Daily News Analysis

rd
23 March 2024
Topics To be Covered:
✓ Delhi CM’s Arrest: A Chilling Moment
✓ Navigating the Global Waterscape and its Challenges
✓ Arsenic Contamination in Rice and its Health Implication
✓ Butterflies and Moths (Lepidoptera) of India
✓ Bahai Minority in Iran
✓ Netravati Riverfront Project
✓ Operation Indravati
✓ Global Trade Update Report: UNCTAD
✓ Decline in Share of Coal Import
✓ SSN AUKUS Program: Trilateral Security Partnership for
Nuclear Submarines
✓ No country is fully prepared for future pandemics: ADB
report
 Topics
Delhi CM’s Arrest: A Chilling Moment
Subject: GS: 02: Polity and Governance
Context:
Recently, the Delhi Chief Minister was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on charges of corruption
and money laundering in the formulation and execution of the Delhi government’s excise policy for 2021-22,
which was later scrapped.
About the S. Ramachandran versus V. Senthil Balaji Case:
❖ Background: Balaji, a former Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister, was arrested by the ED on money-
laundering charges and he continued to be a State Minister without portfolio while he was in judicial custody.
❖ Arguments made in the Madras High Court: Whether a minister can virtually forfeit his/her office on
account of being arrested and detained in prison or judicial custody and whether he/she may disabled from
performing the duties and responsibilities of being a public servant.
❖ Judgment by the Madras High Court: The Madras HC judgment highlighted the practical difficulties of
being a Minister while in custody.
➢ Ministers in prison cannot ask the Secretary of State to get the files concerning any of the
departments without breaching the oath of office.
➢ The HC asked whether a person should be paid salary from the State exchequer while occupying
a public office without performing any duty attached to the office held.
➢ Moral Values: The citizens “legitimately” expect that persons in power have high standards of moral
conduct and described the role of a CM as “the repository of the people’s faith”.
✓ Political compulsion cannot outweigh public morality, requirements of excellent/clean
governance and constitutional morality.
❖ Arguments Referred to the Supreme Court: The SC in Manoj Narula versus Union of India held three
basic public office norms -Constitutional Morality, Good Governance and Constitutional Trust.
What does this Arrest Highlight?
❖ Maiden Arrest: Delhi CM had become the first serving CM in the country to be arrested under the
Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
❖ Arising Concerns:
Judicial Custody:
➢ Against the Law: The selective use of
the ED to target the Opposition by ❖ It means the accused is in the custody of the Magistrate.
the Ruling Government. ❖ On Interrogation: The police officer in charge of the
✓ As per experts, the summons case cannot interrogate the suspect. However, the court
given to Delhi CM was already may allow the interrogations to be conducted if it
being applied in a highly opines the interrogation is necessary under the facts
discretionary way. produced before the court.
➢ Against the Democratic Value: Arrest in the middle of a general election campaign is an unprecedented
display of impunity that does not allow the Opposition to mobilize its resources for elections.
➢ A Politically Motivated Move: It is argued that despite numerous raids and investigations, no evidence
of wrongdoing has been found and it is a politically motivated move.
 ➢ Need: The judiciary needs to play a Earlier Such Cases:
significant role by dismantling the ❖ In February 2024, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)
instruments of oppression, and the leader and then CM Hemant Soren was arrested by the
political opposition needs to come ED in a money-laundering case. Soren resigned as CM
together and not treat this issue as after his arrest, and Seraikela MLA Champai Soren
merely a legal or administrative battle. replaced him.
✓ It needs to mobilise within the ❖ Similarly, in 2001, Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalithaa was
bounds of the laws politically. arrested in a disproportionate assets case, and O
Presenting a Severe Challenge: Paneerselvam replaced her till she obtained bail.
It underscores the complexities
➢ This was repeated in 2014, when she was convicted
and challenges associated with
and charged in the same case. Paneerselvam resigned
combating corruption and
in both 2001 and 2014 after she obtained bail and a
ensuring transparency within
stay of her conviction, respectively.
governmental institutions.
❖ About Corruption:
➢ Refers: As per Transparency International, corruption is the abuse of entrusted power for private gain.
➢ India’s Position: Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI), 2023 positioned
India at 93 out of 180 countries.
✓ The CPI ranks 180 countries and territories around the globe by their perceived levels of public sector
corruption, scoring on a scale of 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).
➢ Concerns: It erodes trust, weakens democracy, hampers economic development and further
exacerbates inequality, poverty, social division and the environmental crisis.
Can a Sitting CM hold office while in Jail?
❖ Arising Question on Continuing to Hold Public Office: There is a question arising can a Chief Minister
serve while in Jail?
❖ Legal Provision: According to experts, there are no constitutional or legal provisions that prohibit a Chief
Minister from serving while in Jail.
➢ Role of LG in Delhi: While there is no legal bar on Kejriwal continuing as CM, the LG has a critical role
to play. The LG can recommend the imposition of the President's rule.
Role of Lieutenant Governor (LG)- A Unique Scheme for Delhi:
❖ A Territory of India: Considering the importance of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, it has
a unique constitutional scheme wherein there is an elected government and an LG, who the central
government appoints.
❖ Associated Constitutional Provisions:
➢ Article 239 AA of the Indian Constitution: It defines the role of the elected government, the LG and
Parliament when it comes to Delhi. The entire power of the elected government and the CM of Delhi
has its origin in this provision of the constitution. However, LG has the power to recommend
suspending the operation of this provision.
➢ Article 239 AB of the Indian Constitution: It gives powers to an LG to recommend to the President
of India to suspend the operation of Article 239 AA.
❖ Provisions: If the President, on receipt of a report from the LG or otherwise, is satisfied that:
➢ Difficult to Carry Administration: A situation has arisen in which the administration of the NCT
Delhi cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of Article 239AA or of any law made in
pursuance of that article.
➢ Proper Administration: For the proper administration of the NCT Delhi.
❖ Decision by President: The President may by order suspend the operation of any provision of Article
239AA or of all or any of the provisions of any law made in pursuance of that article for such period and
subject to such conditions.
❖ According to the rules, the Chief Minister loses position:
➢ If he/she loses the majority in the House
➢ His/her party asks to step down
➢ He/she resigns from the position
❖ On Disqualification: As per section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, conviction is required
for disqualification.
❖ Basic Norm for Holding a Public Office: The Supreme Court in Manoj Narula versus Union of India held
that the fundamental norm for holding a public office was:
➢ Constitutional Morality: This means avoiding acting in a manner contradictory to the rule of law.
➢ Good Governance: The government has to rise above narrow private interests or parochial political
outlook and aim at doing good for the larger public interest.
➢ Constitutional Trust: To uphold the high morality attached to a public office.
➢ Implication: The outcome of his case could have far-reaching consequences for the political landscape
in the entire country.
About Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22:
❖ Implementation: This Delhi Excise
Policy 2021-22 is also known as the
new liquor policy and was
implemented in 2021.
➢ However, after the controversy
around the policy, Delhi
reverted to the old excise
regime.
❖ Aim: To improve customer
experience and stop black marketing.
❖ Key Features:
➢ Process of Bidding: Under the
new policy, the city was divided
into 32 zones inviting firms to
bid on the zones and instead of
individual licences, bidding was done zone-by-zone.
➢ Reduction in Dry Days: For the first time, shops were allowed to offer discounts to retail customers
and reduced the number of dry days to 3 from 21.
✓ Dry days are specific days when the sale of alcohol is not allowed.
 ➢ On Drinking Age: The new policy even proposed lowering the drinking age from 25 to 21.
➢ Provisions: It had a provision for home delivery of liquor.
✓ It also suggested the opening of shops till 3 am. However, these were not implemented.
❖ Controversy:
➢ Lapse & Irregularities: Before the implementation, the policy had first to be examined by the Chief
Secretary (CS) of Delhi, who found procedural lapses and irregularities in the new policy.
➢ No Approval: The head of the excise department was accused of making changes to the excise policy
without the approval of the Lieutenant Governor.
➢ Financial Loss: The arbitrary and unilateral decisions taken by then Delhi Deputy CM had resulted in
heavy financial losses to the exchequer (more than Rs 580 crore).
➢ To Influence Elections: It was alleged that kickbacks were received by the Delhi government from
owners and operators of alcohol businesses for preferential treatment.
✓ These kickbacks were used to influence the Assembly elections held in Punjab and Goa in early
2022.
Way Forward:
❖ For Statutory Institutions: Statutory institutions like ED need to be strengthened and accountable by:
➢ Ensure Functional Autonomy: There is a need to provide Functional independence to ED and also the
protection of ED officers from political interference.
➢ Provide Statutory Backing: Ensuring statutory status by means of adequate legislation will maintain the
independence of the Enforcement Directorate and maintain its accountability.
❖ For Judiciary:
➢ The judiciary needs to take their action on filling the loopholes that can be politically misused.
✓ Example: The PMLA, on which the Supreme Court had put its seal of approval (‘Kafka’s Law’, IE,
July 29, 2022), that can be politically misused.
➢ The Court’s need to make amendments in following issues like erratic record on bail, its constant support
of the Executive, etc. to maintain Indian constitutional values.
❖ For Government: The Government needs to follow and promote Constitutional and ethical values.
➢ Kautilya’s views on the importance of promoting ethical conduct and good governance remain relevant
today, and efforts to combat corruption continue to be a key priority for governments and
international organisations worldwide.
➢ Kautilya recommended a range of measures to promote transparency, accountability, and ethical
conduct in public service.
Read More About: Corruption
Read More About: Legislative Decline in India: The Rising Trend of MP Suspensions
News Source: The Hindu

Navigating the Global Waterscape and its Challenges

Subject: GS-03: Economy
Context:
UNESCO led the development of the United Nations World Water Development Report 2024 on World Water
Day (March 22, 2024).
Key Findings from the Report:
❖ Water Access Disparities and Increasing World Water Day:
Migration: 2.2 billion people do not have ❖ In 1992, the United Nations Conference on
access to safely managed drinking water Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro saw
and 3.5 billion people globally do not have the first formal proposal of World Water Day under
access to properly managed sanitation Agenda 21.
facilities. ❖ The United Nations General Assembly adopted a
➢ These numbers are expected to resolution in December 1992 by which March 22 was
increase, exacerbated by climate declared World Water Day.
change and population growth.
❖ Water Deficit Inducing Migration: Water deficits could be linked to 10 percent of the increase in migration
worldwide.
➢ Displacement can increase the burden on local water systems and resources, resulting in tensions between
migrant and host communities.
❖ Increasing Water Footprint: The global water footprint is expanding with freshwater consumption increasing
by nearly one percent annually.
➢ In the lowest-income countries, 80 percent of jobs rely on water, compared to 50 percent in high-income
nations.
❖ Urban-Rural Divide: There is a prominent urban-rural divide wherein “four out of five people lack at least
basic drinking water services live in rural areas.
❖ Critical Water Availability and Climate Change: Only 0.5 percent of water on Earth is usable and climate
change is dangerously affecting that supply.
➢ Over the past twenty years, terrestrial water storage including soil moisture, snow and ice has dropped at
a rate of 1 cm per year, with major ramifications for water security.
❖ Impact on Food Security: Climate change, population growth and increasing water scarcity will put pressure
on food supply as about 72 percent of the freshwater used is used for agriculture.
❖ Rise in Water-Related Disasters: Water-related disasters have dominated the list of disasters over the past 50
years and account for 70 percent of all deaths related to natural disasters.
❖ Child Mortality in Conflict-Affected Areas: Children under the age of 15 living in countries affected by
prolonged conflict are, on average, almost three times more likely to die due to lack of safe water, sanitation
and hygiene than by direct violence.
❖ Transboundary Water Cooperation: Only 24 countries report that all their transboundary basins are covered
by cooperation arrangements.
➢ Transboundary waters account for 60 percent of the world’s freshwater flows, and 153 countries
have territory within at least 1 of the 310 transboundary river and lake basins and inventoried 468
transboundary aquifer systems.
❖ Economic Returns of Water and Sanitation Investments: The benefits of investing in water and sanitation
outweigh the costs, as it can improve health, productivity, environment, and social outcomes.
➢ Every US$ 1 invested in water and sanitation yields a return of US$ 4.3. In transboundary rivers and
aquifers this includes hydropower production, flood and drought management, water quality, and
ecosystem conservation.
How can water be linked to conflict and instability?
❖ Water in Historical Conflict: Water has been a pivotal resource for some of the greatest civilisations such as
the Indus, the Nile, the Tigris and the Euphrates. However, conflicts arose in these civilisations on account of
this resource.
➢ Ex- Tensions between the Water-related mechanisms for Peace:
Mesopotamian cities of Lagash and ❖ UN Water Convention (The Convention on the
Umma. This conflict centered around Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses
a fertile piece of land and water and International Lakes): It is a unique legally binding
resources. instrument promoting the sustainable management of
➢ The conflict also yielded the world’s shared water.
first peace treaty, the Treaty of ❖ UN Watercourses Convention (The Convention on the
Mesilim, recognised as one of Law of the Non-navigational Uses of International
humanity’s oldest legal documents. Watercourses): It establishes basic standards and rules
❖ Divergent Interests Among Users: Water for cooperation between watercourse states on the use,
can be a trigger when interests of different management, and protection of international
water users, including States and provinces, watercourses.
clash and and seem impossible to ❖ The Convention on Wetlands (The Ramsar
reconcile. Convention on Wetlands of International Importance
➢ Similarly, conflicts may arise when Especially as Waterfowl Habitat):
there's a decrease in water quantity ❖ Sustainable Development Goal: It aims to ensure access
or quality, potentially impacting to water and sanitation for all. Access to safe water,
human and ecosystem health. sanitation and hygiene is the most basic human need for
❖ Water as a Weapon in Armed Conflict: It health and well-being.
can be used by both State and non-State actors as a means to gain or maintain control over territory and
populations or as a means to pressurize opponent groups.
➢ Ex- water was used by Israel as a weapon against its conflicts with Hamas.
❖ Water Vulnerability in Conflict Zones: Water can suffer as a consequence of conflict when water resources
become intentional or unintended victims or targets of violence.
➢ Deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure, including water systems, not only pose significant health
hazards but also breach international humanitarian law.
❖ Multiplying Factor in Conflict Settings: For Example, the inability of a government to provide basic water
services leads to a delegitimization of State institutions and ignites social unrest.
➢ If factors such as food insecurity, unemployment and internal migration coincide with water-related stress,
all culminate in instability at various governance levels.
❖ Climate Change and Rising Water Insecurity: Currently, the world is experiencing a multitude of climatic
extremes, spanning from intense heatwaves to turbulent floods raising concerns regarding the climate crisis
and its ongoing effects on water insecurity.
➢ For instance, in India, the monsoon has displayed erratic patterns over time, introducing significant
uncertainties for agriculture.
❖ Transboundary Water Resource and Pollution: A large proportion of the world’s freshwater resources are
in transboundary waters” including in India.
➢ With its expansive landmass, India boasts a network of long rivers, not only serving its own needs but
also shared with its neighbours.
 ➢ However, in the South Asian region, the extent of water pollution has worsened considerably in recent
years, especially the Meghna, Brahmaputra, Ganga and Indus.
Way Forward to Use Water for Peace:
❖ Water Diplomacy as a Solution for Rising Concept of Water Diplomacy:
Water Conflicts: The shared recognition ❖ About: Water diplomacy can be defined as the use of
that water is a vital resource, with diplomatic instruments to existing or emerging
limitations in quality and availability, disagreements and conflicts over shared water
necessitates collaborative governance. resources with the aim to solve or mitigate those for the
➢ This will ensure effective and sake of cooperation, regional stability, and peace.
equitable water allocation among ❖ Applying Diplomatic Instruments: Water diplomacy’s
nations, fostering regional stability diplomatic instruments may include negotiations,
and peace, and an understanding of the dispute-resolution mechanisms, the establishment of
intricate relationships between water, consultation platforms, and the organization of joint fact-
climate, and international stability. finding missions.
❖ Universal principles for International
Water Law: Within the added climate change-related pressures, the world needs to foster improved
cooperation over water-sharing and embrace universal principles for International Water Law. Working
towards establishing formal arrangements over river basins and aquifers by the riparian States are key for
long-term successful cooperation. How can Water be Used as a Tool for Peace?
❖ By governing the use of shared waters and ❖ At the community level: Water can bring together
encouraging the use of water sustainably, different water users or ‘rights holders’ – often from
we can strive for better water diplomacy different ethnicities or religious groups around a
making water a force for peace. common cause and provide an entry point for dialogue,
❖ Inclusive Approach: Water diplomacy reconciliation and peacebuilding.
requires inclusive approaches, ❖ At the national level: The need to cooperate across
acknowledging the indigenous and local different water-using sectors might provide a starting
communities’ extensive cross-border point for coordination across interests.
networks. ❖ At the transboundary level: Cooperation over shared
➢ Involving civil society and academic water resources and ‘hydro diplomacy’ can be a starting
networks can help in facilitating point for communication and broader cooperation,
political processes to prevent, mitigate, including beyond water resources.
and resolve water-related disputes. ❖ Rebuilding Trust in Post-conflict Situations: Water
❖ Cross-sectoral Water Cooperation: cooperation plays a pivotal role in rebuilding trust and
Bringing together water, energy, fostering long-term stability, offering a tangible
agriculture, environment helps to better foundation for collaboration and mutual understanding.
manage trade-offs and can amplify the ❖
benefits that accrue from collective action
while also safeguarding ecosystems.
➢ Multilevel governance systems are key to breaking sectoral silos in a way that can deliver legitimate,
equitable and sustainable outcomes. Ways to cooperate over water include the sharing of energy and food
security benefits across transboundary basins, multi-stakeholder environmental protection (such as ‘peace
parks’) and basin management schemes.
❖ Action-oriented Water cooperation: Concrete steps are needed to address funding and financing gaps,
insufficient and inaccessible data and information, capacity development shortfalls, weak governance
systems.
➢ These result in poorly coordinated and uneven power relationships among stakeholders, and the slow
introduction and uptake of innovative practices and technologies.
➢ Early and efficient cooperation over water resources can also prevent water being a trigger, a weapon or
a casualty in times of armed conflicts.
❖ Transboundary Cooperation as Key: More than three billion people globally depend on water that crosses
national borders.
❖ Cooperation over transboundary rivers, lakes and aquifers can generate multiple economic, social,
environmental and political benefits that in turn deliver prosperity and peace at local, national, regional and
global levels.
➢ Framework Agreement on the Sava River Basin (FASRB) in the Balkans, signed in 2002 can be
considered as an example of geopolitical coordination, managing conflicts and driving stability in the
region riven apart by the Bosnian War of the 1990s.
Conclusion:
To build resilience against climate change and to serve a growing population equitably and sustainably, an
integrated and inclusive approach, centred on human rights, and based on sound, trusted data, must be taken to
managing this finite resource.
News Source: DTE

Arsenic Contamination in Rice and its Health Implication

Subject: GS 2: Health
Context:
A recent study by the University of Sheffield has highlighted the risks of using water contaminated with arsenic to
cook rice.
What is Arsenic?
❖ Arsenic is a natural element that is present in the Earth's crust.
❖ Sources of Arsenic: It can be found in soil, water, and air due to natural
processes.
❖ Inorganic arsenic is more harmful, with more severe health consequences
compared to organic arsenic.
❖ Arsenic can get into our bodies through eating, breathing, or skin contact.
❖ Harmful Consequences of Arsenic:
➢ Cancer (like skin, lung, bladder, and kidney cancer), heart diseases, and diabetes.
Key findings of the Study:
❖ Global Adherence to WHO Standards:
➢ The study reveals that 32% of the world's population resides in low- and middle-income countries that
fail to meet the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended limits on arsenic in water.
➢ Additionally, some nations still adhere to the outdated WHO standard of 50 parts per billion.
❖ Varied Regulations and Risks:
➢ Arsenic Regulation in India: While India and 40 other countries have adopted a stricter standard of 10
parts per billion, 19 nations lack any evidence of arsenic regulation.
 ✓ This discrepancy
highlights a global
inconsistency in
safeguarding against
arsenic exposure.
❖ Arsenic Content in Rice and
Health Risks:
➢ High Arsenic in Rice:
Rice contains higher levels
of arsenic compared to other grains.
✓ Group 1 Carcinogen Monitoring Drinking Water Quality
Classification: This inorganic ❖ The WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme for
arsenic (iAs) is classified as a Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene checks global
Group 1 carcinogen by the drinking water standards progress.
International Agency for Research ❖ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals
on Cancer (part of WHO). ➢ This agenda is mainly focused on achieving “safely
✓ Cooking rice with arsenic- managed drinking water services."
contaminated water poses serious ✓ It measures the proportion of the population
health risks, including diabetes who can access drinking water free from fecal
and cardiovascular diseases. and chemical contaminants, including arsenic.
➢ White and Brown Rice: White and parboiled rice tend to absorb more arsenic than brown rice.
✓ High Risk of Health Issues in Asia: This puts populations in Western countries and Asia at higher
risk of health issues related to arsenic exposure.
▪ Brown rice a safer choice: The study suggests that brown rice could be a safer choice in regions
with limited access to arsenic-safe water.
• The bran layer in brown rice may act as a barrier against arsenic accumulation, reducing
health risks compared to white or parboiled rice.
❖ Effect of Cooking Techniques on Arsenic Absorption
➢ Different Cooking Methods influence the absorption of arsenic from water into rice.
✓ Excess Water or Percolating cooking: Using excess water or percolating cooking water effectively
reduces arsenic levels in both white and brown rice.
✓ Parboiled and Absorbed Method: Another method, called the parboiled and absorbed method,
involves simmering unwashed rice in de-ionized water for 5 minutes before filtering out arsenic from
the surface.
Policy Recommendations:
❖ Ensuring Safe Water Supply:
➢ Make Policy for Rice-Consuming Nations: There should be policies for high per capita rice consuming
countries like Bangladesh.
➢ Water supply free from arsenic: Ensure water supplies are free from arsenic, particularly for domestic
use.
➢ Monitoring and regulation: Rigorous monitoring and regulation are needed to prevent arsenic
contamination in water sources.
❖ Selection of Low-Arsenic Rice Varieties:
➢ Priority of different rice: Prioritize cultivation and consumption of rice varieties with lower arsenic
absorption.
➢ Low exposure to arsenic: Reduce exposure to arsenic through food consumption in regions with elevated
arsenic levels in water.
❖ Adopting Effective Cooking Methods:
➢ Effective technique: Use cooking techniques that effectively remove arsenic from water and grains.
✓ Use Ratio of rice to rice-to-water ratio of 1:6–12 for cooking rice: Methods such as excess water
cooking with ratio of rice to rice-to-water ratio of 1:6–12 or percolating cooking water can
significantly reduce arsenic levels in rice.
➢ Implementation of cooking methods: Safeguard public health by implementing these cooking methods
in areas with prevalent arsenic contamination.
News Source: Down to earth

Butterflies and Moths (Lepidoptera) of India

Subject: GS-03: Environment and Ecology
Context:
Recently, the Zoological Survey of India published a book entitled, ‘An Illustrated Guide to the Lepidoptera
of India’.
More on News:
❖ Aim: To bring a summary of the main diagnostic characters for all Lepidopterology
the families and superfamilies of Butterflies and Moths found in India.
❖ It is a branch of entomology
❖ Diversity: Global Lepidoptera is updated to 166,320 species, 143 concerning the scientific study
families and 43 superfamilies. of moths and the two
➢ 13,124 species, 101 families and 31 superfamilies occur in India. superfamilies of butterflies.
❖ Heliocosmidae: The authors rectified a taxonomic glitch and
described a new family of Lepidoptera i.e., Heliocosmidae.
About Lepidopteran:
❖ Order Lepidoptera: Consists of species of butterflies,
moths, and skippers.
❖ Features:
➢ Almost all adult lepidopterans have two pairs of
wings with a large wingspan compared to the size
of its body.
➢ Presence of a mouthpart in the form of a coilable
proboscis that acts as a straw to consume liquid food.
❖ Life Cycle of Lepidopterans: Consists of four stages:
egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult
(imago).
Importance of Lepidopteran:
❖ Pollination: Important pollinators for many plant species
as they feed on nectar, they transfer pollen from one
flower to another, aiding in the reproduction of plants.
❖ Biodiversity: Their presence indicates the health of an ecosystem, and their diversity reflects the diversity
of plants and other organisms within it.
❖ Indicator Species: Certain species of butterflies and moths are considered indicator species, meaning their
presence or absence can indicate the health of an ecosystem.
❖ Food Source: They form an integral part of food webs, contributing to the balance of ecosystems, serving as
a crucial food source for many other organisms, including birds, small mammals, and other insects.
❖ Economic Importance: Some species of butterflies, such as the monarch butterfly, have economic
importance in areas such as ecotourism.
❖ Scientific Research: Lepidoptera are studied by scientists for various reasons, including understanding their
behavior, life cycles, and ecological roles.
News Source: PIB

Bahai Minority in Iran

Context:
In Iran, Bahai Minority Faces Persecution Even After Death.
More on News:
❖ The graves have been desecrated by state authorities in Iran.
About Bahai Minority:
❖ The Bahai faith is a relatively young monotheistic religion with spiritual roots dating back to the early 19th
century in Iran.
❖ The Bahais have a spiritual center in the Israeli port city of Haifa, but its history dates back to well before
the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948.
❖ Unlike other minorities, Bahais do not have their faith recognised by Iran's constitution and have no
reserved seats in parliament.
❖ They are unable to access the country's higher education and suffer harassment ranging from raids against
their businesses to confiscation of assets and arrest.
News Source: The Hindu
Netravati Riverfront Project
Subject: GS: 01: Geography
Context:
Recently, the principal bench of the
National Green Tribunal (NGT) in New
Delhi has initiated action on the Netravati
Waterfront Promenade Development
Project in Mangalore.
More on News:
❖ Action Taken: Recognising the
seriousness of the environmental and
social issues associated with the
project, NGT has taken suo motu
cognisance and directed the formation
of a joint committee to submit a
detailed report on the project.
❖ Background: The local chapter of the National Environmental Conservation Foundation (NECF) had raised
concerns regarding the project’s impact on the lives of common people in the area.
❖ Criticism: The project has faced criticism for its potential adverse effects on the environment and the
livelihoods of local communities.
About Netravati River:
❖ Origin: It originates in the Western Ghats in the Bangrabalike forest Valley of Yellaner Ghats of the
Kudremukh range in Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka.
❖ Course: It merges with the Kumaradhara River, a left-bank tributary, at Uppinangadi before flowing to the
Arabian Sea.
➢ Kumaradhara River originates in Western Ghats in the Subramanya range near Uppinangadi village.
➢ Along its course, the Netravati also flows through the popular pilgrim place called Dharmasthala.
❖ Importance: Netravati river is the main source of water to Bantwal and Mangalore.
About Promenade Development under Netravati Waterfront Development Project:
❖ Aim: To connect the city to the river and the sea with Waterfront Development:
the help of proposed landmarks and nodes, which are ❖ It refers to transforming waterfront areas
further connected to the city through a series of road into livable spaces and community
networks that will act as connectors between the city and gathering places.
the promenade. ❖ It involves optimizing the potential and
❖ A Proposal for Re-engagement: It is proposed to re- character of each region while considering
engage the city with the varied water-related experiences. both physical and non-physical aspects.
➢ The project intends to develop the waterfront as an
active recreational and commercial area with waterfront gardens, parks, pedestrian-friendly walkways,
bicycle track, boardwalks, nature parks, adventure sports etc.
➢ The overall vision also aims to create a working waterfront by modernizing the existing fishing harbour
and retrofitting the old port area with tourism activities.
Read More About: National Green Tribunal (NGT)
News Source: Down To Earth

Operation Indravati
Context:
India launched 'Operation Indravati' to evacuate its
nationals from Haiti.
More on News:
❖ India is monitoring the situation through its mission
at Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican
Republic, which has no embassy in Haiti.
❖ There are between 75 and 90 Indians in Haiti and
about 60 of them have registered with Indian
authorities to return to India if need be.
Haiti Crisis:
❖ Haiti is currently in a state of emergency due to
escalating violence attributed to gang warfare, resulting in the virtual disappearance of the government.
❖ The UN reports that gangs control 80 per cent of Haiti’s capital, with ongoing clashes in the remaining areas.
❖ Haiti has been plunged into a severe humanitarian, political and security crisis following the assassination of
President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.
About Haiti Country
❖ It is a country in the Caribbean Sea that includes the western third of the island of Hispaniola and smaller
islands such as Gonave, Tortue (Tortuga), Grande Caye, and Vache.
❖ Capital: Port-au-Prince
❖ Major Mountain Ranges: Massif de la Selle, Massif du Nord.
❖ Largest Lake: Étang Saumâtre
❖ Largest Gulf: The Gulf of Gonâve.
❖ It is positioned in the Northern and Western hemispheres of the Earth.
❖ Bordering Countries: Haiti is bordered to the east by the Dominican Republic, which covers the rest of
Hispaniola, to the south and west by the Caribbean, and the north by the Atlantic Ocean.
Additional Reading: Haiti
News Source: Indian Express

Global Trade Update Report: UNCTAD

Subject: GS-02: International Relations
Context:
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) predicts that global trade will improve in
2024.
More on the news:
❖ The forecast for international trade
is optimistic and World GDP is
expected to continue at around 3%.
Reasons for Anticipation of Rise In
International Trade 2024:
❖ Moderating Global Inflation: As
inflation rates stabilize, it
encourages trade by reducing
uncertainty and cost fluctuations.
➢ Stable prices make it easier
for businesses and people to
analyze the market trend due to which they're more likely to trade with other countries.
❖ Improved Economic Growth Forecasts: A favorable economic forecast worldwide encourages greater trade
among nations by making people feel more confident about buying and selling things across borders.
❖ Growing Demand for Environmental Goods: The focus on sustainability and eco-friendly products is
causing higher trade in environmental goods, especially in electric cars, leading to higher growth in trade.
Challenges in Trade - 2024:
❖ Shipping Route Disruption: Recent disruptions in key shipping routes, such as the Red Sea, Black Sea, and
Panama Canal, could increase transportation costs and disrupt supply chains, affecting international trade
negatively.
❖ Political Conflicts Worldwide: Ongoing political conflicts worldwide may lead to instability in crucial
markets like energy and agriculture, discouraging international trade.
➢ Example: Russia-Ukrain Conflict, Israel-Hamas War, etc.
❖ Strained supply of essential minerals: The rising demand for minerals essential for clean energy technologies
may strain their supply and cause price fluctuations, posing additional risks to international trade.
Global Trade Trends in 2023:
❖ Overall decrease in global trade: Global trade decreased by 3%, amounting to approximately $1 trillion,
compared to the previous record high of $32 trillion in the preceding year.
➢ The downturn was primarily driven by reduced demand in developed economies and weaker trade in East
Asia and Latin America.
❖ Sector Performance: While the services sector grew by 8% year-on-year, trade in goods declined by 5%
compared to 2022.
❖ Quarterly Growth: Quarter-over-quarter figures showed signs of improvement, particularly in major
economies like China and India.
Indian Trade Performance in 2023:
❖ Merchandise Exports: India experienced a 5% growth in merchandise exports in the last quarter of 2023
compared to the same period the previous year.
➢ However, there was a 6% decrease in annual export growth.
❖ Services Exports: Services exports remained unchanged in the last quarter of 2023 compared to the previous
year.
➢ However, there was a 14% annual growth in services exports.
❖ Changes in India's Trade Dependence in 2023: India's reliance on China and the European Union increased
by 1.2%.
➢ Conversely, dependence on Saudi Arabia decreased by 0.6% during the same period.
Impact of positive outlook of Global trade 2024 on Indian trade or economy:
Positives Negatives
❖ Boosted Exports: More trade globally means India ❖ High expenses for Indian businesses:
can sell more of its products to other countries. Disruptions in shipping routes, like the Red Sea
❖ Job creation: Selling more goods abroad can and Panama Canal, might raise costs and delay
create new jobs in India. shipments for Indian traders.
❖ Attracting Foreign Money: Foreign investors ❖ Global Political conflicts: Political conflicts
might want to put money into India when global worldwide could create uncertainty in energy and
trade is good. agriculture markets, affecting India's trade
➢ This can help our economy grow even more. prospects.
❖ Better Business Confidence: If businesses feel ❖ Impact of Mineral Shortages on Indian Trade:
good about the world economy, they might invest Shortage of essential minerals for clean energy
more in India. may lead to price swings, impacting Indian
industries reliant on them for trade.
News Source: Business Standard
Decline in Share of Coal Import
Subject: GS-3, Energy Resources
Context:
According to the Ministry of Coal, there has been a reduction in the share of coal imports in the total coal
consumption in the country.
Coal Reserves in India:
❖ India is endowed with the fifth-largest coal reserves globally
and stands as the world’s second-largest consumer of coal.
❖ Gondwana coal, which is free from moisture and contains
phosphorus and sulphur, makes up to 98% of the total coal
reserves in India and 99% of the coal production in India.
➢ It is India’s metallurgical grade as well as superior quality
coal.
➢ They are found in the Damodar (Jharkhand-West
Bengal); the Mahanadi (Chhattisgarh-Odisha); the Son
(Madhya Pradesh Jharkhand); the Godavari and the
Wardha (Maharashtra-Andhra Pradesh); the Indravati,
the Narmada region.
❖ Tertiary Coal Fields: Carbon content is very low but is rich
in moisture and sulphur and are found in extra peninsular regions such as Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland,
Arunachal Pradesh.
Trends in Coal Market:
❖ Decline in share of imported coal: The share of coal imports declined to 21% during April 2023 to January
2024, which was 22.48% during the corresponding period of previous year.
➢ Shift Towards Domestic Coal: The decrease in imported coal for blending indicates a move towards
using domestic coal, reducing import reliance.
❖ Decline in imported coal for blending: There has been a reduction of 36.69% in the volume of coal imported
for blending by thermal power plants, during April 2023 to January 2024, in contrast to the same period of the
previous year.
❖ Increase in coal imports by coal-based power plants: However, there has been a notable increase of 94.21%
in coal imports by imported coal-based power plants during April 2023 to January 2024, compared to the
corresponding period in the previous year.
➢ Decline in Import Prices: During April 2023 to January 2024, average coal prices from South Africa and
Indonesia fell by 54% and 38%, respectively. This benefitted India due to its heavy reliance on thermal
coal imports from these countries.
❖ Reduction in Auction Premium: Substantial reduction in the auction premium received by CIL, over the
notified price of coal. It has decreased from 278% in the period from April 2022 to January 2023, to 82%
during the same period in the last fiscal year.
➢ Ample availability of coal: The reduction in auction premium is a testament to the ample availability of
coal (currently 96 MT coal stock with coal companies) in the market.
❖ Decline in National Coal Index (NCI): NCI has shown a significant decline of 17.54 % in November 2023
at 155.09 points compared to November 2022, where it was at 188.08 points. This indicates a strong supply of
coal in the market.
 National Coal Index
❖ The National Coal Index (NCI) is a price index that combines coal prices from all sales channels, including
Notified Prices, Auction Prices, and Import Prices.
❖ Established with the base year as fiscal year 2017-18, it serves as a reliable indicator of market dynamics,
providing valuable insights into price fluctuations.
Reasons for Decline in Coal Imports in India:
❖ Advanced Technology: Usage of advanced technology has significantly enhanced the production capacity of
public sector undertakings.
➢ Notably, Coal India
Limited has experienced
a growth rate exceeding
10%.
❖ Transparent Auction
Mechanism: The transparent
auction mechanism for coal
blocks, devoid of end-use
restrictions, has started
yielding favorable outcomes.
❖ Increase in production from
captive and commercial sources: Coal production from captive and commercial sources has seen a CAGR
of around 22.50% over the past five years, underscoring the supportive role rendered by State Governments.
Conclusion
❖ With strategic focus on optimizing indigenous coal resources and leveraging innovative technological
❖ solutions, India continues its journey towards self-reliance or Atmanirbharta in energy security of the nation.
News Source: PIB

SSN AUKUS Program: Trilateral Security Partnership for Nuclear

Submarines
Subject: GS:02 International Relations
Context:
Recently, Australia announced to contribute $3bn for construction of AUKUS nuclear powered submarines.
More on News:
❖ Under the AUKUS Agreement, Australia will buy up to five nuclear submarines from the US in the early
2030s before jointly building and operating a new class, SSN-AUKUS, with Britain, around a decade later.
➢ The pact will see Australia become the seventh nation to operate nuclear-powered submarines.
❖ All AUKUS partners are significantly investing to ensure program success, reshaping and integrating their
industrial bases to facilitate SSN cooperation.
❖ Recent Developments: On the day of the funding announcement, Taiwan reported detecting 36 Chinese
military aircraft in its vicinity over the previous 24 hours, marking the highest number observed in 2024.
AUKUS:
❖ In 2021, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States have formed a significant trilateral security
partnership named AUKUS for the Indo-Pacific.
❖ Motive: To Bolster the Collective industrial base capacity and Stimulate economic growth within the
defense and national security sectors of the involved nations.
➢ Pivotal features: Transfer of US nuclear submarine technology to Australia.
➢ Strategic orientation towards the Indo-Pacific: Position the alliance as a countermeasure to China's
increasingly assertive maneuvers in the South China Sea.
SSN-AUKUS Program:
❖ Submarine Construction:
➢ Nuclear reactors for the vessels will be built in Derby, UK.
➢ Submarines will be constructed by BAE Systems in Adelaide, Australia.
➢ The Virginia-class submarines: a British design but will have a US weapons system on board.
Features:

❖ Possess Diverse functionalities: intelligence gathering, surveillance, undersea warfare, and strike missions.
❖ Enhanced Stealth and Silence Capability will ensure optimal interoperability among AUKUS partners:
It will surpass Australia's current diesel-powered fleet in stealth and silence, enabling prolonged deployments
without surfacing.
Regional Implications of AUKUS Agreement:
❖ Defense Preparedness over Global Dynamics: AUKUS reflects an intensified emphasis on defense
readiness, accentuated by ongoing conflicts like the Ukraine crisis and geopolitical shifts such as Brexit.
❖ Implications over Indo- Pacific Region:
➢ Enhanced Maritime Security & Strategic Measures: Chinese assertiveness prompts AUKUS to
reaffirm strict nuclear non-proliferation and strengthen undersea presence in the Indo-Pacific, aiming to
enhance global security and tackle regional challenges.
 ➢ Technological Advancements: It will concentrate on developing and exchanging advanced
technologies in areas like artificial intelligence, cyber, and underwater warfare, bolstering the
military capabilities of the member countries.
➢ Economic Opportunities: It will yield economic benefits by fostering the development of new
technologies and defense industries, fostering job creation and economic growth within member
countries.
❖ Chinese Concerns Regarding
AUKUS: China has expressed
apprehensions regarding the AUKUS
agreement, fearing its potential to
escalate an arms race in the Asia-
Pacific region & nuclear proliferation
risks.
➢ Intensified Military Activities
and Assertive Behavior:
✓ China has escalated its
military activities,
undertaking modernization
and expansion efforts
across its armed forces,
particularly its navy.
✓ Assertiveness in asserting
territorial claims, notably in
the South China Sea and
towards Taiwan by
constructing artificial islands
and reefs, as well as
deploying its coast guard and
maritime militia to reinforce
its territorial claims.
❖ Implications for India:
➢ Deterrence against Chinese Assertiveness: AUKUS could offer India deterrence against China's
assertive actions in the Indo-Pacific.
➢ Indirect benefit from the collaboration: involving technological advanced nations striving for a free
Indo-Pacific.
➢ Safety over India's regional dominance: Concerns arise over the proliferation of nuclear attack
submarines in the Eastern Indian Ocean due to AUKUS, potentially undermining India's regional
dominance.
Additional Reading : Mains PYQ on AUKUS
News Source: The Hindu
No country is fully prepared for future pandemics: ADB report
Subject: GS-02: International Relations
Context:
Recently, Asian Development Bank
(ADB) released a report which highlighted
the unpreparedness of nations across the
world to tackle health emergencies even
after the pandemic.
More on the news:
❖ The title of the report was “What has
Covid-19 taught us about Asia’s
health emergency preparedness
and response?”
Key findings of the ADB report on
health emergency preparedness
❖ Lack of medical countermeasures:
In 2021, 91% of economies lacked
national plans for medical
countermeasures such as vaccines and
antiviral drugs against Covid-19.
❖ India Scores on Health Security
Index
➢ India's Global Health Security
Index score decreased from 43.6 in 2019 to 42.8 in 2021.
✓ The index also revealed that no country is fully prepared for future pandemics.
❖ Covid-19 Cases and Deaths across nations
➢ Global Covid-19 Case Numbers
✓ India covid cases: India ranked among the top three countries for Covid-19 cases since January
2020, as per WHO.
✓ US covid cases: As of March 3, 2024, the United States recorded 103.4 million Covid-19 cases.
✓ China covid cases: China recorded 99.3 million cases.
❖ Vaccination Rates India/China
➢ Vaccination in India: By November 2023, 74% of India's population had received at least one Covid-19
vaccine dose.
➢ Vaccination in China: China had the highest vaccination rate at 90%, followed by Brazil at 87%, Japan
at 83%, and the US at 82%.
❖ Global Covid-19 Fatalities
➢ High death in US: Globally, 7.04 million people lost their lives due to Covid-19, with the highest number
of deaths recorded in the US.
➢ Death in India: India reported 533,495 deaths due to Covid-19.
❖ India's Response to COVID-19
Pandemic
➢ Three-tier system of Health:
During pandemic, India used a
three-tier system of health
facilities to face pandemic
problems.
➢ Use of vaccine: India too relied
on vaccination but vaccination
rate was low in India compared to
other nations.
✓ One dose of covid -19
vaccine in India: India has
covered its 74% population
in terms of coverage of one
covid vaccine dose.
✓ One booster dose in India:
In India, only 17 percent of
the Indian population
received at least one booster
dose compared to 57 per cent
in China.
➢ Government's Healthcare
Infrastructure Expansion
✓ To tackle pandemi, the
Indian government took
drastic steps in 2020.
✓ Treatment facilities: By
2020, the government had
established 15,378 treatment
facilities.
▪ These facilities included approximately 1.3 million isolation beds and 270,710 beds supported
by oxygen.
▪ Additionally, there were 81,113 ICU beds and 40,627 ventilator-ICU beds.
✓ Repurpose of Industrial oxygen: To alleviate oxygen scarcity, the nation repurposed industrial
oxygen for medical purposes.
News Source: Business Standard
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