India surpassed Montreal protocol targets ............................................................................ 43
Global Climate 2011-2020 Report ........................................................................................ 43
Press mud ........................................................................................................................... 43
Community Forest Management (CFM) ................................................................................. 43
Miyawaki Plantation Method ................................................................................................ 44
AMRIT’ (Arsenic and Metal Removal by Indian Technology) ................................................... 44
Universal Dynamic Crosslinker (UDC) .................................................................................. 44
UNESCO’s 2023 Prix Versailles ............................................................................................ 44
Diel Vertical Migration (DVM) ............................................................................................... 44
Geography ............................................................................................................................45
Geography Phenomena ......................................................................................................45
Cyclones Michaug ................................................................................................................ 45
Chilla-i-Kalan ...................................................................................................................... 45
Initiatives .........................................................................................................................46
National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR) Portal ............................................................. 46
Information Fusion Centre for Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) .............................................. 47
Banni Grassland.................................................................................................................. 47
Economy ..............................................................................................................................48
Agriculture ........................................................................................................................48
Cotton cultivation ................................................................................................................ 48
Jute crop ............................................................................................................................. 49
Concepts ...........................................................................................................................49
Repo Rates | Policy Stances ................................................................................................. 49
Multifunction Crypto-asset Intermediaries ............................................................................ 51
Countervailing duties ........................................................................................................... 52
Financial and Capital Markets ...........................................................................................53
Social Stock Exchange (SSE) ................................................................................................ 53
Infrastructure ...................................................................................................................54
Logistics Ease Across Different State (LEADS) 2023 .............................................................. 54
Raising & Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) .............................................................. 55
Legislations and Institutions.............................................................................................57
Central Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) (CGST) Bill, 2023 | GST Appellate
Tribunal (GSTAT) ................................................................................................................. 57
National Start-up Advisory Council (NSAC) ........................................................................... 57
Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) ................................................................... 58
Schemes and Initiatives ....................................................................................................59
Project Promoting Regular Assisted Migration for Youth and Skilled Professionals (Project
PRAYAS) .............................................................................................................................. 59
FAO Report on Food Security ............................................................................................... 60
Currency Devaluation .......................................................................................................... 60
National Asset Reconstruction Company Limited (NARCL) .................................................... 60

T+0 Settlement .................................................................................................................... 60
Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) ..................................................................................... 60
Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) ..................................................... 60
Inverted Duty Structure (IDS) .............................................................................................. 60
Tax Inspectors Without Borders (TIWB) ................................................................................ 61
International Debt Report (IDR) 2023 ................................................................................... 61
Terms of Trade (ToT) ............................................................................................................ 61
World Intellectual Property Indicators 2023 (WIPI) report ...................................................... 61
Polity & Governance .............................................................................................................62
Polity Concepts .................................................................................................................62
Impeachment in US and India .............................................................................................. 62
Legislations .......................................................................................................................63
National Register of Citizens (NRC) | Assam Accord .............................................................. 63
Post Office Bill, 2023 ........................................................................................................... 64
Offshore Areas Mineral (Development & Regulation) Act (OAMDR Act) ................................... 64
Bodies & Authorities .........................................................................................................65
Appointment of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs)......... 65
Self-Regulatory Organisations (SROs) ................................................................................... 66
Tribunals............................................................................................................................. 66
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) ............................................................................... 67
Schemes & Initiatives .......................................................................................................68
Mission Karmayogi .............................................................................................................. 68
History & Culture .................................................................................................................69
Artforms & Architecture ...................................................................................................69
Garba of Gujarat | Iftar | UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage .......................................... 69
Pashupatinath Temple | River Bagmati ................................................................................ 70
‘Jali’ as a symbol of syncretic India ...................................................................................... 70
Shahi Idgah mosque ............................................................................................................ 71
Parthenon Sculptures .......................................................................................................... 72
Sindhudurg Fort (means ‘Sea Fort’) ...................................................................................... 72
Amnya ................................................................................................................................. 72
Culture..............................................................................................................................73
Sengol ................................................................................................................................. 73
Permakore | Koya tribes ...................................................................................................... 73
Kashi – Tamil Sangamam ..................................................................................................... 74
Dhangar Community ........................................................................................................... 75
Kakad Bhairav or Bhilat Baba .............................................................................................. 75
Personalities .....................................................................................................................76
Sri Ramanujacharya ............................................................................................................ 76
Tamilisai Moovars ................................................................................................................ 77
Initiatives .........................................................................................................................78
National Culture Fund ......................................................................................................... 78
Social Sector ........................................................................................................................79

Health ...............................................................................................................................79
National Medical Commission (NMC) .................................................................................... 79
State Food Safety Index (SFSI) ............................................................................................. 79
FAO Report on Food Security ............................................................................................... 79
Vulnerable Section ............................................................................................................81
Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP) .................................................................................. 81
Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM – AJAY) ........................................... 81
Palna Scheme | Mission Shakti ........................................................................................... 82
Miscellaneous ...................................................................................................................83
India’s Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report 2023 ....................................... 83
World Affairs ........................................................................................................................84
Organisation .....................................................................................................................84
Interpol ............................................................................................................................... 84
International Maritime Organization (IMO) ........................................................................... 85
Codex Alimentarious Commission (CAC)............................................................................... 85
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) ................................................... 87
BIMSTEC ............................................................................................................................ 87
Golden Triangle | Golden Crescent | United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) .... 88
Events...............................................................................................................................89
Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) 2023 ....................................................................... 89
Colombo Security Conclave .................................................................................................. 89
United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) ....................................................... 90
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) | Human Rights 75 ..................................... 91
Miscellaneous ...................................................................................................................92
Call for Safer and Healthier Working Environments: ILO Report ............................................ 92
International Year of Camelids ............................................................................................. 93
Veto power in UNSC ............................................................................................................ 94
Science
Space Science
Cosmic Distance Ladder | Astronomical units (AU) | Light year | Parsecs
Context:
No human probe has travelled much beyond the Solar System, yet we are able to measure distances
across billions of light-years.
Cosmic Distance Ladder:
 Distances between the planets and between stars expressed in miles and kilometers.
 Cosmic distances are measured in astronomical units, light years and parsecs.
 Collectively known as the cosmic distance ladder.
Astronomical units (AU):

 1 AU – distance from the Sun to Earth's orbit, which Astronomers talk about distances in
is about 93 million miles. terms of how much a galaxy's light
 When measured in astronomical units, the distance has been shifted toward longer,
from the Sun to Saturn's orbit, is 9.5 AU.
redder wavelengths by the
Light year: expansion of the universe, a
 A light year is the distance a photon of light travels measure known as redshift.
in one year (about 6 trillion miles)
 A light year is how far one can travel in a year if they
could travel at the speed of light, which is 186,000 Which one of the following is a
miles per second. reason why astronomical distances
 Nearest star system Alpha Centauri – 4.3 light years are measured in light-years? [2021]
away. (a) Distances among stellar bodies
 Used to find Sun is about 8 light minutes from Earth. do not change
(b) Gravity of stellar bodies does not
Parsecs: change
 This is the unit used when the number of light years (c) Light always travels in straight
between objects climbs into the high thousands or line
millions. (d) Speed of light is always same
 One parsec – 3.26 light years.
 Megaparsecs (1 million parsecs) – scale of distances Ans: (d)
between the galaxies.
Kilonova Explosion Solar Wind Ion Spectrometer (SWIS)

A team of researchers have developed a method SWIS the second instrument in the Aditya Solar
to model the kilonova explosion. Wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX) payload is
 Kilonova – A bright blast of operational.
electromagnetic radiation  SWIS measures the Ions in the energy
 Happens when two neutron stars or a range of 100 eV to 20 keV
neutron star and a stellar-mass black  ASPEX's primary objective is to
hole collide and merge. understand the solar and interplanetary
 A neutron star is formed when a star processes in the acceleration and
having a mass more than 1.44 times that energization of solar wind particles.
of the Sun (as per Chandrasekhar limit)  ASPEX measures low as well as high
blows off its gaseous envelope in a energy particles of solar wind.
supernova explosion
 They are among the densest objects in the
cosmos.
Atacama Large Millimetre/submillimetre Array (ALMA) Telescope

Context:
Astronomers detect a circumstellar disk around a star in
the Large Magellanic Cloud (satellite galaxy of the Milky
Way). Detection made using Atacama Large
Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) telescope.
Star formation:
 Sun and other stars form when a dense clump of
interstellar gas and dust collapses under its own
gravitational pull.
 After a star is formed, the remaining dust and gas are
trapped in orbit, forming a rotating disc or torus around the young star, known as a
circumstellar disc.
 Newborn stars with circumstellar disks had been observed by astronomers only in the Milky
Way galaxy until now.
 It helps in expanding the knowledge of understanding Devasthal Observatory campus
of high-mass star formation. owned by Aryabhatta Research
Institute of Observational
Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA)
Sciences (ARIES), Nainital in
telescope:
Uttarakhand has set-up the
 A radio telescope comprising 66 antennas.
International Liquid-Mirror
 Location – Atacama Desert of northern Chile
Telescope (ILMT), world's first
(Chajnantor plateau)
Liquid-Mirror Telescope (LMT) to
 An international partnership of –
be commissioned for astronomy and
o European Southern Observatory (ESO)
also one of its kind to be operational
o U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
o National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS) of anywhere in the world.
Japan
o NRC (Canada), MOST and ASIAA (Taiwan), and KASI (Republic of Korea) in cooperation with
the Republic of Chile.
 Properties –
o Extraordinary sensitivity In the context of modern scientific
o Uses a correlator which is a powerful research, consider the following
supercomputer. statements about ‘IceCube’, a particle
 Discoveries Made by ALMA – detector located at South Pole, which was
o ALMA discovered starburst galaxies that recently in the news:
existed earlier in the universe's history
1. It is the world’s largest neutrino
than previously thought.
detector, encompassing a cubic
o Detailed images of a protoplanetary disc
kilometre of ice.
around a young star -
2. It is a powerful telescope to search for
o challenged existing theories about
dark matter.
planetary formation.
3. It is buried deep in the ice.
o The telescope helped scientists
observe the Einstein ring Which of the statements given above
phenomenon. is/are correct? [2015]
 Location of ALMA in Chile’s Atacama (a) 1 only
Desert (b) 2 and 3 only
o Ideal for observing millimetre and Ans: (d)
(c) 1 and 3 only
submillimetre waves, which are (d) 1, 2 and 3
highly susceptible to absorption by
atmospheric water vapour on Earth.
 Advantages of the Atacama Desert
o Driest place on Earth
o Most nights are clear of clouds and free from moisture that can distort light.
Comet P12/Pons-Brooks Cassini mission

Astronomers have photographed the enigmatic According to a new study based on data from
Comet P12/PonsBrooks from the Indian NASA's Cassini spacecraft, Scientists found
Astronomical Observatory in Hanle, Ladakh hydrogen cyanide (key molecule in creation of
using the Himalayan Chandra Telescope. life) in oceans of Saturn’s icy moon Enceladus.
 Comet P12/Pons-Brooks –  Launched in 1997.
o A celestial object that has been  Joint endeavor of NASA, ESA (European
playfully nicknamed the 'Devil Space Agency), and Italian space
Comet' or likened to the 'Millennium agency (ASI).
Falcon' for its distinctive appearance.  Designed to explore the Saturn system,
o Completes an orbit around the Sun in including its rings and moons, with a
around 71 years. special focus on Titan.
 Himalayan Chandra telescope –  Carried Huygens lander, which landed on
o A 2-meter optical-infrared Saturn’s largest moon, Titan.
telescope.
o Operated by – Indian Institute of Electron rocket
Astrophysics, Bengaluru. Rocket Lab launched its Electron rocket from its
launch site on the Mahia Peninsula, New
Sub-Neptunes
Zealand recently.
Six sub-Neptune planets were discovered and  2-stage partially reusable rocket
found in a rare condition called Orbital  Designed to launch small satellites into
resonance. Low Earth orbit.
 Orbital resonance is when orbiting  World's most frequently launched small
objects have orbits in a simple numerical rocket.
ratio, creating a regular, repeating  Uses Rutherford engine – world's 1st 3D-
pattern. printed, electric-pump-fed engine.
 Sub-Neptunes – Planets with radii
between that of Earth and Neptune Selam contact-binary satellite
 Found in close-in orbits around more International Astronomical Union has named
than half of all Sun-like stars. the satellite of asteroid Dinkinesh as “Selam
 They are in multiple combinations of (meaning peace)”.
rock, water, and atmospheric composition
 Discovered by – NASA’s Lucy mission
that can reproduce - the mass, and
 Selam – 1st contact-binary satellite ever
density - of the planets.
observed.
Goldilocks Zone (Habitable zone)  Contact binary system is where two space
bodies gently rest against each other.
New NASA study has discovered 17 ocean
planets in habitable zones of distant stars that X-37B
could have oceans of liquid water beneath their A SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket launched with
icy shells. the X-37B experimental spacecraft in U.S.
 Goldilocks zone – Area around a star recently.
where it is not too hot and not too cold
 A re-entry spacecraft designed to operate
for liquid water to exist on the surface of
in low-Earth orbit.
surrounding planets.
 Used to –
 Earth is in the Sun’s Goldilocks zone.
o Relaying solar energy from space for
 Rocky exoplanets found in habitable
use back on Earth
zones of their stars, are more likely targets
o Studying the effects of radiation on
for detecting liquid water on their seeds used to grow food
surfaces.
Technology
Web3
Context:
The report titled “Unlocking the Web3 Potential: India’s Journey from a Talent Exporter to a Product
Powerhouse” was recently released by Primus Partners Pvt Ltd (Primus) – a management consulting
services provider.
Key findings of the report:
 In 2022, India held 11% of the global Web3 developer With reference to Web 3.0, consider
pool, ranked 3rd worldwide. the following statements:
 Web3 sector is projected to create 2.2 million direct
1. Web 3.0 technology enables
jobs in India in next decade.
people to control their own data.
What is Web3? 2. In Web 3.0 world, there can
 It is described as future of the internet which includes blockchain based social
cryptocurrencies, Non-Fungible Tokens, networks.
Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) 3. Web 3.0 is operated by users
etc. collectively rather than a
 It provides a version of the web where users have a corporation.
financial stake and more control over the web Which of the statements given above
communities they belong to. are correct? [2022]
 Previous Versions –
(a) 1 and 2 only
o Web 1 also called the Static Web, enabled easy
(b) 2 and 3 only Ans: (d)
access to information.
(c) 1 and 3 only
o Web 2 built on advancements in web technologies,
(d) 1, 2 and 3
enabled interactive platforms e.g., Facebook etc.
 Application of Web3 –
o Decentralized Finance: Open access to financial services without intermediaries.
o Asset Tokenization: Convert physical/digital assets into digital tokens offering fractional
ownership, liquidity, etc.
o Digital Identity and Ownership: Secure maintenance of ownership of digital identity.
o Metaverse: Create an immersive, inter-connected virtual experience.
1,000-qubit quantum chip – Condor

Context:
IBM released first-ever 1,000-qubit quantum chip named A quantum chip contains quantum
Condor has superconducting qubits arranged in a bits (qubits) and serves as the
honeycomb pattern. processor for quantum computers.
Quantum Computing:
 A quantum computer harnesses quantum mechanics to deliver huge leaps forward in processing
power.
 They utilise qubits instead of bits for information storage.
 Qubits can encode information as 0, 1, or both simultaneously, unlike the binary representation
of bits (represented by 0’s or 1’s) in traditional computers.
 2 key principles of quantum physics –
o Superposition (i.e., simultaneous 1 and 0) – Each qubit can represent both 1 and 0 at the
same time.
o Entanglement (i.e., correlation of qubits) – Qubits in a superposition can be correlated with
each other; i.e., the state of one (whether it is a 1 or a 0) can depend on the state of another.
Quantum Heron
 New IBM 133-qubit processor
 Has recorded low error rate – 5
times lower than that of IBM
Eagle
Which one of the following is the

context in which the term “qubit” is
mentioned? [2022]
(a) Cloud Services
(b) Quantum Computing
(c) Visible Light Communication
Technologies
(d) Wireless Communication
Click on the images/visit www.gokuamseekias.com to Technologies
read more articles related to Quantum Computing Ans: (b)
JT-60SA | International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor | Nuclear fusion

Context:
JT-60SA, world's biggest experimental nuclear fusion reactor was inaugurated in Japan recently.
About JT-60SA:
 A tokamak designed to contain and control plasma heated to a staggering 200 million degrees
Celsius.
 Joint initiative between – European Union and ITER:
Japan  Aim –
 Forerunner for under-construction International o To demonstrate nuclear fusion
Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). as a clean green source of
What is a Tokomak? energy.
 Tokamak is a magnetic fusion device designed to o To build the world's largest
tap into the potential of fusion energy in large scale tokamak
and carbon-free source of energy.  Location – Southern France
 It operates based on same principles that power the  Collaboration between – 35 nations
Sun and stars. including China, EU, India, Japan,
 Uses robust magnetic field to fuse hot plasma. Korea, Russia and US.
 Temperature range – over 150 million degrees
Celsius (10 times hotter than Sun’s core).
 Applications – Generation of electricity etc. India is an important member of the
‘International Thermonuclear
Other similar initiatives: Experimental Reactor’. If this
 China’s Artificial Sun: The Experimental Advanced experiment succeeds, what is the
Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) device replicates immediate advantage of India? [2016]
the nuclear fusion. (a) It can use thorium in place of
 SST-2 tokamak – India’s experimental fusion uranium for power generation.
reactor at the Institute of Plasma Research, (b) It can attain a global role in
Gujarat. satellite navigation
 Joint European Torus (JET) – project for opening (c) It can drastically improve the
the way to future nuclear fusion grid energy. efficiency of its fission reactors in
power generation
(d) It can build fusion reactors for
power generation
Ans: (d)
Basics about Nuclear Fusion

What is Nuclear Fusion?
 Process by which two light atomic nuclei (for
example tritium and deuterium) combine to
form a single heavier (Helium) one while
releasing massive amounts of energy.
Where does it take place?

 It takes place in a state of matter called
plasma – a hot, charged gas made of positive
ions and free-moving electrons with unique
properties distinct from solids, liquids, or
gases.
Challenge to fusion –
 Strong repulsive electrostatic forces between
the positively charged nuclei prevent them
from getting close enough together to collide
and for fusion to occur.
When does it happen?

 If the attractive nuclear force (which binds protons and neutrons together in atomic nuclei)
between the nuclei outweighs the repulsive (electrostatic) force, then a fusion reaction can occur.
 Such conditions can occur when the temperature increases, causing the ions to move faster
and eventually reach speeds high enough to bring the ions close enough together.
Conditions required to achieve fusion

 Temperature of more than 100 million degrees Celsius.
 Maintaining a high enough density for a long enough time so that the rate of fusion reactions
will be large enough to generate the desired power.
Types of Nuclear Fusion –

 Inertial fusion: Laser or ion beams are focused very It is relatively easier to attain
precisely onto the surface of a target. This results in very break-even energy levels
high temperatures. through inertial fusion
 Magnetic fusion: Hundreds of cubic meters of plasma at compared to magnetic fusion.
a density of less than a milligram per cubic meter are
confined by a magnetic field at high pressure and heated
to fusion temperature.
Click here/Visit Click here/Visit

www.gokulamseekias.com to read the www.gokulamseekias.com to read
article about ITER from the web the article about ‘Particle
Accelerators’
Nuclear Reactors
Context:
China launched world's first fourth-generation nuclear reactor.
News Highlights:
 Location – Shandong province
 Coolant used – Gas (Helium) [pressurised water in conventional power plants]
 It can produce heat, power, and hydrogen
 Uses a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) design.
About Small Modular Reactor:

 Advanced nuclear reactors with power capacity of up to 300 MW(e) [Megawatt electric] per unit.
 Small – physically a fraction of the size of a conventional nuclear power reactor.
 Modular – making it possible for systems and components to be factory-assembled and
transported as a unit to a location for installation.
 Reactors – harnessing nuclear fission to generate heat to produce energy.
 Advantages over traditional reactors –
o Prefabricated units of SMRs can be manufactured and According to the International
then shipped and installed on site. Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA),
o SMRs can be sited on locations not suitable for larger more than 70 SMR concepts
nuclear power plants. are currently under
o Low cost and construction time
development in 18 countries.
o Simpler and Safer due to reduced fuel requirements.
o They can be deployed incrementally to match increasing
energy demand.
o Have increased safety and lower impacts in case of accidents
 IAEA has established the Platform on SMRs and their Applications, a one-stop shop for countries
to coordinate support related to all aspects of SMR development.
Micro reactors Small Modular Conventional Nuclear

Reactor Reactors
Power Capacity Fewer than 10 MW (e) Up to 300 MW (e) 700+ MW (e)
Refuelling Years without Every 3 to 7 years 1 and 2 years
refuelling
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) In India, why are some nuclear
 Set up as world's Atoms for Peace organization in 1957 reactors kept under "IAEA
within United Nations. safeguards" while others are
 International centre for cooperation in the nuclear field. not? [2020]
 Membership – 175 member states [India is founding (a) Some use uranium and
member] others use thorium
 Headquarters – Vienna, Austria (b) Some use imported
 Mandate – uranium and others use
o Maximize contribution of nuclear technology to domestic supplies
society while verifying its peaceful use. (c) Some are operated by
o Promotes exchange of scientific and technical foreign enterprises and
information among Member States. others are operated by
 Other key information – domestic enterprises
o Policy-making bodies: Board of Governors and (d) Some are State-owned and
annual General Conference of IAEA Member States. others are privately-owned
o Under Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT),
IAEA has a specific role as international safeguards
Ans: (b)
inspectorate.
Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology | National Payments Corporation of India

(NPCI)
Context:
For payment apps, NPCI began deployment of 'UPI Tap and Pay' facility which utilises near-field
communication (NFC) technology.
Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology:
 It uses electromagnetic radio fields to allow 2 compatible devices to share information
 Range of NFC – 4 to 5 centimetres
 RFID and Bluetooth also use radiofrequency but their reach is much higher
o Range – RFID communication (100 metres or more); Bluetooth (10-100 meters)
 Working process –
o An NFC-compatible device emits radio frequency signals that interact with an NFC tag,
creating a current facilitating communication between the two.
o The tag is passive (can only send information), while the other device like a smartphone is
active (capable of both sending and receiving information).
 Benefits of NFC –
o Enables contactless payment.
o Uses encryption to guarantee the security and privacy of transactions.
o Faster information sharing with NFC-device
enabled with peer-to-peer sharing. Consider the following statements:
o Can help hospitals better track patient 1. National Payments Corporation
information. of India (NPCI) helps in
promoting the financial
National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) inclusion in the country.
 An umbrella organisation for operating retail 2. NPCI has launched RuPay, a
payments and settlement systems in India. card payment scheme.
 An initiative of – RBI and Indian Banks’ Which of the statements given
Association (IBA) above is/are correct? [2017]
 Established under the Payment and Settlement
(a) 1 only
Systems Act, 2007.
(b) 2 only Ans: (c)
 Incorporated as a “Not for Profit” Company
(c) Both 1 and 2
under Section 8 of Companies Act 2013.
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Zero Trust Authentication

In response to rising cyber-attacks, Centre has established a secure e-mail system for 10,000 users
incorporating Zero Trust Authentication (ZTA) across critical ministries and departments.
 Designed by – National Informatics Centre (NIC), Ministry of Electronics and Information
Technology.
 ZTA – A cyber-security approach intended to address rapidly evolving security risks faced by
IT systems.
 It uses multi-factor authentication, continuous monitoring etc.
Chameleon Trojan
New Android malware found.
 A malware that can disable biometric authentication methods.
 Disables fingerprint and face unlock to steal the phone’s PIN in Android operating systems.
Biotechnology
Genome Sequencing | Indigen
Context:
UK Biobank recently opened world’s biggest set of human genome sequences to scientists.
 It has shared complete genome sequences from its 500,000 British volunteers which could be
accessed by scientist for research.
What is a genome?
 It is the entire set of DNA
instructions found in a cell.
 In humans, it comprises 23 pairs
of chromosomes (thread-like
structures of DNA) in cells’
nucleus and a small chromosome
in cells’ mitochondria.
What is DNA?
 It is the molecule that carries
genetic information for the
development and functioning of
an organism.
 4 nucleotide bases present in
DNA – Adenine (A), Cytosine (C),
Guanine (G) and Thymine (T)
Genome sequencing refers to figuring out the order of DNA nucleotides in a genome (i.e., the
order of As, Cs, Gs, and Ts).
Initiatives taken for Genome Sequencing With reference to agriculture in India,

IndiGen programme: how can the technique of ‘genome
 Aim – To undertake whole genome sequencing’, often seen in the news, be
sequencing of 1000 Indian individuals used in the immediate future?
representing diverse ethnic groups from India. 1. Genome sequencing can be used to
 Funded by – Council of Scientific and identify genetic markers for disease
Industrial Research (CSIR). resistance and drought tolerance in
various crop plants.
Genome India Project:
2. This technique helps in reducing the
 Aim – To collect 10000 genetic samples from time required to develop new
citizens across India to build a reference varieties of crop plants.
genome. 3. It can be used to decipher the host-
 Launched by – Department of Biotechnology pathogen relationships in crops.
Human Genome Project: Select the correct answer using the code
 International research effort to determine the given below: [2017]
DNA sequence of the entire human genome.
(a) 1 only
 It began in 1990 and completed in 2003. (b) 2 and 3 only
 Coordinated by – National Institutes of (c) 1 and 3 only
Health, USA and Department of Energy, (d) 1, 2 and 3
USA. Ans: (d)
Algae-assisted Carbon Capture

Context:
IIT Jodhpur’s innovative technology uses algae-assisted Flue gas – the gas produced from the
fuel cells to capture carbon dioxide, treat wastewater and flue or chimneys of thermal power
generate power. stations and other industrial plants.
 1st time that the integration of algae Microbial fuel
cells (MFC) with flue gas carbon
capture has been attempted anywhere. Microbial fuel cells (MFC)
Algae-assisted Carbon capture method:  A bio-electrochemical device

 Generates electricity by harnessing the
 An indirect method for converting CO2
metabolic activity of microorganisms.
into carbonates and then use it for
algal growth.  When microorganisms break down organic
matter as in wastewater into simpler
 Aim – To generates power, algae
molecules, electrons are released in the
biomass and treats water by utilising
process.
algae-assisted MFC for flue gas carbon
capture.  If these electrons are made to flow through an
external circuit, you get electric current.
 Working –
o CO2 from the flue gas is absorbed
Consider the following activities:
by the wastewater supplemented
with sodium bicarbonate and 1. Spreading finely ground basalt rock on
generates flue-gas-derived farmlands extensively
bicarbonates (FGDBs). 2. Increasing the alkalinity of oceans by adding
o FGDB helps in growth of algae lime
Chlorella vulgaris which is 3. Capturing carbon dioxide released by various
thermo-tolerant and can grow in industries and pumping it into abandoned
wastewater. subterranean mines in the form of carbonated
o Algae-assisted MFC is then used to waters
generate electricity.
How many of the above activities are often
 Significance –
considered and discussed for carbon capture and
o More inorganic carbon can stay in
sequestration? [2023]
the water.
o 1 tonne of algae captures 180 (a) Only one
tonnes of flue gas CO2. (b) Only two
o For a cubic meter of wastewater (c) All three Ans: (c)
and FGDB in MFC, they got energy (d) None
of 0.0066 kWhr.
 Limitations – A tonne per day of CO2 capture requires 2 sq. km algae culture area (aerial) in
vertically aligned pipes.
Anthrobots INSUQUICK
Scientists have developed anthrobots which are Drug firm USV and bio-tech company
different from xenobots, which are derived from Biogenomics have launched
embryonic stem cells of frog. INSUQUICK.
 Tiny robots made of human cells that are able to  India's 1st biosimilar Insulin
repair damaged neural tissue. Aspart.
 Can be created from adult human cells without  InsuQuick – a rapid-acting
genetic modifications. insulin that helps control blood
 Can be fused together to form a superbot. sugar levels and treats diabetes
 A significant advancement in regenerative mellitus in children over 2
medicine – Process of replacing or regenerating years old.
human cells, tissues or organs to restore or  A 'Make in India' product.
establish normal function.
Diseases
Anthrax disease
Context:
5 countries in East and southern Africa are in the middle of outbreaks of the anthrax disease
recently.
Anthrax disease:
 A zoonotic non-contagious disease Which of the following diseases can
 Other names – Malignant pustule or woolsorter’s be transmitted from one person to
disease. another through tattooing?
 Caused by – Bacterium (occurs naturally in soil) 1. Chikungunya
 Transmission – 2. Hepatitis B
o Contact with infected animals 3. HIV-AIDS
o Extremely rare Person-to-person transmission
 Global occurrence – Asia, southern Europe, sub- Select the correct answer using the
Sahelian Africa and parts of Australia codes given below: [2013]
 Occurrence in India – Andhra Pradesh, Jammu and (a) 1 only
Kashmir, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Orissa and Karnataka. (b) 2 and 3 only
 Treatment – (c) 1 and 3 only Ans: (b)
o Antibiotic therapy (d) 1, 2 and 3
o Antibiotics used – Penicillin, ciprofloxacin and
doxycycline
o Vaccines – BioThrax
Kala azar
Context:
India stands on the verge of eliminating visceral
leishmaniasis, commonly known as kala azar.
About Kala azar:
 Also known as Black Fever or Dumdum Fever
 A slow-progressing indigenous disease
 Caused by – Protozoan parasite
 Only parasite for disease in India – Leishmania
donovani
 Transmitted by – Sand-flies
 Major symptoms – spleen and liver enlargement Bangladesh – 1st country in the
 Treatment – Injectable liposomal amphotericin B world to be officially validated by the
 Endemic to the states – Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar World Health Organisation (WHO)
Pradesh and West Bengal for eliminating kala azar as a public
Post Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL): health problem.
 Condition – when Leishmania donovani infiltrates and
thrives within skin cells, resulting in the formation of skin lesions.
 Also PKDL emerges after treatment, but now it is believed that PKDL might occur without going
through the visceral stage.
 Visceral stage – initial phase of visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar), where the parasite affects
internal organs.
 Treatment – 12 weeks of oral miltefosine
Elimination Strategies in India:
 Rigorous monitoring of indoor residual spraying to curb sandfly breeding and disease spread.
 Use of Gerrard soil for wall plastering to minimize sandfly breeding areas.
 Ensuring completion of PKDL treatment through the ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist)
network.
Variant of Interest and Types of Variants

Context:
Recently WHO declared JN.1, a sub-variant of COVID-19 as variant of interest.
What are Variants?
Consider the following diseases:
 When usual virus change and become significantly
1. Diphtheria
different to a previously detected virus form, this new
2. Chickenpox
virus types is known as variant.
3. Smallpox
 It is a viral genome (genetic code) that may contain
one or more mutations. Which of the above diseases
has/have been eradicated in India?
Classification of variants [2014 Prelims]
 Variants Under Monitoring (VUM) (a) 1 and 2 only
 Variant of Interest (VOI) (b) 3 only
 Variant of Concern (VOC) Ans: (b)
(c) 1, 2 and 3
 Variant of High Consequences (VOHCs) (d) None
Variant of Interest (VOI):

 It is used to describe a SARS-CoV-2 variant with changes that are known to affect how the
virus behaves.
 Procedure –
o WHO is required to review global epidemiology, monitor and track global spread, facilitate
the sharing of virus isolates via WHO Bio-hub.
o WHO also coordinates laboratory investigations with Member States and partners if needed.
 3 parameters for Indication of VOI –
o Genomic surveillance In the context of vaccines
o How a VOI spreads manufactured to prevent COVID-
o Variant’s clinical behaviour 19 pandemic, consider the
following statements:
Variants Under Monitoring (VUM):
1. The Serum Institute of India
 A term used to signal public health authorities that a
produced COVID-19 vaccine
SARS-CoV-2 variant may require prioritized attention
named Covishield using mRNA
and monitoring.
platform.
Variant of Concern (VOC): 2. Sputnik V vaccine is
 The VOC associates it with more severe disease or manufactured using vector
increased transmissibility. based platform.
 Eligibility (at least 1 of the following characteristics to 3. COVAXIN is an inactivated
be classified as a VOC) – pathogen based vaccine.
Detrimental change in clinical disease severity.
o Which of the statements given
Change in COVID-19 epidemiology causing a
o above are correct? [2022 Prelims]
substantial impact on the ability of health systems.
(a) 1 and 2 only
o Significant decrease in the effectiveness of available
(b) 2 and 3 only
vaccines in protecting against severe disease.
(c) 1 and 3 only Ans: (b)
 Variants of Concern identified by WHO – Alpha, Beta,
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Gamma and Delta.
Variant of High Consequences (VOHCs):

 If the variant has clear evidence that prevention, measures or medical countermeasures (MCMs)
have significantly reduced effectiveness relative to previously circulating variant.
 No SARS-CoV-2 variants have been classified as VOHCs.
Late Blight Disease Pompe Disease

Potato crop in Punjab has suffered extensive Recently, India’s first patient diagnosed with
damage due to late blight disease. Pompe disease died.
 A Fungal disease  A rare inherited disorder that affects one
 It affects leaves, stems and tubers of crop. child per million.
 Water soaked spots appear on leaves  Caused by – a deficiency of the enzyme
which then increase in size, change to acid alphaglucosidase (GAA) which
purple brown colour & finally turns black. breaks down complex sugars in the body.
 Air borne infection – caused by the  Results in the accumulation of glycogen
sporangia. in cells, particularly in muscles.
 An example of Lysosomal storage
Huntington Disease disease.
Research has been conducted to understand
how Huntington’s disease progresses at the Mycoplasma pneumonia
molecular level. Pneumonia cases in AIIMS Delhi have no link to
 An inherited disorder that causes nerve recent surge in respiratory infections in children
cells (neurons) in parts of the brain to in China.
gradually break down and die.  This bacterium commonly causes mild
 It attacks areas of brain that help to infections of respiratory system (throat,
control voluntary (intentional) movement, lungs, windpipe).
as well as other areas.  One of smallest self-replicating
 Symptoms – Forgetfulness, loss of organism, has a highly stable genome,
balance, experiences difficulty in lacks cell wall and grows slowly.
speaking, swallowing, and walking.  Cause of community acquired
pneumonia which spreads by coughing or
sneezing.
Visit www.gokulamseekias.com to
read more articles about the
‘Diseases that appeared in news
Defence
Agni Missiles | Integrated Guided Missile Development Program
Context:
Recently, training launch of Short-Range Ballistic Missile ‘Agni-1’ was carried out successfully from
APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha.
About Agni Missiles:
 Medium to long-range Surface-to-air ballistic missile.
 Design and developed by – Defence Research and Development organisation (DRDO)
 Umbrella program – Integrated Guided Missile
Development Program (IGMDP) Agni-I is the 1st in the series which
 Operated by – Strategic Forces Command (SFC) was tested in 1989.
 A key tri-services formation that administers all the
strategic assets
 Falls under the Nuclear Command Authority of India.
 Purpose – To act as deterrence & meet the country’s security requirements.
Missile Range (Km) Features
Agni-I Medium Range (700-1200)  Customised weapon load
 Have high degree of precision
Agni-P Medium Range (1000-2000)  2-stage canister missile
 India’s 1st Multiple Independently Targetable
Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) missile
 Launch from train or road
Agni-II Medium Range (2000-2500)  Nuclear capable
 Night operable
Agni-III Intermediate Range (Up to  Can target Pakistan and China
3500)
Agni-IV Intermediate (3500-4000)  Launch from road mobile launcher
Agni-V Inter-Continental Ballistic  India’s 1st ICBM
Missile (>5500)  Night capable
Agni-VI Inter-Continental Ballistic  Under development
Missile (8000-10000)  Launch from land and submarine
IGMDP (Integrated Guided Missile Defence Acquisition Council | Acceptance of

Development Program): Necessity
 Conceived by – Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved
 Aim – To enable India attain self- ₹2.23 lakh crore Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) to
sufficiency in the field of missile push Self-reliance in Defence industry.
technology.  Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) is approved for
 5 missiles developed under IGMP – procurement of Light Combat Helicopter
o Prithvi: Short range surface to (LCH), Anti-tank Munitions, etc.
surface ballistic missile.  DAC – Highest decision-making body in the
o Agni: Ballistic missiles with different Defence Ministry for deciding on new
ranges, i.e. Agni (1,2,3,4,5) policies and capital acquisitions.
o Trishul: Short range low level  AoN is the first step toward procurement
surface to air missile. of any military equipment and hardware
o Nag: 3rd generation anti-tank missile. under defence acquisition norm under
o Akash: Medium range surface to air Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP),
missile. 2020.
Exercise Astrashakti | Akash weapon system

Context:
India demonstrated the firepower of the indigenous Akash missile system during the recent exercise
‘Astrashakti 2023’.
Astrashakti:
India become the 1st country to
 Literally means – ‘power of weapons’
demonstrate the capability of
 An air force exercise.
engaging 4 targets simultaneously
 Aim –
at such ranges by command
o To serves as a platform to showcase the advanced
guidance using a single firing unit of
capabilities of indigenous weapon systems.
Akash weapon system.
o To underscore India's commitment to exporting
its home-grown weapon systems to the global
market.
 Demonstrations of Surface to Air Missile for Assured Retaliation (SAMAR) air defence missile.
 Demonstration of Akash firing unit –
o A single firing unit of Akash weapon system simultaneously engaged and destroyed 4
unmanned aerial targets.
o 2 Akash Air Force Launcher (AAFL) – It has 5 armed missiles, at 1st 2 Akash missiles were
launched and the same launcher was assigned for next 2 targets.
o Thus all 4 targets were successfully engaged at maximum range (around 30 km)
simultaneously.
SAMAR (Surface to Air Missile for Assured Retaliation):

 An air defence system
 Developed by – a unit under IAF’s Maintenance According to data by Stockholm
Command. International Peace Research
 Consists of a twin turret (dual axis) launch platform. Institute (SIPRI), India has been the
 Operating speed range – 2 to 2.5 Mach. world's largest arms importer
since 1993. But in 2022, India
Akash weapon system:
clinched a deal with Philippines to
 A Short Range Surface to Air Missile (SRSAM) Air export Brahmos supersonic cruise
Defence System
missile.
 Designed and developed by – DRDO
 Range of Operation – 4.5 km to 25 km
 Simultaneously engage Multiple Targets Consider the following statements:
in Group Mode or Autonomous Mode. 1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at
 Produced by – Defence PSU along with subsonic speeds throughout their flights,
other industries. while cruise missiles are rocket-powered
 Deployed by – Indian Air Force and the only in the initial phase of flight.
Indian Army 2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise
missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled
intercontinental ballistic missile.
VINBAX-2023
Which of the statements given above is/are
Fourth edition of Joint Military Exercise VINBAX
correct? [2023]
started.
 Annual military training exercise (a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
 Between – India and Vietnam
(c) Both 1 and 2 Ans: (d)
 Under Chapter VII of United Nations
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Charter on Peace Keeping Operations.
Miscellaneous
World Malaria Report 2023
Context:
As per the World Malaria Report 2023, there’s a declining trend in malaria cases in India, even as
the global numbers are on the rise.
 For the 1st time, it includes a dedicated chapter focused on the intersection between climate
change and malaria.
World Malaria Report 2023:

 Published by – World Health Organisation (WHO)
 Aim – To provide a comprehensive and up-to-date assessment of trends in malaria control and
elimination across the globe.
Key findings:
 Global Scenario –
o There were 249 million cases in 2022, 5 million more than in 2021.
o Globally, the malaria deaths were higher than in 2019 but the malaria mortality rate
decreases (i.e. deaths per 100000 populations at risk) continuously and is now at 14.3 in
2022.
o WHO certified malaria-free countries this year – Azerbaijan, Belize, and Tajikistan
 Indian Scenario –
o There were around 33 lakh malaria cases and 5,000 deaths in India last year, a decrease of
30% and 34 % respectively compared with 2021.
Intersection between climate change and malaria:

 Variations in temperature, humidity, and rainfall can alter the behavior and lifespan of the
Anopheles mosquito, which carries malaria.
 Extreme weather conditions, such as heatwaves and floods, can have a direct effect on disease
transmission and the overall burden of the disease. For example, devastating flood in Pakistan
in 2022, which resulted in a five-fold increase in malaria cases in the country.
 Fluctuations in climate have also contributed to malnutrition, which is a risk factor for severe
malaria in young children and expectant mothers.
In 2023, the R21/Matrix-M (R21)

malaria vaccine became the 2nd
vaccine recommended by WHO to
prevent malaria in children.
‘Wolbachia method’ is sometimes

talked about with reference to
which one of the following? [2023]
(a) Controlling the viral diseases
spread by mosquitoes
(b) Converting crop residues into
packing material
(c) Producing biodegradable
plastics
(d) Producing biochar from thermo-
Malaria and Mosquirix | Genetic chemical conversion of biomass
Control of Mosquitoes
Ans: (a)
Polar Science and Cryosphere Research (PACER)

Context:
Ministry of Earth Sciences under facilitated under Polar Science and Cryosphere Research (PACER)
scheme launched India’s 1st Winter Scientific Expedition to Arctic.
Polar Science and Cryosphere Research (PACER):
 A Central Sector umbrella scheme.
 Implemented by – Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) through National Centre for Polar and
Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa.
 Objectives –
 To promote long-term scientific programmes in the polar region and the surrounding oceans
that have potential societal, strategic and global relevance.
 To plan, coordinate and implement the annual expeditions.
 To establish polar research and logistic facilities in the country and to maintain Indian research
bases at Antarctica, Arctic and Himalaya.
 4 sub-schemes –
o Indian Antarctic Program –
 Initiated by – Department of Ocean Development (DOD), PMO
 Built 3 permanent Indian research bases – Dakshin Gangotri (1983), Maitri (1988)
and Bharati (2012)
o Indian Arctic Program –
 Established Arctic research station – Himadri (2008)
 Research includes – atmospheric, biological, marine and glaciological studies.
o Indian Scientific Expeditions to the Southern Ocean (ISESO)
o Cryosphere and Climate – Enhanced understanding of the Antarctic cryosphere and the
climate variability.
Pesticides
Context:
In recent years, the state of Maharashtra, which frequently experiences droughts and crop failures,
has seen a significant number of farmers and agricultural workers lose their lives due to pesticide
poisoning.
Pesticides:
A substance, whether chemical or biological, that is designed to prevent, eliminate, or manage pest
damage, and is applicable in both agricultural and non-agricultural settings.
Type Description
Insecticides Chemicals used to protect plants from insects and pests
Fungicides Crop protection chemicals used to control the spread of fungal diseases in plants
Herbicides Chemicals that kill or control the growth of weeds in the cultivation area
Bio- Pesticides of biological origin, derived from animals, plants, bacteria, etc.
Pesticides
Others Includes plant growth regulators, nematicides, rodenticides, and fumigants
Pesticide poisoning:
 Refers to the adverse effects of exposure to pesticides on humans or animals.
 One of the leading causes of death among agricultural workers worldwide (as per WHO)
 2 types –
o Acute poisoning: when a person ingests, inhales, or comes into contact with a large amount
of pesticide in a short period of time.
o Chronic poisoning: when a person is exposed to low doses of pesticide over a long period
of time, which can cause damage to various organs and systems in the body.
Pesticides regulation in India:

In India, the use of carbofuran,
 Administered by – Ministry of Agriculture and
methyl parathion, phorate and
Farmers Welfare.
triazophos is viewed with
 Regulated under the Insecticides Act, 1968 and the
apprehension. These chemicals are
Insecticides Rules, 1971.
used as [2019]
 Insecticides Act of 1968 – covers the registration,
manufacture and sale of pesticides in India. (a) pesticides in agriculture
(b) preservatives in processed foods
The government has banned 3 more insecticides in (c) fruit-ripening agents
2023 such as Dicofol, Dinocap, and Methomyl, in (d) moisturizing agents in cosmetics
addition to monocrotophos.
Ans: (a)
Aarogya Maitri Aid Cube

World's first portable hospital 'Aarogya Maitri Aid Cube' was unveiled in Gurugram (Haryana).
 A modular trauma management and aid system designed for rapid deployment in Mass
Casualty Incidents, whether in times of peace or war.
 Light and portable, and can be rapidly deployed anywhere, from airdrops to ground
transportation.
 Designed indigenously under Project 'BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita and
Maitri)’.
Open Source Software (OSS)

 Meta and IBM formed the AI Alliance, supporting an open-source approach to AI development.
 India has adopted a policy on the adoption of OSS and established the National Resource Centre
for Free & Open-Source Software to support the OSS ecosystem.
Type Examples Characteristics Usage Rights

Open Linux, Mozilla Developed via open collaboration, Can be used, examined,
Source source code is available for altered, and redistributed
Software anyone to use, examine, alter by anyone.
(OSS) and redistribute.
Closed Microsoft Word Sold to end users by the creator Cannot be edited,
Source or copyright holder. enhanced, or
Software redistributed except as
specified by the copyright
holder.
Mission-Operation Storm Makers II Krutrim

It is the first Interpol operation specifically Launch of Krutrim recently.
targeting human trafficking-fuelled fraud.  A large language model (LLM) trained
 Mobilized law enforcement in 27 countries specifically for Indian languages
to target human trafficking and migrant  Launched by – Ola
smuggling.  Can understand 22 Indian languages.
 Major fraudulent activities – fake job ads,  Generate content in Marathi, Hindi,
online fraud on an industrial scale Bengali, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Odia,
Gujarati, and Malayalam
Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant | Uranium Enrichment

Context:
India and Russia ink pacts on construction of future power units of Kudankulam nuclear power
plant (KNPP).
Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP):
 State – Tamil Nadu
 India's largest nuclear power plant with the technical assistance of Russia.
 Two 1,000 megawatt (MW) units were constructed in phase one of the project.
 Expected to start operating at full capacity in 2027.
India’s Nuclear Power Program:

 1st stage –
o Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) will be used to produce energy from natural
uranium.
o They also produce fissile plutonium (Pu)-239.
 2nd stage –
o Using Fast Breeder Reactors fueled by Pu-239 to
produce energy and more of Pu-239.
o Here, the reactor produces more fissile material
than it consumes.
 3 stage –
rd
o Use of Pu-239 recovered from the second stage, in

combination with thorium-232, to produce
energy and U-233.
o U-233 would then be used as fuel.
Uranium:
 Natural uranium – a mixture largely of 2 isotopes –
o Uranium-238 (U-238) – 99.3%
o Uranium-235 (U-235) – 0.7%. Click here to Download Nuclear
 Low Enriched Uranium – Power Plants in India Map
o U-235 concentration between 0.711 percent and
20 percent The function of heavy water in a
o Used for energy production. nuclear reactor is to [2011]
 Highly Enriched Uranium – (a) Slow down the speed of
o U-235 concentration greater than 20 percent neutrons
o Used in naval propulsion reactors, nuclear (b) Increase the speed of neutrons
weapons, etc. (c) Cool down the reactor
(d) Both (a) and (c)
Kakrapar-4 nuclear reactor | Criticality Ans: (a)
Kakrapar-4 nuclear reactor attains criticality.

 Criticality – A condition in nuclear reactor operations where the number of neutrons produced
by fission reactions is sufficient to sustain a self-sustaining chain reaction.
 Location – Gujarat
 Largest indigenous nuclear power reactor.
 Built by – Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), Department of Atomic Energy.
 Kakrapar-4 – 2nd in the series of 16 indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) of
700 MW.
Global Partnership on Artificial  Established by – Ministry of Home

Intelligence (GPAI) Summit Affairs
 Aim – To deal with all types of cybercrime
Prime Minister has inaugurated the Global in the country, in a coordinated and
Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) comprehensive manner.
Summit at Bharat Mandapam.  Objectives of I4C –
 A 29-member multi-stakeholder initiative o Facilitate easy filing of Cybercrime
launched in 2020 complaints.
 Aim – To bridge the gap between theory o Act as an early warning system for
and practice on AI by supporting cutting- Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) for
edge research and applied activities on AI- proactive Cybercrime prevention.
related priorities. o Awareness creation among public
 A shared commitment to the Organisation about preventing Cybercrime.
for Economic Co-operation and o Assist States/UTs in capacity
Development (OECD) Recommendation on building of Police Officers, Public
Artificial Intelligence. Prosecutors and Judicial Officers
 India – Founding member of GPAI (lead
chair of GPAI in 2024) AKTOCYTE
 3 previous GPAI summits – Montreal, AKTOCYTE (nutraceutical tablets) has shown
Paris and Tokyo remarkable results in enhancing the quality of
life for cancer patients.
Meftal
 Nutraceutical refers to food products that
The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) provides medical or health benefits,
has issued a drug safety alert regarding including the prevention and treatment of
Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR) associated with disease.
the painkiller Meftal.  It minimizes side effects of radiotherapy.
 Meftal contains mefenamic acid  Developed by – Department of Atomic
 Commonly used for menstrual cramps Energy along with private pharma
and rheumatoid arthritis. company.
 It can trigger adverse reactions like  Approved by – Food Safety and
DRESS syndrome. Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
 Drug rash with eosinophilia and
systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome
is a severe idiosyncratic response to a Bhashini
medication, marked by a protracted onset Simultaneous Tamil translation of PM’s speech
period. at Kashi-Tamil Sangamam was done through
Bhashini.
Barracuda boat  India’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) based
The launch of Barracuda in Alappuzha (Kerala) language translation platform.
marks a significant step forward in eco-friendly  Part of the National Language
maritime transportation. Translation Mission.
 India's fastest solar-electric boat  Bhashadaan – allows individuals to
 Developed by – Navalt Solar and Electric contribute to multiple crowdsourcing
Boats initiatives such as Suno India, Likho
India, Bolo India and Dekho India
Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre
(I4C)
Recently, Meity blocked over 100 websites
based on inputs from I4C.
Environment
CoP 28
What is COP?
 The United Nations Climate Change conferences (also known as COPs) convene annually and
serve as the world’s sole multilateral decision-making platform for addressing climate change.
 With nearly universal participation from all
countries, COPs play a crucial role in formulating
strategies to combat the climate crisis.
 Aim – To achieve critical objectives, including
limiting global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees
Celsius, supporting vulnerable communities in
adapting to climate change impacts, and striving for
net-zero emissions by 2050.
What is COP28?
 Officially, COP 28 stands for the 28th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
 COP 28 refers to the United Nations Climate Change Conference took place in Dubai, United
Arab Emirates, from 30 November until 12 December 2023.
 More than 70,000 delegates attended COP28, including the member states (or Parties) of the UN
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
 Business leaders, young people, climate scientists, Indigenous Peoples, journalists, and various
other experts and stakeholders are also among the participants.
Green Credit initiative | ALTÉRRA | Green Climate Fund | Adaptation Fund

Context:
At COP-28, Indian PM called world’s countries to join India on its “Green Credit initiative” which was
a “non-commercial” effort to create a carbon sink.
Green Credits initiative:
 A voluntary program initiated by the government to incentivize various stakeholders in
contributing to environmental preservation and sustainable practices.
 Launched by – Ministry of Environment
 Administered by – Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE)
 Green Credit refers to a unit of incentive provided to individuals and entities engaged in
activities that deliver a positive impact on the environment.
 Part of ‘LiFE' campaign (Lifestyle for Environment)
 Covers 8 key types of activities – Tree Plantation, Water Management, Sustainable Agriculture,
Waste Management etc.
 Calculation of Green Credit is determined by factors – resource requirements, scale, scope, size,
and other relevant parameters.
 Green Credit Registry – Tracks and manages earned credits.
 Trading platform – enables the trading of Green Credits on a domestic market.
 Operates independently of the carbon credits provided under the Carbon Credit Trading
Scheme, 2023.
ALTÉRRA:
 Announced by – United Arab Emirates
 US$30 billion commitment to an investment fund.
 Aim – To mobilise US$250 billion globally by 2030 and be the largest of its kind, geared towards
climate investments and transform emerging markets and developing economies.
 Established by – Lunate (an independent global investment manager)
Green Climate Fund (GCF):

"Climate Action Tracker" which
 Part of the financial mechanism of the UN
monitors the emission reduction
Framework Convention on Climate Change
pledges of different countries is a:
(UNFCCC) and Paris Agreement.
[2022]
 Aim – To limit or reduce greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions in developing countries and to help (a) Database created by coalition of
vulnerable societies adapt to the unavoidable research organisations
impacts of climate change. (b) Wing of "International Panel of
 GCF is currently the world’s largest dedicated Climate Change"
multilateral climate fund. (c) Committee under "United Nations
Framework Convention on
Adaptation Fund (AF): Climate Change"
 Established under the Kyoto Protocol in 2001 (d) Agency promoted and financed by
 Supervised and managed by – Adaptation Fund United Nations Environment
Board (AFB) Programme and World Bank
 Committed US$ 532 million to climate adaptation
and resilience activities. Ans: (a)
GREE Pledge | UAE Declaration | Climate club | DTNE

Context:
 Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge India has mentioned that coal is
signed by 118 countries on the sidelines of the annual and will remain an important part of
UN climate summit (COP28). India’s energy mix because India
 At COP28, UAE Declaration on Climate and Health will witness the largest energy
Unveiled. demand growth over the next 30
 Climate Club is launched at COP28 of UNFCCC. years, which may not be met by
 Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy (DTNE) was renewables alone.
launched at COP28.
Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge (GREE Pledge):

 Aim and objectives –
o To triple the global installed renewable energy capacity to at least 11,000GW
o To double the global energy efficiency improvement rate to more than 4% by 2030.
o To phase down unabated coal power and an end to the financing of new coal-fired power
plants.
 The goal was mentioned in the New Delhi G20 Declaration.
 It has the potential to avoid greenhouse gas emissions by about 7 billion tonnes of CO2
equivalent.
 The pledge will enable – Climate Club
o Collaborate on resilient value chains  An open, inclusive high-level forum for
and technology development. cooperation on climate action, particularly
o Expand financial support for scaling decarbonisation of industry.
renewable energy  Support the implementation of Paris
o Enhance technical support and Agreement (2015) goals.
capacity building for developing  1st proposed by – Germany during a G7
economies summit meeting (2022).
o Accelerate cross-border grid  Membership – 36 countries. (India is not a
interconnections. member)
 All the G20 countries barring India,  Interim Secretariat – Economic
China, and Russia have signed on to the Cooperation and Development (OECD)
pledge. and International Energy Agency (IEA).
 India did not sign the pledge as India as
part of its nationally determined contributions (NDCs) has committed to install 500 GW of
electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.
UAE Declaration on Climate and Health:

G7 is an informal grouping of
 Released by – United Arab Emirates (UAE) in
advanced economies which includes
partnership with the World Health Organization
United States, Canada, France,
(WHO).
Germany, Italy, Japan, and United
 Aligned with the 1st ever Health day organised by the
Conference of Parties (COP) of UNFCCC. Kingdom.
 Objective –
o Place health at the heart of climate action and accelerate the development of climate-
resilient, sustainable and equitable health systems.
o Aims to promote ‘one health approach’.
o Recognizes the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared
environment.
 Endorsed by: Over 120 countries including US, UK, Brazil etc.
 India has not signed it yet.
In order to implement the declaration, COP28
Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy Guiding Principles for Financing Climate and
(DTNE) Health Solutions were also unveiled. Moreover,
 Objective – To triple the world's nuclear Asian Development Bank announced the launch
energy capacity. of a new Climate and Health Initiative to support
 Recognizes the key role of nuclear the health related commitment.
energy in achieving global net-zero
greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
With reference to ‘Global Climate Change
 Endorsed by – 20 countries which
Alliance’, which of the following statements
include the United States, Japan,
is/are correct?
Ghana, and several European
countries. 1. It is an initiative of the European Union.
 India is not part of it. 2. It provides technical and financial support
to targeted developing countries to
integrate climate change into their
Green Rising Initiative development policies and budgets.
UNICEF's Generation Unlimited, in 3. It is coordinated by the World Resources
collaboration with India's Ministry of Institute (WRI) and the World Business
Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Council for Sustainable Development
introduced "Green Rising" initiative at (WBCSD).
COP28. Select the correct answer using the code given
 Aim – To empower youth-led climate below: [2017]
actions and solutions. (a) 1 and 2 only
 Launched at – RewirEd Summit (b) 3 only Ans: (a)
 RewirEd Summit – 1st ever global (c) 2 and 3 only
summit on education and climate. (d) 1, 2 and 3

Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter (OGDC)
Context:
Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter (OGDC) has been officially launched at COP28 by UAE and
Saudi Arabia.
About OGDC:
 A global industry Charter dedicated to speeding up climate action and achieving high-scale
impact across oil and gas sectors.
 Currently, 50 companies, collectively responsible for over 40% of global oil production, have
committed to OGDC.
 Key initiative under Global Decarbonization Accelerator (GDA)
 GDA – Launched at World Climate Action Summit recently.

 3 pillars of GDA –
o Scaling energy system of tomorrow
o Decarbonizing energy system of today
o Targeting methane and other non-CO2 greenhouse gases.
Global Stocktake | Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative (AGII)

Context:
 The latest version of the Global
Stocktake (GST) includes a clause
committing all signatories to “an
orderly and just phase out of fossil
fuels” at COP28.
 African leaders launched Africa
Green Industrialisation Initiative
(AGII) at 28th Conference of Parties
(COP28).
What is Global Stocktake?

 It is a critical turning point when it
comes to efforts to address climate
change i.e. to assess the global
response to the climate crisis.
 Global Stocktake is expected to take
place once in 5 years.
Africa Green Industrialisation

Initiative (AGII):
 Aim – To accelerate green growth of With reference to the ‘New York, Declaration
industries in Africa and attract finance and on Forests’, which of the following
investment opportunities. statements are correct?
 It, incorporates elements of Sustainable 1. It was first endorsed at the United
Development Goals and Paris Agreement, Nations Climate Summit in 2014.
discourages use of fossil fuel and its 2. It endorses a global timeline to end the
production which causes global warming. loss of forests.
 It marks a concrete step toward realization of 3. It is a legally binding international
Nairobi Declaration, activating private declaration.
sector-led scaling-up of green industrial 4. It is endorsed by governments, big
clusters. companies and indigenous communities.
5. India was one of the signatories at its
Nairobi Declaration:
inception.
 It has suggestions, commitments, and
requests are thought to have enhanced Select the correct answer using the code
Africa’s influence in global discussions. given below. [2020]
 It advocates for changes to international (a) 1, 2 and 4 only
financial systems, including strong calls for (b) 1, 3 and 5 only
debt relief and restructuring of existing debts. Ans: (a)
(c) 3 and 4 only
 It emphasizes the potential for green (d) 2 and 5 only
investment in Africa’s emerging blue and
green economies.
 It encourages global leaders to support a proposed carbon tax on fossil fuel trade, maritime
transport, and aviation.
Global River Cities Alliance (GRCA)

Context:
Launch of Global River Cities Alliance at the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP28 in
Dubai in 2023.
News Highlights:
 National Mission for Clean Ganga signed a Memorandum of Common Purpose (MoCP) with
Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI)
 MRCTI – Represents 124 cities/towns situated along banks of Mississippi River, USA.
 India’s River Cities Alliance (RCA) – expanded to membership of 267 global river-cities including
India (142 River cities), USA and Denmark.
Global River Cities Alliance (GRCA): About NMCG
 An India-led initiative inspired by India’s ‘River Cities  Registered as a society in 2011
Alliance’ (RCA) under Societies Registration Act
 Launched by – National Mission for Clean Ganga 1860.
(NMCG)  Acts as implementation arm of
 Secretariat – National Ganga River Basin
o NMCG under Jal Shakti Ministry Authority (NGRBA) which was
o National Institute for Urban Affairs (NIUA) constituted under
under Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs Environment (Protection) Act
 Aim – To empower global efforts towards river (EPA) 1986.
conservation and sustainable water management.
 Membership –
o 9 countries (Indian, Denmark, Cambodia, Japan, Bhutan, Australia, Netherlands, Egypt,
and Ghana).
o 142 Indian River cities, river cities of Den Haag from the Netherlands, Adelaide from
Australia, and Szolnok of Hungary joined the Global River Cities Alliance.
 Supported by –
o World Bank
o Asian Development Bank
o Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
 Activities – Water monitoring program, sharing best practices for renaturing urban areas, and
restoring aquatic ecosystems for sustainable urban development initiatives will be discussed.
River Cities Alliance (RCA) With reference to ‘Global Climate Change

 Collaborative effort of NMCG and NIUA Alliance’, which of the following statements
 Launched by – Ministry of Jal Shakti + is/are correct?
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs 1. It is an initiative of the European Union.
 Who can join the alliance? 2. It provides technical and financial
o Open to all river cities of India support to targeted developing countries
o Any river city can join the Alliance at to integrate climate change into their
any time. development policies and budgets.
 3 broad themes – Networking, Capacity 3. It is coordinated by World Resources
Building and Technical Support. Institute (WRI) and World Business
 Objectives – Council for Sustainable Development
 Minimizing their water footprint (WBCSD).
 Reducing impacts on river and water bodies
Select the correct answer using the code
 Capitalizing on natural, intangible,
given below: [2017]
architectural heritage and associated
services (a) 1 and 2 only
 Develop self-sufficient, self-sustainable (b) 3 only
water resources through recycle, reuse (c) 2 and 3 only Ans: (a)
strategy. (d) 1, 2 and 3
Initiatives
Global Biodiversity Framework Fund
Context:
Experts suggest that should the Global Biodiversity
Framework Funds (GBFF) be unable to secure sufficient
funding, it will necessitate countries to source additional
funds domestically.
Global Biodiversity Framework Fund:
 Launched at the 7th Assembly of the Global
Environment Facility (GEF) in Canada
 Initial contributions made by – Canada and United
Click here /Visit
Kingdom
www.gokulamseekias.com to read
 Objectives –
the article
o To help countries achieve the 23 targets set
under the KMGBF (the Kunming-Montreal
Global Biodiversity Framework). With reference to ‘Global
o To receive funding from all sources and quickly Environment Facility’, which of the
disburse through streamlined procedures. following statements is/are correct?
o To enhance the access for indigenous peoples and [2014 Prelims]
local communities, according to their own (a) It serves as financial mechanism
priorities. for ‘Convention on Biological
 Finance – Private, philanthropic and government Diversity’ and ‘United Nations
investments unlike GEF, which relied on just 40 Framework Convention on
donors for finance. Climate Change’
 It has a cumulative budget of 5.25 billion USD for (b) It undertakes scientific research
2022-26, of which 36% is for biodiversity and the on environmental issues at
remaining is for projects on climate change, pollution, global level
land and ocean health. (c) It is an agency under OECD to
 Managed by – Global Environment Facility (GEF) facilitate the transfer of
 Trustee of the GBFF – World Bank technology and funds to
 GBFF Council – More representations from underdeveloped countries with
developing countries than developed and decisions specific aim to protect their
are to be taken by consensus. environment
 Activities – It will be used to approve projects until (d) Both (a) and (b) Ans: (a)
December 31, 2030, unless otherwise decided by the
Council or the COP of UNFCC.
Global Energy Monitor's Global Coal Plant Tracker

Context:
Global Energy Monitor (GEM), a non-profit organization that tracks coal projects globally, has
recently published its quarterly update of the Global Coal Plant Tracker. This update provides
important insights into the current status of coal power projects around the world.
Key Findings of the GEM Report:
 China is leading the way in new coal projects, with over 95% of coal plant capacity that started
construction in 2023.
 There’s a significant number of coal projects still under consideration, with 110 GW of coal
power capacity being deliberated in 32 countries.
 India, Bangladesh, and Indonesia are at the forefront, making up 83% of the proposed coal
capacity outside China.
 In the first nine months of 2023, 18.3 GW of coal capacity was shelved or canceled across
various countries.
 Despite these cancellations, new proposals amounting to 15.3 GW emerged in India,

Indonesia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia.
 India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Vietnam are constructing 84% of the 67 GW of coal power
capacity outside China as of July 2023.
 India has ambitious plans to increase its coal-fired power plant capacity by 2032, targeting 80
GW, a significant increase from the previously stated 27 GW in the National Electricity Plan
2022-32 (NEP).
 Certain states in India, such as Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha,
and Uttar Pradesh, have seen progress in coal plant projects, with permits being granted.
Global Energy Monitor (GEM):

Consider the following statements:
 GEM develops and shares information in support of
the worldwide movement for clean energy. 1. Coal sector was nationalized by
 GEM seeks to build an open guide to the world’s the Government of India under
energy system. Indira Gandhi.
 GEM's data and reports – International Energy 2. Now, coal blocks are allocated
Agency, United Nations Environment Programme, the on lottery basis.
World Bank, and the Bloomberg Global Coal 3. Till recently, India imported coal
Countdown. to meet the shortages of
domestic supply, but now India
Global Coal Plant Tracker: is self-sufficient in coal
 An online database that identifies and maps every production.
known coal-fired generating unit and every new unit
Which of the statements given
proposed since 2010 (30 megawatts and larger).
 Developed by – Global Energy Monitor above is/are correct? [2019]
 Updated biannually (January and July) (a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
Coal: (c) 3 only Ans: (a)
 A type of fossil fuel found in a form of sedimentary (d) 1, 2 and 3
rocks and is often known as 'Black Gold'.
Type of Coal Carbon Found in

Content
Anthracite 80 - 95% Jammu & Kashmir
Bituminous 60 - 80% Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya
Pradesh
Lignite 40 - 55% Rajasthan, Lakhimpur (Assam), Tamil Nadu
Peat Less than 40% First stage of transformation from organic matter (wood) to coal
Global Green Credit Initiative (GGCI)

Context:
India launched Global Green Credit Initiative (GGCI) at COP 28 (UAE) of United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
About Global Green Credit Initiative (GGCI):
 It will serve as the international platform for dialogue, collaboration, and the exchange of
innovative environmental programs and instruments.
 Referred as Global Platform for Nature's Ecological Transformation.
 GGCI is aligned with the principles of the Green Credit program (GCP).
 Aim – To replace conventional approach of focusing on carbon emissions to recognizing and
incentivizing a broader spectrum of efforts.
 Key Purposes –
o Science: Sharing of global technical know-how and experiences.
o Policy: Shaping green credit policy instruments.
o Supporting implementation (practice component): Creating one common value chain to

connect communities, self-help groups, etc. with companies/corporates and other
stakeholders who can participate in the program through one marketplace.
 Benefits – Knowledge Sharing, innovative solutions, collective actions, and participating
countries can assert global
leadership in providing With reference to the ‘New York, Declaration on
environmental solutions. Forests’, which of the following statements are correct?
1. It was first endorsed at the United Nations Climate
Summit in 2014.
2. It endorses a global timeline to end the loss of
forests.
3. It is a legally binding international declaration.
4. It is endorsed by governments, big companies and
indigenous communities.
5. India was one of the signatories at its inception.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

[2021]
Click here/ visit (a) 1, 2 and 4 only
www.gokulamseekias.com to read (b) 1, 3 and 5 only Ans: (a)
about Green Credit Programme (c) 3 and 4 only
(GCP) (d) 2 and 5 only
Carbon Credits Trading Scheme (CCTS) City of Lakes Project | C40

Context:
At a discussion held by C40, Delhi’s
Ministry of Power announced reforms in Carbon Credits breakthroughs in fighting climate
Trading Scheme (CCTS) recently. change like City of Lakes project and
 Ministry notified the CCTS in June 2023, to develop 3i model were mentioned.
the Indian Carbon Market framework, under the  Aim – To rejuvenate water bodies
Energy Conservation Act, of 2001. in Delhi city.
Carbon Credits Trading Scheme (CCTS):  It creates eco-tourism
 Provides to set up a carbon credit trading market opportunities and enhances heat
as the country aims at decarbonizing the economy. resilience, particularly during
 Carbon markets are a tool for putting a price on extreme weather events.
carbon emissions.  Impacts – an increase of up to 2
 They establish trading systems where carbon meters in groundwater levels.
credits or allowances can be bought and sold.  C40 – Global network of nearly a
 A carbon credit is a kind of tradable permit that hundred mayors of world’s
equals one tonne of carbon dioxide removed, leading cities that are united in
reduced, or sequestered from the atmosphere. action to confront climate crisis.
Major reforms:
 Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) to develop the
standards and register the project under an offset mechanism.
 BEE would “validate” carbon credits, as opposed to only “verification” in the original
framework.
 Allowed ‘non-obligated entities’ (Non-OEs) (purchase the carbon credit certificates voluntarily)
to also register decarbonization projects and generate carbon credits.
o The inclusion of Non-OEs further deepens the Indian carbon credit market.
o Indian entities won’t have to go to overseas standards agencies to validate their carbon
credits.
o Foreign decarbonization projects might choose India for certification.
Airgun Surrender Abhiyan

Context:
Airgun Surrender Abhiyan was selected as a model wildlife conservation programme by UNESCO.
Airgun Surrender Abhiyan:
 An initiative to get local residents involved in environmental management and wildlife protection.
 Launched in 2021.
 Launched by – Arunachal Pradesh
 1st Airgun free village – Lumdung, Arunachal Pradesh
 Aim –
o To discourage hunting and raise awareness about the detrimental effects of wildlife killing.
o To encourage the voluntary surrender of airguns and licensed guns to check their use in
hunting birds and other wildlife.
 Recognition – ‘Conservation Award’ at the 6th North East Green Summit of Forest Ministers of
North East held in Assam in 2021.
Indian Forest & Wood Certification Scheme (IFWCS)

Context:
Launch of country’s 1st Indian Forest & Wood Certification Scheme (IFWCS) recently.
Indian Forest & Wood Certification Scheme (IFWCS):
 National forest certification scheme
 Launched by – Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change
 Aim – To promote Sustainable Forest Management and sustainable management of Trees
outside Forests (TOF) in country.
 Offers voluntary 3rd party certification.
 Provides market incentives to various entities that adhere to responsible forest management and
agroforestry practices in their operation.
 Certification applicability –
o Both in forest areas and TOF plantations on government, private, agroforestry and other
lands
o For both timber and non-timber forest
produce.
Forest Management certification is
 3 types of certification –
based on Indian Forest Management
o Forest management certification
o Trees outside Forests management Standard, consisting of 8 criteria, 69
certification indicators and 254 verifiers which is an
o Chain of Custody Certification (traceability of integral part of National Working Plan
a forest product). Code 2023.
 Institutional arrangement – Forest certification – to authenticate
o Overseen by: Indian Forest and Wood the origin, legality, and sustainability of
Certification Council forest-based products.
o Operating agency: Indian Institute of Forest Chain of custody (CoC) certification –
Management, Bhopal to guarantee the traceability of a forest
o Certification body: National Accreditation product like timber throughout the
Board for Certification Bodies, Quality supply chain from origin to market.
Council of India
Indian Forest and Wood Certification Council

 Multi-stakeholder advisory body
 Composition – Representatives from Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education,
FSI, QCI, IIFM, Union Ministry (Agriculture and Commerce), State Forest Departments,
Forest Development Corporations and Wood-based industries
Protected Sites
Kaziranga National Park
Context:
Recently, one-horned rhinoceros was killed in Kaziranga
National Park of Assam.
About Kaziranga National Park:
 State – Assam
 Part of Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspots.
 Lies between – Brahmaputra River (North) and the
Karbi Anglong hills (South).
 River flowing – Diphlu River
 Status –
o Declared as a National Park in 1974 and tiger Download the Tiger Reserves Map
reserve in 2007. from www.gokulamseekias.com
o Recognized as an Important Bird Area by
BirdLife International.
Which of the following Protected
o Declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site in
Areas are located in Cauvery basin?
1985.
 Inhabited by world's largest population of one-horned 1. Nagarhole National Park
rhinoceroses. 2. Papikonda National Park
 Vegetation – It ranges from alluvial inundated 3. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
grasslands to tropical semi-evergreen forests. 4. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
 6 other national parks in Assam are – Manas Select the correct answer using the
National Park, Dibru - Saikhowa National Park, code given below: [2020]
Nameri National Park, Orang National Park and Tiger
(a) 1 and 2 only
Reserve (ONPTR), Dehing Patkai National Park,
(b) 3 and 4 only
Raimona National Park Ans: (c)
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
 4 Tiger Reserves in Assam – Kaziranga, Manas,
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Nameri and Orang
Neora Valley National Park

Context:
Recently, Royal Bengal Tiger has been seen in the Neora Valley National Park.
 This has confirmed the presence of the big cats at an
altitude of 10,509 feet above sea level. With reference to India’s Desert
National Park, which of the
About Neora Valley National Park:
following statements are correct?
 State – West Bengal
1. It is spread over two districts.
 Lies in the catchment of the Neora River
2. There is no human habitation
 Part of a global biodiversity hotspot
inside the Park.
 Location – Eastern Himalayas.
3. It is one of the natural habitats
 Declared as an Important Bird Area. of the Great Indian Bustard.
 Links the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary (Sikkim)
and the Toorsa Strict Reserve (Bhutan). Select the correct answer using the
 Forest Type – Subtropical Mixed Broadleaf Forest, code given below: [2020]
Lower Temperate Evergreen Forest, Upper Temperate (a) 1 and 2 only
Mixed Broadleaf Forest and Rhododendron Forest. (b) 2 and 3 only
 Key Fauna – Red Panda, Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan Ans: (c)
(c) 1 and 3 only
Black Bear, etc. (d) 1, 2 and 3
Species in News
IUCN Red List | Saiga Antelope
Context:
Release of updated Red List of threatened species by International Union for Conservation of Nature
(IUCN).
Key findings:
 44000 species (increased by 2000 from last year) are threatened with extinction.
 Saiga – moved from Critically Endangered to Near Threatened.
 25% of freshwater fish are at risk of extinction, with at least 17% affected by climate change.
 1st global freshwater fish assessment – 25% of freshwater fish are at risk of extinction
 4 freshwater subterranean fish species (found in water bodies under the surface) from Kerala
included in list – Shaji's Catfish, Abdulkalam's Blind Cave Catfish, Pangio Bhujia, Gollum
snakehead
IUCN Red List:
 A critical indicator of the health of
the world’s biodiversity.
 Information provided on – range,
population size, habitat and ecology,
use and trade, threats, and
conservation actions.
 Criteria used to determine the risk
of species –
o Population size reduction
o Restricted geographical range
o A small population and declining
o Very small or lives in a restricted
area
o Quantitative analysis of extinction
risk
IUCN
 Created in 1948.
 Not an organ of the United Nations
 Headquarters – Gland, Switzerland
 Membership Union composed of both government
and civil society organizations.
The “Red Data Books” published by the International Saiga Antelope

Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural  An antelope roamed the earth
Resources (IUCN) contain lists of since the last Ice Age
1. Endemic plant and animal species present in the  Medium sized hoofed (animals
biodiversity hotspots. with a hard, nail-like case called
2. Threatened plant and animal species. a hoof covering each toe on their
3. Protected sites for conservation of nature and feet) mammal.
natural resources in various countries.  Once found throughout the
Eurasian Steppe grassland
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.  Presently found – Kazakhstan,
[2011 Prelims] Mongolia, the Russian
(a) 1 and 3 Federation and Uzbekistan
Ans: (b)
(b) 2 only (according to the Saiga
(c) 2 and 3 Conservation Alliance)
(d) 3 only
Budgett Frog
Context:
Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science’s (IISc) have
identified that peptides (short protein) produced from Budgett’s
frog can combat enzymes of disease causing pathogens.
Findings:
 Peptide can block the action of two important enzymes called
subtilisin carlsberg and proteinase K produced by harmful
pathogens.
 These enzymes help pathogens break down protective
proteins in the body, making it easier for them to cause infection.
About Budgett Frog:

 Common names – Hippo Frog / Freddie Kruger Frog. Frogs are the 1st vertebrates to
 Habitat – Inland waters in Paraguay, Argentina and conquer the land and because of this,
Bolivia. they have developed a defensive
 Carnivorous - they mainly feed on other frogs mechanism through their skin to
(particularly tadpoles), snails and insects. generally combat the microorganisms
 Growing condition – and other harmful things.
o During dry season, it remains in burrows and
they will shed skin layers from to form a waterproof cocoon to keep them moist.
o In rainy season, it will go back into the water to breed and feed.
 Characteristics –
Which of the following organisms
o Highly intelligent and very aggressive.
perform a waggle dance for others of
o When frightened, they inflate themselves, stand
up on their short legs and attack the potential their kin to indicate the direction
with an open huge mouth followed up by a high- and the distance to a source of their
pitched scream. food? [2023]
o Do not have teeth (a) Butterflies
o Have two sharp-edged structures in the jaws. (b) Dragonflies Ans: (c)
 Protection status – Least Concern in the IUCN Red (c) Honey Bees
List. (d) Wasps
De Winton’s Golden Mole

Scientists found elusive De Winton’s Golden Mole
(Cryptochloris wintoni) for the 1st time in last 87 years with
the help of Environmental DNA (e-DNA) technique.
 Have an oily secretion that lubricates the fur with an
iridescent glow.
 Endemic to South Africa.
 Key features – Completely blind, strong navigational
abilities and enhanced hearing and dwells entirely
underground.
 IUCN status – Critically endangered
Flying Squirrel | Namdapha National Park

Context:
A nocturnal flying squirrel has resurfaced in Arunachal Pradesh after going missing for 42 years.
Flying Squirrel:
 They are nocturnal species.
 A special membrane between their front and back legs that allows them to glide through the air
between trees.
 Habitat –
o Northern and southern flying squirrels – North
America
o Namdapha flying squirrel – Temperate and
tropical forests of India and other parts of Asia.
o Namdapha flying squirrel – Last found in the
Namdapha Tiger Reserve in Arunachal
Pradesh.
 Diet – Omnivores
 IUCN Status – Critically endangered
Namdapha National Park:

 Location –
o State: Arunachal Pradesh
Other Protected Areas in
o Close proximity to Indo-Myanmar-China tri-
junction Arunachal Pradesh
o Located between – Dapha bum range of the  Pakke Tiger Reserve
Mishmi Hills and the Patkai range.  Mouling National Park
 4th largest national park in India  Kamlang Tiger Reserve
 Namdapha river originates here and meets Noa-  Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary
Dehing river (a tributary of the Brahmaputra)  Eagle Nest Wildlife Sanctuary
 Declared as a Tiger Reserve.
 Climate – Varies from tropical to subtropical,
temperature and arctic
 Biodiversity –
o Only park in the World to have the 4 Feline species of big cat (Tiger, Leopard, Snow
Leopard and Clouded Leopard)
o Hoolock Gibbons, the only ‘ape’ species found in India is here.
White-bellied sea eagle Jumping spiders

Bird which is common to coastal habitats was A team of researchers has discovered two new
spotted unusually in Tiruchirappalli (Tamil species of jumping spiders from Kerala and
Nadu). Tamil Nadu.
 Geographic range – North to south from  Only 3 species belonging to the genus
southern China to Australia and Afraflacilla had been hitherto discovered
Tasmania, and west to east from India to in the country.
New Guinea.  Widespread from Africa to Australia.
 Habitat – Terrestrial habitats near the  Consists of dark brown carapace.
ocean, especially coasts, islands, and  Abdomens are light brown
estuaries, etc.
 IUCN Status – Least concern
Similipal Tiger Reserve | Black Tiger

Context:
According to Union government Melanistic tigers have been
recorded only in Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha.
 As per All India Tiger Estimation (2022), out of 16
tigers 10 were melanistic at STR.
Black Tigers:
 A rare colour variant of the Bengal tiger Melanistic refers to having very
 Abnormal dark or black coat termed as “pseudo dark skin/hair due to higher-than-
melanistic or false coloured”
normal level of the melanin pigment.
 Reason for development black broadened stripes – A
single mutation in the gene Transmembrane
Aminopeptidase Q (Taqpep)
Similipal Tiger Reserve: Major Protected Areas in Odisha

 Location – Odisha (Mayurbhanj district)  Bhitarkanika National Park.
 Part of the Similipal-Kuldiha-Hadgarh Elephant  Chilika (Nalaban island) WLS.
Reserve (Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve)  Baisipalli WLS.
 Tribes found – Erenga Kharias and Mankirdias  Nandankanan WLS.
 Major Rivers – Khairi and Deo  Gahirmatha (Marine) WLS.
 Identified as a distinct genetic cluster for
conservation.
 Harbours the only population of melanistic tigers in the world.
 Receives funding assistance under Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Integrated Development of
Wildlife Habitats (CSS-IDWH).
Jellyfish Dodo (Raphus cucullatus)

New jellyfish species found off Japan's coast Geneticists and conservationists have joined
with 240 tentacles named Santjordia pagesi forces to re-introduce the Dodo, extinct since the
with a bright red, cross-shaped stomach. late 17th century.
 Invertebrates (animals with no  Flightless birds that were related to
backbones) and lacks brains, hearts, and pigeons
eyes.  Endemic to – Mauritius
 Not detritivores and feed on fish, shrimp,  Closest living relative of the dodo –
crabs, etc. Nicobar pigeon.
 Made up of a smooth, bag-like body and  Reason for its extinction – Deforestation,
tentacles armed with tiny, stinging cells. hunting, and destruction of their nests by
 Transparent, colourful and animals brought to the island by the
bioluminescent. Dutch.
Mosasaur
The researcher named a Mosasaur founded in
2006 as Wakayama Soryu, which means Blue
Dragon.
 An extinct group of large marine reptiles
 Time period – Late Cretaceous period.
Miscellaneous
State of Finance for Nature 2023 Report
Context:
State of Finance for Nature 2023 Report was released by UN Environment Programme recently.
State of Finance for Nature 2023 Report – Key Highlights:
 Tracks public and private finance flows to Nature based Solutions (NbS) to tackle global
challenges related to biodiversity loss, land degradation and climate change.
 1st time estimated global scale of public and private nature-negative finance.
 Current finance flows to NbS: Around US$200 billion which is only one third of NbS finance
needed by 2030.
 Nature-negative finance flows: Estimated at almost Nature-negative financial flows
US$7 trillion per year.
refer to finance flows for activities
 Future investment needs: To meet Rio Convention
that could potentially have a
targets finance flows to NbS must almost triple from
negative effect on nature like fossil
current levels to reach US$542 billion per year by
fuel subsidies.
2030.
About Nature based Solutions (NbS):
 Actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore Consider the following activities:
natural and modified ecosystems that address societal 1. Spreading finely ground basalt
challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously rock on farmlands extensively
benefiting people and nature. 2. Increasing the alkalinity of
 Examples – Reforestation and Afforestation, Wetland oceans by adding lime
Restoration, Green Infrastructure etc. 3. Capturing carbon dioxide
released by various industries
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP):
and pumping it into abandoned
 It is leading environmental authority in United
subterranean mines in the form
Nations system.
of carbonated waters
 Genesis – Founded in 1972 following UN Conference
on the Human Environment How many of the above activities
 Objectives – To contribute to the building of a culture are often considered and discussed
of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable for carbon capture and
development, and intercultural dialogue through sequestration? [2023]
education, the sciences, culture, communication, and
(a) Only one
information.
(b) Only two Ans: (c)
 Mandate – To find solutions to triple planetary crisis (c) All three
i.e., climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and (d) None
pollution and waste.
 Members – 193 (including India)
 Other Reports – Adaptation Gap Report 2023, Emission Gap report, The Global Environment
Outlook, Frontiers, Invest into Healthy Planet.
 Headquarters – Nairobi, Kenya.
Tropicalisation
 A study indicates that rising sea temperatures due to climate change are causing tropical
marine species to move from equator towards poles and retraction of temperate species.
 This mass movement of marine life has been termed tropicalisation.
 Mediterranean Sea – Tropicalisation hotspot due an increase in tropical species.
 Tropicalisation together with Borealisation and Desertification contribute to global
redistribution of biota and rearrangement of ecological communities.
 Borealisation is expansion of temperate species (terrestrial and marine) into Arctic polar-
regions.
Arsenic contamination Press mud

25 states, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Sugarcane by product press mud can help
Jharkhand, and Assam have arsenic- generate 460,000 tonnes of Compressed Bio-
contaminated groundwater according to data Gas (CBG) valued at ₹2,484 crore.
by Central Ground Water Board.
 Arsenic – A naturally occurring, semi-
metallic element widely distributed in
the Earth's crust.
 Highly toxic in its inorganic form.
 Primarily geo-genic, these
contaminations result from minerals in
rocks or soil entering groundwater
through chemical processes.
 Effects – Cognitive development issues,
cancer, skin lesions, cardiovascular
 Press mud – The residual solid product
disease, diabetes, and arsenicosis.
obtained from sugarcane juice before
India surpassed Montreal protocol crystallisation of sugar.
 Major wastes products obtained from
targets
sugar industry – Bagasse, molasses and
According to the report India exceeded the 35% press-mud
HCFC (Hydrochlorofluorocarbons) phase-out  Benefit – As feedstock for biogas
goal, achieving a 44% reduction from the 2020 production through anaerobic digestion
baseline and has also eliminated HCFC 141b. and subsequent purification to create
 HCFCs are employed as refrigerants in CBG.
production of new equipment.
 HCFC 141b, is used as a blowing agent
in production of rigid polyurethane foam. Community Forest Management (CFM)
 India will also phase out use of HCFCs in New study shows that empowering local
new equipment manufacturing completely communities through formalized Community
by December 2024 ahead of the Montreal Forest Management (CFM) leads to effective
Protocol schedule (2030). management and restoration of forests.
 A practice in which indigenous people
Global Climate 2011-2020 Report
and local communities manage forests
Global Climate 2011-2020 Report was released in harmony with nature.
by World Meteorological Organization (WMO).  States acknowledge Community Forest
 2011-2020 – Warmest decade on record Resource (CFR) rights – Odisha (1st),
for both land and ocean. Chhattisgarh (within Kanger Ghati
 Places experienced wet decade – National Park)
Northwest India, Pakistan, China and
the southern coast of the Arabian Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional
Peninsula Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest
 Marine heat waves (MHW) – experienced Rights) Act, 2006 (also known as Forest
over 60% of the surface of oceans. Rights Act) – provide for recognition of right
 Glaciers globally thinned by 1 meter per to “protect, regenerate or conserve or
year while Antarctic ice sheet lost nearly manage” CFR.
75% more ice (in comparison to 2001-
2010).
 Sea level rose at an annual rate of
4.5mm/yr.
Miyawaki Plantation Method Universal Dynamic Crosslinker (UDC)

Researchers at IIT Madras, Columbia
University and Colorado State developed a
sustainable plastic recycling technique known
as UDC.
 A specially designed crosslinker that can
blend plastics that are usually
incompatible.
 Avoids the need for deconstruction and
reconstruction of plastics
 They enhanced performance over virgin
plastics.
South Eastern Coalfileds Ltd (SECL) will
 Uses – address plastic waste crisis and
undertake plantation using Miyawaki method
revolutionise the plastics recycling
in coal belt region of Chhattisgarh.
industry.
 Pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira
Miyawaki. UNESCO’s 2023 Prix Versailles
 Involves planting native trees, shrubs Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru
and groundcover plants within every
(Karnataka) was honored at UNESCO's 2023
square meter to create a dense canopy
Prix Versailles, and named among the 'World’s
layer of tall trees in small land parcels.
most beautiful airports'.
 Species chosen are plants which can
survive harsh weather and water-scarce  Granted annually at UNESCO since 2015.
conditions.  Consists of architecture awards that
 Benefits – Forests grow rapidly; Utility in showcase the finest contemporary
urban forestry; increase carbon achievements worldwide.
sequestration, reduce air and noise  Official list aligns with the with the
pollution and attract local birds and principles of intelligent sustainability and
insects. takes into consideration projects’
ecological, social and cultural impacts
The "Miyawaki method" is well known for into consideration.
the: [2022]  It highlights the primary role of the
Laureates in beautifying and improving
(a) Promotion of commercial farming
the living environment.
in arid and semi-arid areas
(b) Development of gardens using
Diel Vertical Migration (DVM)
genetically modified flora
(c) Creation of mini forests in urban DVM is synchronised movement of deep-sea
areas marine animals up and down in oceanic water
(d) Harvesting wind energy on coastal column over a daily cycle.
areas and on sea surfaces  Free-floating zooplanktons swim up to
Ans: (c) food-rich surface waters at night to feed
when light is scarce and they are
AMRIT’ (Arsenic and Metal Removal by “hidden” from predators. They return to
Indian Technology) the depths before sun rises.
 Role in sequestering carbon –
Indian Institute of Technology Madras has
o Animals remove substantial
developed a technology called ‘AMRIT’ for
amounts of carbon from Upper
removal of Arsenic and Metal ions from water.
Ocean as they feed on surface-
 It uses nano-scale iron oxy-hydroxide dwelling plankton.
 It selectively removes arsenic when o When these organisms return to
water is passed through it. deeper waters, they carry carbon
 Uses – point-of-use water purifiers in with them.
worst arsenic, iron and fluoride affected
regions of India.
Geography
Geography Phenomena
Cyclones Michaug
Context:
Cyclone Michaung made landfall in Andhra Pradesh.
About Cyclones:
 Cyclones are rapid inward air circulation around a low-pressure area.
 Classification –
o Tropical Cyclones: Originate between the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer
o Extra Tropical/ Temperate Cyclones: Originate in the Polar Regions
Cyclone vs Anticyclone –
Pressure Pressure Pattern of Wind Direction
System Condition at Northern Hemisphere Southern Hemisphere
the Centre
Cyclone Low Anti-clockwise Clockwise
Anti-cyclone High Clockwise Anti-clockwise
About Tropical Cyclones:
 An intense circular storm that originates over warm tropical oceans.
 Characteristic features –
o Eye, a central region of clear skies, warm temperatures, and low atmospheric
pressure.
o Low atmospheric pressure, high
winds, and heavy rain. Different Names for Tropical Cyclones
 Conditions for Formation –
 Typhoons – Southeast Asia and China
o Large sea surface with
temperature >27° C.  Hurricanes – North Atlantic and eastern
o Presence of the Coriolis force Pacific
o Small variations in the vertical  Tornados – West Africa and southern USA
wind speed  Willy-willies – Northwest Australia
o A pre-existing weak low- pressure
 Tropical Cyclones – Southwest Pacific and
area
Indian Ocean
o Upper divergence above the sea
level system
 Nomenclature –
o Nodal Authority – World Meteorological
Organization (WMO) Chilla-i-Kalan
o Indian Ocean Region – 13 member countries Chilla-i-Kalan began in Kashmir.
of WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical  A Persian term that means
Cyclones (Bangladesh, India, Iran, Maldives,
‘major cold’.
Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia,
Sri Lanka, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and  40-days (December 21 to
Yemen) January 31) of harsh winter.
 Cyclones in India  Region – Kashmir
 Followed by a 20-day-long
o Bi-annual Cyclone Season – March to May and
October to December ‘Chillai Khurd’ (small cold) and
a 10-daylong ‘Chillai Bacha’
o Recent Cyclones –
(baby cold)
o Arabian Sea: Biparjoy, Tauktae, Vayu, Nisarga
and Mekanu
o Bay of Bengal: Mandous, Sitrang, Asani, Amphan, Fani, Nivar, Bulbul, Titli, Yaas

1. Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only.
2. Only some cyclones develop an eye.
3. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10ºC lesser than that of the
surroundings.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [2022]
(a) 1 only Ans: (c)
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1 and 3 only
Initiatives
National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR) Portal
Context:
Union Ministry of Mines is to launch the National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR) Portal.
About National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR) Portal:
 A part of the National Mineral Exploration Policy (NMEP), 2016.
 All geological, geochemical, geophysical, and mineral exploration data available in the public
domain on a digital geospatial platform.
 Spearheaded by – Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Bhaskaracharya Institute of Space
Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N)
 Include baseline geoscience data and all mineral exploration information generated by various
central and state government agencies.
 Significances of the portal –
o Democratizes critical geoscience data by encouraging transparency and knowledge sharing
by offering open access.
o Will expedite, enhance, and facilitate the exploration coverage of the country.
o Increases the investment attractiveness of the mining sector.
About NMEP, 2016:
 Targets exploration of deep-seated and concealed
mineral deposits. Geological Survey of India
 Aims at accelerating the exploration activity in the  Established in 1851.
country through enhanced participation of the  Function – Creation and
private sector. updation of national
 Establishment of a National Centre for Mineral geoscientific data, mineral
Targeting (NCMT) – Geological Survey of India Training resource assessment, and air-
Institute (GSITI), Hyderabad. borne and marine surveys.
 Key features –  Ministry – Ministry of Mines
o Auctioning of identified exploration blocks for  Headquarters – Kolkata
exploration by the private sector on a revenue-  6 Regional Offices – Lucknow,
sharing basis. Jaipur, Nagpur, Hyderabad,
o Creation of baseline geoscientific data as a Shillong, Kolkata
public good.
o To map the entire country with low altitude and close space flight to precisely locate the
deep-seated minerals such as gold, silver, copper, etc.
Information Fusion Centre for Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR)

Context:
Information Fusion Centre - Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) celebrated its 5th anniversary.
 Also, it was instrumental in addressing a ship hijacking incident near the Gulf of Aden.
Information Fusion Centre for Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR):
 Established in 2018.
 Hosted by – Indian Navy
 Location – Information Management and Analysis Centre, Gurugram [nodal agency for
maritime data fusion]
 Tagline – Collaboration for Safety and Security.
 Aim – To strengthen maritime security in Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and beyond by acting as a
maritime security information sharing hub for the region.
 Vision – To advance maritime safety through information sharing, cooperation and expertise
development.
 Mission – To be a nodal centre of excellence for promoting maritime safety towards a peaceful,
stable and prosperous IOR.
 Maritime domain – Piracy & Armed Robbery, Contraband Smuggling, IUU Fishing, Irregular
Human Migration and other maritime incidents.
 It hosts International Liaison Officers from 12 partner nations.
 It includes International Maritime Organisation (IMO), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
(UNODC), and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
 Events –
o Regional Maritime Practitioner Programme (RMPP)
o Maritime Security Info-sharing Exercise (MARISX)
o Shared Awareness Meeting (SAM)
o Enhance maritime safety and security in IOR in line with India’s vision of Security and
Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).
o Enables participating countries to better track illegal activities, identify potential threats,
and coordinate responses.
o Combat major concerns like terrorism, human trafficking etc. in Indian Ocean.
The 3 major hotspots for piracy and armed robbery are South East Asia, Gulf of Guinea and
Horn of Africa. There was a rise in numbers in South East Asia while there was a rise in intensity
in the Gulf of Guinea.
India and Indian Ocean Region:

 95% of India's trade by volume and 68% of trade by value is moved through sea via Indian
Ocean.
 About 250 million people live within 50 km of coast and dependent on sea for food and
livelihood.
 Central position of India in IOR makes it a natural maritime power, influencing sea lanes and
regional dynamics.
 World's 3rd largest ocean holds abundant mineral resources like gold, tin, uranium, cobalt,
nickel etc.
Banni Grassland
Central government has approved setting up a cheetah breeding and conservation centre in Banni
Grassland.
 Location – Kutch district, Gujarat
 An Arid grassland with an area of over 2500 sq.km.
 Consisting of 2 ecosystems in juxtaposition (wetlands and grasslands)
 Major Flora and Fauna – Invasive Prosopis juliflora tree, Mangrove dwelling Kharai camel
(swimming camel), Banni buffalo, Kankrej cow etc.
 Maldharis – Livestock breeders of Banni
Economy
Agriculture
Cotton cultivation
Context:
81st plenary session of the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) held recently.
News Highlights:
 India – Has largest area under cotton cultivation and is the 2nd largest producer.
 India will provide leadership in cotton textiles and technical textiles.
 Launched PM MITRA – a Central government scheme to set up mega textile parks and promote
the entire value chain.
 Introduced textile products made using Kasturi cotton (India’s premium Cotton).
Cotton Crop:
 A Kharif crop
 Grows well in black cotton soil of Deccan plateau. (Soil has high water retention capacity)
 Climatic conditions –
o Annual temperature requirement – 20-28 degree Celsius
o Rainfall – 55-110 cm is ideal.
o Requires minimum 180 frost-free days.
 Cotton-producing states – Maharashtra, Gujarat, MP, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana,
Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana and UP.
 Cotton Producing Countries – China, India, USA
 India grows all 4 species of cultivated cotton –
o Gossypium arboreum and herbaceum (Asian cotton)
o G.barbadense (Egyptian cotton)
o G. hirsutum (American Upland cotton)
Brown Cotton or Kandu:

 State – Karnataka
 A local indigenous variety of desi cotton.
 Recognised for its natural brown colour.
 A rain-fed variety of cotton that is well-suited for south India's environment.

1. The Government of India provides
Minimum Support Price for niger
(Guizotia abyssinica) seeds.
2. Niger is cultivated as a Kharif crop.
3. Some tribal people in India use niger
seed oil for cooking.
How many of the above statements are
correct? [2023]
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
Click here to read about Technical (c) All three
Ans: (c)
Textiles (d) None
Jute crop
Context:
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved reservation norms for mandatory use of jute
in packaging for the Jute Year 2023 -24 under Jute Packaging Materials (JPM) (Compulsory Use in
Packing Commodities) Act, 1987.
JPM Act 1987:
 Provides for compulsory use of jute packaging material in supply and distribution of certain
commodities.
 Mandatory packaging norms approved for Jute Year 2023-24 provide for 100% reservation of
food-grains and 20% of sugar to be compulsorily packed in jute bags.
 Benefits of reservation for JPM –
o Protect the interest of domestic production of
raw jute and JPM in India, thereby, making Jute (golden fibre) is one of major
India self-reliant. industries in India’s eastern region.
o Provide relief to 4 lakh workers employed in
jute mills and ancillary units. India is world's biggest producer of
o Support livelihood of around 40 lakh farm jute, followed by Bangladesh.
families.
o Protect environment as jute is natural, bio-
degradable, renewable and reusable fibre and hence fulfils all sustainability parameters.
About Jute Crop:

 Climate: Humid.
 Temperature: Between 24 to 38 degree Celsius.
 Minimum rainfall: 1000 mm.
 Soil: New grey alluvial soil of good depth receiving silt from annual floods.
 Major Jute producing states: West Bengal (largest), Bihar, Odisha, Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya,
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Concepts
Repo Rates | Policy Stances
Context:
RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) unanimously decided to keep repo rates unchanged at 6.5%.
Present Rates:
 Policy Repo Rate: 6.5%
o Rate at which the central bank of a country (RBI) lends money to commercial banks in the
event of any shortfall of funds.
o Here, the central bank purchases the security.
 Reverse Repo Rate: 3.35%
o The reverse repo rate is the interest rate at which the RBI borrows money from commercial
banks.
o It is a tool used in monetary policy to manage and control the money supply in the economy.
 Standing Deposit Facility (SDF): 6.25%
o The SDF is a liquidity window through which the RBI will give banks an option to park
excess liquidity with it.
o It is different from the reverse repo facility in that it does not require banks to provide
collateral while parking funds.
 Marginal Standing Facility Rate: 6.75%
o MSF is a window for scheduled banks to borrow overnight from the RBI in an emergency
situation when interbank liquidity dries up completely.
 Bank Rate: 6.75%

o It is the rate charged by the RBI for lending funds to commercial banks.
 CRR: 4.50%
o Under CRR, the commercial banks have to hold a certain minimum amount of deposit
(NDTL) as reserves with the central bank.
 SLR: 18.00%
o Statutory Liquidity Ratio or SLR is the minimum percentage of deposits that a commercial
bank has to maintain in the form of liquid cash, gold or other securities.
Policy Stance:
 Accommodative stance –
o An accommodative stance in monetary policy indicates that the RBI is inclined to expand
the money supply to stimulate economic growth.
o This is often achieved by lowering interest rates to encourage borrowing and spending.
o During an accommodative policy period, the RBI is willing to cut interest rates to make
borrowing more attractive, intending to spur investment, consumption, and overall
economic activity.
 Neutral stance –
o A neutral stance in monetary policy indicates that the RBI is open to either cutting or
increasing interest rates.
o This approach is typically adopted when the policy priority is balanced between managing
inflation and promoting economic growth.
 Hawkish stance –
o A hawkish stance in monetary policy signals that the RBI's primary objective is to maintain
low inflation.
o During a hawkish phase, the central bank is inclined to raise interest rates to cut the money
supply and, consequently, lower demand in the economy.
 Calibrated Tightening –
o Calibrated tightening refers to a monetary policy stance where, within the current rate cycle,
a cut in the repo rate is ruled out.
o Instead, the central bank is inclined to raise interest rates in a measured and deliberate
manner.
If the RBI decides to adopt an expansionist

monetary policy, which of the following
would it not do?
1. Cut and optimize the Statutory Liquidity
Ratio
2. Increase the Marginal Standing Facility
Rate
3. Cut the Bank Rate and Repo Rate
Select the correct answer using the code
given below: [2020]
Read here about Retail Inflation (a) 1 and 2 only
& Monetary Policy Committee (b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
Ans: (b)
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Multifunction Crypto-asset Intermediaries

Context:
Release of Financial Stability Board (FSB)’s report on Multifunction Crypto-asset Intermediaries
(MCIs).
 To enhance cross-border cooperation and information sharing among local authorities.
Multifunction Crypto-asset Intermediaries:

 Integral part of the crypto-asset ecosystem
(cryptocurrencies, non- fungible tokens etc.)
 Individual firms or groups of affiliated firms
that offer a range of crypto-based services,
products and functions.
 They primarily revolve around operating the
trading platform.
 Examples – Binance, Bitfinex and Coinbase.
 Benefits – Lower costs of access to crypto-asset
markets, diversifying investment programmes;
Lending and borrowing, etc.
A crypto-asset is a digital representation of value or a right that can be transferred or stored

electronically using distributed ledger technology such as blockchain.
Cryptocurrency:
 A digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security.
 Decentralized currency (not controlled by any government or institution)
 Working –
o Transactions are recorded on a public digital ledger called blockchain.
o Maintained by a network of computers around the world
o Each new transaction is verified and added to the blockchain.
 Digital wallet – Software program that stores the user's public and private keys which used to
send and receive cryptocurrency.
 Mining – Uses computer power to solve equations, validating blockchain transactions, earning
cryptocurrency.
Examples of Cryptocurrencies:
 Bitcoin (BTC):
o 1st decentralised cryptocurrency created in 2009.
o Invented by – Satoshi Nakamoto (as open-source software)
o No single administrator
 Ethereum (ETH):
o Decentralized open-source blockchain platform
o Own cryptocurrency – Ether
 Litecoin (LTC):
o Open-source peer-to-peer cryptocurrency
o Nearly identical to Bitcoin (BTC) Read about Financial
 Ripple (XRP): Stability Board here
o Decentralized open-source protocol
o Facilitates cross-border payments
o Transfers any currency, including USD, EUR, and Bitcoin
 Bitcoin Cash (BCH):
o Larger block size limit (8MB) compared to Bitcoin (1MB)
Countervailing duties
Context:
U.S. and the EU have imposed Countervailing duties on Indian products against the RoDTEP
scheme.
What are Countervailing duties (CVDs)?
 Tax or tariffs levied on imported goods to counter/offset the export subsidies given to
producers of goods in the exporting country.
 They nullify the negative domestic impacts that producers of the same good might experience
due to foreign competition.
 WTO allows imposition of CVD after a nation has investigated the subsidised exports.
Recently, in June 2023, UK government removed the counter duty for Stainless steel bars and
rods imported from India.
WTO’s Agreement on Subsidies and

Countervailing Measures (SCM Agreement): Directorate General of Trade
 Only applies to measures that qualify as Remedies (DGTR):
"subsidies".  National authority for administering
 Addresses 2 main aspects – all trade remedial measures
o Multilateral regulations regarding subsidies  A quasi-judicial body
o Use of countervailing measures against  Formerly known as Directorate
injury from subsidized imports. General of Anti-Dumping & Allied
 Multilateral disciplines set rules on subsidy Duties (DGAD)
provisions and are enforced through the WTO  Ministry – Ministry of Commerce &
dispute settlement mechanism. Industry
 Countervailing duties are imposed unilaterally  3 Trade remedial functions –
by a member after investigating and satisfying o Anti-Dumping Duty (ADD)
criteria under the SCM Agreement. o Countervailing Duty
o Safeguards Actions [Safeguard
What is the definition of Subsidy? Duty (SGD), Safeguards
 Defined in the SCM Agreement as a financial Measures (QRs)]
contribution by a government conferring a
benefit.
 Specificity determines whether a subsidy applies to a particular enterprise, industry, or region.
 Categories –
o Prohibited (e.g., export subsidies, local content subsidies)
o Actionable (subject to challenge or countervailing measures).
Financial and Capital Markets

Social Stock Exchange (SSE)
Context:
SGBS Unnati becomes the first entity to list on the social stock exchange.
Social Stock Exchange:
 A separate segment of the Stock Exchange.
 Help Social enterprises to raise funds from the public through the stock exchange mechanism.
 It allows investors to buy shares in a social enterprise that has been vetted by an official
exchange.
 Social Enterprises (SEs) eligible to participate in the SSE will be –
o Not-for-profit Organizations (NPOs)
o For-profit social enterprises (having social intent and impact as their primary goal)
o 16 broad activities are allowed including eradicating hunger, poverty, malnutrition,
LGBTQIA+ etc.
 Criteria for NPOs –
ZCZPs are issued only by an NPO
o Registered as a charitable entity with next 12-
months validity registered on a Social Stock
o Age – minimum of 3 years Exchange and have a specific
 Fund raising can be done through – tenure and no principal is repaid
o Issuance of Zero Coupon Zero Principal (ZCZP) on maturity.
bonds and donations through Mutual funds for
NPOs
o Issuance of Equities and debt instruments for profit social enterprises
 SEs raising funds via SSE should disclose Annual Impact Report within 90 days from financial
year end.
What are Social enterprises?

 They are non-loss, non-dividend-paying companies established to address social problems.
 BSE and NSE has got SEBI nod for SSE.
 Examples of SSE – UK (Social Stock Exchange), Canada (Social Venture Connexion), and
Singapore (Impact Investment Exchange).
 Condition for recognition as social enterprise – Must demonstrate that 67% of their activities
have targeted underserved or less privileged population segments or regions which have
recorded lower performance in the development priorities of central or state governments
 Enterprises not eligible to be identified as a Social Enterprise –
o Corporate foundations
o Political or religious organizations or activities
o Professional or trade associations
o Infrastructure and housing companies (except affordable housing_
Infrastructure
Logistics Ease Across Different State (LEADS) 2023
Context:
The 5th edition of the Logistics Ease Across Different State (LEADS) annual exercise provides insights
into improvement of logistics performance at State/UT level.
About Logistics Ease Across Different State (LEADS):
 Released by – Ministry of Commerce and Industry
 Basis – Logistics Performance Index (LPI)
 Unlike LPI that relies entirely on perception-based surveys, LEADS incorporates both
perception and objective data.
 Launched in – 2018
 Objectives – To assess the performance of logistics eco-system across States and Union
Territories (UTs) and to promote competitive federalism for development of logistics sector.
 Data source - A Pan-India primary survey conducted across 36 States/UTs.
 3 pillars of logistics performance –

o Quality of Logistics Infrastructure
o Quality of Logistics Services
o Operating & Regulatory Environment
Key findings of LEADS (2023):

 A positive shift in perception is spread across all the States and UTs across all the 3 pillars of
logistics performance.
 A marked improvement in stakeholder satisfaction regarding ease of logistics when compared
to 2019 perception results.
 Overall pace of infrastructure development has increased consistently between 2014-15 and
2022- 23
 23 States/UTs – notified State Logistics Polices to align with the National Logistics Policy.
Logistics sector will be a

cornerstone in the endeavour to
take India to a 10-fold growth
from a USD 3.5 trillion to USD 35
trillion by 2047.
 16 States/UTs – given industry status to logistics.
Raising & Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP)

Context:
MSME Ministry launched 3 sub-schemes under RAMP programme.
 Also made ZED scheme completely free for women.
Raising & Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) program:
 Central Sector Scheme for MSMEs
 Assisted by – World Bank
 Objectives –
o To accelerate center-state collaboration in MSME promotion and development.
o Improving access of MSMEs to market and credit, technology upgradation.
Logistics Performance Index

 An interactive benchmarking tool that helps
countries to identify the challenges and
opportunities they face in their performance
on trade logistics.
 Released by – World Bank
 2023 LPI – 1st time measures the speed of
trade with indicators derived from big
datasets tracking shipments.
 Important component – Strategic Investment Plans (SIPs)

 Monitored by – National MSME Council (headed by the Minister for MSME)
3 Sub schemes:
 MSME Green Investment and Financing for Transformation Scheme (MSE GIFT Scheme) –
o Intends to help MSMEs adopt green technology with interest subvention and credit
guarantee support.
o Implementing agency – Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI)
 MSE Scheme for Promotion and Investment in Circular Economy (MSE SPICE Scheme) –
o 1st ever scheme to support circular economy projects through credit subsidy and will lead
to realizing the dream of the MSME sector towards zero emissions by 2070.
o Implementing agency – Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI)
 MSE Scheme on Online Dispute Resolution for Delayed Payments (MSE ODR scheme) –
o To synergize legal support with modern IT tools and Artificial Intelligence to address the
incidences of delayed payments for
MSME.
o Implementing agency – National
What is ZED scheme?
Informatics Centre Services Inc.  Means Zero Defect and Zero Effect
(NICSI) (ZED) scheme
 Promotes manufacturing without
Also launched Support for the negative impact on environment.
Commercialisation of the IP Programme (MSME  Guarantees payment of 100 percent
– SCIP Programme) for MSME innovators to financial support for the certification
commercialize their intellectual property rights. cost.
Related schemes to promote MSMEs:
 Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme
(ECLGS) – to mitigate the economic distress
faced by MSMEs after COVID-19.
 Udyam Assist Platform (UAP) – to bring the
Informal Micro Enterprises (IMEs) under the
formal ambit for Priority Sector Lending (PSL).
 CHAMPIONS 2.0 Portal – single-window
grievance redressal portal for MSME.
 MSME Self-Reliant India Fund – to provide support for MSMEs across the country through
equity infusion.
Consider the following statements with reference to India:

1. According to the ‘Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
Development (MSMED) Act, 2006, the ‘medium enterprises’
are those with investments in plant and machinery
between Rs. 15 crores and Rs. 25 crores.
2. All bank loans to the Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises qualify under the priority sector.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 Answer: (b)
Legislations and Institutions

Central Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) (CGST) Bill, 2023 | GST Appellate
Tribunal (GSTAT)
Context:
Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha passed Central Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment)
(CGST) Bill, 2023.
What is the amendment? CGST Act 2017 provides for levy
 To change qualification for members of GST Appellate and collection of CGST on intra-
Tribunal (GSTAT) state supply of goods and
 To raise age limit of President and Members of services. Act also allows central
GSTAT. government to set up GSTAT on
recommendation of GST Council.
GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT):
 2nd Appellate authority within GST framework
 Purpose – for hearing appeals against orders passed by Appellate Authority (1 st authority) under
CGST Act, 2017 and State GST Acts.
 Composition – president, a judicial member, and 2 technical members.
 Eligibility for judicial member – a judge of High Court, or a district judge or additional district
judge having served for at least 10 years.
 Powers – Same as Civil Court for trying a case
Key changes introduced by Bill:

 Change in qualification for members of GSTAT –
o Allows advocates with at least 10 years of experience to be appointed as judicial member.
o They must have substantial experience in matters relating to indirect taxation.
 Age limit –
o Minimum age to be appointed as a member or president of GSTAT will be 50 years.
o Increases age limit for president of GSTAT from 67 to 70 years, and for members from 65 to
67 years.
National Start-up Advisory Council (NSAC)

Context:
Central Government reconstituted National Start-up Advisory Council (NSAC).
 It nominated non-official members upon completion of the two-year term of the NSAC.
National Startup Advisory Council (NSAC):

 Notified by – Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of
Commerce and Industry.
 Aim – To advise Government on fostering innovation and startups for sustainable economic
growth and widespread employment.
 Composition –
o Members from relevant line Ministries, Departments, and Organizations
o Non-official members include founders of successful startups, persons representing
interests of investors, incubators and accelerators, etc.
o Term of Non-official members – 2 years or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
 Headed by – Union Minister of Commerce & Industry
 Key functions –
o Foster a culture of innovation amongst citizens and students.
o Mobilize global capital for investments in Indian startups.
o Keep control of startups with original promoters.
o Provide access to global markets for Indian startups, etc.
 Programs and initiatives – Mentorship, Advisory, Assistance, Resilience, and Growth (MAARG)
programme, National Mentorship Program, Adoption of NavIC Grand Challenge, Startup
Champions 2.0 etc.
Indian Start-up
ecosystem
 3 largest ecosystem
rd
for start-ups globally

as of May 2023.
 In terms of Global
Innovation Index
(GII) – 2 nd among
lower middle-income
economies and 1st
among Central and
Southern Asian
economies.
Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA)

Context:
Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) has warned of stringent action against
airport operators/service providers.
Why warning has been issued?
 Levy of charges for ‘Elite Meet & Greet’ service as it is categorised as a non-aeronautical
service.
 It was a violation of the provisions of the AERA Act, 2008.
Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA):

 A statutory body
 Established under – Airports Economic Regulatory
Authority of India Act, 2008 As per AERA (Amendment) Act
 Purpose – To regulate tariffs and charges for 2019, an airport an annual
aeronautical services provided at major airports in passenger traffic of at least 35
India. lakhs are designated as a major
o For the remaining airports, tariffs are determined airport.
by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
 Headquarters – Delhi
 Function – Regulates tariffs and other charges (development fee and passenger service fee) for
aeronautical services (air traffic management, landing and parking of aircraft, ground handling
services) at major airports.
With reference to the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), which of
the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is a Public Limited Government Company.
2. It is a Non-Banking Financial Company.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
Answer: (c)
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Airports Authority of India (AAI):

 A statutory body
 Established in 1995 by merging the erstwhile National Airports Authority and the
International Airports Authority of India.
 Purpose – Responsibility of creating, upgrading, maintaining, and managing civil aviation
infrastructure both on the ground and in the air space of the country.
 Main Functions –
o Construction, modification, and management of passenger terminals;
o Development and management of cargo terminals;
o Development and maintenance of apron infrastructure, including runways, parallel
taxiways, apron, etc;
o Provision of Communication, Navigation and Surveillance, which includes the provision of
DVOR / DME, ILS, ATC radars, visual aids etc.
o Provision of air traffic services;
o Provision of passenger facilities and related amenities at its terminals.
Schemes and Initiatives

Project Promoting Regular Assisted Migration for Youth and Skilled Professionals
(Project PRAYAS)
Context:
International Organisation for Migration (IOM) launched Project Promoting Regular Assisted
Migration for Youth and Skilled Professionals.
Project Promoting Regular Assisted Migration for Youth and Skilled Professionals:
 Launched by – International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and Ministry of External
Affairs (MEA)
 Objective – To facilitating safe, orderly, and regular migration for aspiring Indian migrant
workers and students in collaboration with MEA, NITI Aayog, and State Governments.
 It will promote dissemination of communication materials on safe and orderly migration
pathways.
India has a large diaspora with over 32 million spread across the globe (as per 2021 Dec). Also,
India is the world’s largest recipient of remittances.
International Organisation for Migration (IOM):

 Established – 1951
 Previously known as – Provisional Intergovernmental Committee for the Movement of
Migrants from Europe (PICMME)
 Intergovernmental organization within United Nations in the field of migration.
 Mandate – Promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all.
 Member states – 175 (including India)
 Major Report – World Migration Report
Related Information
 Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration:
 World’s 1st intergovernmental agreement covering all dimensions of international migration.
 Finalised under United Nations in 2018.
 Aim – To boost cooperation to manage migration and numerous actions ranging from technical
issues like the portability of earnings by migrant workers to reducing the detention of migrants.
 It is non-legally binding.
FAO Report on Food Security Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs)

Report titled Asia and the Pacific - Regional RBI tightens norms to prevent evergreening of
Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2023: loans via investments in AIFs.
Statistics and Trends released.  AIFs means any fund established or
 74.1% of Indians were unable to afford incorporated in India which is a privately
a healthy diet in 2021. pooled investment vehicle which collects
 16.6% of the India’s population is funds from sophisticated investors,
whether Indian or foreign, for investing.
undernourished.
 3 Categories –
 31.7% & 18.7% of children of the country
o Category I: Investment in start-up,
under five years of age suffered with social ventures, small & medium
stunting and wasting respectively. enterprises (SME) etc. E.g. Venture
 53% of the country’s women aged between capital funds, SME Funds etc.
15 to 49 had anaemia in 2019. o Category II: Investment in equity and
Currency Devaluation debt securities. E.g. Real estate
funds, Private equity funds etc.
Argentina has devalued its currency Argentine
o Category III: Investment aimed at
Peso to handle the economic crisis. short-term returns achieved by
 Devaluation is the deliberate attempt by employing complex trading strategies.
the government or central bank to lower E.g. Hedge funds, Private Investment
its currency value. in Public Equity (PIPE) Fund etc.
 Advantages – Promotes exports, reduction
in trade deficit etc. Marine Products Export Development
 Disadvantages – Raises the value of Authority (MPEDA)
external debt, etc. Recently, MPEDA organized training on value-
National Asset Reconstruction Company added fish products.
Limited (NARCL)  A statutory body under the MPEDA Act,
Government informed that 10 Public Sector 1972.
 Ministry – Ministry of Commerce and
Banks transferred Non-Performing Assets (NPA)
Industry.
of over Rs 11,617 crore to NARCL between
 Purpose: Promotion of export of marine
January and November this year.
products.
 Registered with the Reserve Bank of
 Functions –
India.
o Developing and regulating off-shore
 An Asset Reconstruction Company under
and deep-sea fishing
SARFAESI Act, 2002.
o Registering fishing vessels
 It was established to clean up the legacy o Fixing of standards and specifications
stressed assets with an exposure of ₹500 for marine products, etc.
crores and above in Indian Banking
system. Inverted Duty Structure (IDS)
 To acquire these through 15% Cash and Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry
85% in Security Receipts.
submitted a list of items to Ministry of Finance
T+0 Settlement to address IDS.
 Refers to a tax structure where taxation
SEBI issued a consultation paper proposing to
on imports of inputs is at higher rates
introduce same-day settlement (known as T+0)
than finished products.
of trades on stock exchanges and real time
 IDS go against the ‘Make in India'
settlement on an optional basis.
initiative as it encourages import of
 T+0 settlement – a financial transaction finished products.
settlement process that is completed on  Adversely impacts the export
the same day as the trade date. competitiveness.
 Earlier in 2021, T+1 settlement was  IDS may also result in reduced tax
introduced which was fully implemented revenue as domestic production declines.
from January 2023.
Tax Inspectors Without Borders (TIWB)  Outflow of money: Due to a tighter

TIWB launched a programme in Saint Lucia and monetary policy in advanced economies
India has been chosen as the Partner investors found attractive returns in US
Administration. and European bond markets. This led to a
 Joint initiative of – Organisation for net outflow of US$127.1 billion from
Economic Cooperation and LMICs.
Development (OECD) and United
Nations Development Programme Terms of Trade (ToT)
(UNDP). ToT for Indian agriculture have recorded
 It facilitates the transfer of tax audit significant improvement in the last decade and
knowledge and skills to developing a half.
country tax administrations using a
practical, "learning by doing" approach.  ToT for farmers – Ratio between Indices
of Prices Received (IPR) and Indices of
International Debt Report (IDR) 2023 Prices Paid (IPP).
Release of annual International Debt Report  A ratio above one (or 100%) implies
(IDR), 2023 which analyses external debt favorable pricing power, in terms of what
farmers sell versus what they buy.
statistics for 122 low- and middle-income
 A ToT ratio below one indicates
countries (LMICs).
unfavorable conditions of exchange.
 Released by – World Bank
 Historic rise in debt: Public and World Intellectual Property Indicators
publicly guaranteed (PPG) debt service
2023 (WIPI) report
payments by LMICs totaled US$443.5
billion in 2022. Over 1/3rd of such debt According to the report of WIPI, 2023 global
carries variable interest rates, posing risk patent applications has been increased.
of sudden increases.  Published by – World Intellectual
 Debt Service cost: Due to rising interest Property Organization (WIPO)
rates and unfavourable exchange rate  Top countries in filing applications –
movement, servicing external debt could China followed by US, Japan, Republic of
become burdensome. India’s debt Korea, and Germany.
service was 2% of the GNI in 2022.  India – a star performer; 40th position
out of 132 countries.
Polity & Governance

Polity Concepts
Impeachment in US and India
Context:
US House of Representatives on Wednesday has formally authorised the ongoing impeachment
inquiry against President Joe Biden.
Comparison between Impeachment process in India and United States:
Specification USA India
Applicability President, Vice President, and all Only President (under Article 61 of
civil officers of the Federal constitution).
Government.
Grounds of Treason, Bribery, or other high crimes Violation of the Constitution
Impeachment and misdemeanors.
Charges Any member of the House of Either House of Parliament provided
preferred by Representatives. such charges are signed by at least
1/4th of members of the House.
Voting Simple majority of the House of Resolution needs to be passed by not
Representatives. less than 2/3rd of total membership of
each House.
Once passed in one House, it is sent to
other House, where an investigation into
the charges precedes vote on resolution.
Presiding Chief Justice of US. Presiding Officer of respective Houses.
Officer
Consequence Impeachment serves as an Impeachment results in the removal of
indictment, not removal. the President from office.
After impeachment, Senate (upper
house) is convened like a court.
President can only be removed if at
least 2/3rd of Senate votes for it after
the hearings.
Previous Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, and No President has been impeached so
Examples Donald Trump were impeached but far.
none were removed.

1. The motion to impeach a Judge of the Supreme Court of India cannot be rejected by the
Speaker of the Lok Sabha as per the Judges (Inquiry) Act 1968.
2. The Constitution of India defines and gives details or what constitutes ‘incapacity and
proved misbehaviour’ of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India.
3. The details of the process of impeachment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India are
given in 4 the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.
4. If the motion for the impeachment of a Judge is taken up for voting, the law requires the
motion to be backed by each House of the Parliament and supported by a majority of total
membership of that House and by not less than two-thirds of total members of that House
present and voting.

(a) 1 and 2 Ans: a
(b) 3 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4
Legislations
National Register of Citizens (NRC) | Assam Accord
Context:
Chief Justice is heading a Constitution Bench hearing a series of petitions challenging the
constitutionality of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955.
About NRC:
 An official record of those who are legal
Indian citizens.
 Identify migrants from erstwhile East
Pakistan, now Bangladesh.
 Assam – Only state to have an NRC (at
present)
 1st prepared in 1951 and finally updated in
2019.
 NRC was updated as per provisions of – Ans: (a)
o Citizenship Act, 1955
o Citizenship (Registration of Citizens
and Issue of National Identity Cards)
Rules, 2003.
Section 6A of Citizenship Act – Under it, foreigners who had entered Assam before January 1,
1966, would have all rights and obligations of Indian citizens.
 It includes persons whose names appear in any of the electoral rolls up to the midnight of 24th
March 1971 or NRC, 1951, and their descendants.
 Its origin can be traced back to Assam Accord 1985.
 Non-inclusion of a person's name in NRC does not by itself amount to him/her being declared
a foreigner.
 Such individuals will have option to present their case before foreigners' tribunals.
Assam Accord:
 Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) signed in New Delhi on 15 August 1985.
 Signed between – Government of India and the leaders of the Assam Movement
 Key demands –
o All those foreigners who had entered Assam between 1951 and 1961 were to be given full
citizenship, including the right to vote.
o Those who had done so after 1971 were
With reference to India, consider the
to be deported
o The entrants between 1961 and 1971
were to be denied voting rights for ten 1. There is only one citizenship and one
years but would enjoy all other rights of domicile.
citizenship. 2. A citizen by birth only can become the
 Results – Head of State.
o Brought an end to the Assam Agitation 3. A foreigner once granted the citizenship
o Paved the way for the leaders of the cannot be deprived of it under any
agitation to form a political party and circumstances.
form a government in the state Which of the statements given above is/are
o Gave package for the economic
correct? [2021]
development of Assam (a second oil
refinery, a paper mill and an institute of (a) 1 only
technology etc.) (b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 Ans: (c)
(d) 2 and 3
Post Office Bill, 2023

Context:
Recently, Rajya Sabha passed Post Office Bill, 2023 which will replace Indian Post Office Act (IPOA),
1898.
IPOA, 1898:
 Enacted during the tenure of Viceroy Lord Elgin-II (1894-1899).
 IPOA, 1898 addresses mainly mail services provided through the Post Office.
Key Highlights of the Bill:

 Powers to intercept postal articles: Bill empowers officers to intercept, open or detain an
article which is being transmitted through post on certain grounds.
o Grounds include security of the State, friendly relations with foreign states, public order,
emergency, public safety etc.
 Exemptions from liability: PO will not incur any liability with regard to its services, except
any liability prescribed through Rules.
 Director General of Postal Services will be appointed to head India Post.

Statement-I: In India, prisons are managed by State Governments with their own rules and
regulations for the day-to-day administration of prisons.
Statement-II: In India, prisons are governed by the Prisons Act, 1894 which expressly kept the
subject of prisons in the control of Provincial Governments.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? [2023]
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation
for Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct
explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Ans: (a)
Offshore Areas Mineral (Development & Regulation) Act (OAMDR Act)

Context:
To enforce the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development & Regulation) Act, 2002 (amended in 2023) or
OAMDR Act, the ministry has released 2 draft rules.
 Offshore Areas Mineral Auction Rules: Outlines provisions related to auctioning production
leases.
 Offshore Areas Existence of Mineral Resources Rules: Establishes norms for exploring
minerals and deposits.
Offshore Areas Mineral (Development & Regulation) Act (OAMDR Act):
 Provides for development and regulation of mineral
resources in territorial waters, continental shelf, exclusive
economic zones and other maritime zones of India.
 2023 Amendment Act –
o Introduces transparent and nondiscretionary auction
process as for allocation of operating rights in
offshore areas.
o Establishes an Offshore Areas Mineral Trust to
support mining-affected individuals, promote
increased exploration, and provide relief in the event of disasters.
o Provides for a uniform lease period of 50 years and eliminates discretionary renewals.
India's maritime zone mineral resources:

 Lime mud – EEZ off Gujarat and Maharashtra coasts.
 Construction-grade sand – Kerala coast.
 Heavy mineral placers – Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
 Phosphorite – Eastern and Western continental margins.
 Polymetallic Ferromanganese (Fe-Mn) nodules and crusts – Andaman Sea and
Lakshadweep Sea.
Bodies & Authorities

Appointment of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs)
Context:
Rajya Sabha passed Bill On Appointment Of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election
Commissioners (ECs).
There was no specific legislative process defined in the Constitution for the appointment of the
CEC and ECs. CEC and ECs were appointed by the President on the recommendation of the
government.
Bill Provisions:
 CEC and other ECs (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023 will
replace the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and
Transaction of Business) Act, 1991.
 The Bill provides for the appointment, salary, and removal of the CEC and ECs.
 Appointed by the President upon the recommendation of a Selection Committee
 Selection Committee includes –
o Prime Minister
o A Union Cabinet Minister
o Leader of Opposition/leader of the largest opposition party in Lok Sabha.
 Search Committee – Headed by the Law Minister would propose a panel of names to the
selection committee.
 Allowances and service conditions – on par with those of Supreme Court judges.
 Removal procedure –
o Same as the removal of Supreme Court judges.
o ECs cannot be removed from office without the CEC's recommendation.
 If the CEC and EC give orders during duty, the court cannot take action against them.
Election Commission of India Consider the following statements:

 An autonomous constitutional 1. The Election Commission of India is a five-
authority. member body.
 Mentioned in Articles 324-329 in 2. Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the
Part XV election schedule for the conduct of both
 Consists of a CEC and 2 ECs. general elections and bye-elections.
 Administers elections to the Lok 3. Election Commission resolves the disputes
Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State relating to splits/mergers of recognised
Legislative Assemblies, and political parties.
the offices of the President
and Vice President in the Which of the statements given above is/are
country. correct? [2017]
 Operates under Article 324 of (a) 1 and 2 only
the Constitution (b) 2 only
 Subsequently enacted the (c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 3 only Ans: (d)
Representation of the People
Act.
Self-Regulatory Organisations (SROs)

Context:
RBI released a Draft Omnibus Framework for recognising Self-Regulatory Organisations (SROs) for
its Regulated Entities (REs).
Self-Regulatory Organisations (SROs):
 A non-governmental organization
 Represents a particular sector/industry and sets and enforces rules and standards relating to
conduct of its member entities. [E.g. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority]
 Characteristics of SRO –
o SRO should have strong governance mechanisms, including focus on independent board,
transparency, and adherence to well-defined processes.
o Develop standards for improving compliance culture and adherence by its members to
rules and regulations framed by RBI.
o Devise and implement standardised procedures for handling disputes among members.
 Objectives of SRO –
o Promote a culture of compliance among its members by promoting progressive practices.
o Act as collective voice of members and address broader industry concerns.
o Collect and share relevant sectoral information to aid RBI in policymaking.
o Encourage a culture of research and development within sector.
Tribunals
Context:
Supreme Court ruled that a tribunal subject to High Court’s jurisdiction under Article 226 of
Constitution cannot be permitted by law, to direct framing of policy by Government.
 SC sets aside Armed Forces Tribunal direction to make a policy to fill up the post of Judge
Advocate General.
Tribunals:
 A quasi-judicial body
 Aims to reduce case load of judiciary or to bring in subject expertise for technical matters.
 Incorporated by Act of Parliament under Article 323A and Article 323B
o Article 323-A deals with Administrative
Tribunals In L Chandra Kumar v Union of
o Article 323-B deals with tribunals for other India 1997, SC ruled that orders of
matters. tribunals under Article 323A and
 Established through 42 Amendment Act, 1976
nd 323B of Constitution are subjected
 Recommended by – Swaran Singh Committee to Writ Jurisdiction of High Court.
 Follows the principles of natural justice
 Vested with powers of Civil Court.
Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT)

 Military tribunal in India.
 Established under the Armed Forces Tribunal Act, 2007.
 Act provided the power for the adjudication or trial by AFT of disputes and complaints.
 Principal Bench – New Delhi (Regional Benches at Chandigarh, Lucknow, Kolkata,
Guwahati, Chennai, Kochi, Mumbai and Jaipur)
 Composition –
o Each Bench comprises of a Judicial Member and an Administrative Member.
o Judicial Members – retired High Court Judges
o Administrative Members – retired Members of the Armed Forces who have held the
rank of Major General/ equivalent or above for a period of three years or more, Judge
Advocate General (JAG), who have held the appointment for at least one year.
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)

Context:
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has asked the Central Industrial Security Force
(CISF) to take security charge of the Parliament building from the Delhi Police.
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF):
 An armed force of the Union
 Established under Central Industrial Security Force Act, 1968.
 Headquarters – Delhi
 Headed by – An IPS officer with the rank of Director-General.
 1st induction – Fertilizer Corporation of India
manufacturing plant in Trombay, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF)
Maharashtra (1969)
 Ministry – Ministry of Home Affairs.
 One of 7 Central Armed Police Forces
 7 security forces under CAPF –
(CAPF).
o Central Reserve Police Force
 Only CAPF with a dedicated firefighting (CRPF)
wing. o Assam Rifles (AR)
 Initially, its remit was restricted to protecting o National Security Guard (NSG)
government-owned industries, but this was o Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
expanded to include joint ventures and o Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
private undertakings in 2009. o Border Security Force (BSF)
 CISF also provides consultancy services to o Central Industrial Security Force
the private sector. (CISF)
 It is a compensatory cost force, which
means that it bills its clients for the services it provides.
CISF has the largest percentage of women in its force, in comparison to all other CAPFs.
With reference to Home Guards, consider the following statements:

1. Home Guards are raised under the Home Guards Act and Rules of the Central Government.
2. The role of the Home Guards is to serve as an auxiliary force to the police in maintenance of
internal security.
3. To prevent infiltration on the international border/coastal areas, the Border Wing Home
Guards Battalions have been raised in some States.
How many of the above statements are correct? [2023]
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None Ans: (d)
Schemes & Initiatives

Mission Karmayogi
Context:
On Good Governance Day, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions launched Extended
Version of Mission Karmayogi.
Good Governance Day is celebrated on 25th December in honour of former Prime Minister Shri
Atal Bihari Vajpayee to promote citizen-centric, efficient and transparent governance and improve
service delivery.
Mission Karmayogi:
 A National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building
 Aims at building a future-ready civil service with right attitude (innovative, professional,
etc.), skills (technology enabled) and knowledge aligned to the vision of New India.
 New features launched on Mission Karmayogi platform –
o My iGOT: Delivers targeted training courses of individual officer.
o Blended Programs: Facilitate equitable access to training methodologies across all levels
and integrates offline classroom courses with online learning components.
o VIKAS (Variable & Immersive Karmayogi Advanced Support): New blended learning
programme for management of civil servants in Central Secretariat at Institute of
Secretariat Training and Management (ISTM)
o Curated Programs: Cater diverse learning needs of Ministries/Departments and Training
Institutions. 12 domain-specific capacity building e-learning courses have been developed.
Institute of Secretariat Training and Management (ISTM) which was established in 1948, a
premier Central Training Institution in training of officers working in the Central Secretariat, State
Governments/Union Territories, Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) and Autonomous Bodies.
iGOT – Karmayogi platform:
 iGOT stands for – Integrated Government Online Training
 A continuous online training platform, which would allow all government servants from
assistant secretary to secretary level to undergo continuous training
 Governed by – ‘Karmayogi Bharat’ (wholly-owned Special Purpose Vehicle)
o Set up as “not-for-profit” under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013.
 Portal on DIKSHA platform of Ministry of Human Resource Development
 All kinds of Courses from international universities will be made available.
With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements:
1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
2. It, among other things will also impart training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, financial and
digital literacy.
3. It aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National
Skill Qualification Framework.
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3 Ans: (d)
History & Culture

Artforms & Architecture
Garba of Gujarat | Iftar | UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
Context:
 ‘Garba of Gujarat’ declared as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
 UNESCO recognises Ramadan meal tradition of iftar.
 Inclusion has been made under the provisions of UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for the
Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).
About Garba:
 Belongs to – Gujarat (also performed in
Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh)
 Ritualistic and devotional folk dance.
 Performed during festival of Navratri
 Dedicated to worship of the feminine energy or
'Shakti'.
 It celebrates fertility, honours womanhood, and
pays respect to mother goddesses.
 Modern Garba – heavily influenced by Dandiya
Iftar (also called Eftari or Iftor) is observed by Muslims at sunset in the month of Ramadan,
upon completion of all religious and ceremonial rites.
Raas (dance traditionally performed by men)
About Intangible Cultural Heritage:

 It is the practices, expressions, knowledge and skills that communities, groups and
sometimes individuals recognise as part of their cultural heritage.
UNESCO defines ICH as “the mainspring of humanity’s cultural diversity and its maintenance a
guarantee for continuing creativity.”
 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)
–
o A commitment to protect, promote, and transmit the diverse expressions of human
culture.
o 2 crucial lists –
 Representative List: Showcasing the global
Sangeet Natak Akademi
diversity of ICH, this list raises awareness of
its significance and importance. Sangeet Natak Akademi as nodal
 Urgent Safeguarding List: Identifying office for matters relating to ICH.
threatened ICH, this list calls for immediate  National academy for music,
measures to ensure its survival. dance and drama.
 5 broad domains –  An Autonomous Body of the
o Oral traditions Ministry of Culture
o Performing arts  Purpose – establishes and looks
o Social practices, rituals and festive events after institutions and projects
o Knowledge and practices concerning nature of national importance in the
o Traditional craftsmanship field of the performing arts
 Significance of Inscription in ICH –
o Raise awareness at the local, national and international levels of importance of ICH.
o Provide for international cooperation and assistance for preserving/safeguarding ICH.
Pashupatinath Temple | River Bagmati

Context:
Meat, alcohol prohibited around Pashupatinath Temple due to Bala Chaturdashi festival.
About Pashupatinath Temple:
 Location – Nepal
 Situated on banks of River Bagmati.
 Devoted to Lord Shiva.
 Earliest evidence of the temple – 400 A.D.
With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple
 Current main temple complex was built by
situated near Morena, consider the
end of 17th century.
 Main temple design – Nepalese pagoda style
(tiered roof and plinth) 1. It is a circular temple built during the
 Part of Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World reign of Kachchhapaghata Dynasty.
Heritage Site. 2. It is the only circular temple built in
 Landmark – Near Guhyeshwari (one of India.
famous Shakti Peeths in Nepal). 3. It was meant to promote the Vaishnava
cult in the region.
Pagoda: 4. Its design has given rise to a popular
 A tower like, multi-storey, solid or hollow belief that it was the inspiration behind
structure made of stone, brick, or wood. the Indian Parliament building.
 Associated with a Buddhist temple complex.
Which of the statements given above are
 Commonly found – China, Japan, Korea,
correct? [2021]
Nepal, Vietnam, and other parts of Asia.
 Structure derives from stupa. (a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only Ans: (c)
Bagmati River: (c) 1 and 4 only
 A transboundary river. (d) 2, 3 and 4 only
 Between – Nepal and India
 Origin – Shivapuri Hills (north of Kathmandu)
 Passes across the Kathmandu Valley.
 River entering Indian State – Bihar
 Major tributaries – Bishnumati, Hanumante, Dhobikhola and Tukucha, Origin
 Ultimately joins the Narayani River.
 Merged waters of the Bagmati and Narayani enters into the Ganges.
‘Jali’ as a symbol of syncretic India

Context:
Article in The Hindu - ‘Jali’ as a symbol of syncretic India.
About Jali tradition:
 The term jaali means “net”.
 Used in Central and South Asia.
 Cut from marble or red sandstone in ornamental
patterns
 A distinct architectural feature in India between the
16th and 18th Centuries.
 Zenith of jali tradition – Shah Jahan’s reign
o Jalis surrounded by complex inlay work
influenced by the Italian pietra dura style.
 Jaali’s cooling feature relies on the Venturi effect in a
similar way to an air conditioning unit.
o “When air passes through holes, it picks up velocity and penetrates afar. Due to the small
apertures, the air gets compressed and when released it gets cooler”.
 Some architectural examples –

o Taj Mahal and Mumtaz Mahal Building ‘Kalyaana Mandapas’ was a
o Hawa Mahal or Wind Palace, built in 1799 by notable feature in the temple
Rajput rulers in Jaipur
construction in the kingdom of [2019]
o Neminath temple in Gujarat
(a) Chalukya
o Ibrahim Adil Shah’s tomb in Bijapur
(b) Chandela
o Krishna temple in Vrindavan
o Tomb of Salim Chishti (c) Rashtrakuta
o Fatehpur Sikri (d) Vijayanagara
o Jali is seen in Pattadakal Virupaksha temple Ans: (d)
and Chola architecture.
Shahi Idgah mosque

Context:
Recently Supreme Court declined to stay an order issued by the Allahabad High Court allowing a
survey of the Shahi Idgah mosque.
Shahi Idgah mosque:
 Location – Mathura
 Believed to have been built at Krishna Janmasthan (site where Lord Krishna was born)
Historical Background:
 Mathura significance –
o Located on the banks of river Yamuna
o A prominent centre of commerce and
governance under the Mauryan Empire
 Religious diversity –
o A major centre for Buddhism and
Jainism
o Found with many stupas and
monasteries
 Traveller’s record – Chinese pilgrims Fa
Hien and Hiuen Tsang described stupas
and monasteries in Mathura
 Krishna Janmasthan –
o Historian A W Entwistle – 1st Vaishnava temple built in the 1st century CE.
o Grandeur temple – during the reign of Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) around 400 CE
 Buddhist structure –
o Alexander Cunningham – site originally contained Buddhist structures
 Invasion by Mahmud of Ghazini –
o Ruler of Ghaznavid empire raided India in the early 11th century and attacked Mathura
 Katra Keshadev temple –
o Built around 1150 CE
o Described by Sanskrit inscription as brilliantly white and touching the clouds.
o Demolished by – Delhi Sultanate ruler Sikandar Lodhi
 New form of Vaishnavism – Inspired by saints like Nimbarka, Vallabha, and Chaitanya.
 Mughal dynasty – Akbar – supported the temples of different Vaishnavite sects in Mathura.
 Raja Veer Singh Deo’s temple –
o Built in 1618 during the reign of Jahangir at Katra site
o Built by – Orchha King.
French traveller Jean-Baptiste Tavernier described that the temple was octagonal in shape, and
built with red sandstone.
Venetian traveller Niccolao Manucci wrote that the temple was of such a height that its gilded
pinnacle could be seen from Agra.
 Aurangzeb rule –
o Abdul Nabi Khan built the Jama Masjid at the
In which one of the following
location of the temple that had been destroyed
regions was Dhanyakataka, which
by Sikandar Lodhi. flourished as a prominent Buddhist
o In 1666, he destroyed the railing built by Dara centre under the Mahasanghikas,
Shikoh around the Keshavdev temple. located? [2023]
o Aurangzeb ordered the demolition of Keshavdev (a) Andhra
temple in Mathura which was replaced by the (b) Gandhara
Shahi Idgah mosque. (c) Kalinga Ans: (a)
 British India – (d) Magadha
o The land auctioned by the British East India
Company in 1815 to a Hindu banker Raja Patnimal, who wanted to rebuild the temple but
faced legal challenges.
 Post-independence –
o Raja Patnimal sold the land to Jugal Kishore Birla in 1944 who formed the Shri Krishna
Janmabhoomi Trust in 1951 to build a temple.
Parthenon Sculptures  Built by – Maratha Ruler Chhatrapati

The British Prime Minister cancelled a meeting Shivaji.
 Its main entrance is concealed in such a
with his Greek counterpart over the status of
way that no one can locate it from
the Parthenon Sculptures housed at the British
outside.
Museum.
 Fort houses a handprint and a footprint
 A collection of different types of marble
of Shivaji Maharaj.
architectural decoration from the
Parthenon temple.
 Location of Parthenon temple – Amnya
Acropolis, Athens (Greece).
An international team of archaeologists has
 Made between – 447 BC and 432 BC.
uncovered what is believed to be the world’s
oldest-known fort in a remote region of Siberia.
Sindhudurg Fort (means ‘Sea Fort’)  Location – Amnya (Amnya River,
western Siberia)
Indian Navy will conduct 'Operational
 Radiocarbon dating of samples collected
Demonstration' covering naval operations by
at the site places the fort’s construction
the ships and aircraft at Sindhudurg Fort.
around 8,000 years ago.
 Location - At an islet in Arabian Sea, off
 Complex defence structures existed
the coast of Malvan town, Maharashtra.
among hunter-gatherers much earlier
than previously thought.
Culture
Sengol
Context:
PM pointed the installation of the Sengol in the new Parliament building during inauguration of
Kashi – Tamil Sangamam.
Historical Significance:
 Derived from – Tamil word “Semmai” meaning
“Righteousness”.
 Sengol is made of the gold-plated silver sceptre.
 Carried by emperors on ceremonial occasions to represent
their authority.
 Associated with the Chola Empire.
 Chola tradition –
o Handing over the Sengol sceptre from one king to another.
o It marks the succession and legitimacy.
o Performed by – High priest or a guru
Sengol and India’s independence:

 C. Rajagopalachari suggested Chola model ceremony for India’s
independence.
 Presented to PM Nehru by Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam (a 500-year-old Saivaite
monastery)
 Crafted by – Vummidi Bangaru Chetty (a famous jeweller in Madras)
 Sengol has Nandi (beholder of Nyaya (justice)) is hand-carved at the top.
Permakore | Koya tribes

Context:
The Koyas have moved on from using traditional Indian Bison horns to palm leaves to craft their
‘Permakore’.
Permakore:
 A traditional flute of Koya tribes.
 Made of Bison horn.
 Koya language – Permam (Indian Bison or Guar)
and Kore (Horn)
 Only Koya men associated with the Permakore in
any phase of its use.
 Bhumi Panduga – A festival to mark the
commencement of the agricultural season will not
be held without the Permakore.
Koya tribes:
 A tribe of hunter-gatherers, pastoralists and
shifting cultivators. Indian Bison (Indian Gaur)
 Areas – Papikonda hill range (Eastern Ghats) in  A largest living bovine species.
Andhra Pradesh  Native – South and Southeast Asia.
 Other States – Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and  Protection status –
Odisha. o IUCN Red List – Vulnerable
 Language – Gondi (Dravidian language), Odia o Wildlife Protection Act 1972 –
and Telugu Schedule I
 Pendul – Commonly practiced form of marriage.
 Importance of Bison horns

o 2 Bison horns are adorned on the head as part of the attire during the Kommu Koya
dance
o The Permakore flute is made of a single horn.
With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements:

1. The leader of an elephant group is a female.
2. The maximum gestation period can be 22 months.
3. An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of 40 years only.
4. Among the States in India, the highest elephant population is in Kerala.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 3 only
Ans: (a)
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only
Kashi – Tamil Sangamam

Context:
Prime Minister launched the second edition of the Kashi – Tamil Sangamam and quoted it
strengthens the spirit of "Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat".
Kashi – Tamil Sangamam:
 Program to rediscover the centuries-old bond of
knowledge and ancient civilisational linkage between
Varanasi and Tamil Nadu.
 Organised by – Ministry of Education with various
ministries and Government of Uttar Pradesh
 Aim – To bring to light deep academic, economic, social
and cultural relationships between Varanasi and Tamil
Nadu.
 Implementing agency as knowledge partner – Indian
Institute of Technology (Madras) and Banaras Hindu
University (BHU)
Connections between Kashi and Tamil Nadu

Kasi Viswanathar temple:
 Location – Tenkasi (Tamil Nadu)
 Built by – Parakrama Pandyan
 Style of architecture – Dravidian style
 Dedicated Lord Shiva in a self-incarnated form (swayambu)
 Purpose – For devotees who could not visit Kashi.
Tenkasi:
 Known as Kasi of South.
 River Chittar – considered equivalent to Ganga
Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB)

 Aim – To promote national integration and cultural exchange between the different
states and union territories of India.
 Launched on October 31, 2015.
 Marks the occasion of the 140th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Dhangar Community
Context:
Dhangar community’s demand for ST status has been dismissed.
About Dhangars:
 Region – Western Maharashtra and Marathwada
 A large cluster of pastoral groups.
 Present Reservation status –
o Recognised as a Nomadic Tribe (NT) in Maharashtra
o Recognised as Other Backward Classes (OBC) in Central list
 Economic activity – livestock activities, agriculturalist etc.
o Dange Dhangars herd buffaloes in high-rainfall forest tracts of the Western Ghats.
o Practiced subsistence agriculture
 Social Status – British recognised them as a tribe for their nomadic nature and lower status in
Maharashtra.
Ahilyabai Holkar, the queen who reigned the Malwa region in the 18th century was a Dhangar.
Process of inclusion under ST list:
 They are set of modalities established in 1999.
 The respective state or union territory shall send the initial proposal for ST status.
 It is forwarded to Union Tribal Affairs Ministry
 Subsequently sent to the Office of
With reference to 'Changpa' community of India,
the Registrar General of India consider the following statement:
(ORGI). 1. They live mainly in the State of Uttarakhand.
 If the ORGI approves the 2. They rear the Pashmina goats that yield a fine wool.
inclusion, the proposal is then 3. They are kept in the category of Scheduled Tribes.
sent to the National Commission Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
for Scheduled Tribes (NCST). (a) 1 only
 If the NCST concur, the proposal is (b) 2 and 3 only
forwarded to the Cabinet for (c) 3 only Ans: (b)
amendment to the Constitution (d) 1, 2 and 3
(Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950.
Kakad Bhairav or Bhilat Baba

Context:
A stone deity worshipped by the Bhils in Madhya Pradesh’s Bagh was recently proved to be a
fossilized dinosaur egg.
News Summary:
 Generations of Bhils had worshipped this
sunbaked, reddish-brown Kakad Bhairav
or Bhilat Baba.
 India – largest-of-its-kind dinosaur
hatchery on Earth that stretches 10,000
sq. km across Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh,
Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.
 Tribes that resided in the Narmada Valley
worshipped fossilized Titanosaurus eggs.
The word kuladevata is derived from two words: kula, meaning clan, and devata, meaning deity,
referring to the ancestral deities that are worshipped by particular clans.
Bhil Tribes:
 Popularly known as the bow men of Rajasthan (derived from the word villu or billu)
 Comprise 39% of Rajasthan's total population.
 Classification – Central or pure bills and Eastern or Rajput Bhils.
 Bhils States – Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Tripura
 Bhil finds mentioned in the great epic called Mahabharata and Ramayana in context of
Eklavya.
 Language – Bhili, an Indo Aryan language.
Dinosaur Fossils National Park:

 Location – Madhya Pradesh
 Renowned for its rich fossil deposits.
 Approximately 6.5 crore-year-old rare dinosaur fossils are found.
UNESCO Global Geopark tag:

 Geopark tag – given to territories for sites with global relevance to geology, geomorphology or
paleontology.
 Dinosaur Fossils National Park – Nominated for India’s first UNESCO Global Geopark tag.
 Awarded by – United Nations
Personalities
Sri Ramanujacharya
Context:
Prime Minister mentioned saints Adi Shankaracharya and Ramanujacharya in his speech at
inauguration of Kashi – Tamil Sangamam.
Sri Ramanujacharya (11th century):
 Born in Tamil Nadu
 His Guru gave him title "Em-perum-anar” meaning 'you are ahead of us'.
Contributions as a Philosopher:
 Influenced by – Alvars (Vishnu worshippers)
 Propounded – Doctrine of Vishishtadvaita
(qualified oneness)
 Revived Bhakti movement.
 Inspiration for poets like Annamacharya,
Bhakt Ramdas, Thyagaraja, Kabir, and
Meerabal.
 Wrote 9 Scriptures (known as Navaratnas)
including Sri Bhashya, Gita-Bhasyal and
Vedartha-Sangraha
 Composed commentaries on Vedic
scriptures.
 Established correct procedures for temple
rituals (e.g. Tirumala and Srirangam Temples)
Contribution as an advocate of social equality:

 Encouraged temple entry for all.
 Asked royal courts to treat everyone as equals.
 Propounded concept of "Vasudhaiva kutumbakam" (originally in Maha Upanishad).
 Named subjugated classes "Thirukkulathar" meaning 'Born Divine".
 Sri Vaishnavam Sampradaya – Universal salvation through devotion to God, compassion,
humility, equality, and mutual respect.
Statues inaugurated:
 Statue of Peace of Swami Ramanujacharya – Srinagar (Sonwar region)
 216-feet tall Statue of Equality of Swami Ramanujacharya – Hyderabad
Sri Ramanujacharya’s Philosophy – Vishishtadvaita:

 'Visistadvaita” meaning 'qualified non-
Don’t get confused
dualism'.
It is different from Statue of Peace,
 Supreme reality is Saguna Brahman – a
personal being with countless auspicious unveiled by PM in Rajasthan (2020), of
attributes. Jain monk Acharya Shree Vijay
 Brahman (soul), the Jiva and the Jagat (the Vallabh Surishwer. Also, there is Statue
soul and material nature) has an inseparable of Unity, world's tallest statue,
relationship with the whole. dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
 'Visistadvaita” – not coined by Ramanuja but
came to be used by others afterwards.
The world’s second tallest statue in sitting pose of Ramanuja was inaugurated by the Prime
Minister of India at Hyderabad recently. Which one of the following statements correctly
represents the teachings of Ramanuja? [2022]
(a) The best means of salvation was devotion.
(b) Vedas are eternal, self-existent and wholly authoritative.
(c) Logical arguments were essential means for the highest bliss Ans: (a)
(d) Salvation was to be obtained through meditation.
Tamilisai Moovars
Tamilisai Moovar of Sirkazhi | The Hindu
 Tamilisai Moovars (Tamil Trinity) – Muthuthandavar, Marimutha Pillai, and Arunachala
Kavirayar
 Contributed to Carnatic music.
 Kavirayar – 1st to compose musical drama in Tamil.
 Marimutha Pillai – a pioneer in composing Ninda Stuti Kritis.
 Muthuthandavar – composed the cosmic dance of Lord Nataraja called Tandava Kritis.
Initiatives
National Culture Fund
Context:
National Culture Fund (NCF) Received Rs. 3.70 Crore from Non-Government Sources during Last
Five Years (2018-19 to 2022-23).
National Culture Fund:
 Set up in 1996.
 A trust under the Charitable Endowment Act, 1890.
 Aim – To mobilize extra resources through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) towards promoting,
protecting & preserving India’s Cultural Heritage (Tangible & Intangible).
 Managed by – a Council and an Executive Committee.
 Structure –
o Council: Maximum strength of 24 including the Chairman (Minister of Culture).
o Executive Committee: Chaired by the Secretary, Ministry of Culture.
 Project Implementation committee (PIC) – Representatives from the Donor, Implementer and
NCF.
 Audited by – CAG of India
With reference to ‘National Investment and
(annually) Infrastructure Fund’, which of the following
 Usage of Fund – statements is/are correct?
o To train a cadre of specialists 1. It is an organ of NITI Aayog.
and cultural administrators 2. It has a corpus of Rs. 4, 00,000 crore at present.
o To document cultural Select the correct answer using the code given below:
expressions and forms [2017]
o To undertake research, (a) 1 only
innovations and experiments (b) 2 only
Ans: (d)
in arts (c) Both 1 and 2
o To create of institutions such (d) Neither 1 nor 2
as galleries and museums
o To promote international cultural cooperation
 Donations – Eligible for tax benefit under the Income Tax Act.
 Beneficiaries –
o Any State Government or voluntary organisation registered under the Societies
Registration Act 1860 or registered as a Public Trust at least for the last 2 years.
o Individuals – not entitled to financial assistance under this.
Social Sector
Health
National Medical Commission (NMC)
Context:
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has recently changed its logo.
Controversy with New logo:
 Features an image of Dhanvantri, considered the god of Ayurveda in
Hindu mythology.
 Replaces the word ‘India’ with ‘Bharat’.
 Does not include the national emblem. WFME was founded in 1972 by the
National Medical Commission (NMC): World Medical Association, the
 Established in 2020. World Health Organization, and
 Apex regulatory body for medical education and other organizations.
practice in India.
 Under National Medical Commission Act, 2019 Consider the following
 Replaces Medical Council of India (MCI) organizations/bodies in India:
 4 autonomous boards – 1. The National Commission for
o Under-Graduate Medical Education Board Backward Classes
o Post-Graduate Medical Education Board 2. The National Human Rights
o Medical Assessment and Rating Board Commission
o Ethics and Medical Registration Board 3. The National Law Commission
 Medical Advisory Council – advises the commission 4. The National Consumer
on matters related to medical education and practice. Disputes Redressal Commission
 Functions –
o Responsible for conducting and overseeing major How many of the above
screening tests, such as NEET-UG, NEET-PG, constitutional bodies? [2023]
and FMGE. (a) Only one
o Regulates registration and ethics of medical (b) Only two
Ans: (a)
practitioners, and the assessment and rating of (c) Only three
medical institutions. (d) All four
 Recognition –
o World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) recognition – medical degrees
awarded by the NMC are recognized globally.
State Food Safety Index (SFSI) FAO Report on Food Security
Context:
Report titled Asia and the Pacific -
In 5th edition of State Food Safety Index, nearly all Regional Overview of Food Security and
major states slip on food safety compared to 2019. Nutrition 2023: Statistics and Trends
About State Food Safety Index: released.
 A dynamic quantitative and qualitative  74.1% of Indians were unable to
benchmarking model that provides an objective afford a healthy diet in 2021.
framework for evaluating food safety.  16.6% of the India’s population is
 An annual index launched on the occasion of undernourished.
World Food Safety Day (7th June) since 2019.  31.7% & 18.7% of children of the
 Released by – Food Safety and Standards country under five years of age
Authority of India (FSSAI) suffered with stunting and
 Based on the information submitted by wasting respectively.
States/UTs.  53% of the country’s women aged
 Aim – To measure the performance of states on between 15 to 49 had anaemia in
parameters of food safety. 2019.
 Parameters – Originally it had 5 but 6th one was
added in 5th report for the period 2022-23.
 FSSAI Parameters and Weightages –

o Compliance (28%) – Activities of
State food safety authority
o Consumer Empowerment (19%) –
Performances in consumer
empowering initiatives.
o Human Resources and
Institutional Data (18%) –
Availability of human resources.
o Food Testing Infrastructure (17%)
– Availability of testing
infrastructure.
o Improvement in SFSI Rank
(added in 2023) (10%) –
Performances in SFSI ranking.
o Training and Capacity Building
(8%) – Steps taken for equipping people in food testing. [only parameter to record
improvement]
Findings of State Food Safety Index 2022- 2023:
 Top-Ranking Large States: Kerala followed by Punjab and Tamil Nadu.
 Top-Ranking Small states: Goa followed by Manipur and Sikkim.
 Top-Ranking UTs: Jammu & Kashmir followed by Delhi and Chandigarh.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India With reference to the provisions made
(FSSAI) under the National Food Security Act,
 Purpose – for laying down science based 2013, consider the following statements:
standards for articles of food to ensure safe 1. The families coming under the
food for human consumption. category of ‘below poverty line (BPL)’
 Headquarters – New Delhi, India only are eligible to receive subsidised
 Ministry – Ministry of Health & Family food grains.
Welfare 2. The eldest woman in a household, of
 Concerned Law: Food Safety and Standards age 18 years or above, shall be the
Act, 2006. head of the household for the
 Mandate – purpose of issuance of a ration card.
o Laying down mechanisms and guidelines 3. Pregnant women and lactating
for accreditation of certification bodies. mothers are entitled to a ‘take-home
o Provide scientific advice and technical ration’ of 1600 calories per day
support to Central Government and during pregnancy and for six
State Governments. months thereafter.
o Collect data regarding food consumption,
Which of the statements given above
incidence and prevalence of biological
risk, identification of emerging risks and is/are correct? [2013]
introduction of rapid alert system. (a) 1 and 2 only
o Contribute to the development of (b) 2 only
international technical standards for (c) 1 and 3 only
food, sanitary and phyto-sanitary (d) 3 only Ans: (b)
standards.
Vulnerable Section
Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP)
Context:
NITI Aayog released the 1st Delta Ranking of Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP).
 Tiriyani Block (Telangana) and Kaushambi Block (Uttar Pradesh) secured 1 st and 2nd ranks
respectively in the first delta ranking.
Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP): Delta Ranking captures incremental

 Launched by – NITI Aayog (January 2023) change (improvement achieved
 ABP is built on the success of the Aspirational month-on-month) in blocks ranked
Districts Programme (ADP). based on Key Performance Indicators
 Purpose – focuses on improving governance to (KPIs) categorized into five themes.
enhance the quality of life of citizens in the most
difficult and relatively underdeveloped blocks of India.
 500 blocks from 7 states and 4 UTs are part of the
programme. Atal Innovation Mission is set up
 5 major themes – under the [2019]
o Health and Nutrition (a) Department of Science and
o Education Technology
o Agriculture and Allied Services (b) Ministry of Labour and
o Basic Infrastructure Employment
o Social Development (c) NITI Aayog
 Programme strategy includes – (d) Ministry of Skill Development
o Convergence of Central and state Schemes and Entrepreneurship
o Collaboration between NITI Aayog, Central Ans: (c)
Ministries, State Departments, District and block Administration
o Competition among blocks driven by a spirit of mass Movement
o Block Officials as Leaders of Change.
Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP):

 Launched by – NITI Aayog (in 2018)
 Initially covered 112 most underdeveloped districts across the country.
 Objectives –
o Focuses on the strength of each district, identifying low- hanging fruits for immediate
improvement and measuring progress by ranking districts.
o “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas aur Sabka Vishwas” – raising the living standards of its
citizens and ensuring inclusive growth for all.
 Flagship initiatives by NITI Aayog – Saksham Bitiyan Abhiyan, Anemia Mukt Bharat and
Surakshit Hum Surakshit Tum
Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM – AJAY)

Context:
Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana is a 100% Centrally Sponsored Scheme for the
welfare of Scheduled Caste (SC) population.
Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana:
 Launched in 2021-22.
 Launched by – Ministry of Social Justice &
Empowerment
 100% Centrally Sponsored Scheme
 Framed after merging the 3 erstwhile schemes –
o Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY)
o Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCA to SCSP)
o Babu Jagjivan Ram Chatrawas Yojana (BJRCY)
 Objectives –
o To increase the income of SC population by income generating schemes, skill development
and infrastructure development.
o To reduce the poverty among the SC population The Service Area Approach was
and bring them above the poverty lines. implemented under the purview of
o To increase literacy and enrolment of SCs in [2019]
schools and higher education institutions. (a) Integrated Rural Development
 3 components – Programme
o Development of SC dominated villages into an (b) Lead Bank Scheme
‘Adarsh Gram’. (c) Mahatma Gandhi National
o Grants-in-aid for district/state-level projects for Rural Employment Guarantee
socio-economic betterment of SCs. Scheme
o Construction of hostels in higher educational (d) National Skill Development
institutions. Mission
 Eligibility Criteria – Ans: (b)
o For income generating and skill development schemes, the SC persons
belonging to BPL category are eligible.
o In case of infrastructure development, the villages having 50% or more SC population
are eligible.
Palna Scheme | Mission Shakti
Context:
Mission Shakti
National Level Programme on Anganwadi-Cum-
 Aimed at women's safety, security, and
Crèche Under Palna held recently.
empowerment.
Anganwadi-cum- Crèches initiative:  2 sub-schemes –
 Aim – To meet the demand for quality o Sambal – for the safety and
childcare facilities and enable women to security of women and includes
actively participate in the workforce. schemes such as One Stop Centre,
 It is under the Palna Scheme. Women Helpline, Beti Bachao Beti
 A part of the Samarthya sub-component of Padhao.
Mission Shakti. o Samarthya – for the empowerment
 Target – To establish 17000 Crèches out of of women and includes Ujjwala,
which 5222 have been approved. Swadhar Greh, etc.
Palna Scheme
 Centrally sponsored scheme
 Ministry – Ministry of Women & Child Development.
 Objectives –
o To provide day-care facilities for children (6 months to 6 years) of working mothers.
o Monitoring compliance of the Maternity Benefit Act, 2017 (requires every
establishment having fifty or more employees to have the facility of crèche within a
prescribed distance) for setting up creche facilities.
o To promote Nutritional, health, and cognitive development of children.
 Key services –
o Early stimulation for children below 3 years of age and Sleeping facility.
o Pre-school education for children between the ages of 3 to 6 years
o Health checkups and immunizations in line with POSHAN 2.0.
 Benefits –
o Lead to the Institutionalisation of day-care centers.
o Formalization of India's Care Economy.
o Tackle pervasive gender biases and discrimination.
o Provide safety, health, and nutrition benefits for children.
Miscellaneous
India’s Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report 2023
Context:
Ministry of Jal Shakti released the Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report for the
entire country for the year 2023.
About the report:
 Carried out jointly by – Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and States/UTs.
 Key highlights –
o Annual Groundwater recharge for the entire country is 449.08 billion cubic meters (BCM),
11.48 BCM more than in 2022.
o The increase may mainly be attributed to an increase in recharge from canal seepage,
return flow of irrigation water, and water
bodies/tanks & water conservation structures. Consider the following statements:
o Rainfall contributes to nearly 60% of the total 1. 36% of India's districts are
annual Groundwater recharge. classified as "overexploited"
o Annual groundwater extraction is 241.34 BCM. or "critical" by the Central
 Reasons for extraction – Ground Water Authority
o Unregulated extraction: Groundwater is regarded (CGWA).
as a "common pool resource". 2. CGWA was formed under the
o Excessive Irrigation: Triggered by the Green Environment (Protection) Act.
Revolution since the 1970s. 3. India has the largest area under
o Climate change: Disturbances in the groundwater irrigation in the
hydrological cycle causing long spells of floods world.
and droughts.
o Poor knowledge of groundwater management Which of the statements given
systems. above is/are correct? [2020]
(a) 1 only
Central Ground Water Board (CGWB): (b) 2 and 3 only
 An apex organization dealing with groundwater and Ans: (b)
(c) 2 only
related issues, formed in 1970. (d) 1 and 3 only
 Ministry – Ministry of Jal Shakti
Click here or visit

more articles related to various
reports.
World Affairs
Organisation
Interpol
Context:
The 91st General Assembly meeting of the Interpol, which took place in
Vienna, was a momentous occasion as it celebrated the centenary year
of the organization.
About Interpol:
 International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) was
established in 1923.
 Headquarters – Lyon (France)
 Purpose – To help police work together to make the world a safer
place.
 Members – 196 countries (including India)
 Organizational structure –
o General assembly: Supreme governing body meets annually to take decisions related to
policy, finances etc.
o General secretariat: Runs Interpol’s day-to-day activities to support members in
international policing
o Executive committee: Elected by the General Assembly has 13 members comprising a
president, 3 Vice presidents and 9 delegates from 4 regions.
o National Central Bureaus (NCB): A Country's focal point for all INTERPOL activities e.g.,
NCB in India is Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
 Key functions –
o Combating crimes across 4 global areas: Terrorism, Cybercrime, Organized crime and
Financial crime and anti-corruption.
o Issues colour-coded notices of various With reference to the "United Nations
hues. Credentials Committee", consider the
Related News: I-Familia following statements:
Recently, the Interpol has launched a new global 1. It is a committee set up by the UN
Security Council and works under its
database named “I-Familia” to identify missing
supervision.
persons through family DNA and help the police
2. It traditionally meets in March, June
solve cold cases in member countries.
and September every year.
 A global database for identifying missing 3. It assesses the credentials of all UN
persons. members before submitting a report
 Based on international DNA kinship matching. to the General Assembly for approval.
 3 components –
o Dedicated global database to host the DNA Which of the statements given above
profiles is/are correct? [2022]
o DNA matching software called Bonaparte (a) 3 only
o Interpretation guidelines (b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3 Ans: (a)
Direct DNA Matching Vs Kinship DNA Matching:
(d) 1 and 2
 Both methods are used for identifying missing
persons, but they differ in the source of the
DNA samples used for comparison.
 Direct DNA matching uses samples from the missing person, while kinship DNA matching uses
samples from biological relatives when the missing person’s samples are not available.
International Maritime Organization (IMO)

Context:
India was re-elected to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for two years.
 India’s re-election falls under the Category of 10 states with “the largest interest in
international seaborne trade”.
About International Maritime Organisation:
 A specialized agency of the United Nations established in 1948.
 Responsible for the safety and security of shipping and preventing marine and atmospheric
pollution by ships.
 Consists of an Assembly, a Council, and 5 main Committees along with subcommittees.
 Members – 175 members and 3 associate members (India is Member)
 Executive Organ – IMO Council
With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim
Role of IMO:
Association for Regional Cooperation
 Environmental protection –
(IOR-ARC)’, consider the following
o MARPOL Convention – covers pollution of the
marine environment by ships from operational or statements:
accidental causes. 1. It was established very recently
o Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) – A in response to incidents of piracy
special area designated by the IMO for extra and accidents of oil spills.
protection due to its importance for ecological, 2. It is an alliance meant for
socioeconomic, or scientific reasons. maritime security only.
o London Convention – Overseen by IMO, extends
Which of the statements given above
ocean protection beyond ships by regulating sea
is/are correct? [2015]
waste dumping, climate change mitigation like
carbon capture and storage, etc. (a) 1 only
 Maritime safety and security – (b) 2 only Ans: (d)
o SOLAS Convention – It sets standards for ship (c) Both 1 and 2
construction, equipment, and operation to (d) Neither 1 nor 2
ensure the safety of life at sea.
o Stopping piracy and armed robbery – globally integrated shipping information system and
Djibouti code of conduct are some of the steps taken by IMO.
o Checking drug smuggling – IMO's Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) works on matters
related to the prevention and suppression of drug smuggling on ships.
Codex Alimentarious Commission (CAC)

Context:
Codex Alimentarious Commission (CAC) has accepted
Codex currently has standards for
India’s proposal for the development of global standards for
Sorghum and Pearl Millet.
millets during its 46th session held in Rome, Italy.
News Summary:
 CAC approved India's proposal for global 3 international standard-setting
standards on millets, covering Finger millet, organizations recognised by WTO’s
Barnyard millet, Kodo millet, Proso millet, SPS:
and Little millet as group standards.  Kown as ‘three sisters’.
 FSSAI has set group standards which specify 8  Food safety – Codex Alimentarious
quality parameters for 15 types of millets. Commission (CAC)
 Quality parameters include – moisture content,  Plant health – International Plant
uric acid content, weevilled grains and Protection Convention (IPPC)
immature and shriveled grains etc.  Animal health – World Organisation
 This endorsement coincided with celebration of for Animal Health (WOAH)
International Year of Millets (2023).
About Codex Alimentarious Commission (CAC):

 An international food standards body established in 1963.
 Established jointly by – WHO and FAO.
 Headquarters – Rome
 Members – 189 members (including India).
 Objective – To protect consumer’s health
and ensure fair practices in food trade.
 Codex Alimentarius (Food Code) – A collection of standards, guidelines and codes of practice
adopted by the CAC.
 Codex standards are voluntary.
 Agreement on Application of Sanitary and
Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) of WTO recognizes
Codex standards, guidelines and recommendations for Millets are small-grained,
international trade and trade dispute settlement. annual, warm-weather cereals
belonging to grass family. They
are Known as nutri-cereals as
Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs they provide most of nutrients
(CCSCH): essential for human body's
 Establishment: 2013 functioning.
 Set up under Codex Alimentarius Commission
(CAC), Rome.
 Terms of Reference – To elaborate worldwide
standards for spices and culinary herbs in their
dried and dehydrated state in whole, ground, and
cracked or crushed form.
 Mandate – To consult, as necessary, with other
international organizations in the standards
Click here /visit
development process to avoid duplication.
 Host country – India
the article - Millets and
 Secretariat – Spices Board India (Ministry of
International Year of Millets (IYM)
Commerce and Industry) – 2023
With reference to ‘Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion’, which
of the following statements is/are correct?
1. This initiative aims to demonstrate the improved production and post-harvest technologies,
and to demonstrate value addition techniques, in an integrated manner, with a cluster
approach.
2. Poor, small, marginal and tribal farmers have a larger stake in this scheme.
3. An important objective of the scheme is to encourage farmers of commercial crops to shift to
millet cultivation by offering them free kits of critical inputs of nutrients and micro irrigation
equipment.
Select the correct answer using the code given below: [2016]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only Ans: (c)
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)

Context:
Angola withdraws from Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC):
 An intergovernmental Organization.
 Established at Baghdad Conference in 1960 OPEC+
 Founding Members – Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi  OPEC+ - Includes OPEC
Arabia, and Venezuela. member countries along with
 Other members – Algeria, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei,
Libya, Nigeria, the Republic of the Congo, and the Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico,
United Arab Emirates. Oman, Russia, South Sudan,
 Key Objective – and Sudan.
o To coordinate and unify petroleum policies among  OPEC+ represents around 40%
Member Countries of world
Consider the oil production.
following countries:
o To secure fair and stable prices for petroleum 1. Armenia
producers. 2. Azerbaijan
o To ensure efficient, economic, and regular supply 3. Croatia
of petroleum to consuming nations. 4. Romania
 Headquarters – Vienna, Austria. 5. Uzbekistan
 Biggest single oil supplier – Saudi Arabia (more than
Which of the above are members of
10 million barrels a day)
the Organization of Turkic States?
 Significance of OPEC –
o It possesses more than 80% of the world’s total [2022]
crude oil reserves. (a) 1, 2 and 4
o OPEC nations produce about 30% of the world's (b) 1 and 3
crude oil. (c) 2 and 5 Ans: (c)
(d) 3, 4 and 5
BIMSTEC
Context:
India recently seconded a senior diplomat to drive BIMSTEC as its 4th Secretary-General (SG).
BIMSTEC:
 BIMSTEC – Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic
Cooperation.
 A regional organization group of littoral countries encircling the Bay of Bengal with own flag and
emblem.
 Established in 1997 with the signing of the Bangkok
Declaration.
BIMSTEC was initially known as
 Aim – To foster economic and social development
BIST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Sri
among member countries.
Lanka, Thailand- Economic
 Members – 7 members (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India,
Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand). cooperation) before the joining of
o 5 members from SAARC and 2 from ASEAN Myanmar (1997), Bhutan (2004) and
 Secretariat at – Dhaka, Bangladesh. Nepal (2004).
 BIMSTEC Charter – Signed and adopted during the 5th
BIMSTEC Summit in Sri Lanka in 2022.
 Year 2022 marked the 25th anniversary of BIST-EC formation.
Importance of BIMSTEC:
 The seven countries around the Bay of Bengal are home to about 22% of the global population,
boasting a combined GDP nearing USD 2.7 trillion.
 From 2012 to 2016, these countries have consistently maintained annual growth rates ranging
from 3.4% to 7.5%.
 Every year, a quarter of the world’s goods are traded across the Bay of Bengal.
BIMSTEC Centres Consider the following statements

 BIMSTEC Energy Centre (BEC) – about G-20:
o Location – Central Power Research Institute 1. The G-20 group was originally
(Bengaluru) established as a platform for the
o Function – Secretariat of the BIMSTEC Finance Ministers and Central
Grid Interconnection Coordination Bank Governors to discuss
Committee. international economic and
 BIMSTEC Centre on Weather and Climate – financial issues.
o Location – National Centre for Medium Range 2. 2. Digital public infrastructure is
Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) (Uttar one of India's G-20 priorities.
Pradesh)
 BIMSTEC Cultural Industries Observatory – Which of the statements given above
proposed for the establishment of BIMSTEC is/are correct? [2023]
Cultural Industries Commission (BCIC) and the (a) 1 only
BIMTEC Cultural Industries Observatory (BCIO) (b) 2 only
in Bhutan. (c) Both 1 and 2
 BIMSTEC Technology Transfer Facility – (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Memorandum of Association (MoA) signed during
Ans: (c)
the 5th BIMSTEC Summit.
Golden Triangle | Golden Crescent | United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
Context:
Release of UNODC Report “Southeast Asia Opium Survey 2023: Cultivation, Production, and
Implications”.
Report Highlights:
 Assess opium poppy cultivation in Southeast Asia.
 Golden Triangle Opium economy sees steady growth in 2023.
 World’s top opium source – Myanmar (after the decline in Afghanistan)
 Indications of substantial opium cultivation in Sagaing (along Indo-Myanmar border)
Golden Crescent:
 Comprises illicit opium production areas – Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
 2 routes –
o Northern Route – Opium and heroin are trafficked to the Russian Federation by way of
Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
o Southern Route – Heroin travels from Afghanistan through Pakistan and Iran by sea to
South Asia, Africa and Oceania region.
Golden Triangle: About three-fourths of world's

 Comprises illicit opium production region covering – cobalt, a metal required for the
Thailand, Myanmar and Laos manufacture of batteries for electric
 Meet at the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong motor vehicles, is produced by
Rivers.
[2023]
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC): (a) Argentina
 UN agency established in 1997. (b) Botswana
 Headquarters – Vienna (c) the Democratic Republic of the
 Addressing issues related to drugs, transnational Congo
organized crime, corruption, and terrorism on a global (d) Kazakhstan
scale. Ans: (c)
 Mandated by its member States to assist in implementation of:
o United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC)
o United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC)
Events
Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) 2023
Context:
The 8th edition of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs (CoC) was conducted
by Royal Thai Navy at Bangkok, Thailand.
 Republic of Korea Navy was welcomed by the Conclave as the latest ‘Observer’.
Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS): India also took over as the co-Chair of
 A voluntary initiative that seeks to increase IONS Working Groups on Maritime
maritime co-operation among navies of the Security. India is also scheduled to take
littoral states (states with coast) of the Indian over as the Chair of IONS (2025-27)
Ocean Region. during 9th CoC planned to be conducted
 Inaugural edition – Feb 2008, New Delhi (Indian in India in end 2025.
Navy as the Chair for 2 years)
 Provides an open and inclusive forum for
discussion of regionally relevant maritime issues. Consider the following in respect of
 IONS Flag designed by – India Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS):
 Present Members – 34 (25 Members & 09 1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in
Observers) 2015 under the chairmanship of the
 Member groups – Indian Navy.
o South Asian Littorals – Bangladesh, India, 2. IONS is a voluntary initiative that
Maldives, Pakistan, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and seeks to increase maritime co-
United Kingdom (British Indian Ocean operation among navies of the
Territory). littoral states of the Indian Ocean
o South East Asian and Australian Littorals – Region.
Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar,
Which of the above statements is/are
Singapore, Thailand and Timor-Leste.
correct? [2017]
o East African Littorals – France (Reunion),
Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, South Africa, (a) 1 only
and Tanzania. (b) 2 only
o West Asian Littorals – Iran, Oman, Saudi (c) Both 1 and 2 Ans: (c)
Arabia and United Arab Emirates. (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Colombo Security Conclave

Context:
India attended 6th National Security Adviser Level Meeting of Colombo Security Conclave held in
Mauritius.
Key Developments:
 Agreed on a Roadmap of Activities for 2024 in the face of traditional, non-traditional and
emerging hybrid challenges in Indian Ocean region
(IOR). Non-traditional security issues are
 Announced launch of Ocean Information Services challenges that arise primarily out of
portal that aims to facilitate exchange of non-military sources, such as
oceanographic information. climate change, infectious diseases,
About Colombo Security Conclave (CSC): natural disasters, etc.
 Formed in 2011.
 Trilateral maritime security grouping of India, Sri Lanka and Maldives.
 Mauritius joined as 4th member
 Observer countries – Bangladesh and Seychelles
 It has permanent secretariat based in Colombo, to coordinate activities and implement decisions.
 5 pillars –
o Maritime safety and security

o Countering terrorism and radicalisation
o Combating trafficking and transnational organised crime
o Cyber security and protection of critical infrastructure
o Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
 Significance of CSC –
o In line with vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and
Neighbourhood First Policy.
o Provides cooperative environment and collaborative mechanism in maritime neighbourhood
of IOR.
Major Regional Cooperation Mechanism in IOR:

 Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC).
 Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies
of the littoral states of IOR.
 Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).
 Indian Ocean Commission (India is not a member but observer to it).
United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC)

Context:
20 years of United Nations Convention against Consider the following statements:
Corruption (UNCAC). 1. The United Nations Convention against
United Nations Convention against Corruption: Corruption (UNCAC) has a 'Protocol
 Signed in Mexico. against the Smuggling of Migrants by
 Entered into force in 2005. Land, Sea and Air.
 Only legally binding universal anti- 2. The UNCAC is the ever-first legally
corruption instrument. binding global anti-corruption
 Parties – 190 (including India) instrument.
3. A highlight of the United Nations
 Covers different forms of corruption, such as
Convention against Transnational
bribery, trading in influence, abuse of
Organized Crime (UNTOC) is the
functions, and various acts of corruption in the
inclusion of a specific chapter aimed at
private sector.
returning assets to their rightful
 5 main areas –
owners from whom they had been
o Preventive measures (establishment of
taken illicitly.
anticorruption bodies etc.)
4. The United Nations Office on Drugs and
o Criminalization and law enforcement
Crime (UNODC) is mandated by its
(States are obliged to establish some
member states to assist in the
offences).
implementation of both UNCAC AND
o International cooperation (States bound to
UNTOC.
render mutual legal assistance)
o Asset recovery Which of the statements given above are
o Technical assistance and information correct? [2019]
exchange.
(a) 1 and 3 only
 Custodian & Secretariat – United Nations (b) 2, 3 and 4 only
Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Ans: (c)
(c) 2 and 4 only
 Conference of the States Parties – main (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
policymaking body of the Convention.
 Meeting – every 2 years
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) | Human Rights 75

Context:
Human Rights 75, an initiative to mark the 75 th
anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(UDHR).
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR):
 A global document that establishes the human rights
and civil liberty of every person in the world.
 Based on – Vienna Declaration and Program of
Action of 1993.
 Proclaimed by – United Nations General Assembly in
Paris on 10 December 1948 (UNGA resolution 217 A).
Key Features –
 Recognises that ‘the inherent dignity of all
members of the human family is the foundation
of freedom, justice and peace in the world’.
 Declares that human rights are universal – to be Human Rights Day, celebrated
enjoyed by all people, no matter who they are or annually on December 10,
where they live. commemorates the adoption of the
 30 fundamental rights encompassing – Universal Declaration of Human
o Civil and political rights, such as the rights to Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations
life, liberty and privacy. General Assembly (UNGA) in 1948.
o Economic, social and cultural rights, such as the
rights to social security, health and adequate housing.
 International Bill of Human Rights includes –
o Universal Declaration of Human Rights
o International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
o International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)
 Legality –
o Not a treaty With reference to the "United Nations
o Not legally binding in itself Credentials Committee", consider the
o Basis for international human rights law and following statements:
principles are part of legally binding 1. It is a committee set up by the UN
international agreements. Security Council and works under
 Achievements – its supervision.
o Inspired and paved the way for more than 70 2. It traditionally meets in March, June
human rights treaties at global and regional and September every year.
levels. 3. It assesses the credentials of all UN
o Inspired the decolonization movement, anti- members before submitting a report
apartheid movement and on gender issues to the General Assembly for
and even on LGBTIQ+ issues. approval.
 India and UDHR –
o India is a signatory Which of the statements given above
o Hansa Mehta (a member of India’s is/are correct? [2022]
Constituent Assembly) – credited with (a) 3 only
altering "All men are born free and equal" to (b) 1 and 3 Ans: (a)
"All human beings are born free and equal" (c) 2 and 3
in Article 1 of the UDHR. (d) 1 and 2
Miscellaneous
Call for Safer and Healthier Working Environments: ILO Report
Context:
International Labour Organization (ILO) has recently published a report named ‘A Call for Safer and
Healthier Working Environments’.
 This report was a topic of discussion at the 23rd World Congress on Safety and Health at Work
(WCSHW).
About WCSHW:
 1st held in 1955.
 One of the largest international conferences for work health and safety.
 Aim – To connect global leaders in safety and harm prevention from over 120 countries.
Key Highlights of the Report:

FOIR stands for a statistical metric that
 In 2019, work-related deaths rose to 2.93 million,
is used to calculate the number of
a 12% increase from 2000. (More prevalent in the
fatalities caused by accidents or
Asia-Pacific region)
 Majority of work-related deaths are caused by injuries at work within a specific
work-related diseases e.g., circulatory and occupational group, industry, or
respiratory diseases. geographical area during a certain time
 Exposure to long working hours (≥ 55 hours per frame.
week) causes most deaths among occupational
risk factors. ILO Occupational Safety and Health
 Sectors such as mining and quarrying, Convention has been ratified by 79 out
construction, and utilities were identified as the of the 187 member nations. Meanwhile,
most hazardous globally based on Fatal the Promotional Framework for
Occupational Injury Rates (FOIR). Occupational Safety and Health
Convention, 2006, has been ratified by
ILO’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH):
62 countries.
 ILO’s Safety + Health for All program – A key
vehicle for delivering ILO’s Occupational Safety
and Health (OSH) agenda
 New global strategy on OSH –
o Adopted by – ILO Governing Body
o Aim – To promote, and realize the fundamental
right to a safe and healthy working
environment worldwide.
o 3 pillars –
 Improving national OSH frameworks
 Integrate OSH into national policies and Click/Visit www.gokulamseekias.com
adopt whole-of-government approaches to to read the article
OSH.
 Enhancing workplace OSH management International Labour Organization’s
systems. Conventions 138 and 182 are related
to: [2018]
Safety + Health for All Program:
(a) Child Labour
 Launched in 2015. (b) Adaptation of agricultural
 Focuses on prevention to promote a safe and practices to global climate change
healthy working environment, which is a (c) Regulation of food prices and food
fundamental principle and right at work. security
 Vision Zero Fund, a G7 initiative and later (d) Gender parity at the workplace
endorsed by the G20 in 2017, is an integral part of
Safety + Health for All.
Ans: (a)
International Year of Camelids

Context:
The United Nations has declared
2024 as the International Year of
Camelids.
International Year of Camelids:
 Aim – To build awareness of
the untapped potential of
camelids and to call for
increased investment in the
camelid sector, and the use of
innovative practices and
technologies.
 Importance – These animals
contribute to food security,
nutrition and economic growth for many communities
around the globe.
According to Food and Agricultural
Camelids: Organization (FAO), camelids
 Camelids Group include – alpacas, Bactrian camels, influence the lives of millions of
dromedaries, guanacos, llamas, and vicuñas. households in more than 90
 Classification – countries.
o Old World camelids (OW) – the dromedary, the
domestic Bactrian camel, and the wild Bactrian
camel. Camelids are known to survive in
o New World camelids (NW) harsh conditions and thus be
 Significance – ambassadors to raise awareness
o Meets the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) about climate change. In the
envisaged by the United Nations. highlands of Andes mountain ranges
o Source of milk and meat, which helps people fight and in the arid and semi-arid lands
hunger. in Africa and Asia, camelids play a
 Uses – major role in the livelihood of the
o Provide fibres which can be used for clothing and inhabitants.
shelter
o Used as a means of transportation
o Provides organic fertilizer which can be used in agriculture.
What is/are unique about 'Kharai camel', a breed found in India?

1. It is capable of swimming up to three kilometres in seawater.
2. It survives by grazing on mangroves.
3. It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated.
Select the correct answer using the code given below: [2016]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only Ans: (a)
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Veto power in UNSC

Context:
US vetoed a resolution of the UN Security With reference to the “United Nations
Council (UNSC) that called for a Gaza Credentials Committee”, consider the following
ceasefire. statements:
Veto power in UNSC: 1. It is a committee set up by the UN Security
 All member countries of the UN are Council and works under its supervision.
part of the General Assembly (UNGA) 2. It traditionally meets in March, June and
September every year.
 UNGA – can pass resolutions on relevant
matters. 3. It assesses the credentials of all UN members
before submitting a report to the General
 Type of majority to pass its resolutions –
Assembly for approval.
Simple majority
 UN Security Council (UNSC) consists 15 Which of the statements given above is/are
members. correct? [2022]
 Permanent members of UNSC (P5 (a) 3 only
countries) – United States, the United (b) 1 and 3
Kingdom, France, Russia and China Ans: (a)
(c) 2 and 3
 Based on UNGA elections, the 10 (d) 1 and 2
additional members are elected for 2
years each.
 In 1965, the number of non-permanent UNSC members was increased from six to 10.
 UNSC resolutions are legally binding, unlike the UNGA’s.
 Each party has 1 vote
 Needs minimum of 9 votes to adopt a resolution. Dumbarton Oaks conference was
held in Washington DC in 1944
Right to veto: which was attended by
 Each of the P5 members has the power to veto a vote representatives of China, Great
which is a negative vote against the resolution. Britain, the USSR and the US in
 According to UN Charter, if any 1 of the P5 members drawing the contours of UN.
cast a veto in UNSC, the resolution would fail while
abstaining from voting is not a negative vote.
 Exclusive veto power – After WW-II ended in 1945, the P5 were among the victors against
Germany, Italy and Japan.
 The US, the UK and the USSR (later Russia) were accorded certain exclusive rights to
themselves in UNSC recognizing their key role in ending the war and forming UN.
 They in turn offered seats to France and China that these countries would assume, or reassume,
great-power status.
 Current body is limited in terms of representation.
Click / Scan to read more world Click / Scan to read more world
affairs related articles affairs related articles

Dec

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

You might also like

Dec

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Dec

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Seek Precise December 2023

Current Affairs: The Decisive Element in the Civil Services Examination

Polar Science and Cryosphere Research (PACER) .................................................................. 24

State of Finance for Nature 2023 Report ............................................................................... 42

National Asset Reconstruction Company Limited (NARCL) .................................................... 60

Social Sector ........................................................................................................................79

Astronomical units (AU):

Kilonova Explosion Solar Wind Ion Spectrometer (SWIS)

Atacama Large Millimetre/submillimetre Array (ALMA) Telescope

Comet P12/Pons-Brooks Cassini mission

1,000-qubit quantum chip – Condor

Which one of the following is the

JT-60SA | International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor | Nuclear fusion

Basics about Nuclear Fusion

Where does it take place?

When does it happen?

Conditions required to achieve fusion

Types of Nuclear Fusion –

Click here/Visit Click here/Visit

About Small Modular Reactor:

Micro reactors Small Modular Conventional Nuclear

Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology | National Payments Corporation of India

Zero Trust Authentication

Initiatives taken for Genome Sequencing With reference to agriculture in India,

Algae-assisted Carbon Capture

Algae-assisted Carbon capture method:  A bio-electrochemical device

Variant of Interest and Types of Variants

Variant of Interest (VOI):

Variant of High Consequences (VOHCs):

Late Blight Disease Pompe Disease

IGMDP (Integrated Guided Missile Defence Acquisition Council | Acceptance of

Exercise Astrashakti | Akash weapon system

SAMAR (Surface to Air Missile for Assured Retaliation):

World Malaria Report 2023:

Intersection between climate change and malaria:

In 2023, the R21/Matrix-M (R21)

‘Wolbachia method’ is sometimes

Polar Science and Cryosphere Research (PACER)

Pesticides regulation in India:

Aarogya Maitri Aid Cube

Open Source Software (OSS)

Type Examples Characteristics Usage Rights

Mission-Operation Storm Makers II Krutrim

Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant | Uranium Enrichment

India’s Nuclear Power Program:

o Use of Pu-239 recovered from the second stage, in

Kakrapar-4 nuclear reactor attains criticality.

Global Partnership on Artificial  Established by – Ministry of Home

Green Credit initiative | ALTÉRRA | Green Climate Fund | Adaptation Fund

Green Climate Fund (GCF):

GREE Pledge | UAE Declaration | Climate club | DTNE

Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge (GREE Pledge):

UAE Declaration on Climate and Health:

 GDA – Launched at World Climate Action Summit recently.

Global Stocktake | Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative (AGII)

What is Global Stocktake?

Africa Green Industrialisation

Global River Cities Alliance (GRCA)

River Cities Alliance (RCA) With reference to ‘Global Climate Change