01 APR 24

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1. UPSC Current Affairs: Agriculture & Inclusive Growth

UPSC Syllabus: Mains

Sub Theme: Economy|UPSC

Role of Agriculture in promoting Inclusive growth:

• Harnessing of demographic dividend by providing for structural transformation through
agricultural mechanisation, promotion of agri-startups, secondary agriculture, etc.
• Women empowerment- Agriculture employs 80% of India's rural women and around 78% of
India's women workforce. PLFS survey 2021-22 states that agriculture has the highest female
labour force participation of 62.9% (mostly labourers and not farmers); As per the Agri-
census, women account for 30.3% of cultivators, 42.6% of agri labourers. Economic survey
2017-18 states that with rural to urban migration, there is 'feminisation' of agri sector; As
per the FAO estimates, women oriented reforms, ensuring equal access to resources, skill
development in agriculture could increase agricultural output in developing countries by
around (2-5)%.
Case study of Amul in Gujarat.
• Climate Sustainability- Currently, agricultural production accounts for 18% of total GHGs
emission in India; 80% of water consumption; 52% of cultivation in rain-fed areas where the
yield is three times less in comparison to irrigated areas.
• Rural Development- As rural economy is mainly agriculture centric, resurgence in the
agricultural sector can bring resurgence in the rural economy as such with more jobs, more
growth rate, more income and retention of youth resource and skills.
• Industrial Development- through the model agri-based industries as in Punjab,
Maharashtra, etc.
• Poverty Reduction- By doubling the farmer's income according to the strategies suggested
by Dalwai Panel
• Addressing Food insecurity and Malnutrition- Mono-cropping in India; India has highest
burden of global food insecurity; NFHS-5 data;

Challenges in Agriculture that impede such inclusive growth:

• Production: issues with inputs like water, seeds, labour,capital, fertilizers; mono-cropping,
issues of credit, etc.
• Productivity: lower total factor productivity;
• Market: Restrictive, fragmented, pro-trader and anti-farmer; issues with APMC like no
freedom to sell - outside APMCs, to sell directly to exporters and processors; dominated by
middleman and intermediaries, imposition of multiple fees and cess; lack of access to
APMCs; limited penetration of e-NAM; absence of legal framework to promote contract
farming; issues with Essential commodities act,1955.; absence of inverse fork-to-farm
strategy leading to demand-supply mismatch; domination of unorganized retail (98%.

Strategies to make agricultural growth more inclusive?

• Secondary Agriculture
• Promoting Agri-startups
• Golden Revolution
• Organic Farming
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• Micro-irrigation, PIM
• FPOs and Contract Farming
• Promotion of millets, pulses and oilseeds cultivation
• Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture
• Land Reform 2.0
• Promoting R&D in agriculture
• Definition of Farmers
• Agricultural Mechanization
• Crop diversification

2. UPSC Current Affairs: India’s HIV Response

UPSC Syllabus: Mains

Sub Theme: Social Justice|UPSC

Context: Twenty years ago, on April 1, 2004, India embarked on a groundbreaking journey to
combat HIV/AIDS by introducing Free Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) for people living with HIV
(PLHIV). This landmark decision marked a significant shift in the country's approach to tackling the
epidemic and has since been a cornerstone in the fight against HIV/AIDS in India.

The Beginning of HIV/AIDS and Antiretroviral Therapy

• In the early 1980s, the emergence of HIV/AIDS was met with fear, stigma, and
discrimination. Despite the approval of the first antiretroviral drug, AZT, by the US FDA in
March 1987 and subsequent drug developments, access to these life-saving medications
remained limited, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

Treatment for HIV?

• The treatment for HIV is called antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART involves taking a
combination of HIV medicines (called an HIV treatment regimen) every day.
• ART cannot cure HIV, but HIV medicines help people with HIV live longer, healthier
lives. ART also reduces the risk of HIV transmission.

How does HIV medicines work?

• HIV attacks and destroys the infection-fighting CD4 cells (CD4 T lymphocyte) of the
immune system. Loss of CD4 cells makes it hard for the body to fight off infections and
certain HIV-related cancers.
• HIV medicines prevent HIV from multiplying (making copies of itself), which reduces the
amount of HIV in the body (called the viral load). Having less HIV in the body gives the
immune system a chance to recover and produce more CD4 cells.
• Even though there is still some HIV in the body, the immune system is strong enough to
fight off infections and certain HIV-related cancers.
• By reducing the amount of HIV in the body, HIV medicines also reduce the risk of HIV
transmission. A main goal of HIV treatment is to reduce a person’s viral load to an
undetectable level. An undetectable viral load means that the level of HIV in the blood is
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too low to be detected by a viral load test. People with HIV who maintain an undetectable
viral load have effectively no risk of transmitting HIV to their HIV-negative partners
through sex.

The Journey to Free ART in India

• With an estimated 5.1 million PLHIV in 2004, India faced a daunting challenge. Only a
handful of patients had access to ART due to the prohibitive costs and geographical barriers.
• Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, the Indian government decided to provide
ART free of charge, not only changing the course for adults but extending the program to
children by November 2006.

Significance of free ART in India

The impact has been nothing short of remarkable:

∙ ART is not merely about starting a person living with HIV on treatment. It is equally
important to keep the viral load down and suppressed to ensure that the transmission of
diseases is also halted.
∙ The impact has been that in 2023, the prevalence of HIV in 15-49 years has come down
to 0.20 (confidence interval 0.17%-0.25%) and the burden of disease in terms of estimated
PLHIV has been coming down to 2.4 million.
∙ India’s share in PLHIV globally had come down to 6.3% (from around 10% two decades
ago).
∙ As of the end of 2023, of all PLHIV, an estimated 82% knew their HIV status, 72% were
on ART and 68% were virally suppressed.
∙ The annual new HIV infections in India have declined by 48% against the global average
of 31% (the baseline year of 2010).
∙ The annual AIDS-related mortalities have declined by 82% against the global average of
47% (the baseline year of 2010). These are significant achievements considering that many
of the other government-run public health programmes in India have failed to achieve or
sustain good coverage.

Role of complementary programmes

• The success in combating HIV in India is not solely due to the provision of free
Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). It's a combination of initiatives including free diagnostic
services, prevention of mother-to-child transmission, management of opportunistic
infections and tuberculosis co-infections, and a policy evolution towards early ART
initiation.
• India's National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) Phase 5 aims to dramatically reduce new
HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths by 2025, and eliminate vertical transmission of HIV
and syphilis. It seeks to achieve the ambitious '95-95-95' targets set by UNAIDS, ensuring
widespread knowledge of HIV status, ART receipt, and viral suppression among those on
treatment.

Key Challenges and Suggestions in HIV/AIDS Treatment in India

∙ Delayed ART Enrolment: A significant issue is the late presentation of patients at ART
centres, with nearly a third having a CD4 count below 200, delaying effective treatment.
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∙ Non-Adherence to Treatment: Patients often discontinue or inconsistently follow their

ART regimen once they start feeling better, risking their health and fostering drug resistance.
Addressing this 'loss to follow-up' is essential for the success of the treatment program.
∙ ART Supply and Accessibility: Ensuring a steady and accessible supply of ART
medications across all regions, especially in remote and challenging terrains, is essential.
∙ Private Sector Engagement: There's a need to enhance the involvement of the private
sector in the care and treatment of HIV/AIDS patients to broaden access and support.
∙ Continuous Training for Healthcare Staff: Ongoing, hands-on training for medical
personnel is crucial to keep up with the evolving science and improve treatment outcomes.
∙ Integration with Other Health Programs: Integrating HIV/AIDS programs with other
health initiatives targeting hepatitis, non-communicable diseases, and mental health is
critical for comprehensive care.
∙ Reducing Preventable Mortality: Focused efforts on reducing preventable deaths
through systematic reviews and advanced diagnostics are vital for improving patient survival
rates.

Conclusion: The free ART initiative in India demonstrates how government support, adequate
funding, and community involvement can effectively combat public health challenges, notably
turning the tide against HIV/AIDS. This success story provides a blueprint for launching similar
initiatives, such as a nationwide free hepatitis C treatment program, leveraging two decades of
experience to advance towards eliminating hepatitis C in India.

3. UPSC Current Affairs: Vaikom Satyagraha

UPSC Syllabus: Mains

Sub Theme: History |UPSC

Context: The Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu and Kerala will inaugurate the centenary celebrations of
the Vaikom Satyagraha. On March 30 , 1924, in the princely state of Travancore, a non-violent
th

agitation started, which marked the beginning of ‘temple entry movements’ across the country.

Introduction:
• Widespread caste discrimination and untouchability across in Travancore.
• Lower castes like the Ezhavas and Pulayas were considered polluting and various rules were
in place to distance them from upper castes.
• Idea of caste pollution worked not only on the basis of touch but also sight.
• This was documented by travellers such as Portuguese Duarte Barbosa who wrote
in his memoirs, “When (upper caste Nairs) walk along a street, they shout to the low
caste folk to get out of their way … this they do and if one will not, the Nayre may kill
him.”
• They were prohibited not just on temple entry, but even on walking on the roads
surrounding temples.
• Social context of Travancore at the dawn of the 20th century:
• A number of social and political developments were leading to social change.
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• Christian missionaries, supported by the East India Company, had expanded their
reach and many lower castes converted to Christianity to escape the oppressive
system.
• With pressure from the British Resident as well as the accession to the throne of
Maharaja Ayilyam Thirunal, brought many progressive reforms.
• Example: Introduction of a modern education system with free primary education
for all, including lower castes.
• Forces of capitalism and western education created new social hierarchies. Certain
sections among the Ezhavas emerged as an educated class, and now they were
fighting for rights of their community.
• Ezhavas emerged as the most educated and organised untouchable community in
Travancore. The government’s education policies were significant in this regard.
• Some Ezhavas successfully pursued education as a portal to advancement, however,
due to the reservation of posts for members of the upper castes, they were not
able to get the jobs at upper levels.
• Example: In 1918, out of 4000 jobs in the revenue department, 3800 were
held by caste Hindus, a numerical minority in the population.
• While a small Ezhava elite had begun to emerge, ritual discrimination was still
prevalent. Continued discrimination sowed the seeds for agitations to come.

Vaikom Satyagraha:
• Vaikom:
• Religious town located inside Kingdom of Travancore.
• The town is famous for Vaikom Shiva Temple.
• City was known as Varanasi of the South.
• The temple did not permit lower castes to enter it and even the roads around the
Vaikom Shiva temple were closed to the polluting castes.
• The issue of temple entry was first raised by Ezhava leader TK Madhavan in a 1917 editorial
in his paper Deshabhimani.
• Till 1917, the Indian National Congress refused to take up social reform, but with the rise of
Gandhi and increased activism within lower caste communities and untouchables, social
reform soon found itself front and centre of Congress’s and Gandhi’s politics.
• In 1921, T K Madhavan met with Mahatma Gandhi at Tirunelveli to seek his advice and
support for launching an agitation.
• Gandhi’s involvement in the struggle proved crucial as it mobilised the educated upper-
caste Hindu opinion in favour of temple entry.
• Madhavan joined the Congress and participated in the party’s Kakinada session in 1923,
where a resolution was passed for the eradication of untouchability.
• The resolution also stated that temple entry was the birth-right of all Hindus and
authorised the state Congress to take charge of the struggle.
• Following which Kerala Congress formed an untouchability eradication council
under the leadership of K Kelappan.
• The council arrived in Vaikom in February 1924 to take out a procession through the
prohibited roads.
• March 30, 1924:
• Two untouchables and an upper caste Nair community person took the road around
Vaikom Shiva temple that was closed to ‘polluting castes’.
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• They were arrested and sentenced to six months’ imprisonment.

• Gandhi approved the agitation and suggested civil disobedience and non-violent
satyagraha.
• Between April and September, protests reached their peak. Protestors sat in front of the
barricades, undertaking rigorous fasts and singing patriotic songs.
• Leaders such as Periyar, who was arrested multiple times, and C Rajagopalachari came to
Vaikom to offer support and lead the protesters.
• Contribution of Periyar: Social reformer and President of Madras Congress Committee E V
Ramaswamy Naicker arrived at Vaikom when some leaders of the Satyagraha leaders were
jailed.
• Cross religious support: Even Christians and Sikhs supported the Vaikom Satyagraha. A
group of 15 Akalis led by Lala Lal Singh and Kripal Singh opened a vegetarian mess for
anyone who visited the Ashram where Satyagrahis stayed.
• Ashram of Sree Narayan Guru: Functioned as the camp for the satyagrahis.
• As volunteers and prominent leaders tried to walk through the prohibited roads, they were
arrested. The arrested leaders did not seek a bail.
• On the other hand, counter-agitations raged on and protesters were often met with
violence and intimidation from conservative caste Hindus.
• In August, 1924, the Maharaja of Travancore died, following which, the young Maharani
Regent, Queen Sethulakshmi Bai, released all prisoners.
• But when a large group of protesters marched to the royal palace in Trivandrum, she
refused to allow all castes access to temples.
• In March 1925, Gandhi began his tour of Travancore and was able to iron out a
compromise:
• Gandhi organised a peaceful jatha of Hindus from Vaikom to Thiruvananthapuram
and back. This jatha helped raise social consciousness against untouchability.
• Three out of the four roads surrounding the temples were opened up for everyone
but the fourth, eastern road, was kept reserved for brahmins.
• This was finally implemented in November 1925, when the government completed
diversionary roads that could be used by the low castes without polluting the
temple.
• On November 23, 1925, the last satyagrahi was recalled from Vaikom.
The legacy and the aftermath:
• Vaikom satyagraha saw previously unseen unity across caste lines.
• In November 1936, almost a decade after the conclusion of the Satyagraha, the historic
Temple Entry Proclamation was signed by the Maharaja of Travancore which removed the
age-old ban on the entry of marginalised castes into the temples of Travancore.
• It showed the effectiveness of Gandhian civil disobedience as a tool for protest.
• The satyagraha brought untouchability to the forefront of political issues in India.

About T. K. Madhavan:
• Madhavan was an Indian social reformer, journalist and revolutionary. He was involved with
the Sree Narayan Dharma Paripalana (SNDP).

About E V Ramaswamy Naicker ‘Periyar’:

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• Considered to be the most distinguished leader of Dravidian movement and anti-brahmin

movement in South India.
• His sharp speeches in Vaikom and other parts of Vaikom against untouchability created a big
impact. Thus, he was conferred the title of ‘Hero of Vaikom’.
• He was with Justice Party of Madras.
• He led the Self-Respect Movement (opposed dominance of Brahmins in social life, especially
bureaucracy) to redeem the identity and self-respect of Tamils.
About K. Kelappan (1889-1971):
• He was the lead figure the Congress during India’s Independence Movement in Kerala was
known as ‘Kerala Gandhi’.
• Was the founding member & President of Nair Service Society & Kerala Kshetra
Samrakshana Samiti.
• He was an important figure in lower caste struggle particularly Vaikom Satyagraha and
Guruvayur Temple Entry Movement.
• Kelappan led the Guruvayur Satyagraha which was an effort for temple entry for
untouchables into Guruvayur Temple. Kelappan undertook a hunger strike for 12 days when
it was abandoned at the request of Mahatma Gandhi.
• He led the Salt Satyagraha in Kerala. He led a batch of Congress workers on foot from
Kozhikode to the beaches of Payyanur and broke the salt laws.

Mains Previous Year Question (2021):

Q. Trace the rise and growth of socio-religious reform movements with special reference to Young
Bengal and Brahmo Samaj.

4. UPSC Current Affairs: Vibrant Village Programme

UPSC Syllabus: Prelims

Sub Theme: Geography|UPSC

Context: A Class 70 bridge near Parasuram Kund provides an alternate axis for movement in Arunachal
Pradesh being developed under the Vibrant Village Programme.
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About Vibrant Village Programme:

• Comprehensive development of villages of blocks on northern border thus improving the

quality of life of people living in identified border villages. This will help in encouraging people
to stay in their native locations in border areas and reversing the outmigration from these
villages adding to improved security of the border.
• The scheme will provide funds for development of essential infrastructure and creation of
livelihood opportunities in 4 states and 1 UT: Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and
Arunachal Pradesh, and Ladakh along the northern land border of the country which will help
in achieving inclusive growth and retaining the population in the border areas.
• This central scheme will promote social entrepreneurship and empowerment of youth and
women through skill development and entrepreneurship through “Hub and Spoke Model”.
• Under the ‘one village-One product’ model, the local cultural, traditional knowledge, and
heritage will be promoted through community-based organizations, Cooperatives, SHGs,
NGOs, and others.
• Vibrant Village Action Plans will be created by the district administration with the help of
Gram Panchayats.
• There will not be overlap with Border Area Development Programme.
• The ‘Vibrant Villages Programme’ will focus on mobile and internet connectivity, all-weather
road, drinking water, and round-the-clock electricity using renewable sources (Solar and Wind
energy). It will also focus on the development of tourist centres, multi-purpose centres, and
health and wellness Centres.

What is the difference between Line of Control (LOC) and Line of Actual Control (LAC)?

Line of Control (LOC):

• It is a military control line between the Indian- and Pakistani-controlled parts of the former
princely state of Jammu and Kashmir – a line which does not constitute a legally recognized
international boundary, but serves as the de facto border.
• It was established as part of the Simla Agreement at the end of the Indo-Pakistani War of
1971.
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Line of Actual Control (LAC):

• It is a notional demarcation line that separates Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-
controlled territory.
• The LAC is generally divided into three sectors:
a. the western sector between Ladakh on the Indian side and the Tibet and Xinjiang
autonomous regions on the Chinese side.
b. the middle sector between Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh on the Indian side and the
Tibet autonomous region on the Chinese side.
c. the eastern sector between Zangnan (South Tibet)/Arunachal Pradesh on the Indian side and
the Tibet autonomous region on the Chinese side. This sector generally follows the McMahon Line.
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Practice MCQ:

With reference to the Vibrant Village Programme (VVP), consider the following statements:
1. It is applicable to all the Indian States and Union Territories which are sharing International border.
2. One of the objective is to promote social entrepreneurship and empowerment of youth and women
through skill development.
3. Under this programme, Vibrant Village Action Plans will be created by the Gram Panchayats.
How many of the statements given above is/are incorrect?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Ans. (b)

Prelims 2017:

What is the aim of the programme 'Unnat Bharat Abhiyan'?

(a) Achieving 100% literacy by promoting collaboration between voluntary organizations and
government's education system and local communities.
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(b) Connecting institutions of higher education with local communities to address development
challenges through appropriate technologies.
(c) Strengthening India's scientific research institutions in order to make India a scientific and
technological power.
(d) Developing human capital by allocating special funds for health care and education of rural and
urban poor, and organizing skill development programmes and vocational training for them.

Ans. (b)

5. UPSC Current Affairs: GI Tags

UPSC Syllabus: Prelims

Sub Theme: Art and Culture|UPSC

Q. Consider the following statements:

1. The Asharikandi terracotta craft from Assam has recently been awarded a Geographical
Indication (GI) tag.
2. Darjeeling Tea was the first product in India to receive a Geographical Indication (GI) tag
nearly two decades ago.
3. The Meghalaya Lyrnai Pottery, linked to socio-cultural and religious rituals, has been
awarded a GI tag.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) 1 and 2 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (d)
Explanation
Asharikandi Terracotta Craft:
• Asharikandi is a village in Assam known for its terracotta craft. This craft is deeply rooted in
history and supports nearly one lakh people directly.
• The Asharikandi Terracotta Craft was among the 19 products from Assam that were
awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
• A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is a name or a sign accorded to products from a specific
geographical location.
• Only registered person or organization can use the name of the products. The GI tag helps in
protecting such goods from exploitation by third parties with respect to their special
characteristics.
Darjeeling Tea:
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• Darjeeling tea, often referred to as the "Champagne of teas," is a high-quality tea produced
in the hilly areas of West Bengal’s Darjeeling district.
• It has a distinct and naturally occurring character and flavor that has earned it the respect
and admiration of various consumers all around the world for over a century.
• Darjeeling tea was the first product in India to be awarded the GI tag in 2004-05.
Meghalaya Lyrnai Pottery:
• Lyrnai pottery is a traditional craft from Meghalaya. Along with Lakadong turmeric and
Garo dakmanda (a traditional dress), Lyrnai pottery was awarded the Geographical
Indication (GI) tag.
• The GI tag is a certification for a product with a unique geographical origin or unique
characteristics owing to the specific geographical location.
• It is given under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act,
1999 by the Geographical Indication registry in Chennai. It protects traditional artisans and
farmers from imitation of their art and products.

Q.1) Consider the following pairs: (UPSC Prelims 2018)

Crafts Heritage of
1. Puthukkuli shawls Tamil Nadu
2. Sujni embroidery Maharashtra
3. Uppada Jamdani sarisKarnataka
Which of the pairs given above is /are correct?
a. 1 only
b. 1 and 2 only
c. 3 only
d. 2 and 3 only
Answer: (a)
Q.2) Which of the following has/have been accorded 'Geographical Indication' status? (UPSC Prelims
2015)
1. Banaras Brocades and Sarees
2. Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma
3. Tirupathi Laddu
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a. 1 only
b. 2 and 3 only
c. 1 and 3 only
d. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
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Q.3) Kalamkari painting refers to (UPSC Prelims 2015)

(a) a hand-painted cotton textile in South India
(b) a handmade drawing on bamboo handicrafts in NorthEast India.
(c) a block-painted woollen cloth in the Western Himalayan region of India
(d) a hand-painted decorative silk cloth in North-Western India
Answer: (a)
Q.4) Consider the following towns of India: (UPSC Prelims 2014)
1. Bhadrachalam
2. Chanderi
3. Kancheepuram
4. Karnal
Which of the above are famous for the production of traditional sarees/fabric?
a. 1 and 2 only
b. 2 and 3 only
c. 1, 2 and 3 only
d. 1, 3 and 4 only
Answer: (b)
Q. In order to comply with the TRIPS Agreement, India enacted the Geographical Indications of’
Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. The difference/ differences between a “Trade Mark”
and a Geographical Indication is/are (UPSC Prelims 2010)
1. A Trade Mark is an individual or a company’s right whereas a Geographical Indication is a
community’s right.
2. A Trade Mark can be licensed whereas a Geographical Indication cannot be licensed.
3. A Trade Mark is assigned to the manufactured goods whereas the Geographical Indication is
assigned to the agricultural goods/products and handicrafts only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a. 1 only
b. 1 and 2 only
c. 2 and 3 only
d. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)

6. UPSC Current Affairs: Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF)

UPSC Syllabus: Prelims

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Sub Theme: Economy|UPSC

Context: As per the latest annual report of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), India will be
the world’s largest growth market for natural gas in the next decade with China claiming the top
spot till 2030.

About Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF)

• The GECF is an intergovernmental organisation that provides a framework for exchanging
experience and information among its member countries.
• With its current number of member countries, the GECF enjoys a dominant position on global
energy markets and among international energy organisations.
• Members
o Full Members: Algeria, Bolivia, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar,
Russia, Trinidad and Tobago, UAE and Venezuela.
o Observers: Angola, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Malaysia, Mauritania, Mozambique, Peru and
Senegal.
• Together, they represent 69% of the world’s gas reserves, 39% of the marketed production,
and 40% of global gas exports.
• Moreover, GECF member countries collectively account for more than half of the world LNG
exports (51%).
• As the gathering of the world's leading gas exporting countries, the GECF seeks to build a
mechanism for a meaningful dialogue between gas producers and consumers in order to
improve the stability and security of supply and demand in gas markets around the world.

Q. With reference to Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), consider the following statements:
1. The forum consists of member countries, which are only from the Middle East and Africa.
2. It represents more than 50% of the global gas exports.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d)

PYQ 2020: In which one of the following groups are all the four countries members of G20?
(a) Argentina, Mexico, South Africa and Turkey
(b) Australia, Canada, Malaysia and New Zealand
(c) Brazil, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam
(d) Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea
Answer: (a)

7. UPSC Current Affairs: Global E-Waste Monitor Report

UPSC Syllabus: Prelims

Sub Theme: Environment|UPSC

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Global E-Waste Monitor 2024

#Environment #Pollution #GSPaper3
Primary Source: Businessline

Context: The report focuses on e-waste, such as smartphones, computers and solar panels. It does
not cover lithium batteries used in e-vehicles.

About Global E-Waste Monitor 2024

• Published by: The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and United Nations Institute
for Training and Research (UNITAR).

Key Findings
• Less than 23% of the 62 billion kg of e-waste generated was properly recycled in 2022.
• The most e-waste per capita generated is in Europe, followed by Asia and then America.
• By total weight, China generated the most e-waste in 2022 at 12 billion kg with America
second at 7.2 billion kg followed by India at 4.1 billion kg.
• It predicts that e-waste generation will increase by over 10 billion kg by 2030.

Q. “Global E-Waste Monitor” which monitors the e-waste generation by different countries:
(a) Reflects that most e-waste per capita is generated in Asia.
(b) Highlights that America generated the most e-waste by total weight in 2022.
(c) Covers lithium batteries used in e-vehicles.
(d) Is published by International Telecommunication Union and United Nations Institute for Training
and Research.
Answer: (d)

PYQ 2023: Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: According to the United Nations’ ‘World Water Development Report, 2022', India
extracts more than a quarter of the world's groundwater withdrawal each year.
Statement-II: India needs to extract more than a quarter of the world's groundwater each year to
satisfy the drinking water and sanitation needs of almost 18% of the world's population living in its
territory.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(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
Answer: (c)

8. UPSC Current Affairs: Schengen Zone

UPSC Syllabus: Prelims

Sub Theme: International Relations|UPSC

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Context: Bulgaria and Romania joined Europe’s vast Schengen area of free movement, opening up
travel by air and sea without border checks after a 13-year wait. However, Austria exercised its veto
which means the new status will not apply to land routes, after Vienna expressed concerns over a
potential influx of asylum seekers.

European Union

• The European Union (EU) is a unique economic and political union between 27 European
countries.
• The EU that we know today has its roots in several treaties signed in the aftermath of the
Second World War. The first step was to foster economic cooperation. The result was the
European Economic Community, created in 1958 with the initial aim of increasing economic
cooperation between six countries: Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg and
the Netherlands.
• Since then, 22 more countries have joined (the United Kingdom left the EU in 2020) and
a huge single market (also known as the internal market) has been created and continues
to develop towards its full potential.

• What began as a purely economic union has evolved into an organisation spanning many
different policy areas – from climate, environment and health to external relations and
security, justice and migration.

Schengen Zone/ Area

• The Schengen area started in 1985 as an intergovernmental project between five EU
countries– France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg , it gradually
expanded to become the largest free travel area in the world.
• Genesis of name - Schengen is the name of a small village in Luxembourg, on the border
with Germany and France. Here the Schengen Agreement and the Schengen Convention were
signed in 1985 and in 1990 respectively.

• Being part of an area without internal border controls means that countries:

• do not carry out checks at their internal borders, except in cases of specific threats
• carry out harmonised controls at their external borders, based on clearly defined criteria

Note - The set of rules governing the Schengen area is called the Schengen Borders Code.
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Countries which are party to the Schengen Area

• It includes 27 countries of which 23 are EU member states and all members of the European
Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland)
• In 2023, Croatia became the 27th country to fully join the Schengen area.
• On March 31 2024, Bulgaria and Romania joined the Schengen area of free movement,
st

opening up travel by air and sea without border checks. (not for land routes)
• Controls at the internal borders with Cyprus have not yet been lifted, and Ireland is not part of
the Schengen area.

Significance / Benefits

• The Schengen area allows more than 400 million people to travel freely between member
countries without going through border controls, which greatly benefits the tourism and
cultural sector.
• The Schengen area brings significant economic benefits to all citizens and businesses in its
participating states. It is designed to be the bedrock of the European Union and of the single
market as a whole.

How do countries join the Schengen area?

Countries must fulfil a list of pre-conditions:
• Apply the common set of Schengen rules (the so-called ‘Schengen acquis’), e.g. regarding
border controls, visa issuance, police cooperation and protection of personal data
• Take responsibility for controlling the external borders on behalf of other Schengen countries
and for issuing uniform Schengen visas efficiently cooperate with law enforcement agencies
in other Schengen countries so as to maintain a high level of security once internal border
controls have been abolished
• Connect to and use the Schengen Information System (SIS)
• Countries wishing to join the Schengen area must undergo a series of evaluations to
determine whether they fulfil the conditions necessary for the application of the Schengen
rules.
• Once the evaluation confirms the readiness of a member state to join the Schengen area
without internal border controls, all other member of the Schengen area have to approve the
decision unanimously, after consulting the European Parliament.

Can non-EU nationals benefit from Schengen?

• Non-EU nationals living in the EU or visiting the EU as tourists, exchange students or for
business purposes can also travel through the Schengen countries without going through
border controls.
• For travellers transiting through or intending to stay in the Schengen area for a short period,
the EU has established common visa rules.

Practice MCQ

Q. With reference to Schengen Zone; consider the following statements

1. It is a tax free trade zone between countries of European union.
2. European countries which are not part of the European Union cannot join this zone.
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3. Non-EU nationals living in the EU or visiting the EU as tourists cannot avail benefits of European
Union.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) One only
b) Two only
c) All three
d) None

Ans. (d)

Exp.
• Statement 1 is incorrect: The Schengen area started in 1985 as an intergovernmental project
between five EU countries– France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and
Luxembourg , it gradually expanded to become the largest free travel area in the world.

Being part of an area without internal border controls means that countries:
• do not carry out checks at their internal borders, except in cases of specific threats
• carry out harmonised controls at their external borders, based on clearly defined
criteria

• Statement 2 is incorrect : It includes 27 countries of which 23 are EU member states and all
members of the European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and
Switzerland) – These are not EU members;
• Statement 3 is incorrect: Non-EU nationals living in the EU or visiting the EU as tourists,
exchange students or for business purposes can also travel through the Schengen countries
without going through border controls. For travellers transiting through or intending to stay in
the Schengen area for a short period, the EU has established common visa rules.

UPSC – 2016 (Important regional pacts and groupings )

Q. The term 'Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership' often appears in the news in the
context of the affairs of a group of countries known as
(a) G20
(b) ASEAN
(c) SCO
(d) SAARC
Ans. (b)