Cover Story
Rigorous / Indepth
analysis of High Intensity National /
International Topics
Iran-Israel Conflict
ˆˆ Article Index
l Recent Context l History of Iranian-Israeli Co-operation and Conflict l Iran and Israel’s open warfare after decades
of shadow war l Global Impact of the Iran-Israel Conflict l Iran-Israel Conflict : Impact of India l Iran’s Importance of
India l Possible Solutions to De-escalate the Iran-Israel Conflict
Recently, Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi died
following a helicopter crash in a mountainous region
of the country on May 19, 2024. The unexpected
death of two powerful Iranian leaders has triggered
a high-stakes power struggle in the Middle Eastern
country. It has also prompted speculations of foul-
play.
ˆˆ Recent Context
 Earlier on April 14, 2024 Iran launched
hundreds of drones and missiles towards Israel,
in retaliation for an Israeli attack on its consulate
that occurred in Damascus, Syria. Several
senior Iranian generals were killed and Iran
vowed to respond.
 Most of the drones and missiles were neutralised
by Israel and its allies. However, a few ballistic
missiles penetrated Israel’s formidable Iron
Dome and struck the Nevatim and Ramon
airbase in the southern Negev desert and a
radar station in the north.
Backgrounder
ˆˆ History of Iranian-Israeli Co-operation
and conflict
 Pre-1979 Iran-Israel ties: In 1948, the opposition
of Arab states to Israel led to the first Arab-Israeli
war. Israel won, and it established ties with the
Jewish state. In this phase of relations, as an
analysis from the Brookings Institute, Israel tried
to counter the hostility of Arab states at the time
with the “periphery doctrine” under its first
Prime Minister David Ben Gurion.
 The 1979 Revolution: While Iran was ruled
by the Pahlavi dynasty for more than a half-
century, Iranian-Israeli bilateral relations
remained cordial.
May, 2024
Iran-Israel
Conflict
 
Iran was one of the first Muslim countries to
recognise the new state of Israel. However,
ties between the two countries collapsed
after Iran’s Islamic revolution in 1979.
  Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was
ousted, and the new supreme leader of
the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah
Ruhollah Khomeini, pursued a policy of
standing up to “arrogant” world powers.
 A Shadow War after 1979: After 1979, the
ties between the countries worsened. While
Israel and Iran have never engaged in direct
military confrontation, both have attempted to
inflict damage on the other through proxies and
limited strategic attacks. Israel has attacked
Iranian nuclear facilities from time to time.
ˆˆ Iran and Israel’s open warfare after
decades of shadow war
 2010: The US and Israel are believed to have
developed Stuxnet, a malicious computer virus.
  Used to attack a uranium enrichment facility
at Iran’s Natanz nuclear site, it was the “first
publicly known cyber-attack on industrial
machinery”, according to Reuters.
  Iran, meanwhile, is seen as responsible
for funding and supporting several militant
groups in the region that are anti-Israel and
anti-US, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon
and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
 2012: Iranian nuclear scientist Mostafa Ahmadi-
Roshan was killed by a bomb placed on his car
by a motorcyclist in Tehran. A city official blamed
Israel for the attack.
 2018: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
hails U.S. President Donald Trump’s withdrawal
from Iran’s nuclear deal with world powers after
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 years of lobbying against the agreement, calling
Trump’s decision “a historic move”.
 2020: Israel welcomes the assassination of
General Qassem Soleimani, commander of the
overseas arm of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, in
an American drone strike in Baghdad.
  Iran strikes back with missile attacks on
Iraqi bases housing American troops.
About 100 U.S. military personnel were
injured.
 2021: Iran blames Israel for the assassination of
Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, who was seen by Western
intelligence services as the mastermind of a
covert Iranian programme to develop nuclear
weapons capability. Tehran has long-denied any
such ambition.
 2022: U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli
Prime Minister Yair Lapid sign a joint pledge to
deny Iran nuclear arms in a show of unity by
allies long divided over diplomacy with Tehran.
 November 2023: The Iran-backed Houthi
group, based in Yemen, landed their helicopter
on the Galaxy Leader cargo vessel as it was
passing via the Red Sea. This marked the start
of the ‘Red Sea Crisis,’ which eventually led to
supply chain issues.
 2024: A suspected Israeli air strike on the Iranian
embassy compound in Damascus kills seven
officers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard,
including two senior commanders. Israel neither
confirmed nor denied responsibility.
Indepth
ˆˆ Global impact of the Iran-Israel conflict
The situation in the Middle East remains tense as
Israel and Iran engage in direct strikes, escalating
the conflict and causing wider ramifications.
 Regional Instability: The conflict does not
augur well for regional peace, stability, economic
growth, and development. Israel, as a major
economic and technological power, stands to
lose much in a prolonged war.
  Many Arab countries, which sought a
brighter future in closer cooperation with
Israel, also wish to see the end of the
conflict.
 Economic Impact: Conflict in the region also
affects others across the world, not merely
in terms of increased oil prices but also the
weakening of supply chains. Any major supply
disruption in the wider region as a result of the
escalating conflict between Iran and Israel could
impact supplies as well as prices.
  With the Suez Canal-Red Sea shipping
route already impacted by attacks from
Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen,
CURRENT DRISHTI
a major disruption around the Strait of
Hormuz could take a massive toll on global
and regional oil flows.
 Impact on Global South: The Global South
and global governance has also been impacted
by continuing instability in the Middle East.
  It is crucial that the international community
urges all parties to avoid further violence and
instead engage in diplomatic negotiations
to resolve the current escalation and
prevent wider ramifications. The two-state
solution may be the way ahead for long-
term security, peace and stability.
ˆˆ Iran-Israel conflict : Impact on India
India established diplomatic relations with Israel
in 1992. Since then, trade between the two countries
has been rising significantly.
 According to the Ministry of External Affairs
(MEA) brief on foreign relations, India is Israel’s
second-largest trading partner in Asia and
the seventh-largest globally.
 India has a very deep strategic relationship with
Israel, especially in the context of defence and
security partnership. In the last decade or so, it
has grown and has been made public — unlike
in the past.
 Israel has also emerged as a major defence
supplier, along with the US, France and Russia,
and India remembers that it has stepped up to
help during times of crisis, including the Kargil
war in 1999.
ˆˆ Iran’s relations with other Middle-Eastern
Nations
 Iran’s relations with Middle Eastern countries are
complex and characterized by a blend of ideological,
sectarian, and geopolitical factors.
  These relationships range from deeply
antagonistic to cautiously cooperative,
influencing regional security, politics, and
economic interactions.
 Saudi Arabia: Iran and Saudi Arabia have been
regional rivals for decades, with their competition often
described as a proxy war between the predominantly
Shia Iran and Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia.
 Iraq: Iran has a significant influence in Iraq, especially
following the U.S. invasion in 2003. Iran supports
several Shia militias and political parties in Iraq,
leveraging historical, religious, and cultural ties.
 Syria: Iran is a staunch ally of Bashar al-Assad’s
regime in Syria. It has provided substantial military
support, including advisers, ground troops, and
economic aid, to help Assad maintain power during
the Syrian civil war.
(4) May, 2024
  Lebanon: In Lebanon, Iran’s main proxy is Hezbollah,
a Shia Islamist political party and militant group. Iran’s
support for Hezbollah includes financial, political, and
military backing.
 Yemen: Iran is alleged to support the Houthi rebels in
Yemen, though the extent of this support is a subject
of international debate. The conflict is often seen as
another arena of the Saudi-Iran proxy conflict.
 Turkey: Relations with Turkey are complex, given that
both countries have significant regional ambitions.
However, their economic ties are strong, with
significant trade, especially in natural gas and oil.
 United Arab Emirates: Relations with the UAE have
been historically strained due to territorial disputes and
Iran’s broader regional policies. However, economic
ties have remained robust, with Dubai serving as an
important hub for Iranian business.
 Qatar: Iran has relatively good relations with Qatar,
especially following the blockade by Saudi Arabia,
UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt in 2017. Qatar shares a
massive natural gas field with Iran and has coordinated
with Tehran on exploitation strategies.
 In May 2016, India, Iran, and Afghanistan signed
ˆˆ Iran’s Importance for India a trilateral agreement to establish the International
 Iran has been one of the major suppliers of Transport and Transit Corridor, also known as the
crude oil to India. This has recently suffered due Chabahar Agreement.
to US sanctions.
 Both countries have shared concerns on Way Forward
terrorism emanating from Pakistan and ˆˆ Possible Solutions to De-escalate the Iran
Afghanistan. - Israel Conflict
 Both Iran and India share similar concerns on  Israel should accept a sustainable ceasefire in
Taliban’s treatment of minorities and the lack of Gaza as soon as possible, open the borders
an inclusive and representative government in for international humanitarian aid to Gaza, and
Kabul. respect the UN resolutions to end the 70-year-
 The Chabahar port of Iran developed by India old crisis by realizing a two-state solution.
is a strategic economic project, which acts as a  The two-state solution is the only feasible way
gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia. ahead for long-term security, peace and stability
in the region.
ˆˆ Chabahar port  Iran and Israel could engage in direct talks
 India had entered an agreement to develop the facilitated by a neutral third party, such as the
strategically important Chabahar port, close to Iran’s European Union or the United Nations.
border with Pakistan, in 2016. In May, 2024 India  Iran could adhere to the terms of the Joint
signed a long-term deal with Iran to develop it further. Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and
 They have signed a 10-year contract for operating the allow international inspections of its nuclear
Chabahar port in Iran. facilities.
 Promoting cooperation between Iran and Israel
 This long-term agreement was signed between
within the framework of regional organizations,
Indian Ports Global Ltd. (IPGL) and Port and Maritime
such as the Arab League or the Gulf Cooperation
Organisation (PMO) of Iran, enabling operation of the
Council, could help address shared security
Shahid-Beheshti terminal.
concerns and foster stability in the Middle East.
 Chabahar is Iran’s only oceanic port. It is situated
 Iran and Israel could take steps towards
in Sistan and Baluchistan Province, on the Makran normalizing diplomatic relations, such
coast. It lies in the Gulf of Oman. as exchanging ambassadors, reopening
 There are two main ports in Chabahar, the Shahid embassies, and facilitating people-to-people
Kalantari port and the ShahidBeheshti port exchanges, etc.

May, 2024 (5) CURRENT DRISHTI

 Internet Freedom in India
ˆˆ Article Index
l Report Highlights l Websites blocked l Provisions Related to Internet Shutdown l Challenges to digital
freedom
State-imposed shutdowns in the last decade have  Instances shot from six in 2014 to 96 in 2023, an
cited national security and threats to public order increase of 1500%.
when shuttering the Internet space. In this light, for   The highest number of internet shutdowns
five straight years, India has topped the global list were implemented in 2018 and 2020.
of countries on imposing Internet bans.  Shutdowns flared up during the passage of
 Data released by: Tech Company Top10VPN the Citizenship Amendment Act in 2019,
 Data collected by: the Software Freedom
the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, and the
Law Centre (SFLC)
introduction of Farm Bills in 2021.
ˆˆ Key Highlights  Internet disruptions in India accounted for more
 According to report with about 60% of all than 70% of the total loss to the global economy
blackouts recorded in the world between 2016 in 2020.
and 2022 having been in India.  Data shows India shut down the internet for over
 More than $5.45 billion in economic value was
7,000 hours in 2023, affecting almost 5.9 crore
lost due to the bans between 2019 and 2023
people.
alone.
  The disruptions also violated press freedom
 The Indian Government imposed a total of
and people’s right to hold peaceful protests.
780 shutdowns between January 1, 2014
 Indian States and Union Territories can impose
and December 31, 2023, according to data
collected by the Software Freedom Law Centre an internet shutdown only in case of a “public
(SFLC). emergency” or in the interest of “public safety,”
according to the Indian Telegraph Act.
According to data from : Internet Freedom (SLFC) Access Now
 The Supreme Court of India, in the
150
136
landmark Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of
132
India case, 2020 reiterated that internet
Number of shutdowns

109

100
100
96 shutdowns violate fundamental rights to freedom
79 77 of expression, and that shutdowns which last
50
indefinitely are unconstitutional.
31
 More than 780 internet shutdowns, almost
14 60,000 URLs blocked, a dip in global indices
5 6 8
3
0 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024* —research shows that freedom on the net was
Source: Internet Shutdowns - Software Freedom Law Center; weakened in favour of ‘national security’ and
Access Now ‘public order’

CURRENT DRISHTI (6) May, 2024

 Longest Internet 200 days
Shutdowns in India Manipur
April 27, 2023-Oct. 18, 2023

An internet shutdown was imposed in the entire State of

552 days
Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir
Aug. 4, 2019-Feb. 6, 2021
An internet shutdown was imposed in the
evening of 4th August 2019, when Article
370 of the Constitution was abrogated
by the Parliament of India. The erstwhile
state of J&K regained 4G connection on
February 6th 2021 after 552 days of no
to low internet.
Manipur on May 3rd, 2023. The Statewide Shutdown was
enforced after violence broke out following communal
clashes in the state of Manipur. The government in its
attempt to justify mass internet shutdown, expressed that
the shutdowns are put in place "to thwart the design and
activities of anti- national and anti-social elements and to
maintain peace and communal harmony
145 days
Kargil, Ladakh
Aug. 4, 2010-Dec. 27, 2019

Kargil district of Ladakh faced a shutdown of 145 days, which was imposed since August
2019 on the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir. The shutdown was imposed alongside
the suspension of all landlines, mobiles and SMS communication as a preventive measure in
the wake of the abrogation of article 370. It was lifted on December 2019 in the district, but it
continues in other parts of the erstwhile State.

ˆˆ Websites blocked  Cases have risen by almost 434% between

 Between 2015 and 2022, more than 55,000 2016 and 2022, according to the National
websites were blocked, according to SFLC data. Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
The biggest share of content censored was done   Most were related to fraud, others with the
under section 69A of the IT Act, by the Ministry motive of sexual exploitation.
of Electronics and Information Technology
  The majority of complaints related to
(responsible for 47% of the requests) and the
financial fraud came from Telangana,
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and
 On social media, almost 30,000 social media
URLs (including accounts and posts) were Maharashtra in 2022.
blocked between 2018 and 2022, with the   Conviction rates remained below 30% for
majority of requests sent to X, formerly called identity theft, publishing sexually explicit
Twitter. material and cyber stalking, data also
 Websites were also blocked additionally for two showed.
reasons.
Number of Cyber Crime in India, 2016-2022
  Court-ordered take downs happened for 65,893
Number of Cyber Crime

copyright infringement — these account for 60,000

46.8% of the total websites blocked. 52,974
50,035
  The remaining 1.91% of websites were 44,735
40,000
blocked for promoting ‘obscene’ content,
27,248
Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and
21,796
pornography. 20,000
12,317
 A commonly cited reason for blocking websites
is the escalating threat of cyber crime. 0
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
 As compared to 5,693 cases in 2013, India
recorded more than 65,000 cases last year. Source : National Crime Records Bureau

May, 2024 (7) CURRENT DRISHTI

 Backgrounder
 Provisions Related to Internet Shutdown
 Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885,
read with Temporary Suspension of Telecom
Services (Public Emergency and Public Safety)
Rules, 2017:
 These rules allow the Union or State home
secretary to order the suspension of any
telegraph service (including internet) in case of
public emergency or public safety.
 Such an order must be assessed by a Review
to be headed by the Cabinet Secretary or Chief
Secretary (in the State) committee within five
days. In an urgent situation, an officer of joint
secretary level or above, authorized by the union
or state home secretary, can issue the order.
 Section 144 of the Code of Criminal
Procedure: This section empowers a district
magistrate, a sub-divisional magistrate or any
other executive magistrate specially empowered
by the state government to issue orders to
prevent or stop any nuisance or disturbance of
public tranquility.
Violation of Rights by Shutdown
Right to Commerce Violates Right to
(as digital marketing Information
hampered)
Violative of Violate Right to
Fundamental rights Internet under
under Article Article 21 (freedom
19(1)(a) & 19(1)(g) of internet)
ˆˆ Social Media Platforms and the New IT
Rules, 2021
 Given the significant rate of growth of social media,
its censorship has been a growing point of concern
in India as till recent times, it was not under the
direct supervision of any government authority or
direct and specific regulation thus far.
 At present, the Information and Technology Act,
2000 regulates social media usage, and Sections
67A, 67B, 67C and 69A, in particular, include the
specific regulatory clauses.
CURRENT DRISHTI
ˆˆ IT (Intermediary Guidelines & Digital
Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021
 These were preceded by the amendments to the
‘Allocation of Business Rules’ under the IT Act,
2000 to bring films, audio-visual programmes,
news, current affairs content, and digital and online
media including OTT (Over The Top) platforms
like Amazon, Netflix, and Hotstar under the
purview of Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
(I&B), Government of India.
Indepth
ˆˆ Challenges to digital freedom
 Citizens’ personal and professional lives are
largely dependent on the availability of internet
technologies.
  Losing internet even for a day severely
disrupts essential services in addition to
affecting businesses of all sizes.
 Another aspect of freedom on the internet is
data privacy.
  Additionally, the Personal Data Protection
Bill could make it legal for government
entities to obtain personal data of citizens
without prior consent and justification.
  Unsurprisingly, India was one of the
leading requestors of content removal on
major internet platforms including Google,
Facebook, and Twitter.
 The fact that India does not consider access
to the internet a fundamental right makes
countering the legality of actions that restrict
online activity challenging.
  While the right laws and policies to mitigate
cybercrime and increase cyber security
are essential, the lines of digital rights
and freedom of speech online are still
somewhat blurred.
ˆˆ Ways to Improve
 The Government authorities should follow the
directions of the Supreme Court in the Anuradha
Bhasin case (2020).
 According to the court’s directions –
  Suspension can be utilized for a temporary
duration only.
  Any order suspending the internet issued
under the Suspension Rules must adhere
to the principle of proportionality and must
not extend beyond the necessary duration.
  Any order suspending the internet under
the Suspension Rules is subject to judicial
review.
(8) May, 2024
 Strengthening the legal and regulatory
framework (like IT Act, 2000) that governs
internet shutdowns.
 The government should amend the Telegraph
Act and its rules, which are outdated and vague.
 The government should consider other less
intrusive measures to deal with law-and-order
disturbances, communal violence, terrorist
attacks, examinations, and political instability,
such as blocking specific websites or content,
Supreme Court Judgment on EVM-VVPAT Verification
ˆˆ Article Index
l About VVPAT-EVM Case l Key Highlights of the Judgment l Directions by the Court l What is EVM?
l Evolution of EVMs l Challenges with EVMs l Electoral Reform decision by Supreme Court
A fair voting process ensures that everyone’s
voice is heard. John Rawls, an American political
philosopher, studied these principles, and he
believed that “justice is fairness.” Several petitions
have been filed in the Supreme Court to challenge
the sanctity of the Electronic Voting Machines
(EVMs) using VVPATs. Later, the Supreme Court on
April 26, 2024 dismissed the arguments criticising
sanctity of voting through EVMs.
ˆˆ About VVPAT-EVM Case
 In 2023, the ADR had filed a petition before
the apex court saying that to ensure free and
fair elections, the tally from Electronic Voting
Machines (EVMs)/ data on votes cast, should
be cross-verified with the VVPATs.
 The petition (along with other petitions) seeks
100% verification of votes cast on EVMs using
the VVPAT.
 To make sure that this process is carried out
as fast as possible, ADR suggested the use of
barcodes on VVPAT slips.
ˆˆ Key Highlights of the Judgment
 In the Association of Democratic Reforms
v. Election Commission of India Case, 2024,
the court upheld the electronic voting machine
(EVM) system, rejecting a return to paper ballots.
  Also, the Court rejected the request for
100% cross-verification of EVM votes
with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail
(VVPAT) slips, maintaining the current
random verification in five polling booths
per Assembly Constituency.
 The court said the electoral process in India is a
“humongous task” and attempts should not be
made to “bring down the system”.
May, 2024
issuing warnings or advisories, engaging with
civil society and media, or deploying more
security forces.
There is need to safeguard freedom of speech
and expression through strong legal and regulatory
safeguards for digital communications and access
to information. It is important that an appropriate
regulation of AI is there in order to ensure that it is
used to bolster internet freedom and not suppress
it.
 The Court, drawing from a range of legal
precedents, emphasised that there is insufficient
evidence to question the current polling system,
particularly after the implementation of VVPATs.
  SC observed that the microcontrollers
programmed separately by EVM
manufacturers are neutral, as they do not
favour any political party or candidate but
only record the buttons pressed by voters.
 SC also pointed out that any unauthorised
attempt to access the EVM’s microcontroller
or memory triggers the Unauthorized Access
Detection Mechanism (UADM), rendering the
EVM permanently disabled.
 The bench stated that candidates requesting
verification would be responsible for
covering the expenses, and if the EVM is
discovered to be tampered with, the incurred
costs will be reimbursed.
 The court said that the Representation of
the People Act, 1951, is the most effective
instrument to uphold democratic and republican
ideals, which are the hallmarks of our preambular
promise.
ON INTEGRITY What the top court said
OF THE
ON CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
ELECTORAL
PROCESS
"Repeated and persistent doubts and despair,
even without supporting evidence, can have
"The credibility of
the contrarian impact of creating
the ECI (Election
distrust. This can reduce citizen
Commission of
participation and confidence in
India) and integrity
of the electoral
elections, essential or a
healthy and robust
process earned
democracy."
over years cannot
be chaffed and over-
ON MANIPULATION CLAIMS
ridden by baroque
contemplation s
"The suspicion that the EVMs can be configured or manipulated for
repeated or wrong recording of vote(s) to favour a particular candidate
and speculations.
should be rejected."
(9) CURRENT DRISHTI
ˆˆ Directions by the Court  
The voting data recorded in EVMs can be
 The apex court gave two directions saying, retained for years and can be extracted if
“One direction is after the completion of symbol necessary.
loading process, the Symbol Loading Unit EVM (Electronic Voting Machine) uses
(SLU) should be sealed in containers. The electronic means for casting and counting votes.
SLU should be stored at least for a period of 45
days.” HOW DO EVMs WORK?
 In its second directive, the top court specified It has two units: The control unit
that a team of engineers would examine the the control unit of the EVM is
trol kept with the
burnt memory in the microcontroller EVM upon and the balloting Con it
request by candidates, which must be made unit, joined Un presiding officer
or the polling
within seven days after the declaration of results. together by a
officer.
cable.
ˆˆ About Association for Democratic
Reforms (ADR) The balloting
Ballot unit is kept
 A Civil Society group: ADR is a civil Unit within the voting Step 1 : Polling
society group that focuses on electoral compartment. officer verifies
reforms was established in 1999 by a group of Electors use it to voter's identity
cast their votes.
professors from the Indian Institute of Management, with the help of
Ahmedabad. the Control Unit
 Various Interventions: Since its inception, the group
Step 2 : (S)he will press the
has been part of several interventions in the Court Step 3 : Voter Ballot Button enabling the
that have led to key changes in the electoral laws. can see a list of voter to cast their vote.
  Led Voters to know the background of candidates names
Step 4 : The voter can press the
Candidates: One of its first cases filed and symbols with
button next to the candidate's
in 1999 was a plea seeking disclosure of a a blue button next
name they wish to vote for
to it.
candidate’s criminal background, educational
qualification and assets before the election.
 The Electronic Voting Machine is a reliable
  Inclusion of NOTA (None of the Above)
system to conduct elections where one person
option in the EVM: ADR was also one of
the petitioners in the SC’s 2013 landmark
has to be elected out of many candidates.
judgement that led to the inclusion of NOTA   The EVM is designed for a single post
option in the EVM. and a single vote.
  Challenge to Electoral Bonds Scheme: In  Through an EVM, a voter can cast their vote
its last major intervention, ADR was one of for the candidate of their choice or choose the
the lead petitioners to challenge the electoral NOTA option.
bonds scheme that was struck down by the   Each EVM has a None of the Above
Supreme Court in February 2024. (NOTA) button for electors to use if
they don’t want to vote for any of the
Background contestants.
ˆˆ What is EVM? An EVM consists of three components: the ballot
 An electronic voting machine (EVM) is a portable
unit, control unit, and the VVPAT (Voter Verifiable
instrument for the purpose of conducting
Paper Audit Trail).
elections to the parliament, legislature and local
 Each of these units contains microcontrollers with
bodies like panchayats and municipalities.
pre-programmed burnt memory provided by the
 EVM is a microcontroller-based instrument
manufacturer.
designed to modernise the election procedure
and there is no scope for invalid votes and total  Presently, the Election Commission conducts
secrecy of voting data is maintained and it also random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs at five
facilitates quick and accurate counting. polling booths per assembly constituency.

CURRENT DRISHTI (10) May, 2024

ˆˆ Evolution of EVMs  The paper trails generated by VVPAT machines,
especially when there are discrepancies
HOW DO VVPATs WORK? between electronic and paper records.
 The current practice of matching EVM counts
VVPAT (Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail) is attached
with VVPAT slips in five booths per assembly
to an EVM and allows voters to verify that their votes
constituency/segment has been criticised for
are cast as intended
not being scientifically grounded, potentially
Step 1 : When a vote is cast, a overlooking defective EVMs.
slip is printed on the VVPAT printer Ballot  There is concern that VVPAT machines is the
containing the serial number, Unit possibility of technical malfunctions, leading to
name and symbol of the
candidate voted.
inaccurate printing or no printing at all.
Indepth
Step 2 : It is visible to the ˆˆ Electoral Reform decisions by Supreme
voter through a transparent Court
window for 7 seconds.  In the 1977 landmark case of Mohinder Singh
Gill v. The Chief Election Commissioner, the
Supreme Court of India unequivocally affirmed
Step 3 : This printed slip that the right to vote is a fundamental right
automatically gets
and held that any arbitrary deprivation of this
cut and falls
into a sealed drop box.
right is unconstitutional.
 The Association for Democratic Reforms
Step 4 : If need be, v. Union of India case of 2002, marked a
these printouts can later be VVPAT significant milestone in India’s electoral journey.
counted. The Supreme Court upheld the High court ruling
on disclosure of information related to education,
 In 1989, the Election Commission (EC) criminal antecedents, financial assets, and
developed India’s indigenous Electronic Voting liabilities of candidates contesting elections.
Machines (EVMs) in alliance with two Central  In Lily Thomas v. the Union of India, the
Government Undertakings - the Electronics Supreme Court declared Section 8 (4) of the
Corporation of India (ECIL) and Bharat Representation of the People Act, 1951, (RPA)
Electronics Limited (BEL). which allowed legislators a three-month window
to appeal against their conviction — effectively
 The EVM machine was introduced on a trial
delaying their disqualification until such appeals
basis in 1982 in the Assembly constituency of
were exhausted — as unconstitutional.
Paravur in Kerala.
 Supreme Court (SC), in the case of Subramanian
 EVMs were used for the first time in the Goa Swamy vs Election Commission of India
State Assembly elections of 1999. (ECI), 2013 has held that VVPAT (Vote Verifiable
 They were deployed in all booths during Paper Audit Trial) is “indispensable for free and
the Assembly elections of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, fair elections”.
Puducherry and West Bengal in 2001.   In accordance to that, the Supreme Court
 In the 2004 general elections to the Lok Sabha, has directed the ECI to equip Electronic
EVMs were used in all 543 constituencies. Voting Machines (EVMs) with VVPAT
 The 2019 elections had EVMs backed with systems to “ensure accuracy of the
100% VVPAT in all constituencies. VVPAT system”. The Court directed the
government to provide the key financial
ˆˆ Challenges with EVMs assistance to the ECI to cause VVPAT
 Concerns about the security of EVMs have systems to be deployed along with EVMs.
been raised by political parties and civil society  On a petition filed by an advocate S
activists, alleging susceptibility to hacking due Subramaniam Balaji, challenging the state’s
to their electronic nature. Safeguarding against decision to distribute freebies, the Supreme
potential cyber threats is imperative to protect Court in S. Subramaniam Balaji Vs the
the integrity of elections. Government of Tamil Nadu & Ors. 2013 case

May, 2024 (11) CURRENT DRISHTI

 said that freebies promised by political parties
in their election manifestos shake the roots of
free and fair polls, the, and directed the Election
Commission to frame guidelines for regulating
contents of manifestos.
 The 2013 case of Lok Prahari vs. Union of
India saw the Supreme Court advocating for
swift resolution of election-related disputes,
Indian Universities in new QS rankings
ˆˆ Article Index
l Top Intitutions in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 l Key takeaways from the QS World
University Rankings l About Quacquareli Symonds World University Rankings l National Institutional
Ranking Framework (NIRF) l Key Highlights of India Rankings 2023
In the recently released QS World University
Rankings by Subject 2024 on April 10, 2024, Indian
higher education institutions have improved their
rankings in the STEM subjects, Biological Sciences,
and Business Studies.
In fact, at least one Indian university is featured in
44 out of the 55 narrow subjects (vs 38 in 2023), as
well as in all five broad subject areas, demonstrating
its strong — and improving — global reputation.
ˆˆ Top institutions in the QS World University
Rankings by Subject 2024
Top institutions in the QS World University Rankings by
Subject 2024
Arts and Humanities
1. Harvard University
2. University of Cambridge
3. University of Oxford
4. Stanford University
5. University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
 Engineering and Technology
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
2. Stanford University
3. University of Oxford
4. University of Cambridge
5. University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
 Life Sciences and Medicine
1. Harvard University
2. University of Oxford
3. Johns Hopkins University
4. Stanford University
5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
 Natural Sciences
1. Harvard University
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
CURRENT DRISHTI
emphasizing the importance of timely justice and
upholding the rule of law in electoral matters.
Democratic elections are a cornerstone of
democratic governance, enabling citizens to actively
participate in shaping the direction of their nation and
fostering a sense of legitimacy and accountability
in the political process. India being a democratic
country has importance of elections.
3. University of Oxford
4. University of Cambridge
5. Stanford University
 Social Sciences and Management
1. Harvard University
2. University of Oxford
3. Stanford University
4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
5. University of Cambridge
ˆˆ Key takeaways from the QS World
University Rankings
 69 Indian universities secured 454 entries,
marking an impressive 19.4% increase from last
year’s 355 entries.
 The Institutes of Eminence (IoEs) lead the
way with 47 of the 69 top-100 Indian positions.
These results indicate that the IoE programme
continues to drive improvement, which is
reflected in university rankings.
  In fact, 82% of the IoE entries have either
remained stable or climbed up in the
rankings, underscoring the success of the
initiative.
 In Asia, India has the second highest number
of ranked universities, second only to China.
 India’s research output is the fourth highest
in the world, just behind China, the United
States, and the United Kingdom – and this is
with just 18% the number of researchers China
has and 5% that of the US.
 India overtook China in the overall institutions
ranked in the 2024 edition of ‘QS University
Rankings: Asia’.
 IIT Bombay ranked 95th in the world for
Chemistry. India has never had a university in
(12) May, 2024
 the top 100 for this subject, even though India
has produced fine chemistry scientists and
researchers.
 IIT Madras ranks 44th in the world when it comes
to aeronautical, mechanical, and manufacturing
engineering.
 Across all the QS World University Rankings
by Subject 2024, 18 Indian universities rank
in the top 100. IIT Bombay ranks in multiple
subjects in that list, ranking 25th in Engineering
– Mineral & Mining, but also claims the sixth
position globally for employer reputation in this
discipline.
 India’s highest rank is 20th – secured by
Jawaharlal Nehru University for Development
Studies.
 The next highest ranked university is the Indian
Institute of Management (IIM) – Ahmedabad,
debuting in 22nd position for Business &
Management Studies.
Background
ˆˆ About Quacquarelli Symonds World
University Rankings
 The QS World University Rankings is a portfolio
of comparative college and university rankings
compiled by Quacquarelli Symonds, a higher
education analytics firm.
 Its first and earliest edition was published in
collaboration with Times Higher Education
(THE) magazine as Times Higher Education–
QS World University Rankings, inaugurated
in 2004 to provide an independent source of
comparative data about university performance.
Quacquarelli Symonds
Founded by : Nunzio Quacquarelli
Founded in : 1990
Partnered with : Times in 2004 for University
Rankings
Indepth
ˆˆ National Institutional Ranking Framework
(NIRF)
 The National Institutional Ranking Framework
(NIRF), launched in November 2015 by the
Ministry of Education, was used for this edition
as well as for the previous seven editions of
India Rankings released for the years 2016 to
2023.
May, 2024
 Five broad categories of parameters
Teaching, Learning & Research and Professional
Resources (0.30) Practice (0.30)
5 Broad
Parameter
Perception
(0.10) Graduation
Outreach and Outcome (0.20)
Inclusivity (0.10)
 Each of these five parameters have 2 to 5 sub-
parameters. A total number of 16 – 18 sub-
parameters are used for ranking of HEIs in
different categories and subject domains.
  Institutions are ranked based on total sum
of marks assigned for each of these five
broad groups of parameters.
ˆˆ Key Highlights of India Rankings 2023
 Indian Institute of Technology Madras
retains its 1st position in Overall Category for
fifth consecutive year, i.e. 2019 to 2023 and in
Engineering for eighth consecutive year, , i.e.
from 2016 to 2023..
 Top 100 in Overall category consists of 44
CFTIs/ CFUs INI, 24 state universities, 13
deemed universities, 18 private universities, 4
agriculture and allied sector institutions, and 3
management institutions.
 Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru tops
the Universities Category for eighth consecutive
years, i.e. from 2016 to 2023. It stood first in
Research Institutions Category for the third
consecutive year, i.e. from 2021 to 2023.
 IIM Ahmedabad tops in Management subject
retaining its first position for fourth consecutive
year, i.e. from 2020 to 2023. It was ranked
amongst top two in Management subject of the
India Rankings from 2016 to 2019.
 All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS),
New Delhi occupies the top slot in Medical for
the sixth consecutive year, i.e. from 2018 to
2023. Moreover, AIIMS is ranked at 6th position
in Overall category thereby improving from its
9th position in 2022.
 National Institute of Pharmaceutical
Education and Research, Hyderabad tops the
ranking in Pharmacy for first time pushing Jamia
Hamdard to the second slot. Jamia Hamdard
(13) CURRENT DRISHTI
 was ranked at 1st position for four consecutive
years, i.e., from 2019 to 2022.
 Miranda House retains the 1st position
amongst Colleges for the seventh consecutive
year, i.e. from 2017 to 2023.
 IIT Roorkee stands at 1st position in Architecture
subject for third consecutive year, i.e. from 2021
to 2023.
 National Law School of India University,
Bengaluru retains its first position in Law for the
sixth consecutive year, i.e. from 2018 to 2023.
Right to Protection from Climate Change Impacts
ˆˆ Article Index
l Background and Timeline of the Court Judgment l Interpretation by the Court l Environment in the Eyes
of Constitution l Important judgement by the Court related to Environment l What is Climate Change? l
India’s response to Climate Change
The Supreme Court of India on April 5, 2024,
for the first time, recognised the right against
the adverse impacts of climate change, saying
it is intertwined with the right to life (Article 14)
and equality (Article 21) that are embedded in the
Indian constitution. The arguments were a part of a
verdict by a three-judge bench (headed by the Chief
Justice of India DY Chandrachud with judges JB
Pardiwala and Manoj Misra) hearing a case on the
conservation of the great India bustard and the lesser
florican.
ˆˆ Background and timeline of the Court
Judgement
 Desert National Park in Rajasthan shelters
the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard
(GIB) (Ardeotis nigriceps) and Lesser
Florican. Overhead cables, particularly in solar
parks, pose a significant threat to the survival of
these birds.
 The Power Line Mitigation, 2018 report
highlighted that around 1 lakh birds die
annually due to collisions with power lines,
necessitating urgent action to prevent the
extinction of the Great Indian Bustard.
 In response a writ petition was filed in MK
Ranjitsinh and Ors. v. Union of India, 2019
sought conservation directives amid the
declining population of Great Indian Bustards.
 In April 2021, the Court placed restrictions
on the setting up of overhead transmission
lines.
CURRENT DRISHTI (14)
 Colleges in Delhi maintained their dominance
in ranking of Colleges with five colleges out of
first 10 colleges from Delhi.
 The Saveetha Institute of Medical and
Technical Sciences takes the top slot for the
second consecutive year.
 Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New
Delhi takes the top slot in Agriculture and Allied
Sectors.
 Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur tops in
Innovation category.
 It ruled that all low-voltage power lines were
directed to be laid underground in the “priority”
and “potential” habitats of GIB in the future; and
for existing power lines, bird diverters were to
be installed.
  The Ministry of Power, with others applied
to modify the 2021 order on grounds that it
had adverse implications for India’s power
sector, and undergrounding power lines
were not possible.
 In April 2024, the Court placed its reliance on
several reports by the Wildlife Institute of India,
identifying 13,663 square km as the “priority
area”.
  It formed an expert committee comprising
independent experts, members of the
National Board of Wildlife, representatives
of power companies, etc.
 The Committee is formed to suggest ways to
balance two objectives – the conservation of the
bird and India’s sustainable development goals.
  The committee’s first report is expected by
July 31, 2024.
ˆˆ Interpretation by the Court
The court stated that -
 The right to health (which is a part of the
right to life under Article 21) is impacted due
to factors such as air pollution, shifts in vector-
borne diseases, rising temperatures, droughts,
shortages in food supplies due to crop failure,
storms, and flooding.
May, 2024
 The inability of underserved communities to
adapt to climate change or cope with its effects
violates the right to life as well as the right to
equality.
 If climate change and environmental degradation
lead to acute food and water shortages in a
particular area, poorer communities will suffer
more than richer ones.
 Violations of the right to a healthy environment
can reverberate across numerous rights
domains, including the right to life, personal
integrity, health, water, and housing, as well
as procedural rights such as information,
expression, association, and participation.
 The court highlighted that Article 48A which
mandates environmental protection and Article
51A(g) which promotes wildlife conservation,
implicitly guarantee a right to be safeguarded
from climate change.
Background
ˆˆ Environment in the Eyes of Constitution
Article 21 Article 14
Environment
Right to in the Eyes of
Health Constitution
Article 48A
Article 51-A(g)
 Right to Health: Article 21 and Article 14
are important sources of the right to a clean
environment and the right against the adverse
effects of climate change. Without a clean
environment, which is stable and non-impacted
by the impacts of climate change, the right to life
is not fully realized.
 Article 21 recognises the right to life and
personal liberty and the right to health is its
important part.
 Article 14 indicates that all persons shall have
equality before law and the equal protection of
laws.
 Article 48A: It states that the State shall
endeavor to protect and improve the environment
and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the
May, 2024 (15)
country. It was added by the 42nd Amendment,
1976 and places an obligation on the State to
protect the environment and wildlife.
 Article 51-A (g): It states that it shall be the duty
of every citizen of India to protect and improve
the natural environment including forests, lakes,
rivers and wildlife and to have compassion for
living creatures.
ˆˆ Important judgements by the court related
to Environment
 Supreme Court in M.C. Mehta vs. Union of
India case treated the right to live in a pollution
free environment as a part of fundamental right
to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
 The Supreme Court in Subhash Kumar v. State
of Bihar (1991) case held that the right to life
includes the right to a healthy environment,
and it is the duty of the government to protect
and improve the environment. The court
observed that the right to life and personal
liberty cannot be enjoyed in the absence of a
clean environment.
 The Supreme Court in Vellore Citizens Welfare
Forum vs Union of India (28 August, 1996)
held that though industries are vital for the
country’s development, having regards to the
pollution caused by them, the principle of
‘sustainable development’ has to be adopted
as the balancing concept.
 In Consumer Education and Research Centre
v. Union of India (1995), the Supreme Court
held that the right to health is a fundamental
right under Article 21, and the government has a
duty to provide adequate medical facilities to its
citizens.
 In Bombay Dyeing & Mfg. Co. Ltd. v. Bombay
Environmental Action Group, 2006 case the
Supreme Court recognized that climate change
posed a “major threat” to the environment.
Indepth
ˆˆ What is Climate change?
 Climate change is the long-term shift in the
Earth’s average temperatures and weather
conditions. Over the last decade, the world was
on average around 1.20C warmer than during
the late 19th Century.
CURRENT DRISHTI
 It has now been confirmed that global warming
0
exceeded 1.5 C across the 12 month period
between February 2023 and January 2024. That
followed 2023 being declared the warmest year
on record.
ˆˆ Why is climate change a challenge for
India?
Impact of Climate Change in India
Severe Heat Intense Increased
Waves Rainfall & Drought
Monsoons
Species extinction Poverty & Displacement
Global warming is a big concern for India. It’s
impacting India’s natural environment, population,
and economy. Increasingly frequent and intense
floods, heat waves, monsoons, and depleting
groundwater reserves are just a few of the climate
induced challenges that India now faces.
ˆˆ India’s response to Climate Change
India’s Response to Climate Change
 National Clean Energy Fund: The Government
of India created the National Clean Energy Fund
(NCEF) in 2010 for financing and promoting
clean energy initiatives and funding research in
the area of clean energy in the country.
  The corpus of the fund is built by levying
a cess of INR 50 (subsequently increased
to INR 100 in 2014) per tonne of coal
produced domestically or imported.
 Paris Agreement: Under the Paris Agreement,
India has made three commitments. India’s
Problematic greenhouse gas emission intensity of its GDP
Trans- will be reduced by 33-35% below 2005 levels by
boundary water
management
2030.
  Alongside, 40% of India’s power capacity
would be based on non-fossil fuel sources.
At the same time, India will create an
additional ‘carbon sink’ of 2.5 to 3 billion
tonnes of Co2 equivalent through additional
forest and tree cover by 2030.
 International Solar Alliance: ISA was
launched at the United Nations Climate Change
Conference in Paris on 30 November 2015 by
India and France, in the presence of Mr. Ban Ki
Moon, former Secretary-General of the United
Nations.

India’s 5-point pledge or Panchamrit

National Action National Clean
Plan on Climate Energy Fund Achieving a non-fossil energy capacity of 500

Change (NAPCC) (2010) GW by 2030.

International International Solar
Solar Alliance Alliance (ISA) in
(ISA) in 2015 2015
 National Action Plan on Climate Change
(NAPCC): It outlines existing and future policies
and programs addressing climate mitigation and
adaptation.
  The Action Plan identifies eight core
“national missions” running through to
2017: Solar Energy; Enhanced Energy
Efficiency; Sustainable Habitat; Water;
Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem;
Green India; Sustainable Agriculture; and
Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change.
Most of these missions have strong
adaptation imperatives.
Sourcing 50% of its total energy needs from
renewable energy sources by 2030.
Reducing the country’s total projected carbon
emissions by one billion tonnes between the
present day and 2030.
Decreasing the carbon intensity of India’s
economy by 45% by 2030, based on 2005
levels.
Achieving the goal of net zero carbon emissions
by 2070.
While India has several environmental laws, it
lacks a singular, comprehensive climate change
legislation. The judgment may prompt a reevaluation
of this approach, encouraging the adoption of
framework legislation that can provide a strategic
direction and legally binding targets for climate
action, similar to laws in other countries.

CURRENT DRISHTI (16) May, 2024

 Global Hepatitis Report 2024
ˆˆ Article Index
l Key Findings of the Report l About Hepatitis l What causes Hepatitis? l How is viral hepatitis spread?
l Government Initiatives to Control Hepatitis

According to the World Health Organisation’s  The WHO flagged that the number of lives
(WHO’s) Global Hepatitis Report 2024, India has lost due to viral hepatitis is increasing with the
among the highest burdens of viral hepatitis — disease being the second leading infectious
tied with tuberculosis (TB) as the second largest cause of death globally (with 1.3 million deaths
infectious killer globally — in the world. per year) the same as tuberculosis.
ˆˆ Key Findings of the Report  The WHO report said new data from 187
 Globally, an estimated 1.3 million people countries show that the estimated number of
died of viral hepatitis in 2022 (as compared deaths from viral hepatitis increased from 1.1
to 1.1 million in 2019), even as its incidence — million in 2019 to 1.3 million in 2022. Of these,
number of new cases in a year — went down to 83% were caused by hepatitis B, and 17% by
2.2 million in 2022 (as compared to 2.5 million in hepatitis C.
2019).  The report outlined a series of actions to advance
 India accounted for the second-highest number a public health approach to viral hepatitis,
of cases of hepatitis B and C in 2022 after China, designed to accelerate progress towards ending
with 3.5 crore infections, according to a report the epidemic by 2030.
by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
 Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can
cause a range of health problems and can be
fatal.
 According to the WHO’s 2024 Global Hepatitis
Report released, 254 million people lived with
hepatitis B and 50 million with hepatitis C in
2022 globally.
 India, which was second only to China in the
viral hepatitis burden, registered 2.98 crore
hepatitis B cases in 2022 while the number of
hepatitis C infections stood at 55 lakh.
 China registered 8.3 crore cases of hepatitis B
and C, representing 27.5% of the total disease
burden.
 The report said that with a total of 3.5 crore
cases, India accounted for 11.6% of the total Backgrounder
disease burden globally that year.
ˆˆ About Hepatitis
 There are five main strains of the hepatitis
 Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver.
virus, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E.
Inflammation is swelling that happens when
While they all cause liver disease, they differ in
important ways including modes of transmission, tissues of the body are injured or infected. It can
severity of the illness, geographical distribution damage your liver. This swelling and damage
and prevention methods. can affect how well your liver functions.
 In particular, types B and C lead to chronic  Hepatitis can be an acute (short-term) infection
disease in hundreds of millions of people and or a chronic (long-term) infection. Some types
together are the most common cause of liver of hepatitis cause only acute infections. Other
cirrhosis, liver cancer and viral hepatitis-related types can cause both acute and chronic
deaths. infections.

May, 2024 (17) CURRENT DRISHTI

ˆˆ What causes hepatitis?
 There are different types of hepatitis, with
different causes:
 Viral hepatitis is the most common type. It is
caused by one of several viruses -- hepatitis
viruses A, B, C, D, and E. In the United States,
A, B, and C are the most common.
 Toxic hepatitis can be caused by certain poisons,
chemicals, medicines, or supplements
 Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic type in
which your body’s immune system attacks your
liver. The cause is not known, but genetics and
your environment may play a role.
 According to the report, every day, there are
3,500 people dying globally due to hepatitis B
and C infections.
ˆˆ How is viral hepatitis spread?
Hepatitis Type How it Spread
Hepatitis A & E Through contact with Food &
Water
Through contact with Blood
Hepatitis B, C & D
Also with Body fluids
 An estimated 354 million people worldwide
live with hepatitis B or C, and for most, testing
and treatment remain beyond reach.
UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage Sites List
ˆˆ Article Index
l Sites Recently Added to Tentative UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites l Tentative UNESCO list of
World Heritage Sites? l About World Heritage Sites l Heritage Sites in India
Indian architecture is rooted in the history, culture,
and religion of India. Among several architectural
styles and traditions, the best-known include the
many varieties of Hindu temple architecture and
Indo-Islamic architecture, Rajput architecture etc. To
recognize this, recently in March 2024, 6 new sites
from Madhya Pradesh have recently been included
in the Tentative UNESCO list of World Heritage
Sites (WHS).
ˆˆ Key Features of Sites Recently Added to
Tentative UNESCO List of World Heritage
Sites
 Gwalior Fort
 Known for its impenetrable walls, the fortress is
situated on the hilltop, from where the beautiful
CURRENT DRISHTI
 WHO’s global hepatitis strategy aims to reduce
new hepatitis infections by 90% and deaths
by 65% between 2016 and 2030.
Indepth
ˆˆ Government Initiatives to Control Hepatitis
 National Viral Hepatitis Control Program
(2018) : Aims to end Hepatitis C as a public
health threat by 2030.
 India’s Universal Immunization Programme
(UIP): India’s Universal Immunization
Programme (UIP) offers free vaccination against
12 vaccine-preventable diseases, including
Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, Pertussis,
Tetanus, Polio, Pneumonia, Meningitis due to
Haemophilus Influenzae type b (Hib), Measles,
Rubella, Japanese Encephalitis (JE), and
Rotavirus diarrhoea.
 To accelerate the efforts to achieve universal
sanitation coverage and to put focus on
sanitation, the Prime Minister of India had
launched the Swachh Bharat Mission on 2nd
October 2014. The mission was implemented
as nation-wide campaign/Janandolan which
aimed at eliminating open defecation in rural
areas during the period 2014 to 2019 through
mass scale behavior change, construction of
household-owned and community-owned toilets
and establishing mechanisms for monitoring
toilet construction and usage.
city’s surrounding can be easily viewed and
surveiled.
 With a 10-meter-high wall surrounding the
premises, the fort encompasses adorable and
exquisite sculptures and remarkable feats of
architecture in its construction.
 According to historians, the first foundation of
Gwalior Fort was laid by Rajput warrior Suraj
Sen in the 6th century AD.
 Notable among its structures are ancient
temples such as Teli ka Mandir, Chaturbhuj
temple, Sas Bahu temples, and the Gurdwara
Data Bandi Chhor, each adding to its cultural
significance.
(18) May, 2024
 Dhamnar caves
 The Dhamnar caves are located in Dhamnar
village of Mandsaur district. The rock-cut
temple site has 51 caves, stupas, chaityas,
passages and dense dwellings and was built
in the 7th century AD.
 The site contains a colossal statue of Gautam
Buddha in the nirvana pose. There are 14
historically important caves on the northern
bank, of which Bari Kacheri (large courtyard)
and Bhima Bazar are more popular with tourists.
 The Badi Kacheri is 20 feet square and
comprises a Stupa and Chaitya.
 Though historically known as Chandananagari-
mahavihara, the site’s modern name, Dhamnar,
is thought to possibly originate from the Shaivite
term ‘Dharmanatha,’ reflecting its cultural
heritage.
 Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple, Bhojpur
 Located about 28 km from the capital city of
Bhopal, the Bhojeshwar temple is dedicated to
Lord Shiva.
 Carved from a single stone, the huge Linga in
the sanctum sanctorum is 2.35 meter long with
a circumference of about 6 meters.
 It is set on a 3-tier sandstone platform in 6
meters square. Due to magnificent architecture,
it was given the title of ‘Somnath of East’.
 Raja Bhoj ordered construction between
1010 and 1053 AD on the hilltop in Bhojpur
village, however the temple never seems to
have been completed.
 Rock Art Site of the Chambal Valley
 The world’s largest concentration of rock art
sites in the Chambal basin and central India is
produced from different historical periods and
civilizations.
 Spread across MP, Rajasthan and Uttar
Pradesh, these sites offer insight into ancient
human habitation and cultural development.
 Khooni Bhandara, Burhanpur
 A unique, one-of-a-kind water supply system
‘Khooni’ or ‘Kundi Bhandara’ is located in
Burhanpur.
 It was built about 407 years ago, the system
is still operational today and is used by people
in the area. It was built by erstwhile ruler
Abdurrahim Khankhana in 1615.
May, 2024
 Gond Monuments Mandla
 Ramnagar in Mandla district used to be the
stronghold of the Gond rulers. In 1667, the
Gond king, Hriday Shah, built Moti Mahal on
the bank of river Narmada.
Backgrounder
ˆˆ What is the Tentative UNESCO list of
World Heritage Sites?
 The first step a country must take is making
an ‘inventory’ of its important natural and
cultural heritage sites located within its
boundaries.
  This ‘inventory’ is known as the Tentative
List.
 It provides a forecast of the properties that a
State Party may decide to submit for inscription
in the next five to ten years and which may be
updated at any time.
 It is an important step since the World Heritage
Committee cannot consider a nomination for
inscription on the World Heritage List unless the
property has already been included on the State
Party’s Tentative List.
Indepth
ˆˆ Heritage Sites in India
 In India, there are currently 42 UNESCO World
Heritage Sites.
 Out of these, 34 are cultural, 7 are natural,
and one, Khangchendzonga National Park,
is of mixed type. India has the sixth-most sites
worldwide.
  Countries with most number of World
heritage sites: Italy (59), China (57),
Germany (52), France (52) and Spain
(50).
 The first sites to be listed were the Ajanta
Caves, Ellora Caves, Agra Fort, and
Taj Mahal, all of which were inscribed in
the 1983 session of the World Heritage
Committee.
 The most recent sites listed were Santiniketan
in West Bengal by Nobel laureate Rabindranath
Tagore (41st site) and the Sacred Ensembles of
the Hoysalas (42nd Site), in 2023.
 India now has now 57 sites on the tentative
list.
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ˆˆ Cultural Heritage Sites in India Cultural Heritage Sites in India Year of
Entry
Cultural Heritage Sites in India Year of
Entry Jantar Mantar (Jaipur) 2010

Agra Fort (Uttar Pradesh) 1983 Hill Forts of Rajasthan (Rajasthan) 2013

Ajanta Caves (Maharashtra) 1983 Rani Ki Vav (The Queen’s Stepwell) (Gujarat) 2014

Ellora Caves (Maharashtra) 1983 Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavira at Nalanda 2016
(Bihar)
Taj Mahal (Uttar Pradesh) 1983
The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding 2016
Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu) 1984
Contribution to the Modern Movement (Chandigarh)
Sun Temple, Konark (Odisha) 1984
Historic City of Ahmedabad (Gujarat) 2017
Churches and Convents of Goa (Goa) 1986
Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai 2018
Fatehpur Sikri (Uttar Pradesh) 1986
(Maharashtra)
Group of Monuments at Hampi (Karnataka) 1986
Jaipur City (Rajasthan) 2019
Khajuraho Group of Monuments (Madhya Pradesh) 1986
Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple (Telangana) 2021
Elephanta Caves (Maharashtra) 1987
Dholavira, a Harappan City (Gujarat) 2021
Great Living Chola Temples (Tamil Nadu) 1987
Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysala (Karnataka) 2023
Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (Karnataka) 1987, 2004
Natural Heritage Site in India
Santiniketan (West Bengal) 2023
Sundarbans National Park (West Bengal) 1987
Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (Madhya Pradesh) 1989
Western Ghats (Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, 2012
Mountain Railways of India (West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, 1999, 2005,
Maharashtra, and Gujarat)
Himachal Pradesh) 2008
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks 1988, 2005
Humayun’s Tomb (Delhi) 1993
(Uttarakhand)
Qutub Minar and Monuments (Delhi) 1993
Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (Assam) 1985
Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya (Bihar) 2002
Great Himalayan National Park (Himachal Pradesh) 2014
Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (Madhya Pradesh) 2003
Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) 1985
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (Gujarat) 2004
Kaziranga National Park (Assam) 1985
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria 2004
Terminus (Maharashtra) Mixed Heritage Site in India

Red Fort Complex (Delhi) 2007 Khangchendzonga National Park (Sikkim) 2016

India’s New Post Office in Antarctica

ˆˆ Article Index
l Introduction l About the Post Office
l Historical Background
It’s an age of emails and phone calls, Whatsapp
messages and video calls. The post offices only hold
importance for things like identity verification and
postage stamps required for bureaucratic work etc.
But the post offices and letters at far like in Antarctica,
are still prominent. In a recent development in April
2024, the Department of Posts inaugurated a
second post office branch at the Bharati research
station in Antarctica.
ˆˆ About the Post Office
 Shri. K. K. Sharma, Chief Postmaster General
of Maharashtra Circle, inaugurated the ‘Bharati
Branch Post Office’ at Bharati Station, Antarctica,
on April 5, 2024, via a web link connecting the
remote location to the rest of the world.
l Operational Process of Letters l Strategic Importance
 This momentous occasion coincided with the
24th Foundation Day of the National Centre
for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR),
Goa.
  A Postcard on Bharati Station was also
released on the occasion.
 As part of this initiative, letters designated for
Antarctica will now bear a unique experimental
PIN code, MH-1718, tailored for the new branch.
ˆˆ Operational Process of Letters
 Letters meant for the post office in Antarctica
are sent to the National Centre for Polar and
Ocean Research (NCPOR) in Goa.
 When a scientific expedition to Antarctica
departs from NCPOR, a researcher carries the
consignment of letters.

CURRENT DRISHTI (20) May, 2024

 At the research base, the letters are ‘cancelled’,
brought back, and returned via post.
  The term ‘cancellation’ refers to the mark
placed on a stamp or postal stationery to
render it useless for reuse.
Backgrounder
ˆˆ Historical Background
India’s Maitri
Research Center
1984 1988-89 estd.
Dakshin Gangotri Dakshin Gangotri Jan 26,
(India’s 1st Base (Submerged into 1990
at Antarctica) ice) recent research
 In 1984, shortly after India’s first foray to
Antarctica, its first post office on the icy continent
was set up at Dakshi Gangotri.
 It was the nation’s first scientific base in
Antarctica.
 Within the first year, as many as 10,000 letters
and mail had been posted and ‘cancelled’ at the
historic post office.
 Dakshin Gangotri submerged in ice in 1988-89
and was subsequently decommissioned. On
January 26, 1990, a post office branch was
set up at India’s Maitri research station on
Antarctica.
  Since then, for more than 35 years, letters
and postcards in blank envelopes are sent
— mostly by philatelists, collectors and
hobbyists — to the Maitri post office for
‘cancellation’.
  The impression, ‘Maitri North Goa’, from
the Antarctic research base is a famed
“collector’s item”.
ˆˆ India’s Presence in Antarctica
 India’s Antarctic Programme is a scientific
research and exploration program under
the National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean
Research (NCPOR). It started in 1981 when the
first Indian expedition to Antarctica was made.
 India has been a Consultative Party to the
Antarctic Treaty since 1983. It participates in
the decision-making process along with other
28 Consultative Parties to the Antarctic Treaty to
date.
 India’s first Antarctic research station, Dakshin
Gangotri, was established in 1983. At present,
India operates two year-round research stations:
Maitri (1989) and Bharati (2012).
May, 2024
 The permanent research stations facilitate Indian
Scientific Expeditions to Antarctica, which have
been ongoing annually since 1981. In 2022,
India enacted the Antarctic Act, reaffirming its
commitment to the Antarctic Treaty.
  Dakshin Gangotri (1983-1991): This
pioneering research station, established
in 1983, marked India’s initial foray into
Antarctica. Notably, it was the first time an
Indian team wintered over on the continent,
a crucial milestone for scientific research.
2012
Bharti
While eventually decommissioned due
(India’s most to being submerged by ice, Dakshin
Gangotri’s legacy lives on as a symbol of
station)
India’s early Antarctic endeavours.
  Maitri (1989): Commissioned in 1989,
Maitri stands as India’s first permanent
research station in Antarctica. Located near
Schirmacher Oasis, this all-weather station
allows researchers to conduct year-round
scientific studies in various disciplines,
including atmospheric sciences, biology,
geology, and glaciology.
  Bharati (2012): India’s most recent
research station, Bharati, was inaugurated
in 2012. Situated in a region with minimal
snowfall, this station facilitates research
on upper atmospheric studies, coastal
processes, and the impact of climate
change.
  Sagar Nidhi: In 2008, India commissioned
the Sagar Nidhi, the pride of the National
Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), for
research. An ice-class vessel, it can cut
through thin ice of 40 cm depth and is the
first Indian vessel to navigate Antarctic
waters.
Indepth
ˆˆ The Indian Antarctic Act, 2022
 The Indian Antarctic Act, 2022 received the
assent of the Hon’ble President of India on
August 6, 2022 and then notified in the Gazette
of India on August 8, 2022.
 The Act aims to provide for national measures
for protecting the Antarctic environment and
dependent and associated ecosystems and to
give effect to the Antarctic Treaty, the Convention
on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living
Resources, the Protocol on Environmental
Protection to the Antarctic Treaty and for matters
connected therewith or incidental thereto.
 The Bill passed by Lok Sabha on July 22, 2022
and by Rajya Sabha on August 1, 2022.
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 According to the provisions of the Act, the
Committee on Antarctic Governance and
Environmental Protection (CAG-EP) has
been constituted and notified by the Central
Government which (but not be limited to) has
the following functions:
1.  to monitor, implement and ensure
compliance with the relevant international
laws, emission standards and rules for the
protection of the Antarctic environment by
India Secures the Overseas Port of Sittwe
ˆˆ Article Index
l About the News l Strategic Implications for India l Sittwe Port l Kaladan-Multi-modal Transit Project
For India, the Indian Ocean region is strategically
vital because roughly 80 per cent of its crude oil
and 95 per cent of its trade are transported via seas
and oceans. Recently, on April 6, 2024, the Indian
government has given the go-ahead for India Ports
Global Ltd. (IPGL) proposal to take complete control
of the Sittwe Port in Myanmar. This will not only
strengthen its maritime influence in the Indo-Pacific
but also play a crucial role in shaping the region’s
geopolitical dynamics.
ˆˆ About the News
 After Chabahar port, India has gained the rights
to operate a second overseas port, Sittwe, in
Myanmar.
 The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has
approved a proposal for India Ports Global
(IPGL) to take over the operations of the entire
port located on the Kaladan River.
 The Ministry of Shipping has presently assigned
IPGL the task of equipping and operation of
container/multi-purpose terminals at Chabahar
Port in Iran.
  India’s operational control over these 2
overseas ports, Chabahar and Sittwe, will
strengthen India’s maritime influence to
counter China’s String of Pearls policy with
ports like Hambantota in Sri Lanka, Djibouti
in Africa, etc.
Backgrounder
ˆˆ Sittwe Port
 The Sittwe Port is an integral component of
the more extensive Kaladan Multi-Modal
Transport Network, which India is developing
alongside Myanmar.
CURRENT DRISHTI (22)
the Operators or by any other persons engaged
in programmes and activities in Antarctica;
2. to undertake any advisory, supervisory
or enforcement activities in relation to
programmes and activities in Antarctica;
3. to obtain and review relevant information
and reports provided by Parties to the
Treaty, the Convention the Protocol and
other Parties engaged in programmes and
activities in Antarctica.
 The overarching goal of this multi-modal network
is to connect Eastern and North-Eastern
parts of India via Myanmar.
 The Sittwe Port, a strategic masterpiece
initiated and built by India, sits at the mouth
of the Kaladan River on the Arakan coast of
Myanmar’s Rakhine state.
 This strategic integration will act as an
alternative conduit for transporting goods and
services to the Northeastern states of India by
significantly curtailing the costs and distances
traversed.
 Furthermore, it will alleviate reliance on the
Siliguri Corridor, commonly known as the
“Chicken’s Neck”, and Bangladesh.
 In the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean Region
(IOR), a dynamic dance of influence unfolds
between India and China, and ports will emerge
as critical players in this strategic tussle.
  This development holds promising
economic benefits for the region, instilling
hope for a prosperous future.
  Beyond serving as mere trade conduits,
these ports wield significant power, and
the Sittwe Port will play a pivotal role in
amplifying India’s reach and sway across
the IOR.
Indepth
ˆˆ Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Project
 The Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport
Project was jointly identified by India and
Myanmar to create a multi-modal mode of
transport for the shipment of cargo from the
eastern ports of India to Myanmar as well
as to the North-Eastern part of India through
Myanmar.
May, 2024

ˆˆ Kalandan Multi Modal Transit Transport
Proejct
 Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Govt. of India
entered into a Framework Agreement with the
Govt. of Myanmar in April 2008 to facilitate
implementation of the project.
 Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)
is the Project Development Consultant
India lost 2.33 million hectares of Tree Cover
ˆˆ Article Index
l Introduction l Highlights of the Report l About Global Forest Watch
As per latest ISFR 2021, the total forest cover of
the country is 7,13,789 square kilometre which is
21.72% of the geographical area of the country.
The total tree cover has been estimated 95,748 sq.
km. On the contrary, the latest data from the Global
Forest Watch (GFW) in April, 2024 monitoring
project has revealed that India has lost 2.33 million
hectares of tree cover since the year 2000.
ˆˆ Key Highlights of the Report
 Indian Perspective
 In 2010, India had 31.3 Mha of natural forest,
extending over 11% of its land area. In 2023, it
lost 134 kha of natural forest, equivalent to
81.9 Mt of CO2 emissions.
 India lost 175,000 hectares of tree cover in
2016 and 144,000 hectares in 2023, the highest
in the last six years.
 The maximum tree cover loss of 189,000
hectares occurred in 2017.
 The GFW data showed that five states
accounted for 60 per cent of all tree cover loss
between 2001 and 2023.
May, 2024
(PDC) appointed by the MEA in 2009 for the
implementation of the Port & IWT components.
 This transit project connects the eastern
Indian seaport of Kolkata with Sittwe seaport
in Rakhine State, Myanmar by sea. It will
reduce the distance from Kolkata to Sittwe by
approximately 1,328 km.
 In Myanmar, it will then link Sittwe seaport to
Paletwa in Chin State via the Kaladan river boat
route.
 From Paletwa by road to Mizoram state in
Northeast India (Paletwa is less than 20 km
from the Bangladesh border).
  Components of project: The project
involves sea, river, and road transportation:
  Sea Route: From Kolkata to Sittwe (539
km).
  River Route: Sittwe to Paletwa via the
Kaladan River (158 km).
  Road Route: Paletwa to Indo-Myanmar
border (110 km), and further into Mizoram.
l Status of Forests in India
From 2001 to 2023, India lost 2.33 Mha of tree cov-
er, equivalent to a 6.0% decrease in tree cover since
2000, and 1.20 Gt of CO2e emissions.
200
kha
150k
100k
50k
0
'01 '02 '03 '04 '05 '06 '07 '08 '09 '10 '11 '12 '13 '14 '15 '16 '17 '18 '19 '20 '21 '22 '23
 Assam had the maximum tree cover loss at
324,000 hectares compared to an average
of 66,600 hectares. Mizoram lost 312,000
hectares of tree cover, Arunachal Pradesh
262,000 hectares, Nagaland 259,000 hectares,
and Manipur 240,000 hectares.
  The tree cover loss data featured on the
Global Forest Watch represents the best
available spatial figures on how forests
are changing around the world. However,
changes have occurred to the data over
time due to algorithm adjustments and
improved satellite data.
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  
Therefore, the GFW cautions users against
comparing old and new data, especially
before/after 2015.
ˆˆ LOCATION OF TREE COVER LOSS IN INDIA
In India, the top 5 regions were responsible for 60%
of all tree cover loss between 2001 and 2023. Assam
had the most tree cover loss at 324 kha compared to
an average of 66.6 kha.
1 Assam 324 kha
2 Mizoram 312 kha
3 Arunachal Pradesh 262 kha
4 Nagaland 259 kha
5 Manipur 240 kha
 According to the Food and Agriculture
Organisation, the rate of deforestation in India
was 668,000 hectares per year between 2015
and 2020, the second highest worldwide.
 The data showed India lost 35,900 hectares of
tree cover due to fires from 2002 to 2022, with
2008 recording the maximum tree cover loss
due to fires (3,000 hectares).
 From 2001 to 2022, Odisha had the highest
rate of tree cover loss due to fires with an
average of 238 hectares lost per year. Arunachal
Pradesh lost 198 hectares, Nagaland 195
hectares, Assam 116 hectares, and Meghalaya
97 hectares.
ˆˆ Global Scenario
 From 2002 to 2023, there was a total of 76.3
Mha (million hectares acre) humid primary
forest lost globally, making up 16% of its total
tree cover loss in the same time.
Sustainable Finance for Tiger Landscapes Conference
ˆˆ Article Index
l Key Highlights from the Conference l About Global Environment Facility l Project Tiger in India
The Sustainable Finance for Tiger Landscapes
Conference concluded on April 23 2024, marking a
historic moment for global conservation efforts. The
conference was opened by The Queen of Bhutan
Jetsun Pema Wangchuck.
ˆˆ Key Highlights from the Conference
 The two-day Conference was organized on
Earth Day 2024 (April 22, 2024) to mobilise
USD 1 billion over the next decade for conserving
tigers and their habitats across Asia.
 The conservation of tiger landscapes is vital to
maintaining biodiversity, sequestering carbon,
CURRENT DRISHTI
 From 2001 to 2023, there was a total of 488
Mha of tree cover loss globally, equivalent to a
12% decrease in tree cover since 2000.
 Globally from 2001 to 2022, 23% of tree cover
loss occurred in areas where the dominant
drivers of loss resulted in deforestation.
 Globally as of 2010, the top 5 countries represent
55% of all tree cover.
 Russia had the most tree cover at 755 Mha
compared to an average of 16.9 Mha followed
by Brazil, Canada, the US, Democratic Republic
of Congo.
 From 2001 to 2022, there was a total of 126
Mha of tree cover lost from fires globally and
333 Mha from all other drivers of loss.
ˆˆ Global Tree Cover Gain
From 2000 to 2020, 131 Mha of tree cover was
gained globally.
1 Russia 37.2 Mha
2 Canda 17.0 Mha
3 United States 14.0 Mha
4 Brazil 8.06 Mha
5 China 6.69 Mha
Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAMPA
fund) are being utilized by States/UTs for taking
up compensatory afforestation as per approved
Annual Plan of Operations for compensating the
loss of forest & tree cover due to diversion of forest
land for developmental projects as per provisions of
Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016 (CAF
Act) and CAF Rules, 2018.
supplying resources to over 100 million people,
and ensuring the overall health of the planet.
 The conference convened tiger range countries,
visionary private and public sector donors,
international development agencies, the Tiger
Conservation Coalition, and other conservation
organisations.
 High-level representatives from ten tiger range
countries delivered statements on the progress
and ambitions for conserving their tiger
landscapes.
 The conference culminated with the Paro
Statement by the Royal Government of Bhutan.
(24) May, 2024
 Since 2010, the Global Environment Facility
has provided more than USD 197 million in
financing and mobilized another USD 880
million, in co-finance, for tiger conservation.
Backgrounder
ˆˆ About Global Environment Facility
 The Global Environment Facility (GEF) was
established on the eve of the 1992 Rio Earth
Summit to help tackle our planet’s most
pressing environmental problems.
 Since then, the GEF has provided more
than $21.1 billion in grants and mobilized an
additional $114 billion in cofinancing for more
than 5,000 projects in 170 countries.
 Through its Small Grants Programme, the GEF
has provided support to more than 25,000
civil society and community initiatives in 133
countries.
 It provides financial assistance for five major
international environmental conventions:
  The Minamata Convention on Mercury.
  The Stockholm Convention on Persistent
Organic Pollutants (POPs).
  The United Nations Convention on
Biological Diversity (UNCBD)
  The United Nations Convention to Combat
Desertification (UNCCD).
  The United Nations Framework Convention
on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
 It has 184 member countries, including India.
Indepth
ˆˆ Project Tiger in India
 Project Tiger in India was launched on 1st April
1973 as a major wildlife conservation project
Impact of Climate Change on Occupational
Safety and Health
ˆˆ Article Index
l Recent Context l Key Highlights of the Report l What is Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)?
l About International Labour Organization (ILO) l Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) and India
l Constitutional Provisions l Legislative Framework l Nodal Agency
Workers are among those most exposed to
climate change hazards yet frequently have no
choice but to continue working, even if conditions are
dangerous. Global occupational safety and health
(OSH) protections have struggled to keep up with
the evolving risks from climate change, resulting in
worker mortality and morbidity.
May, 2024
in India. It was launched from the Jim Corbett
National Park of Uttarakhand.
 The initiative is funded by the Union Govt. of
India and administrated under the Ministry of
Environment, Forests and Climate Change.
National Tiger Conservation Authority
(NTCA) is the immediate supervising agency.
 The stated aims of Project Tiger were
  To identify factors causing a reduction in
tiger habitats and mitigate them through
suitable management practices.
  To maintain a viable tiger population for
their economic, ecological, cultural, and
aesthetic significance.
 The first Tiger Census of 2006 projected
1,411 tigers were left in the country.
 Owing to the renewed sincerity to Tiger
conservation, the number of tigers consistently
increased in the next decade. 2014 Tiger
Census-estimated 2,226 Bengal tigers in
India and 2018 Tiger Census-estimated 2,967
Tigers.
 Karnataka was the state with the highest tiger
population in 2014. The recorded tiger count in
the state was 408 as per the 2014 tiger census.
 But, in 2018 Tiger Census, The crown of the Tiger
State of India is been taken away by Madhya
Pradesh with 526 Tigers, whereas Karnataka
and Uttrakhand were second and third in
position with 524 and 442 Tigers respectively.
 The total Tiger Population as per the Tiger
Census 2022 is 3,682 Tigers, which was 24%
more than the 2018 Census.
ˆˆ Recent Context
 Recently on April 22, 2024, the report released
by the International Labour Organization (ILO),
‘Ensuring safety and health at work in a
changing climate’, says that climate change is
already having a serious impact on the safety
and health of workers in all regions of the world.
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ˆˆ Key Highlights of the Report
 The report finds that climate change is
significantly affecting occupational safety and
health (OSH) worldwide, with workers facing
increasing hazards but often having to work in
dangerous conditions.
 The ILO estimates that more than 2.4 billion
workers (out of a global workforce of 3.4 billion)
are likely to be exposed to excessive heat at
some point during their work, according to the
most recent figures available (2020).
 When calculated as a share of the global
workforce, the proportion has increased from
65.5 per cent to 70.9 per cent since 2000.
 In addition, the report estimates that 18,970
lives and 2.09 million disability-adjusted life
years are lost annually due to the 22.87 million
occupational injuries, which are attributable to
excessive heat.
  This is not to mention the 26.2 million
people worldwide living with chronic kidney
disease linked to workplace heat stress
(2020 figures).
 However, the impact of climate change on
workers goes well beyond exposure to excessive
heat, the report says, creating a “cocktail of
hazards”, which result in a range of dangerous
health conditions.
 The report notes that numerous health conditions
in workers have been linked to climate change,
including cancer, cardiovascular disease,
respiratory illnesses, kidney dysfunction and
mental health conditions. The impact includes:
  1.6 billion workers exposed to UV radiation,
with more than 18,960 work-related deaths
annually from non-melanoma skin cancer.
  1.6 billion likely to be exposed to workplace
air pollution, resulting in up to 860,000
work-related deaths among outdoor
workers annually.
  Over 870 million workers in agriculture,
likely to be exposed to pesticides, with
more than 300,000 deaths attributed to
pesticide poisoning annually.
  15,000 work-related deaths every year due
to exposure to parasitic and vector-borne
diseases.
Backgrounder
ˆˆ What is Occupational Safety and Health
(OSH)?
 Occupational safety and health (OSH) or
occupational health and safety (OHS) is a
multidisciplinary field concerned with the safety,
health, and welfare of people at work (i.e., while
performing duties required by one’s occupation).
CURRENT DRISHTI (26)
 It deals with all aspects of health and safety in
the workplace and has a strong focus on primary
prevention of hazards. Its goal is to prevent
accidents and harm to people from work-related
activities.
Indepth
ˆˆ Legislative Framework
 The Government of India has enacted four main
legislations relating to Occupational Safety and
Health (OSH) at workplaces:
  The Factories Act, 1948, covering
factories wherein the enforcement of safety
at workplace is by the Chief Inspector of
Factories in the respective states
  The Mines Act, 1952 and Mines Rules,
1955 for mining industry where the
enforcement is by the Directorate General
of Mines Safety (DGMS) under Ministry of
Labour & Employment, Government of India.
  The Dock Workers (Safety, Health and
Welfare) Act, 1986 followed by notification
of the Dock Workers (Safety, Health and
Welfare) Regulations, 1990 dealing with
the major ports of India
  The Building & Other Construction
Workers (Regulations of Employment
and Conditions of Service) Act,
1996, covering construction workers at
construction sites wherein the enforcement
is by the Directorate General Labour
Welfare in the central sphere and by
the Labour Commissioners/Factory
Inspectorates in the States/UTs.
 OSH Code (Occupational Safety, Health and
Working Conditions Code) 2020: National
database to be created for the Inter-State
Migrant Workers. Instead of 240 days, now
if a worker has worked 180 days, he shall be
entitled for one-day leave for every 20 days of
work done.
 India has ratified 47 International Labour
Organization conventions along with 1
protocol. Currently, 39 conventions are in force.
 The major conventions related to worker’s
health include, the Medical Examination of
Young Persons (Sea) Convention, 1921,
Equality of Treatment (Accident Compensation)
Convention, 1925, Protection Against Accidents
(Dockers) Convention (Revised), 1932.
Although it is enshrined in the Constitution and
the Legislature of India, the traditional concepts of
OSH prevailing in the country is a far cry from the
objectives of the ILO and international standards for
OSH. Being a signatory participant for Convention
187 India has to comply with OSH in near future.
May, 2024
 SIPRI: India, the World’s Top Arms Importer
ˆˆ Article Index
lKey Highlights of the Report by SIPRI l The Report in Significance to India
Approach to Reduce Arms Imports l Challenges and Considerations
The latest report of Stockholm International
Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), a Swedish think
tank, placed India as the world’s top arms importer
for the period 2019-23.
ˆˆ Key Highlights of the Report by SIPRI:
 Publisher: Stockholm International Peace
Research Institute (SIPRI)
 The volume of international transfers of major
arms in 2019–23 was 3.3 per cent lower than in
2014–18 and 3.3 per cent higher than in 2009–13.
Backgrounder
ˆˆ Top Exporters:
Figure: Global share of exports of major arms by the 10
largest exporters, 2019–23
Source: SIPRI Arms Transfers Database, Mar. 2024
 The five largest exporters were the United
States, France, Russia, China and Germany.
 They are accounted for 75 per cent of all arms
exports.
 The United States leads with a 42% global
share.
May, 2024
l India’s Multi-Pronged
 Arms exports by the USA went up by 17 per cent
between 2014–18 and 2019–23.
Figure: Changes in volume of exports of major arms since
2014–18 by the 10 largest exporters in 2019–23
 In 2019–23 the largest share of US arms exports
went to states in the Middle East (38 per cent).
 Four Middle Eastern states were among the top
10 recipients of US arms in 2019–23.
 Saudi Arabia accounted for 15 per cent of US
arms exports, Qatar for 8.2 per cent, Kuwait for
4.5 per cent and Israel for 3.6 per cent.
 Russia’s arms exports fell by 53 per cent
between 2014–18 and 2019–23 and it accounted
for 11 per cent of total global arms exports.
 Just under two thirds of Russian arms exports
went to three states in 2019–23: India (34 per
cent), China (21 per cent) and Egypt (7.5 per
cent).
 France’s exports rose by 47 per cent and it
moved just ahead of Russia to become the
world’s second largest arms exporter.
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ˆˆ Top Importers:
Figure: Global share of imports of major arms by the 10
largest importers, 2019–23
 The five largest arms importers in 2019–23
were India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Ukraine and
Pakistan.
 States in Asia and Oceania accounted for 37 per
cent of all arms imports in 2019–23.
 This was followed by states in the Middle East
(30 per cent), Europe (21 per cent), the Americas
(5.7 per cent) and Africa (4.3 per cent).
 Arms imports by states in Europe were 94 per
cent higher in 2019–23 than in 2014–18.
 A total of 55 per cent of European arms imports
came from the USA in 2019–23, compared with
35 per cent in 2014–18.
 The largest importer in Europe was Ukraine,
which received 23 per cent of the region’s total
arms imports in 2019–23.
ˆˆ Stockholm International Peace Research
Institute (SIPRI)
 It is an independent international institute dedicated
to research into conflict, armaments, arms control
and disarmament.
 Established in 1966, SIPRI is based in Stockholm,
Sweden.
 Its mission is to:
  undertake research and activities on security,
conflict and peace;
  provide policy analysis and recommendations;
  facilitate dialogue and build capacities;
  promote transparency and accountability
In-depth
ˆˆ The Report in Significance to India:
 As per the report, India was the world’s top
arms importer for the period 2019-23.
 Between 2019 and 2023, the country accounted
for a significant 9.8% of the total global arms
imports.
CURRENT DRISHTI
 The imports during this period having gone up
by 4.7% compared to the period 2014-18.
 Russia (historically been India’s primary
weapons supplier), still accounted for 36% of its
arms imports.
 However, this trend is shifting, with India
increasingly diversifying its sources to include
Western countries and domestic manufacturers.
 China plays a pivotal role as the primary arms
supplier to Pakistan, with a substantial 61% of
its exports directed towards Islamabad.
 Additionally, China exports 11% of its arms to
Bangladesh, further solidifying its influence in
the region.
ˆˆ Budgetary Allocation:
 In the Interim Budget 2024-25, the Defense
Ministry received a total allocation of Rs. 6.2
lakh crore.
 Within this allocation, Rs. 1.72 lakh crore was
designated for capital expenditure, specifically
for new procurements.
 This capital allocation reflected a 5.78% increase
compared to the Budget Estimates from 2023-
24.
ˆˆ India’s Multi-Pronged Approach to Reduce
Arms Imports:
 India remains the world’s largest arms importer,
but it’s actively working to reduce its dependence
on foreign suppliers.
ˆˆ Make in India for Self-Reliance:
 Policy Initiatives:
 The government has launched the “Make in
India” initiative(launched in 2014) specifically for
the defense sector.
 This promotes domestic production of military
equipment and reduces reliance on imports.
 Positive Indigenisation Lists:
 The Ministry of Defense releases lists identifying
specific defense components and subsystems
that must be manufactured domestically.
 This incentivizes Indian companies to develop
these capabilities.
 The latest list includes 98 items, constantly
pushing the boundaries of domestic production.
 Investment & Infrastructure:
 The government is increasing investment in
defense research and development (R&D)
institutions and creating a more conducive
environment for private sector participation.
(28) May, 2024
 This fosters innovation and strengthens the
domestic defense industry.
 The FDI limits in the Defence Sector has been
increased in 2020 to 74% through the Automatic
Route and up to 100% via the Government
Route.
 The SRIJAN Portal:
 This is an initiative launched by the Indian
Ministry of Defence to promote self-reliance in
the defence sector, aligning with the goals of
“Make in India”.
 SRIJAN acts as a one-stop shop online platform
that facilitates the indigenization of defence
equipment.
ˆˆ Diversification of Arms Suppliers:
 Shifting Alliances:
 Traditionally, Russia has been India’s primary
arms supplier which is still accounted for 36%
of its arms imports (SIPRI Arms Transfers
Database, March, 2024).
 However, India is strategically diversifying its
partnerships to include countries like France,
the United States, and Israel.
 France and the United States are emerging as
key suppliers to India, collectively accounting for
46% of its arms imports.
 This reduces vulnerability to political or economic
pressures from any single supplier and allows
India to access advanced technologies from
various sources.
 Strategic Partnerships:
 India is entering into strategic partnerships
with other countries for joint development and
production of defense equipment.
 This not only reduces import costs but also
fosters technology transfer and strengthens
military cooperation.
First trilateral summit among the United States,
Japan, and Philippines
ˆˆ Article Index
lKey Highlights of the Summit l The South China Sea Dispute
Resources l Strategic Importance
On April 11, 2024, American President Joe Biden
hosted the inaugural trilateral summit among the
United States, Japan, and the Philippines at the
White House in Washington D.C.
May, 2024
ˆˆ Challenges and Considerations:
 Building a Robust Industry:
 Developing a strong domestic defense industry
takes time and significant resources.
 India needs to invest in skilled workforce
development, advanced technology acquisition,
and efficient production infrastructure.
 Balancing Relationships:
 India needs to carefully manage its relationships
with countries like Russia, a long-standing
partner.
 While diversifying suppliers, India must ensure
continued cooperation with Russia for existing
equipment and ongoing projects.
 Low Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in
Defense:
 India’s defense sector has attracted only a
meagre Rs 5,077 crore in FDI since its opening
to private companies in 2001.
 This is despite the government’s efforts to
liberalize FDI regulations, allowing up to 74%
through the automatic route and up to 100%
through the government route in 2020.
India’s efforts to reduce arms imports are a
long-term project. While challenges exist, the focus
on domestic production and supplier diversification
signifies a strategic shift towards self-reliance in
defense. This will not only strengthen India’s military
capabilities but also position it as a potential exporter
of defense equipment in the future.
ˆˆ Mains Questions
 What are the key features of the Uttar Pradesh
Defence Industrial Corridor?
(UP PCS MAINS 2023 GS VI)
l Extent of South China Sea l Natural
ˆˆ Key Highlights of the Summit:
 Took place at: Washington DC on April 11,
2024,
 It was the first of its kind trilateral summit between
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 the United States, Japan and the Philippines  The South China Sea is bordered by China to
took place at Washington DC on April 11, 2024. the north, Vietnam to the west, Malaysia, Brunei,
 The purpose of this summit was to deepening and the Philippines to the south, and Taiwan to
the economic and security cooperation between the northeast.
the three countries.  It also includes various islands and archipelagos
 This meeting was hosted by the US amidst the claimed by these countries, such as the Spratly
growing tensions between the Philippines and
Islands, Paracel Islands, Scarborough Shoal,
China around the Second Thomas Shoal in the
and others.
disputed waters of the South China Sea.
 At its core, the dispute revolves around
 The meeting underscored the commitment of
competing territorial claims over various islands,
the United States to support its allies, Japan
and the Philippines, amid escalating territorial reefs, and waters in the South China Sea.
disputes with China.  China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and
 On April 7, 2024, in the Philippines’ exclusive the Philippines are the primary claimants in this
economic zone, the maritime forces of the dispute.
Philippines, Japan, the US, and Australia held a  Each asserts historical, legal, and economic
joint maritime exercise. rights over different parts of the region.
 It was called Maritime Cooperative Activity  China’s claims are the most expansive, as it
(MCA). asserts sovereignty over almost the entire South
 The exercise was in response to the Philippines’ China Sea.
claims of Chinese harassment, which came
before the summit.
 On the economic side, the three leaders
announced a new infrastructure project.
 The project is called the PGI Luzon Economic
Corridor.
 It will connect Subic Bay, Clark, Manila and
Batangas through the building of ports, rail,
clean energy facilities and semiconductor supply
chains.
 They have agreed to cooperate on establishing
next-generation Open RAN (Radio Access
Network) communication in the Philippines.
 In late March this year, two China Coast Guard
vessels used high-pressure water cannons on a
Philippines resupply vessel en route to Second
Thomas Shoal.
 It severely damaged the ship and injuring two
Filipino sailors.
 India has also called out China for its belligerent ˆˆ Extent of South China Sea
actions in the disputed waters especially after  The South China Sea covers an area of about
the recent incident with the Philippines. 3.5 million square kilometers (1.4 million square
In-depth miles).
ˆˆ The South China Sea dispute:  It is a critical maritime route connecting the
 The South China Sea is a semi-enclosed sea Pacific Ocean to the Indian Ocean, making it
located in Southeast Asia, bordered by several strategically important for international trade
countries and territories. and shipping.

CURRENT DRISHTI (30) May, 2024

ˆˆ Natural Resources
 The sea is rich in natural resources such as
fish, oil, and natural gas, making it economically
significant.
 However, the overlapping territorial claims have
led to disputes over resource exploitation and
fishing rights.
ˆˆ Strategic Importance
 Beyond its economic value, the South China
Sea is strategically important due to its location
along major shipping lanes.
 It is a key maritime route for trade between
East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the rest of the
world,which adds to its geo-political significance.

Ocean Decade Conference 2024

ˆˆ Article Index
lAbout Ocean Decade Conference 2024 l United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable
Development l India’s Position at the Ocean Decade
Recently, India, amid challenges posed by climate  Ten challenges outlined, including understanding
change, India has made a strong pitch for designing marine pollution, protecting biodiversity, and
region-specific ocean observations centers, during developing a sustainable ocean economy.
the 2024 Ocean Decade Conference in Barcelona.  The 7 Ocean Decade Outcomes describe the
Ocean We Want:
ˆˆ About Ocean Decade Conference 2024:
 Date: from April 10 to 12, 2024 The 7 Ocean Decade Outcomes describe the
 Place: Barcelona, Spain Ocean We Want:
A clean ocean
 Co-organized with: UNESCO’s Inter-
where sources of
governmental Oceanographic Commission A healthy
pollution are identified and
and resilient
(IOC/UNESCO) reduced or removed.
ocean where marine
 Theme: “Delivering the Science we need for the
A productive ecosystems are
ocean we want.” ocean supporting understood, protected,
 Objective: Review progress made in achieving sustainable food supply restored and managed.
the objectives of the United Nations Decade of and a sustainable ocean
economy. A predicted
Ocean Science for Sustainable Development
ocean where
and enhance cooperation among stakeholders. A safe ocean
society understands and
 The conference, organized by the Spanish where life and
can respond to changing
livelihoods are
government and UNESCO’s Intergovernmental ocean conditions.
protected from ocean-
Oceanographic Commission. related hazards. An inspiring and
 It aimed to assess progress toward the goals of engaging ocean
An accessible
the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science where society
ocean with open
for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) and and equitable understands and values
foster collaboration among stakeholders. access to data, information the ocean in relation to
and technology and human wellbeing and
Backgrounder innovation. sustainable development.

ˆˆ United Nations Decade of Ocean Science

for Sustainable Development:
 This initiative was launched by the United
Nations in January 2021.
 It aims to provide a framework for global
stakeholders to engage and collaborate in
building science-informed policies.
In-depth:
ˆˆ India’s Position at the Ocean Decade
 The Indian delegation to the Conference was led
by Earth Sciences Secretary M Ravichandran.
 The delegation also comprised experts in the
area of ocean studies.

May, 2024 (31) CURRENT DRISHTI

 T. Srinivasa Kumar, Director of the Indian
National Centre for Ocean Information Services
(INCOIS) was also among the delegation.
 India advocated for people-centered early
warning systems for multiple hazards.
 It also emphasized involving local communities,
NGOs, and industries to enhance ocean literacy
and related programs.
 India Stressed the need for designing regional
projects, such as ocean forecasting, tailored to
user communities’ needs.
Katchatheevu Island
ˆˆ Table of Contents
lWhy in the news l The History of Katchatheevu Island l The Supreme Court’s Involvement l What are
Maritime Disputes l The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea l Ways to Address Maritime
Disputes
ˆˆ Why in News?
Recently, the Katchatheevu Island dispute
reignited which has long been a source of controversy
between Sri Lanka and India, especially with relation
to fishing rights and sovereignty over the uninhabited
island.
Backgrounder
ˆˆ The History of Katchatheevu Island:
 Geographical context:
 Katchatheevu, an uninhabited off-shore island,
is a 285-acre island situated in the Palk Strait,
separating India and Sri Lanka.
 It was formed due to volcanic eruptions in the
14th century.
 It lies northeast of Rameswaram (India) and
southwest of Jaffna (Sri Lanka).
 It’s closer to the Indian coast (33 km) than Sri
Lanka’s (62 km).
 The Palk Strait is a vital sea passage connecting
the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Bay.
CURRENT DRISHTI (32)
ˆˆ I n d i a n O c e a n R e g i o n a l D e c a d e
Conference:
 The Indian Ocean Regional Decade Conference
2024 (IO-Con2024) was held in February, 2024.
 The conference was held in Hyderabad.
 The Decade Collaborative Centre (DCC-IOR)
organized the conference as an official prelude to
the 2024 Ocean Decade Conference.
 The conference aimed to provide a platform for
discussing the future priorities for the Ocean
Decade Challenges.
 It serves as a maritime gateway between the
two countries which also makes it a strategic
location.
ˆˆ Historical Context:
 During British rule, the maritime boundary
between India and Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) was
not demarcated, and Kachatheevu Island was
not explicitly addressed in colonial agreements.
 In 1921, during talks between the then
Governments of Madras and Ceylon in
connection with the delimitation of Palk Strait and
the Gulf of Mannar, a Ceylonese representative
claims that Katchatheevu belongs to Ceylon.
 The issue of the island’s sovereignty emerged
more prominently after both countries gained
independence; India in 1947 and Sri Lanka in
1948.
 It has been traditionally used by both Sri Lankan
Tamil and Tamil Nadu fishermen.
ˆˆ Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime agreement of
1974
 In June 28, then Indian Prime Minister Indira
Gandhi formally exchanges an agreement
with her Sri Lankan counterpart Srimavo
Bandaranaike.
 India ceded Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka to
resolve a maritime boundary dispute.
 She believed at the time that India’s connections
to its southern neighbour would strengthen if its
claim to the island were renounced and that the
island had little strategic relevance.
May, 2024
 This decision has been controversial in India,
particularly among Tamil Nadu fishermen who
feel it restricts their fishing grounds.
Allowed activities for Prohibited activities for
Indian fisherman in the Indian fisherman in the
island Island
Resting and net drying The fishing vessels and
fishermen of India shall not
engage in fishing in the
historic waters, the territorial
sea and the Exclusive
Economic Zone of Sri Lanka
Visit the annual St.
Anthony’s festival without
the need of Visa
 The negotiations and the orders essentially
settled the maritime boundary between India
and Sri Lanka by giving sovereign rights over
a maritime patch called ‘Wadge Bank’ near
Kanyakumari to India.
ˆˆ Wadge Bank’
 The Wadge Bank lies to the south of Kanyakumari.
 It has been identified by the Fishery Survey of India as
a 4,000-sq-mile area bound by 76°.30’ E to 78°.00 E
longitude and 7°.00 N to 8° 20’ N latitude.
 It is one of the world’s richest fishing grounds, and in a
much more strategic part of the sea than the island of
Katchatheevu.
 This area near Kanyakumari has been significant for
fishermen from Tamil Nadu and Kerala for more than
four decades.
 In March 1976,an agreement reached between
the two countries said “the Wadge Bank lies
within the exclusive economic zone of India.
 India shall have sovereign rights over the area
and its resources.
 It restricted the fishing vessels of Sri Lanka and
persons on board engaging in fishing in the
Wadge Bank.
 However, as a gesture of goodwill, India agreed
that Sri Lankan boats licensed by India could
fish in the Wadge Bank with certain restrictions.
ˆˆ The Supreme Court’s involvement:
 In 2008, Jayalalithaa filed a petition in the
Supreme Court claiming Katchatheevu belonged
to India.
 After becoming Chief Minister in 2011,
Jayalalithaa moved a resolution in the state
Assembly raising the same demand.
 In August 2014, then Attorney General Mukul
Rohatgi told the Supreme Court that the matter
was closed, and it would require “war” to get the
island back.
May, 2024
 The petition remains pending in the Supreme
Court.
ˆˆ What are Maritime Disputes?
 Maritime disputes are conflicts or disagreements
between countries or entities over territory,
resources, or rights in maritime areas such as
oceans, seas, or coastal regions.
 Maritime disputes often arise due to overlapping
territorial claims, differing interpretations
of international law, historical grievances,
economic interests, or strategic considerations.
Territorial Claims Exclusive
Economic
Resource
Zones (EEZs)
Management
Issues involed
in Maritime
Disputes
Island Strategic
Territory Waterways
ˆˆ The United Nations Convention on the Law of
the Sea (UNCLOS)
 The UNCLOS, also known as the Law of the Sea
Convention or Treaty, is basically a rulebook for the
world’s oceans.
 Established in 1982, it’s an international agreement
outlining how countries can use the seas, their
resources, and navigate them.
 It was entered into force in 1994 and as of today,
168 countries and the European Union are party to
the agreement.
 It sets the legal framework for all marine and
maritime activities, including navigation, fishing,
mineral extraction, scientific research, and
environmental protection.
 It defines different zones of national jurisdiction at
sea. These zones include:
  Territorial Sea: Up to 12 nautical miles from
the coast where a country has full sovereignty.
  Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): Extends
200 nautical miles from the coast. A country
has exclusive rights to resources like fish, oil,
and gas within this zone.
  Continental Shelf: Can extend beyond the
EEZ if a country can demonstrate that its
continental margin extends further. Countries
have rights to resources on the seabed in this
zone.
  High Seas: International waters beyond
national jurisdiction.
 The UNCLOS also mandates countries to protect
the marine environment and conserve its living
resources.
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Fig : The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
(UNCLOS) Maritime Zones
ˆˆ Maritime Disputes of India with other
Countries:
 India has long coastline of nearly 7500 km. and
Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) of nearly 23
lakh square kilometers.
 India shares its maritime boundary with 7
countries (Pakistan, Maldives, Sri Lanka,
Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia).
India and  In October 2019, Bangladesh
Bangladesh pursued arbitration under the United
Nations Convention on the Law of
the Sea (UNCLOS) regarding its
maritime boundary with India.
 This dispute involved the maritime
boundary in the Bay of Bengal.
NATO’s 75th Anniversary
ˆˆ Article Index
l North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) l Members l Some other International Organizations with
Similar Objectives of NATO l Challenges and Criticism being faced by NATO l Internal Disagreements
l External Challenges
The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)
pompously celebrates the anniversary of its
establishment on April 4, 75 years ago.
ˆˆ North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO):
 NATO is a political and military alliance of
countries from Europe and North America.
 Its members are committed to protecting each
other from any threat.
 It was founded on April 4, 1949.
 It was established with the primary goal of
providing collective defence against potential
aggression, particularly from the Soviet Union
during the Cold War era.
 The NATO’s main headquarters are located
CURRENT DRISHTI
 The tribunal awarded Bangladesh a
significant portion of the contested
area.
India and  India’s maritime dispute with Pakistan
Pakistan centers on a strip of water called Sir
Creek, located in the marshlands of
the Rann of Kutch.
 Sir Creek is a roughly 96-kilometer
long waterway that separates
the Indian territory of Kutch from
Pakistan’s Sindh province.
 The disagreement lies in how the
maritime boundary should be drawn
in the creek.
 India argues for the thalweg principle,
which states the boundary should
follow the median line of the deepest
channel.
 Pakistan claims the entire creek as
part of its territory based on a pre-
independence agreement (Bombay
Government Resolution of 1914)
between the then Sindh province and
the Rao of Kutch.
ˆˆ Mains Questions
 In respect of India – Sri Lanka relations, discuss
how domestic factors influence foreign policy.
(CSE 2013)
 Examine India’s relations with Sri Lanka. Has there
been a shift recently? (U.P.P.C.S. (Main) 1997)
in Brussels, Belgium, while NATO’s military
headquarters are in Mons, Belgium.
 They signed the Washington Treaty, which
gets its power from Article 51 of the United
Nations Charter, “which reaffirms the inherent
right of independent states to individual or
collective defence.”
 Article 5 of the Washington Treaty, on collective
security, was added “to counter the risk that the
Soviet Union would seek to extend its control of
Eastern Europe to other parts of the continent.”
 The only time the article has been invoked
so far was following the September 11, 2001
attacks on the US. NATO forces were sent to
Afghanistan and deployed for nearly 20 years.
(34) May, 2024
ˆˆ Members:
 This transatlantic Alliance has grown from 12
founding members to 32 member countries, all
working together to keep our people safe.
 Its 12 founding members are Belgium, Canada,
Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg,
the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United
Kingdom and the United States.
 Apart from the original 12, members include
Greece and Turkey (1952); West Germany
(1955; later as Germany); Spain (1982); the
Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland (1999);
Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania,
Slovakia, and Slovenia (2004); Albania and Croatia
(2009); Montenegro (2017); North Macedonia
(2020); Finland (2023); and Sweden (2024).
 Sweden became a full member of the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on March
7, 2024, becoming the 32nd member country.
 Alphabetical list of NATO member countries
Indepth
ˆˆ Challenges and Criticism being faced by
NATO:
NATO faces a multitude of challenges and
criticisms in the contemporary geopolitical landscape.
ˆˆ Internal Disagreements:
 Burden Sharing:
 There’s a perception that the US shoulders
a disproportionate share of military spending
within NATO.
May, 2024
 Some European allies are criticized for not
meeting spending targets.
 In 2019, the former US President Donald Trump
has highlighted, disparities in defence spending
cause rifts within the alliance.
 Tensions increased as a result of the former
US president’s insistence that allies fulfill the
2% GDP spending objective, raising questions
about the alliance’s viability.
 Strategic Disunity:
 Member states may have differing views on how
to respond to external threats, such as Russia
or terrorism.
 This can make it difficult for NATO to take unified
action.
 The French President also noted that there
are strategic differences between the US and
its European allies, which suggests a lack of
strategic coordination within the alliance.
 Democratic Values:
 The rise of authoritarian tendencies in some
member states raises concerns about NATO’s
commitment to democracy and human rights.
 Human rights concerns are one issue that
exacerbates these tensions even more, as
demonstrated by Turkey’s opposition to Sweden
and Finland’s admittance into NATO.
ˆˆ External Challenges:
 The Rise of China:
 While traditionally focused on Europe, NATO
needs to consider how to address the growing
military and economic power of China.
 Cyber Security Threats:
 Cyber attacks pose a major threat to member
states’ critical infrastructure. NATO needs to
develop robust cyber defenses.
 Proxy Wars and Terrorism:
 NATO is involved in missions outside its
traditional area of operation, which can strain
resources and lead to disagreements.
 Criticisms:
 Obsolescence: Some critics argue that NATO
is a relic of the Cold War and doesn’t address
current security threats effectively.
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 Provocative Actions: Russia views NATO’s
eastward expansion as a threat and blames it
for heightened tensions in Europe.
 Civilian Casualties: Military interventions led
by NATO have resulted in civilian casualties,
leading to criticism of the alliance’s tactics.
 NATO in India’s Perspectives:
 India has traditionally valued its strategic
autonomy and pursued a policy of non-
alignment.
 This means avoiding formal military alliances
and maintaining independent decision-making
in foreign policy.
Delhi’s IGI Airport is the 10th busiest Airport in the World
Recently, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International
(IGI) Airport secured the tenth position in the ranking
released by Airports Council International (ACI) for
the busiest airports worldwide in 2023, handling 7.22
crore passengers annually.
ˆˆ Key Highlights of the Report:
 Published by: Airports Council International
(ACI)
 The Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
in Delhi was among the top 10 busiest airports
in the world.
 It was catering to 72.2 million passengers in the
year 2023.
 IGI Airport has steadily climbed the ranks,
from 17th in 2019 to 10th in 2023, showcasing
consistent growth in passenger traffic over the
years.
 Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International
Airport (ATL) held onto top position as the
world’s busiest passenger hub in 2023.
 104.65 million passengers were traversing its
terminals last year.
 Dubai International Airport (DXB) rocketed up
the rankings, claiming the number two spot with
87 million passengers.
 This massive hub in the United Arab Emirates
also secured the top spot for most international
passengers in 2023.
 While releasing the list, the ACI stressed the
remarkable recovery made by the civil aviation
industry across the globe with a recovery of
93.8% from pre-pandemic levels.
CURRENT DRISHTI
 India’s security concerns are primarily focused
on its own region, particularly its rivalry with
Pakistan and the rise of China.
 Despite not being a member, India has engaged
in dialogue with NATO in recent years.
 This reflects a growing convergence of interests,
particularly on issues like counter-terrorism,
maritime security, and China’s growing influence.
Despite these challenges, NATO remains a
powerful military alliance. The war in Ukraine has
highlighted its importance in deterring Russian
aggression. The alliance is likely to adapt and evolve
to address new threats in the coming years.
Top 10 Busiest Airports of the World
1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta
International Airport
2. Dubai International Airport
3. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
4. Heathrow Airport (LHR)
5. Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND)
6. Denver International Airport (DEN)
7. Istanbul Airport (IST)
8. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
9.  Chicago's O’Hare International Airport
(ORD)
10. Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
ˆˆ Uttar Pradesh has the highest number
of operational airports in the country:
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 12 new
airport terminal buildings in Uttar Pradesh.
 It took the number of operational airports in the
state to 15.
 This is the highest in any state in the country.
 List of the 15 operational airports in Uttar Pradesh:
  Agra airport
  Aligarh airport
  Azamgarh Airport
(36) May, 2024
  
Ayodhya’s Maharishi Valmiki International   Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh
Airport International Airport
 
Bareilly Airport   Prayagraj Airport
 
Chitrakoot Airport   Shravasti Airport
 
Ghaziabad’s Hindon Airport   Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri International
 
Gorakhpur Airport Airport
 
Kanpur Airport  Gujarat comes second with 10 airports.
 
Kushinagar International Airport  Karnataka and Maharashtra stands third with nine
 Moradabad Airport airports each.

Russian peacekeeping troops start withdrawal

from Azerbaijan’s Nagorno-Karabak
ˆˆ Article Index
lAbout Nagorno-Karabakh Region l Geographical and Economic Importance of the Region l How the
conflict started
Recently, Russian peace-keepers have initiated  The mountainous terrain creates a natural
their withdrawal from Nagorno-Karabakh following barrier and can be a defensive advantage.
Azerbaijan’s recapture of the disputed territory  The region is of key strategic importance as well,
from Armenian separatists in September 2023, the surrounded by Turkey, Iran, and Russia, and the
withdrawal was agreed between Baku (Azerbaijan) hydrocarbon deposits of the Caspian Sea.
and Moscow.  The region is a source of freshwater, with rivers
and springs feeding into the Kura River basin
ˆˆ About Nagorno-Karabakh Region:
which supplies water to Azerbaijan and beyond.
 It is a landlocked mountainous area in the South
 Nagorno-Karabakh holds deposits of precious
Caucasus (the transcontinental region between
and semi-precious metals like copper and gold.
the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea).  These resources could be a significant source
 It was claimed by both Azerbaijan and Armenia of income if properly developed.
after the fall of the Russian Empire in 1917 and  The mountainous region has the potential for
has remained a point of tension ever since. hydro-power generation, which could provide
 It is internationally recognised as part of oil-rich electricity for the region and even for export.
Azerbaijan, but its inhabitants are predominantly  Although landlocked, Nagorno-Karabakh sits
ethnic Armenians. near crucial transportation routes.
 They have their own government, which has
enjoyed close links to the government in
neighbouring Armenia.
 It has not been officially recognised by it or other
United Nations member states.
 The area is now governed by separatist
Armenians and called the “Nagorno-Karabakh
Autonomous Oblast.”
 Armenians, who are Christians, claim a long
historical dominance in the area, dating back to
several centuries before Christ.
 Azerbaijan, whose inhabitants are mostly  Pipelines carrying oil and gas from Azerbaijan to
Muslim, links its historical identity to the territory, Europe traverse close to the region, making it a
too. sensitive area for energy security.
ˆˆ Geographical and Economic importance ˆˆ How the conflict started:
of the region:  Following 1917’s Russian Revolution, Azerbaijan
 Located in the Lesser Caucasus mountain and Armenia struggled for control of the area.
range, Nagorno-Karabakh is a landlocked  The Bolsheviks’ conquest of Azerbaijan was
region with a strategic position. accompanied by Armenia’s surrender, which

May, 2024 (37) CURRENT DRISHTI

 marked the beginning of the Sovietization of the
entire Caucasus.
 Redrawing its borders to accommodate as
many Armenians as possible, Karabakh was
given autonomy but remained a part of the Azeri
Soviet Socialist Republic.
 The region was called “Nagorno-Karabakh
Autonomous Oblast”.
 Nagorno-Karabakh was an independent
province of the republic of Azerbaijan under the
Soviet Union.
 The First Nagorno-Karabakh War (1988–1994)
broke out between Armenians and their Azeri
neighbours when the Soviet Union collapsed.
 Azerbaijan lost a significant portion of its land,
leaving Armenians in charge of the majority of
Karabakh and additional area surrounding the
region.
 Following decades of skirmishes, Azerbaijan
launched a military offensive in 2020.
 That quickly breached Armenian positions and
turned the conflict into the Second Nagorno-
Karabakh War.
 With Turkey’s support, Azerbaijan was victorious
in the 44-day conflict, regaining some of
Karabakh.
 A pact reached by Moscow in November 2020
saw the deployment of over 2,000 Russian
peacekeeping troops to the breakaway South
Caucasus territory of Nagorno-Karabakh.
 Russia brokered a peace deal and deployed
peacekeepers in the region.
 The conflict has strained relations between
Russia and Armenia, as Moscow maintains
warm ties with Baku.
 Armenia announced that it has effectively
suspended its participation in the Moscow-
led Collective Security Treaty Organisation
(CSTO), a defense alliance.
 Russian peacekeepers have begun withdrawing
from Nagorno-Karabakh following Azerbaijan’s
recapture of the disputed territory from Armenian
separatists last year.

News in Short
Romania and Bulgaria partially join ˆˆ Schengen open-travel zone:
 The Schengen Area is an area comprising 26
Europe’s Schengen travel zone European countries that have officially abolished
Recently, Romania and Bulgaria partially joined border controls at their mutual borders.
Europe’s ID-check-free travel zone, marking a
new step in the two countries’ integration with the
European Union.
ˆˆ About the Initiative:
 Airports in Sofia and Bucharest removed
passport check points for those departing to
or arriving from most European Union member
states.
 This effect came after Bulgaria and Romania
partially joined the Schengen open-travel zone.
 After years of negotiations to join the Schengen
area, there is now free access for travelers
arriving by air or sea from both countries.
 However, land border checks will remain in place
due to opposition primarily from Austria which
has long blocked their bid over illegal migration
concerns.
 Austria vetoed Romania and Bulgaria’s
admission into the Schengen zone at the end of
2022 but allowed Croatia full accession.  This means that travelers can move freely
 Bulgaria and Romania joined the EU in 2007 between these countries without having to go
and Croatia in 2013. through passport control.

CURRENT DRISHTI (38) May, 2024

 The Schengen Area is named after the
Schengen Agreement, which was signed in
1985 in Schengen, Luxembourg.
 It has made it much easier for Europeans to
travel, work, and live in other Schengen countries.
 The Schengen Area has also boosted tourism in
the region.
 The Schengen Area is a symbol of European
cooperation and integration.
 It has helped to create a stronger sense of
European identity.
Nepal-India International Sanskrit
Conclave
Recently, the Indian and Nepalese governments,
along with scholars from both countries, have
collaborated to advance Sanskrit research and
education.
ˆˆ Highlights of the conclave:
 Indian and Nepalese Sanskrit scholars unite to
enhance Sanskrit research and education.
 The three-day Nepal-India International Sanskrit
Conclave in Kathmandu.
 It was organized by Niti Anusandhan
Pratisthan, Nepal, along with Delhi’s Central
Sanskrit University and India Foundation.
 A five-point resolution includes annual confer-
ences, a study center for unpublished Sanskrit
manuscripts, support for gurukuls’ development,
joint research, and training programs.
 The initiative aims to strengthen cultural ties and
preserve Sanskrit heritage.
ˆˆ Resolutions taken at the conclave:
 Establishment of International Sanskrit
Conference, an annual conference to foster
collaboration and knowledge exchange among
Sanskrit scholars from India and Nepal.
 Creation of Sanskrit Study Center to research
and publish Sanskrit scriptures, particularly
focusing on Nepal’s vast collection of
unpublished manuscripts.
 Niti Anusandhan Pratisthan Nepal identified
as the headquarters for the proposed center
to conduct joint research, study Sanskrit
manuscripts, and facilitate publication
endeavors.
 Collaboration between Maharshi Sandipani Veda
Vidya Pratisthan, Ujjain, and Niti Anusandhan
Pratisthan of Nepal to aid in the development of
traditional educational institutions (gurukuls) in
Nepal.
 India to conduct specialized training programs
for Sanskrit students in Nepal to enhance their
proficiency and understanding of the language.
May, 2024 (39)
UAE’s Masdar Hosted World Future
Energy Summit 2024
Recently, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company
PJSC – Masdar, the UAE’s clean energy power
house, hosted the World Future Energy Summit
(WFES).
ˆˆ Key Highlights of the Summit:
 World Future Energy Summit (WFES) 2024
 Edition: 16th
 Date: from April 16 to 18, 2024
 Place: Abu Dhabi, UAE
 Masdar, a key player in UAE’s clean energy
sector, is organizing the World Future Energy
Summit (WFES).
 It took place from April 16 to 18 at the Abu
Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC)
 Masdar also hosted the second annual Green
Hydrogen Summit on April 16.
 The Masdar Pavilion at WFES will act as a hub
for innovation, collaboration and knowledge sharing.
 The 16th edition of the leading event for future
energy and sustainability has a strong focus
on advancing the change agenda laid down at
COP28 in Dubai last November.
 Its theatre features an engaging programme of
panels and presentations.
 It includes forums by Masdar’s global strategic
initiatives, Y4S (Youth 4 Sustainability) and
WiSER (Women in Sustainability, Environment
and Renewable Energy).
 The Innovation Zone, hosted by Masdar,
will feature a series of industry panels with
innovators and experts, focusing on the latest
climate solutions.
ˆˆ Green Hydrogen Summit:
 On April 16, Masdar will also host the annual Green
Hydrogen Summit.
 It aims to expedite the development of the global
green hydrogen economy.
 This summit gathered policymakers, industry
leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs.
 This will explore green hydrogen’s potential in
supporting the transition to a net-zero emissions
economy.
Saudi Arabia Sends First Contestant
to Miss Universe Pageant
Saudi Arabia is set to participate in the Miss
Universe pageant for the first time, marking a historic
milestone for the country.
 Rumi Alqahtani, a 27-year-old model and
influencer from Saudi Arabia, announced that
she will be the first participant from the country
in the Miss Universe competition.
CURRENT DRISHTI
 Alqahtani expressed her honor at being part of
the Miss Universe 2024 competition.
 Alqahtani has previously won the titles of Miss
Saudi Arabia, Miss Arab World Peace 2021,
and Miss Woman (Saudi Arabia).
 This will be the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s first
appearance in the Miss Universe pageant.
 This marks step in Saudi Arabia’s effort to soften
its ultra-conservative image.
 Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest crude oil
exporter, has long been associated with the
repression of women because of rules such as a
ban on driving and a requirement to wear abaya
robes.
 While those restrictions have been lifted, human
rights activists say still discriminates against
women when it comes to matters concerning
marriage, divorce and child-rearing.
 The Miss Universe pageant 2024 will be held
in Mexico.
 Shennis Palacios of Nicaragua is the current
Miss Universe.
‘Operation Indravati’: to rescue
Indians in Haiti
India on March 2, launched ‘Operation Indravati’
to evacuate its citizens from the turmoil-stricken Haiti
to the neighboring Dominican Republic.
ˆˆ About ‘Operation Indravati’:
 Haiti, situated in the Caribbean, has plunged into
chaos with armed gangs seizing control of the
streets, resulting in the virtual disappearance of
the government.
 Haiti is currently in a state of emergency due to
escalating violence attributed to gang warfare.
 The United States has evacuated non-essential
embassy staff, and the Haitian government has
declared a state of emergency.
 The chaos has resulted in widespread
displacement, with tens of thousands forced
to flee their homes, exacerbating the existing
internal displacement caused by gang violence.
CURRENT DRISHTI
 The UN reports that gangs control 80 per cent
of Haiti’s capital, with ongoing clashes in the
remaining areas.
 In response to the violence and insecurity in
Haiti, a control room and emergency hotline
were established to facilitate the safe evacuation
of Indian citizens.
ˆˆ Haiti:
 Capital: Port-au-Prince
 Official languages: Haitian Creole, French
 Population: 11.6 million (2022)
 Currency: Haitian Gourde (HTG)
 Haiti, officially the Republic of Haiti, is a country
located on the island of Hispaniola in the
Caribbean Sea.
 It shares the island with the Dominican Republic
to the east.
 Haiti is a mountainous country with a tropical
climate.
 The highest point in Haiti is Pic la Selle, which
is over 2,600 meters (8,500 ft) tall.
 The country is also home to many beautiful
beaches, forests, and rivers.
 Haitian Creole is the most widely spoken language
in Haiti, and French is the official language.
‘Pokhara’ officially declared Nepal’s
tourism capital
Recently, Nepal’s government declared Pokhara,
a picturesque city in the Gandaki province as the
tourism capital of the Himalayan nation.
ˆˆ Notable aspects:
 In a significant move to boost its tourism industry,
the government of Nepal has officially declared
Pokhara as the tourism capital of Nepal.
 The formal declaration was made during a
special ceremony held at the Barahi Ghat, situated
on the shores of the stunning Phewa Lake.
 Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal
‘Prachanda’ presided the programme.
 Pokhara’s designation as tourism capital will
contribute to the development of the city’s
“brand” internationally.
 This action is anticipated to strengthen the local
economy and draw more foreign visitors.
 Nepal’s economy heavily depends on the tourism
sector, hence the government’s decision to give
Pokhara priority is viewed as a calculated move
in that direction.
ˆˆ Pokhara: A Destination of Natural Beauty
and Adventure
 Pokhara is a picturesque city nestled in Nepal,
renowned for its stunning natural beauty and
adventure opportunities.
 It’s situated on the shores of the serene Phewa Lake.
(40) May, 2024
  It offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding
mountains, particularly the towering Annapurna
range and the iconic Machhapuchhre, also known
as the “Fishtail”mountain.
 Pokhara is considered the gateway to the
Annapurna Circuit, a popular trekking route in the
Himalayas.
 The city itself is a haven for adventure seekers,
offering a plethora of activities like paragliding,
ultra-light aircraft flights, mountain biking, and
boating.
ˆˆ Nepal Hosts First International Rainbow
Tourism Conference:
 On April 20, 2024, Nepal hosted its first International
Rainbow Tourism Conference in Kathmandu.
 Its objective was to promote the country as a safe
and inclusive destination for LGBT tourists.
 This conference was organized by the NGO
Mayako Pahichan Nepal in collaboration with the
Nepal Tourism Board.
 The legal and societal acceptance of the LGBT
community has advanced significantly in Nepal.
 A significant turning point in history was the 2007
Supreme Court decision, which called for the
legalisation of a third gender.
 More recently, in June 2023, the Supreme
Court allowed same-sex marriages to be legally
registered under an interim order.
The Baltimore bridge disaster in U.S.
On March 26, a container vessel ran into the pillar
of a bridge on the Patapsco River in Baltimore,
bringing a part of the structure crashing down
together with some people and cars on the bridge.
ˆˆ About the event:
collapsed segments
Dundalk, MD
(due northeast)
Site of Impact
May, 2024
 The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed in
Baltimore after a container ship collision.
 The 300-metre-long vessel Dali was heading
for Colombo, Sri Lanka, with several containers
of oil and some hazardous material.
 Dali experienced a complete power failure while
navigating the Patapsco River en route to Sri
Lanka.
 This outage caused all lights on the vessel to go
out.
 The container ship collided with a pylon of
the bridge, causing significant damage to the
structure, leading to its collapse into the water
below.
 The Francis Scott Key Bridge – the structure in
question – was built in the mid-1970s.
 The Francis Scott Key Bridge was a steel arch-
shaped continuous truss bridge, the second-
longest in the United States and third-longest in
the world.
 Opened in 1977, the 1.6-mile (2.6 km) bridge
ran northeast from Hawkins Point, Baltimore,
to Sollers Point in Dundalk in Baltimore County,
Maryland.
General Manoj Pande Inaugurates
High-Tech IT Lab in Uzbekistan
Chief of the Army Staff, General Manoj Pande
inaugurated a high-tech IT Laboratory, at the
Academy of Armed Forces in Uzbekistan while on
a visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan.
ˆˆ Noteworthy elements of the visit:
 General Manoj Pande, the Chief of Army Staff
(COAS), embarked on a visit to the Republic of
Uzbekistan from 15th to 18th April 2024.
 The visit marks a significant step in bolstering
the defence cooperation between India and
Republic of Uzbekistan.
 The COAS paid homage to Late Shri Lal
Bahadur Shastri, the second Prime Minister
of India, by laying a wreath at his monument.
 He visited the Victory Park, commemorating
Uzbekistan’s contributions and sacrifices in the
Second World War.
 He inaugurated a high-tech IT Laboratory, at the
Academy of Armed Forces in Uzbekistan.
 The Lab has been established with Indian
assistance.
 The development is in accordance with the
commitment made by India and Uzbekistan
to build an IT laboratory, during the Defense
Hawkins Point
Ministers meeting in September 2018.
(due southeast)
 The Lab, equipped with state-of-the-art
technology, is expected to enrich the training
resources available to Uzbek armed forces.
(41) CURRENT DRISHTI
 Hurun Global Unicorn Index
ˆˆ Article Index
l Key Facts l Highlights of the Report l Definition of Various Startups l India and Unicorn l Unicorn
Worldwide
On April 9, 2024 Hurun Research Institute
Backgrounder
published Hurun Global Unicorn Index.
Hurun Research has been tracking unicorns ˆˆ Definition of Various Startups
since 2017. This is the 6th year of Global Unicorn  Minicorn
Index.  Minicorn startups are companies with valuation
ˆˆ Key Facts : of more than $1 million and they are still on the
 The Hurun Global Unicorn Index is being rise to become a unicorn business.
published since 2000.  The nine Minicorns featured on the :
 It only includes startups that have a valuation   Cashaa : A block chain-powered forex
of at least USD1 billion and are not listed on plateform.
any stock exchange.   Qualitybanx : A forex-product for people
Global Unicorn Index 2024 Top 10 who work with multiple currencies.
Unicorn Country Year Founded   Know you customer : The words only
1. ByteDance (220) China 2012 secure, fully integrated platform that
2. SpaceX (180) USA 2002 provides instant ID verification for both
3. OpenAI (100) USA 2015 individual and business customers.
4. Ant Group (80) China 2014   New Gen : A payment solution provider,
5. Shein (65) China 2012
international money transfer & multi-
channel e-commerce.
6. Stripe (61) USA 2010
  Shield Pay : An instant digital escrow and
7. Databricks (43) USA 2013
payment service provider that enables
8. Canva (39) Australia 2012
secure transactions and payment between
9. Binance (34 Malta 2017
consumer around the world.
10. WeBank (33) China 2014
  Tide : A special bank for customers who
ˆˆ Highlights : are SMEs.
 According to Hurun Research,   Trezeo : Provides financial stability for
 There are 1453 unicorn located in 291 freelance workers in contracting economy
cities in 53 countries globally. by converting unpredictable income into
 United States of America maintained its regular payments.
lead with 703 unicorn and China followed   Zensed : A truly automated fraud prevention
with 340 unicorn. system powered by Artificial Intelligence
 India has 3rd rank with total 67 unicorns. and an advanced machine learning model.

CURRENT DRISHTI (42) May, 2024

  
1 Partpet : GPS technology necklace to
find lost cats and dogs.
 Soonicorn
 Startups having growth potential and the
possibility of joining a unicorn club are called
soonicorn.
 Soonicorn company is primarily funded and
financed by an Angel Investor or venture
capitalists.
 Unicorn
 The term ‘Unicorn’ was created by Aileen Lee,
the founder of Cowboy Venture and it appeared
in 2013.
 Unicorns are public startups that are valued by
venture capital of one billion dollars or more.
 E  xample : Meeshow, Flipkart, Byju’s, Dream 11
 Decacorn
 Decacorn is a startup company with a current
valuation of over $10 billion.
 Decacorn is the more evolved version of the
unicorn company.
 These startups have received such investments
and have an after-money valuation of over $10
billion as they have shown the globe a great rate
of growth that others can not.
  Examples : Bytedance, SpaceX, Canva,
Databricks, Revoult
 Hectocorn
 A tech, financial or fintech companies worth
more than $100 billion is called Hectocorn.
 Hectocorn is alow known as ‘super unicorn’.
  Example : Apple, Facebook, Oracle, Cisco
are Hectocorn.
ˆˆ Summary
 Unicorn : Valuation over $1 billion
 Decacorn ; Valuation over $10 billion
 Hectocorn : Valuation over $100 billion
Indepth
ˆˆ India and Unicorn
 India once a burgeoning hub for startups,
witnessed a notable decline in unicorn
creation for the first time since 2017.
May, 2024 (43)
 India experienced a slowdown attributed mainly
to a lack of investment, despite robust stock
market performance.
 Contrary to domestic slowdown, Indian founders
showcased remarkable entrepreneurial prowess
abroad.
 Hurun Index 2024 highlighted India’s role as
significant contributor to offshore unicorns,
with 109 unicorns co-founding outside the
country, surpassing the count (67) within
India.
ˆˆ Unicorn Worldwide
 The report noted that top 10 unicorns were in
China and US, with both countries having four
each.
 The list is rounded off with one unicorn from
each from Australia and Malta.
 The world has minted one unicorn every two
days over the last year to take the total of known
unicorns in the world to a new record of just
under 1500.
 Despite the slowdown of the economy, China
still managed to keep up with the US in terms of
new unicorns.
 Each minting more than one unicorn a week for
every week of the year.
 The US has half of the world’s known
unicorns, led by S99S, Fintech and AI, China
a quarter, led by AI, semiconductors and new
energy.
 The report noted that 5% of the global unicorn
Index are spinoffs from a larger company, with
the core business startup in the 2000s.
ˆˆ Unicorn Capital of the World
 The San Francisco Bay area (California) United
States.
The USA leads the pack with 703 unicorns,
closely followed by China with 340, reaffirming its
status as a global innovation powerhouse.
Notably, India secures the third position with 67
unicorns, despite experiencing a decline in unicorn
creation for the first time since 2017.
CURRENT DRISHTI
 India allowed FIIs to Invest in Green Bonds
ˆˆ Article Index
l Key Highlights l What is Sovereign Green Bond l Sovereign Green Bond in India l Advantages of
Sovereign Green Bonds l Benefits of Green Bonds to Investors l Challenges of Sovereign Green Bonds
l Challenge related with Green Washing
Recently, the Reserve Bank of India in the month
of April 2024 allowed investment in the country’s
sovereign Green Bonds by Foreign Institutional
Investors.
ˆˆ Key Highlights
 This decision closely follows India’s “Panchamrit
Pledge” at the conference of Parties (CoP) 26
in Glasgow in November 2021.
Panchamrit (COP 26)
Reach 500 GW Non-fossil energy capacity
by 2030.
50 percent of its energy requirements from
renewable energy by 2030.
Reduction of total projected carbon
emission by one billion tonnes from now to
2030.
Reduction of the carbon intensity of the
economy by 45 percent by 2030, over
2005 levels.
Achieving the target of net-zero emissions
by 2070.
Backgrounder
ˆˆ What is Sovereign Green Bond
 Government issue Sovereign Green Bond
to raise money for projects that deal with
environment or climate.
Green Bond
 According to World Bank a green bond is a
debt security that is issued to raise money
for initiatives that are relevant to environment
or the climate. Government offer sovereign
green bonds to raise money for these kinds of
initiatives.
CURRENT DRISHTI
ˆˆ Sovereign Green Bond in India
 In the Union Budget 2022-23, the finance
minister stated that the government plans to
issue sovereign green bonds to raise money for
green infrastructure.
 The fund raised by issuing green bonds to be
used to fund public projects that power the
economy’s carbon intensity. The declaration
is consistent with India’s goal of having net-zero
carbon emissions by 2070.
ˆˆ India’s Sovereign Green Bond Framework
 The framework is closely aligned with India’s
Panchamrit Pledge.
 Through this India’s dedication to its Nationally
Determined Contribution (NDC) targets,
set forth under the Paris Agreement would be
further strengthened.
 The government stated that green bonds
proceeds would be used for green projects that :
 Reduce Carbon Emission,
 Promote climate resilience and adaptation.
 Encourage energy efficiency.
 Improve Ecosystem & Biodiversity
  The proceeds should be allocated to
projects within 24 months of issuing the
bonds.
 If an eligible green project is postponed,
cancelled, it will be replaced by another
Indepth Analysis
ˆˆ Advantages of Sovereign Green Bonds
 Green bonds spur the growth of local market
and provide institutional investors with a boost.
 This bond facilitate expansion of local market
by offering benchmark pricing, liquidity, and a
demonstration effect for local issuers :
  Diversification, one can potentially attract
a new source of investors.
 Enhance reputation in market
 Reduced cost of funds
(44) May, 2024
ˆˆ Benefits of Green Bonds to Investors
 Comparable Financial Return : From an
investors point of view, one is able to achieve
desirable returns while achieving environmental
and social objective.
 Increase Transparency and Accountability :
Since green bonds require significant regulatory
reporting on an ongoing basis, there is increased
transparency on the use and management of
proceeds, thus becoming an additional tool to
manage risk.
 Facilitate direct investment in initiatives to
enhance society and greening brown industries.
 Investors in green bonds would thereby join
additional tax advantage in addition to
investment security.
ˆˆ Challenges of Sovereign Green Bonds
To maintain liquidity and enabling trade in these
bonds.
 According to RBI, Statutory Liquidity Rate
(SLR) and repo transactions will be open to
green bonds. These actions will support the
preservation of liquidity and facilitate the trading
of these bonds.
 To assure liquidity, twin bonds can also be
issued, as Denmark did. Two comparable and
interchangeable bonds are issued under this
Karnataka and Gujarat : Leading India’s Clean
Energy Transition
ˆˆ Article Index
l Why in News l Key Highlights l Backgrounder l In depth Analysis l Conclusion
ˆˆ Why in News?
On April 24, 2024 think tanks Institute for Energy
Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) and
Ember evaluated the progress of India’s clean
energy transition at the state level.
ˆˆ Key Highlights
 Karnataka and Gujarat are best in renewable
energy transition, and decarbonizing their power
sectors.
 States like Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal and
Uttar Pradesh lag behind, necessiating increased
efforts for renewable energy integration and
decarbonisation.
May, 2024
system, allowing investors to move between
them and promoting increased trade and
liquidity.
 Based on the twin bond strategy, the government
and RBI previously issued market stabilization
bonds.
 Green Bonds continue to be component
of the budget and the broader borrowing
program.
Green bonds are frequently employed by the
government off the balance sheet, which causes the
total borrowing and deficits to be underestimated.
ˆˆ Who are Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs)
 FIIs are those investors who invest in assets
belonging to different country other than where these
organizations are based.
 FIIs are crucial to a country’s financial markets,
because they enhance liquidity, promote trading
volumes and affect stock prices.
 These investors deploy their fund into various financial
instruments such as stocks, bonds and derivatives.
 Foreign Institutional Investors are governed by
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and
Reserve Bank of India (RBI). They also decide the
investment limits for them.
Thus, Sovereign Green Bonds of India not only
contribute to sustainability goals, but also serve
as a means to strengthen the Indian currency.
 Cyclical weather patterns and economic growth
is driving increase in electricity demand in India.
 States must be prepared to transition to clean
energy sources to fulfill rising demand.
 As per reports national progress towards
clean energy transition is positive, disparities
exist at the state level.
 According to IEEFA and Ember report, some
state demonstrate readiness for transition but
lack progress in decarbonisation.
 Report recommends to strengthen state level
regulatory ecosystem to promote growth and
compliance.
(45) CURRENT DRISHTI
 There is need to shift focus from national to state
level studies to understand unique challenges
and tailored policy interventions.
Backgrounder
ˆˆ What is Clean Energy Transition
 The clean energy transition means shifting
energy production away from sources that
release a lot of greenhouse gases, such as
fossil fuels, to those that release little to no
greenhouse gases.
  Example : Nuclear power, hydropower,
wind and solar are sources of clean energy.
 Transition to Clean Energy
 The direction of the global transition to clean
energy was agreed in the Paris Agreement.
 The Paris Agreement is an international deal
between over 180 countries that are part of the
United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change (UNIFCCC).
ˆˆ Key Facts
 Globally two-thirds of electricity is still coming
from burning fossil fuels.
 To achieve the climate goals by 2050 will require
at least 80% of electricity to be shifted to low
carbon sources.
[According to International Energy Agency (IEA)]
 Clean Energy Transition Programme (CETP)
is the flagship initiative of International Energy
Agency (IEA) for accelerating progress toward a
global net zero energy system.
In depth Analysis
ˆˆ Major Initiatives of Government to
accelerate Clean Direct Transition
 Permitting Foreign Direction investment upto
100% under the automatic route for renewable
energy projects.
 Waiver of Inter State Transmission System
(ISTS) charges for interstate sale of solar and
wind power for projects to be commissioned
by June 30, 2025.
 Declaration of trajectory for Renewable
Purchase Obligation (RPO) up to the year 2030.
 Setting up of ultra Mega Renewable Energy
Parks, to provide lands and transmission to RE
developers on a plug and play basis.
CURRENT DRISHTI
 Schemes like Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja
Suraksha evam Uthhaan Mahabhiyaan (PM-
KUSUM), Solar Rooftop, Phase I and II, 12000
MW (PSU Schemes Phase II etc).
 Laying of new transmission lines and creating
new sub stations capacity under the “Green
Energy Corridor Scheme (GECDS)” for
evacuation of renewable power.
 Transmission plan for Integration of 500 GW
Renewable Energy capacity by 2030.
 Setting up of Project Development Cell for
attracting and facilitating investments.
 Notification of promoting Renewable energy
through Green Energy Open Access Rules,
2022.
 Launch of Green Team Ahead market to
facilitate sale of renewable energy power
through exchange.
 The outlay of Rs. 19,700 crore for the Green
Hydrogen Mission to facilitate transition of
economy to low carbon intensity, reduce
dependence on fossil fuel import, and make
the country assume technology and market
leadership in this sunrise sector. The target
is to reach an annual production of 5 MMT by
2030. (Union Budget 2023-24).
 The allocation of Rs. 35,000 crore for priority
capital investments towards energy transition
and net zero objectives and energy security.
(Union Budget 2023-24).
 As of March, 2024 Renewable Energy Sources
including large hydropower, have a combined
installed capacity of 190.57 GW.
 Installed capacity of Renewable Energy in India.
Wind Power 45.88 GW
Solar Power 81.81 GW
Biomass/Co-generation 10.35 GW
Small Hydropower 5 GW
Waste to Energy .58 GW
Large Hydro 46.92 GW
Overall, the need of hour is to foster effective
transition to achieve India’s Panchamrit pledge,
UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and
Energy Democracy in India.
(46) May, 2024
 World Poverty Clock
ˆˆ Article Index
l Why in News? l Key Highlights l About World Poverty Clock l Working Mechanism of the Clock
l NITI Aayog Poverty Estimate l Poverty and Poverty Allevation Programme in India l Initiatives/

Programme for Poverty Alleviation

ˆˆ Why in News? Backgrounder
Recently, the latest data from the World Poverty
ˆˆ About World Poverty Clock
Clock revealed that India has managed to bring
 The World Poverty Clock provides real-time
down ‘extreme poverty’ below 3 percent of its
poverty forecasts until 2030, for almost every
population. country in the world.
This is one of the most significant global  Developed by : World Data Lab
developments towards accomplishing the SDG 1 of  Funded by : International Fund for Agricultural
eradicating poverty, set by the United Nations by Development (IFAD) & The Federal Ministry for
2030. Economic Cooperation and Development of
Germany.
ˆˆ Key Highlights  The clock monitors the progress towards UN’s
 The clock has taken a daily income limit of $2.15 first SDG of ending extreme poverty.
to define extreme poverty.
ˆˆ NITI Aayog Poverty Estimate
Note : The $2.15 a day poverty line, known
 A recent discussion paper released by NITI
as extreme poverty line, reflects the value of Aayog, titled, “Multidimensional Poverty in
national poverty lines in some of the poorest India since 2005-06”, reported that 24.82 crore
countries. Indians escaped multidimensional poverty in
 The latest data on the clock showed that last 9 years.
approximately 3.44 crore of population in India  According to the Discussion paper, India
are living in extreme poverty against 4.69 crore has registered a significant decline in
in 2022. multidimensional poverty in India from 29.17%
in 2013-14 to 11.28% in 2022-23.
 As percentage of total population, the number
of people living in extreme poverty has come ˆˆ Poverty and Poverty Allevation Pro-
down from 3.3 percent in 2022 to 2.4 percent gramme in India
in 2024.
Daily income below Globally 760 million
 These findings are in line with the current report
$1.90 plus under extreme
of NITI Aayog on poverty, which estimated that
(As per world Bank) poverty
less than 5% of total population will be below the
poverty line by 2024.
Extreme
Growth in Poverty Control
Poverty
Total Number of People
Year population (in crore) living in %
(in crore) extreme poverty About 268 million
2016 132.37 7.59 5.7 Indians were extreme
poor in 2011.
2018 135.29 6.26 4.6
 Poverty is defined as lack of means and
2020 138.21 6.73 4.9
necessities necessary to maintain a basic
2022 140.85 4.69 3.3 quality of existence. A person is considered to
be living in poverty when his/her earning are
2024 143.48 3.44 2.4 insufficient to pay for the necessities of life.

May, 2024 (47) CURRENT DRISHTI

 The world bank define poverty as a substantial loss of
well being that can take many different forms. Low salaries
and lack of access to the commodities and service required
for a resonable standard of living are two characteristics
that define poverty.
 Poverty alleviation refers to a collection of
social and economic initiatives taken to
eradicate poverty in a society.
ˆˆ Initiatives/Programmes for Poverty
Alleviation
 Integrated Rural Development Programme
 It was launched in the year 1978. The primary goal
of implementing integrated rural development
programme was to solve the issues of poverty,
hunger and unemployment in rural India.
 Pradhanmatri Gramin Awas Yojna
 This scheme was started in 1985 with an
objective to provide housing for everyone and
to construct 13 lakh residential areas in rural
areas.
 Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension
Scheme
 It was launched in the year 1995.
 To provide pensions for elderly Indians who are
65 years of age or older and living in poverty.
 Jawahar Gram Samridhi Yojna
 This scheme was started in1999.
 The objective of scheme was to provide a stable
income to BPL families through upgrading the
amenities offered to rural communities such
as good schools, connecting rural and urban
highways, and opening hospitals.
 Annapurna Yojna
 Launched in 1999 to 2000.
 This programme launched with a objective to
SEBI Unveils SCORES 2.0
ˆˆ Article Index
l Why in News? l Key Highlights l Characteristics of SCORE 2.0
Investor l SEBI l Functions of SEBI
ˆˆ Why in News?
On April 1, 2024, market regulator body Securities
and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) launched
SCORES 2.0.
CURRENT DRISHTI
combat poverty offer elderly people who fit the
criteria, but are not currently registered in the
national old age pension scheme.
 Mahatama Gandhi National Rural
Employment Gurantee Act
 Launched in 2005.
 This Act guarantees 100 days of employment
per year for every rural family.
 Only one third of the posts are expected to be
filled by women.
 if a participant in the programme in not offered
employment within 15 days, they are eligible for
daily employment benefit.
 National Food Security Mission
 The NFSM was started in 2007.
 The ultimate goal of the mission was to increase
the overall production of wheat, rice, pulses &
coarse grains in the country.
 Pradhan Mantri Shranyogi Mandhan Yojna
 Launched in 2019.
 It is an initiative for the complete assurance
of unorganised employee's social security
and safety in old age was started by central
government.
 PM Sanvidhi
 Started in 2020.
 Under this scheme micro-credit opportunity is
given to street vendors who have been affected
by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Poverty is not the problem of a person but of
the whole country. Therefore it should be deal with
on an urgent basis by the implementation of effective
measures. Poverty eradication has become
necessary for the sustainable and inclusive growth
of people, society country and economy.
l Impact of SEBI SCORES 2.0 on
ˆˆ Highlights
 SCORES 2.0 includes number of features.
Its aims is to streamline investors complaint
resolution in the securities market.
(48) May, 2024
 New version of SCORES 2.0 (Complain Reduces
System) regularize the following things, which
includes :
  Auto-Escalation
  Auto-Routing
  Monitoring by designated bodies.
  Missed deadlines
 SCORES 2.0 will strengthen grievance redress
mechanism in securities market.
 SEBI announced to improve the SCORES
system to make it more user friendly.
ˆˆ Characteristics of SCORE 2.0
 SCORES (Securities Complaint Redress
System) incorporates following features.
 Stipulated time frame for complaint resolution.
 To determine 21 calendar days from the date of
receipt of complaint.
 Automated routing of complaint to concerned
bodies.
 Timely resolution by designated bodies.
 Two tier review system in SCORES 2.0 :
  The first level involves review by a
designated bodies.
  If the investors remains dissatisfy, then
SEBI takes steps to the second level.
 To ensure adherence of timeline, investors have
the option to automatically escalate complaints
if the designated bodies fail to respond promptly.
 SCORE platform, simplify investor registration
process.
ˆˆ Impact of SEBI SCORES 2.0 on Investor
 Investors can now only lodge complaint through
SCORES 2.0.
 Existing complaints from previous SCORES can
be viewed, but new complaint must be lodged
through the updated system.
 SEBI’s SCOREs 2.0 is considered as a
significant advancement in enhancing investor
protection and streamlining complaint resolution
in securities market of country.
Backgrounder
ˆˆ SEBI
 Securities and Exchange Board of India was
formed in April 1988 under a resolution of the
Government of India as the regulator of capital
market in India.
 Initially, SEBI was non-statutory body, but through
SEBI Act, 1992 it became an autonomous body
and was given statutory power by Parliament.
May, 2024 (49)
 The Primary goal of SEBI is to Safeguard
interest of investors and oversee the
promotion and regulation of securities
market.
ˆˆ SEBI
 Chairman
  2 members – From Finance Ministry
  1 member – From RBI
  5 members – Appointed by Union GOI
 Headquarter – Mumbai
 Regional Offices : Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Chennai,
Delhi
 Chairperson : Madhabi Puri Buch (MPB is the first
women Chairperson of SEBI)
Note : Dr. S.A. Dave was the first Chairperson of SEBI
(April 12, 1988 to August 23, 1990)
Indepth Analysis
ˆˆ Powers of SEBI
 The powers of SEBI can be classified into three
categories :
  Quasi-Judicial Power
  Quasi-executive Power
  Quasi-legislative Powers
 Quasi-Judicial Power
 SEBI possesses quasi-judicial power, allowing it
to adjudicate on matters related to securities law
violation.
 SEBI has power to conduct hearing, examine
evidences and pass order.
 It ensures fair and impartial resolution in
securities market.
 Quasi-executive Powers
 SEBI is vested with quasi-executive powers, to
enable it to enforce compliance with securities
laws and regulations.
 SEBI can take actions like imposing penalties,
fines and other measures to ensure market
participants to prescribed standards.
 Regulatory body has authority to conduct
investigation into potential violation of securities
law.
 SEBI has power to collect information, inspect
records and take corrective steps to maintain
market integrity.
 Quasi-legislative Powers
 Under this powers SEBI has right to frame and
promulgate rules and regulation for securities
market.
CURRENT DRISHTI
 The quasi-legislative role position SEBI as
a dynamic institution capable of responding
to emerging challenges and opportunities in
financial fields.
Clause for Fifth Consecutive Time at WTO
ˆˆ Article Index
lWhy in News? l Key Highlights l WTO : Peace Clause
Organisation (WTO) l WTO and Subsidy
ˆˆ Why in News?
On April 11 2024, India invoked the peace clause
at WTO for the fifth time, exceeding rice subsidy limits
for the 2022-23 period.
Despite Breaching the 10% support ceiling, India
faces no immediate penalties.
ˆˆ Highlights
 Value of India’s production of rice was $52.8
billion in 2022-23, a subsidy worth $6.39 billion
was given to farmers, India notified to WTO.
 It indicates the rice subsidy was 12% of value
production, this way India is breaching the
10% domestic support ceiling, which is in
accordance with world trade rules.
 As per Bali Ministerial Conference of WTO
2013, there is no immediate repercussion for
the breach of domestic support ceilings.
Note : De minimis level or minimal amount of domestic
support is allowed, even though they distort trade. In the
case of developed countries, the de minimis limit or the
ceiling is upto 5 per cent of the value of production and 10
per cent in the case of developing nations.
CURRENT DRISHTI
SEBI plays crucial role in maintaining market
integrity, investor confidence, and orderly functioning
of financial markets of Economy.
l Aspects of Peace Clause l World Trade
 India defended itself by stating that stocks under
the programme were “acquired and released
in order to meet the domestic food security
needs of India’s poor and vulnerable section of
population.
 This is not to distort trade or adversely affect the
food security of other members.
 The current subsidy ceiling calculation is based
on the reference price of 1986-88.
 India is demanding to update it to reflect current
economic realities.
Backgrounder
ˆˆ WTO : Peace Clause
 Peace clause is a mechanism established
at World Trade Organisation to address the
issue of developing countries exceeding their
prescribed subsidy limits for certain agricultural
products such as rice, wheat and others.
 The Peace clause of WTO was primarily
adopted as an interim measures at the WTO’s
Bali Ministerial meeting in December 2013.
 Since 2013, it has been renewed several times,
and it remains in effect until a permanent solution
is found to the food stockpiling issue.
ˆˆ Aspects of Peace Clause
 Subsidy Ceiling : Under this mechanism, a
WTO member country’s food subsidy bill should
not exceed 10% of the value of production
based on the reference price of 1986-88.
 Subsidies over the Ceiling : Countries
providing subsidies over prescribed limits are
viewed as trade distorting on can potentially
affect the interest of other members of WTO.
 Notification Requirement : Developing
countries invoking the Peace clause are
subject to certain notification requirements and
condition.
(50) May, 2024
   They must notify the WTO of their decision
to invoke the peace clause and provide
detailed information about their subsidy
programs.
 Peace Clause Mechanism : This clause
provides temporary relief to developing nation
from legal consequences of exceeding their
subsidy limits.
Indepth Analysis
ˆˆ WTO and Subsidy
 In WTO terminology, subsidies are identified
by “Boxes” which are given the colors of traffic
lights.
ˆˆ Green Box
 Green Box subsidies are government funded
and must not involve price support.
 It includes fixed payments to producers for
environmental programs, such as – Income
support to farmers, Food Aid, Research and
Development Subsidy for Agriculture Venture,
Etc.
 The Green Box applies to both developed and
developing country members.
 Green Box are the measures must have no, or
at most minimal, trade distorting effects.
 Defined in Article 6 of the Agriculture Agreement
CDP – SURAKSHA
ˆˆ Article Index
l Key Highlights l About CDP-Suraksha l Operational Mechanism
l Cluster Development Programme (CDP) l Major Challenges in Horticulture Sector of India l Government
Initiative for Horticulture Sector
Recently, in the month of April, 2024 the
Government of India launched a new platform called
CDP-SURAKSHA to facilitate the disbursement of
subsidies to horticulture farmers.
ˆˆ Key Facts
 Horticulture contribute around 33% in agriculture
Gross Value Addition (GVA).
 Subsidies to be transferred to horticulture
farmers under the Cluster Development
Programme (CDP).
ˆˆ About CDP-Suraksha
 The CDP-SURAKSHA is a digital plateform.
 SURAKSHA stands for “System for Unified
Resource Allocation, knowledge and secure
Horticulture Assistance”.
May, 2024
ˆˆ Amber Box
 Amber box refers to subsidies that can make a
country’s product’s cheaper than other country’s
products, which can distort global trade. The
Amber Box is also known as Agreement
Measure of Support (AMS).
 Examples of Amber Box – Electricity, Seeds,
Fertilisers, Irrigation, MSP
Note : Members who do not make these
commitments must keep their amber box support
within5-10 percent or their value of production.
ˆˆ Blue Box :
 Blue box subsidy refers to a type of domestic
support under the WTO’s agriculture agreement.
 Subsidies in the Blue Box are linked to
programmes that limit production by imposing
production quotes on encouraging farmers to
set aside land for other uses.
 Only few nation use subsidies in this box as
Norway, Slovenia, Iceland etc.
 There is no cap on these subsidies.
WTO was created by Uruguay Round
Negotiation. WTO goals is to establish some clear
rules and to help producers of goods and services,
exporters and importers conduct their business.
l India and its Horticulture Sector
 The platform will permit an instant disbursal of
subsidies to farmers in their bank account by
utilising the e-RUPI voucher from the National
Payment Corporation of India (NPCI).
 It has feature such a database integration with
PM-KISAN, cloud based server space from
NIC, UIDAI validation, e-RUPI integration local
government directory, content management
system, Geo-tagging and Geo-fencing.
ˆˆ Operational Mechanism
 This platform allow access to farmers, vendors,
implementing agencies and cluster development
agencies.
 Farmers can place orders for planting materials
through the platform and contribute their share
of cost.
(51) CURRENT DRISHTI
 On the confirmation of order, the government  Nearby 15-20% of the vegetables and fruits
subsidy amount is automatically reflected, and in India are wasted along the supply chain or
an e-RUPI voucher is generated. at consumer level, and it is contributing in the
greenhouse gas emission (GHGs).
In the form
of SMS or One time ˆˆ Cluster Development Programme (CDP)
A Digital
QR code payment  CDP, is an integral part of the central
voucher a
mechanism sector scheme of the National Horticulture
person receive
Board.
on phone E-Rupi
 Launched on : May 31, 2024
 Its aim is to foster the holistic development of
Developed Enable to Redeem horticulture cluster across India.
by NPCI voucher withotu  Through the identification and promotion of
card, appor internet
specialized clusters, CDP facilitate market-led
access
growth, infrastructure development and private
investment mobilisation in the horticulture
Backgrounder sector.
ˆˆ India and its Horticulture Sector
 India is the 2nd biggest producer of fruits and Status of Clusters
vegetables. So far 55 clusters identified
 Horticulture sector contributes around one-third 12 clusters chosen on pilot basis
(33%) to the agriculture Gross Value Addition 4 clusters on pipeline
(agri GVA). l Floriculture cluster in West Bengal
 Making a very significant contribution in country’s l Coconut cluster in Kerala
economy. l Coconut cluster in Tamil Nadu
 Currently, India is producing around 320.48 l White onion cluster in Gujarat.

million tonnes of horticulture produce which

has surpassed the food grain production.  Each cluster will have an implementing agency
 The area under horticulture sector is 25.66 and duster development agency.
million hectare against 127.6 million hectare  According to central government, about 9 lakh
under foodgrains production. hectares of area will be covered through all 55
 The productivity of horticulture crops is much clusters, covering 10 lakh farmers.
higher than the productivity of food grains  As per government data, it is estimated that
(12.49 tonnes/hectare against 2023 tonnes/ the initiative will attract private investment of Rs.
hectare). 8,250 crore :
 In the context of exports, India is ranked 14th in
 
In addition to government assistance,
vegetables and 23rd in fruits.
which is fixed according to the size of
 India has 1% share in global horticulture
cluster-up to Rs. 25 crore for mini cluster
market.
(size upto 5000 hectare) upto Rs. 50 crore
Socio Proximity
Climatic economic to roads & for medium cluster (5000 to 15000 ha) and
Zones settlements Fruit
data

Land use
upto Rs. 100 crore for mega cluster (more
Soil Action
than 15000 ha).
Suitable Vegetables Plans for
Slope
Weighted
overlay areas horticulture
Spices
 CDP aims to improve exports of targeted
Ground water crops by about 20% and create cluster specific
prospect

Drainage
Criteria
Plantation
brands to enhance the competitiveness of
table
cluster crops.

CURRENT DRISHTI (52) May, 2024

 Indepth Analysis  Mission for Integrated Development of
Horticulture
ˆˆ Major Challenges in Horticulture Sector
of India  It is centrally sponsored scheme.
 It aims all round growth of horticulture sector
Production Challenges
covering fruits, vegetables, mushroom, spices,
Institutional Issues  Small land holdings,
 Limited reach of farm insurance  Irrigation, flowers, coconut, cashew, bamboo and aromatic
 Problem of farm mechanisation  Poor soil management plants.
 Lack of credit facility  Pest related issues
ˆˆ SUB SCHEMES
 National Horticulture Mission
Challenges in  Implemented by State Horticulture
Horticulture Mission in 384 districts from 23 states and
Challenges related Sector in India UTs.
with Infrastructure
 Poor quality of  Farmers can avail benefit by Horticulture
logistics Climate Change Issues
 Changing weather
officer of concerned district.
 Warehouse
 Cold Storage pattern/cycle.  Horticulture Mission for North East &
 Lack of farmer  Drought Himalayan States
training centres &  Floods
 Soil degradation
  All states in NE and Himachal Pradesh,
proper guidance to
plant the crop Uttarakhand & Jammu-Kashmir.
 Coconut Development Board
ˆˆ Government Initiative for Horticulture  Statutory body
Sector   Established on : January 12, 1981; Kochi
(Kerala)
 National Horticulture Board
 Central Institute of Horticulture
 Established : 1984   Established : 2006
 Autonomous body under Ministry of Agriculture   Headquarter : Nagaland
and Farmers Welfare.  Holistic Development of Horticulture Sector
 Objective : To improve the integrated in NE Region
development of horticulture industry.
In India, there is diverse scope for enhancing
 Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana productivity of horticulture sector due to varied
 Solving Problem of Irrigation climate and geographical condition.
 Developing Irrigation Infrastructure This is also imperative to the India’s estimated
 Enhancing Water Efficiency demand of 650 million MT of fruits and vegetables
 Expanding Cultivable Area by 2050.

Global Trade Overview 2023 and 2024 Outlook

ˆˆ Article Index
l Highlights of the Report l UNCTAD (United Nation Conference on Trade and Development l Objective
of UNCTAD l Principal Achievement of UNCATAD

In March 2024, the United Nations Conference  Trade in goods experienced a 5% decline
on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) released its compared to 2022, while service sector
Global Trade Update Report. witnessed 8% year on year growth.
The report is outlining the state of global trade
 Some big economies like China and India,
in 2023 and projections for 2024.
presented a return to growth in the last quarter
ˆˆ Highlights of the Report
 Global trade contracted by 3%, amounting to a
of 2023.
$1 trillion decrease from the record high of $32  Despite quarterly improvements, the overall
trillion in the year 2023. trade statistics for 2023 remained negative.

May, 2024 (53) CURRENT DRISHTI

ˆˆ Trade Performance of India in 2023
 In India, merchandise report grew by 5% in the
last quarter of 2023 compared to same period in
year 2022.
 Economy witnessed 6% contraction in annual
export growth.
 Services export remained stagnant in the last
quarter of 2023 but witnessed at notable 14%
growth on an annual basis.
Backgrounder
ˆˆ UNCTAD (United Nation Conference on
Trade and Development)
 UNCTAD is an intergovernmental organization
within the United Nations Secretariat that
promotes the interest of developing countries in
world trade.
 It was established in 1964 by the United Nations
General Assembly (UNGA) and reports to that
body and the United Nations Economic and
Social Council (ECOSOC).
 UNCTAD is composed by 195 member
states and works with the non-governmental
organizations worldwide.
 The permanent secretariat of UNCTAD is in
Geneva, Switzerland.
Indepth Analysis
ˆˆ Principal Achievement of UNCATAD
 The principal achievement of UNCTAD was
conceiving and implementing the Generalised
System of Preference (GSP).
 GSP promotes the export of manufactured
goods from developing countries.
 During 1970s and 1980s, UNCTAD was
First Commercial Crude Oil Strategic Storage
ˆˆ Article Index
l Key Highlights l Recent Project l Importance of Commercial Crude Oil Strategic Storage Policy
On April 3, 2024, Government announced to build
first commercial crude oil strategic storage in Padur,
Karnataka.
ˆˆ Key Highligths
 Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserve
Limited (ISPRL) is a special purpose vehicle
created by government for building and
operating strategic petroleum reserve in the
country.
CURRENT DRISHTI
closely associated with the New International
Economic Order (NIEO).
 It is a set of proposals that sought to reduce
economic dependency and inequality between
developing and developed countries.
 The developed countries formulate the GSP
Scheme under which the manufacturer’s
exports and import of some agricultural goods
from the developing countries enter duty-free
or at reduced rate’s in the developed countries.
 Since imports of such items from other
developed countries are subject to the normal
rates of duties, imports or the same items from
developing countries would enjoy a competitive
advantage.
ˆˆ Important Reports of UNCTAD
1. The Trade and Development Report
2. The Trade and Investment Report
3. The World Investment Report
4. The Least Developed Countries Report
5. Digital Economy Report
6. The technology and Innovation Report
 UNCTAD conduct technical programme such
as the Automated System for Custom Data
(ASYCUDA) (administer a country’s custom)
DMFAS Debt management and financial Analysis
System (technical Assistance) EMPRETEC
(Creation of Sustainable, Innovative and
internationally competitive small and medium
sized enterprises (SMEs) and WAIPA (World
Association of Investment Promotion Agencies).
UNCTAD is a body of United Nations that aims
to develop opportunities, investment and trade in
developing countries.
 India is the world’s third largest consumer and
importer.
 85% of oil need in India is fulfilled through
imports.
ˆˆ Recent Project
 The government aims to construct this first
commercial crude oil strategic storage to
increase reserve as precaution against potential
supply chain disruptions.
(54) May, 2024
 Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserve has
invited bids for constructing 2.5 million tones of
underground storage at Padur.
 Crude Oil storage on India’s East and West
coasts are constructed in underground rock
caverns, known as safest means of storing
hydrocarbons.
ˆˆ Strategic Petroleum Reserves : Current
Status in India
ˆˆ Importance of Commercial Crude Oil
Strategic Storage
 As the world’s 3rd largest consumer and importer,
India seeks to enhance its Strategic Petroleum
EU and India Recycling of E-Vehicles Batteries
ˆˆ Article Index
l Key Facts l Highlights of E.U. India Collaboration l Benefits of this collaboration to India l EV-Battery
l India and EV market Outlook l Government Initiative for Electric Vehicles in India
On April 12, 2024, the European Union and India
launched an Expression of Interest (EoI) for startups
working in Battery Recycling Technology for Electric
Vehicles for match making event.
ˆˆ Key Facts
 What is Expression of Interest : Expression
of interest is a formal process used in various
industries, including real estate, to guage the
interest of potential buyers or investors in
particular property or project.
ˆˆ Highlights of E.U. India collaboration
 To identify support, and promote startups/SMEs
dedicated to advancing the field of battery
recycling technologies for electric vehicles.
 To facilitate cooperation,
 To explore potential trade avenues.
 This initiative seeks to deeper customer relations
and explore investment avenues for shortlisted
startups/SMEs.
May, 2024
Reserve capacity to mitigate global supply
disruptions.
 Strategic storage also contribute an economy
during price fluctuations in oil market.
 This storage facility also aligns with India’s
aspiration to become a member of the
International Energy Agency (IEA).
 To become member of International Energy
Agency necessitate that to maintain a minimum
of 90 days of oil consumption.
ˆˆ International Energy Agency
 International Energy Agency is a Paris-based
autonomous intergovernmental organization.
 Established – November 18, 1974
 Headquarter – Paris, France
 Membership – 31 countries
 Official Language – English
ˆˆ Important Publications of IEA
 World Energy Outlook : Annually Published
 Energy Technology Perspective : It is bi-
annual guidebook on clean energy Technology.
 Global EV Outlook : Published annually
 Oil market Report : Publish monthly
 The intended exchange of knowledge and
expertise will be instrumental in advancing the
circularity of rare materials and transitioning
towards carbon neutrality in both India and
European Union.
 This initiative takes place under the India-EU
Trade and Technology Council (TTC).
 TTC was announced in April 2022 by India and
European Commission.
ˆˆ Benefits of this collaboration to India
 The Expression of Interest and match making
event provides a platform for India to promote
startups and SMEs in the field of EV Battery
Recycling Technology.
 This event is promoting sustainable agenda,
foster innovation and forge stronger economic
relations between European Union and India.
 Trade and Technology Council working
group offers Indian startups/Small &
(55) CURRENT DRISHTI
 Medium Enterprises an exclusive platform to
demonstrate their expertise in battery recycling
technologies.
 Providing chance to Indian investors to establish
strategic alliances with their counter parts in the
European Union.
 It will accelerate the development of advanced
battery recycling techniques focused on waste
minimisation and resource sustainability.
The deadline for submitting Expression of Interest
in April 30, 2024. This is providing an opportunities
to startups to participate in this collaborative initiative.
Through the TTC (Trade and Technology Council),
EU-India bilateral trade aims to reach new heights,
leveraging innovation in clean energy technologies.
European Organisation
market between 2022 to 2030, with an estimated
10 million annual sales by 2030.
 Projection indicates that EV Industry is set to
generate approximately 50 million direct and
indirect employment opportunities within the
next seven years.
 Industry estimates also forecast the domestic
EV market to achieve 10 million annual sales by
2030.
Indepth Analysis
ˆˆ Government Initiative for Electric Vehicles
in India
 FAME India
 Started on April 1, 2015.
 To reduce the use of gasoline and diesel
vehicles.

Awarded Created by 27 Govern

FAME India plan has focus key areas
Nobel Maastricht European Common
Peace Prize Treaty (came Countries Economic,
in 2012 for into force on Social & Demand for Pilot Technological Charging
promoting November 1, Security Technology Project Development Infrastructure
Peace & 1993 Policy
Democracy
 PLI Scheme and Related Initiative for
Electric Vehicles
Backgrounder
 Production linked Incentives are financial
ˆˆ EV-Battery
initiative for electric vehicles to enhance
 An electric vehicle battery also known as
productivity to make it easy to sell EV at lesser
traction battery.
 Electric vehicle battery is a rechargeable battery
price to customers.
used to power the electric motors of a Battery  This schemes provides several benefits to EV

Electric Vehicle (BEV) on Hybrid Electric Vehicle
(HEV).
ˆˆ India and EV market Outlook
 According to latest report of Bain & Co. Electric
two wheelers could make up about 40 to 50% of
all EV sold in India.
 And electric passenger vehicle could make up
about 15 to 20%.
 As per NITI Aayog Report, the Indian
government is aiming for EV adoption to reach
40% for buses, 30% for private cars, 70%
for commercial vehicles and 80% for two-
wheelers by that timeline (2030).
 Economic Survey of India 2023 had forecast
a robust 49% Compound Annual Growth Rate
(CAGR) in India’s domestic electric vehicle
markets, including a direct subsidy to EV buyers.
 This strategy also includes the cell battery and
vehicle component industries.
 Total payout of the scheme is Rs. 18,100 crore.
 Battery Swapping Policy
 This initiative for electric vehicle would unify the
battery specifications used in EVs across India.
 Special E-Mobility Zone
 The government intends to create electric car
mobility zones.
 Only electric cars or equivalent vehicles will
be authorized to operate in the administration
designed zones.
  Such zones are standard in European
countries and in China.

CURRENT DRISHTI (56) May, 2024

 e-AMRIT
 Accelerate e-mobility (Revolution for India’s
Transport). It is a portal for creating awareness
about electric mobility in India.
 e-AMRIT aims to serve as a ‘One Stop Site’ to
provide all information related to the adoption of
electric vehicles in India.
MoU on Automotive and EV Sector
ˆˆ Article Index
l Key Highlights l Facts Related to Ministry of Heavy Industries
l Benefits of Electric Vehicles l Conclusion
Recently in March 2024, Ministry of Heavy
Industries and IIT Roorkee signed an Memorandum
of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate in boosting
innovation and advancing the automotive and EV
sector.
This parternship marks a crucial movement
in leveraging academic expertise and industrial
experience to shape the future of transportation.
ˆˆ Highlights
 Partnership for Innovation : Memorandum of
Understanding signifies a collaboration aimed
at fostering innovation in the automotive and
electric vehicle sector.
 Establishment of Excellence Centres :
Under this partnership a centre of excellence
and Industry Accelerator at IIT Roorkee,
demonstrating a joint commitment to advancing
technology in transportation.
 Financial Allotment : Ministry of Heavy
industries has allocated a grant of Rs.
19.8745 crore for research, development and
implementation, further supplemented by
Rs. 4.78 crore from industry partner, this is
highlighting a significant financial investment in
transformative projects.
 Promoting Self Reliance : MoU accelerate
the adoption of new advanced technologies,
contributing to India’s self reliance in
manufacturing and enhancing global
competitiveness in the automotive and EV
sector.
 Government support : Approval of projects
under the Capital Goods Scheme (CG Scheme)
particularly in Uttarakhand, reflects proactive
May, 2024 (57)
  Note : e-AMRIT is the joint Initiative of NITI
Aayog and Government of United Kingdom (UK).
This way, GOI has paved the way for initiatives for
electric vehicles to promote sustainable transportation
system through several measures. These initiative
will allow India to continue its path to greener and
cleaner future.
l India and Electric Vehicles Market
governance and support for initiatives in the
e-mobility sector.
 Academic Industry Collaboration : This
collaboration is important in driving technological
advancements and addressing critical
challenges.
 Role of Academy : IIT Roorkee serves as
a catalyst for technological advancement,
nurturing an environment conducive to
innovation and aligning with national goals of
self-reliance and global leadership.
ˆˆ Facts Related to Ministry of Heavy Industries
 The Ministry of Heavy Industries was formerly called
Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprise.
 On July 2021, it has been renamed as Ministry
of Heavy Industries as the department of Public
Enterprises (DPE) was shifted to Ministry of Finance.
 Currently this Ministry (MHI) comes under the Ministry
of Finance.
ˆˆ India and Electric Vehicles Market
 Projections indicate that the Indian EV market,
valued at US$ 2 billion in 2023 could surge to
US$ 7.09 billion by 2025.
 Industry estimates also forecast the domestic
EV market to achieve 10 million annual sales by
2030.
 India’s EV 30 @ 30 campaign specifically
targeting the goal of ensuring that electric
vehicles account for at least 30% of new vehicle
sales by 2030.
These schemes and incentives contributing in
establishing an efficient, competitive and resilient
EV manufacturing ecosystem in country and thereby
promoting the vision of "Atma Nirbhar Bharat".
CURRENT DRISHTI
 Grid India Achieves Miniratna Status
ˆˆ Article Index
l Why in News? l Facts Related to Grid Controller of India Limited (GRID-India) l Function of GRID-India
ˆˆ Why in News? with a focus on reliability, economy and
On March 20, 2024, the Grid Controller of sustainability.
India Limited was awarded the status of Miniratna  GRID-India facilitate affordable and efficient
Category-1 Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE). wholesale electricity markets while managing
This recognition was conferred by the Ministry of settlement system.
Power Government of India.  To oversee the flawless and uninterrupted
ˆˆ Facts Related to Grid Controller of India operation of the Indian electricity system.
Limited (GRID-India)  GRID India is responsible for managing the All
 Established in 2009. India Synchronous Grid, one of the largest and
 Grid India was formally known as ‘Power System the most complex power system in the world.
Operation Corporation Limited’ (POSOCO).  All India Synchronous Grid includes five
 Grid India is a wholly owned company of the
Regional Load Dispatch Centres (RLDCs) and
Government of India under the Ministry of
One National Load Dispatch Centre (NLDC).
Power.
 On November 9, 2022 POSOCO became Grid Classification of Central Public Sector
India. Enterprise (CPSE)
 It is responsible for monitoring and ensuring
round the clock integrated operation of the
Indian Power System.
Maharatna Navratna Miniratna
 GRID-India comprises five Regional Load
At present, these 14 Navratna 75
Dispatch Centres (RLDCs) and One National
are 13 Maharatna companies
Load Dispatch Centre (NLDC).
companies
ˆˆ Function of GRID-India
Miniratna Miniratna
 Ensuring efficient transfer of electric power
Category I Category II
within and across region.
63 companies 12 companies
 Facilitating transaction power exchange

Classification of CPSEs
Category Launch Criteria Examples
Maharatna Maharatna Scheme was l Having Navratna status. Bharat Heavy
introduced for CPSEs in l Listed on Indian stock exchange with minimum Electricals Limited,
May, 2010, in order to prescribed public shareholding under Bharat Petroleum
empower mega CPSEs to Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Corporation Limited,
expand their operations regulations. Coal India Limited,
and emerge as global l An average annual turnover of more than Rs. GAIL (India) Limited,
giants. 25,000 crore during the last 3 years. etc.
l An average annual net worth of more than Rs. [As of April 2024
15,000 crore during the last 3 years.. (Total 13)]
l An average annual net profit after tax of more
than Rs. 5,000 crore during the last 3 years.
l Should have significant global presence/
international operations.

CURRENT DRISHTI (58) May, 2024

 Navratna Navratna Scheme was
introduced in 1997 in
order to identify CPSEs
that enjoy comparative
advantages in their
respective sectors and to
support them in their drive
to become global players.
Miniratna Miniratna scheme was
introduced in 1997 in
pursuance of the policy
objective to make the public
sector more efficient and
competitive and to grant
enhanced autonomy and
delegation of powers to the
profit-making public sector
enterprises.
RBI Monetary Policy Committee
ˆˆ Article Index
l Key Highlights of MPC l Policy Measures
l Instruments of Monetary Policy
Recently, the Reserve Bank of India Governor
Shaktikant Das on April 5, 2024 announced the first
monetary policy of the financial year 2024-25.
ˆˆ Key Highlights of MPC
 Policy Measures
 The RBI decided to keep policy repo rate
unchanged at 6.5% for the seventh consecutive
time.
 The apex bank projected India’s real GDP
growth rate for FY 25 at 7%.
May, 2024
l The Miniratna Category - I and Schedule ‘A’ Bharat Electronics
CPSEs, which have obtained ‘excellent’ or Limited, Hindustan
‘very good’ rating under the Memorandum of Aeronautics Limited,
Understanding system in three of the last five etc.
years, and have composite score of 60 or above [14 Navratna
in the six selected performance parameters, (April 2024)]
namely,
 Net profit to net worth.
  anpower cost to total cost of production/
M
services.
  rofit before depreciation, interest and
P
taxes to capital employed.
  rofit before interest and taxes to turnover.
P
 Earning per share.
 Inter-sectoral performance.
l Miniratna Category-I: The CPSEs which have l Category-I: Airports
made profit in the last three years continuously, Authority of India,
pre-tax profit is Rs.30 crores or more in at least Antrix Corporation
one of the three years and have a positive net Limited, etc. (63)
worth are eligible to be considered for grant of l Category-II:
Miniratna-I status. Artificial Limbs
l Miniratna Category-II: The CPSEs which have Manufacturing
made profit for the last three years continuously Corporation of
and have a positive net worth are eligible to be India, Bharat Pumps
considered for grant of Miniratna-II status. & Compressors
l Miniratna CPSEs should have not defaulted Limited, etc. (12)
in the repayment of loans/interest payment on (Total - 15)
any loans due to the Government.
l Miniratna CPSEs shall not depend upon
budgetary support or Government guarantees.
l Non-Policy Measures l Facts Related with MPC
 Consumer Price Index (CPI) for financial year
2025 is estimated at 4.5%.
 Policy stance of ‘withdrawal of accommodation’
maintained.
 The quarterly GDP growth rate projections are
7.1% Q1, 6.9 Q2, 7% Q3, 7% Q4.
 Non-Policy Measures
 Introduction of mobile app to access RBI’s Retail
Direct Scheme for participation in Government
Securities market.
(59) CURRENT DRISHTI
 Scheme for trading of sovereign green bond at
International Financial Service Centre (IFSC) to
be announced.
 Dealing in rupee interest rate derivate products
for all small finance banks.
 Enabling UPI for cash deposit facility.
 UPI access for Prepaid Payment Instrument
(PPIs) through third party application.
 The RBI Act, 1934 was amended by Finance Act,
2016, to constitute MPC.
 MPC play key role in bringing transparency and
accountability in fixing India’s Monetary Policy.
 Distribution of Central Bank Digital Currencies
through Non-bank payment system operators.
Backgrounder
ˆˆ Facts Related with MPC
 Committee comprises six members.
 Three official from RBI.
 Three external members nominated by
government of India.
 The Governor of RBI is the Ex-officio chairperson
of MPC.
 Urzit Patel proposed a committee to decide on
monetary policy.
 MPC is responsible for fixing the benchmark
interest rate in India.
 The meeting of MPC are hold at least four
times in a year (at least one in each quarter).
 MPC publish its report after every meeting.
 Decisions are taken on majority basis.
 Governor of RBI has power of casting vote in
case of tie.
 As per the current mandate of the committee,
it has to maintain 4% annual inflation rate untill
March 31, 2026 with an upper tolerance of 6%
and a lower tolerance of 2%.
Thus Monetary Policy Committee play crucial role
in managing policy rates to sustain a level economy
and keep unemployment low, protect the value of
currency and maintain economic growth in country.
Indepth
ˆˆ Instruments of Monetary Policy
 Cash Reserve Ratio : CRR is a specified
amount of bank deposits which banks are
required to keep with RBI in the form of reserves
or balances.
CURRENT DRISHTI
 
It the CRR is higher, there will be lower
liquidity in the economy and vice-versa.
 
The CRR was reduced from 15% in 1990 to
5% in 2002.
 
Currently, as of April 5, 2024 CRR is 4.5%.
 Statutory Liquidity Ratio : All financial
institution have to maintain a certain quality
of liquid assets with themselves at any
point in time of their total time and demand
liabilities. This is known as Statutory Liquidity
Ratio.
 Bank Rate : Bank rate is a rate which the Central
Bank (RBI) provides the loan to commercial
banks without keeping any security.
 Open Market Operation : OMO is the buying
and selling of government securities in the open
market.
 
It is done by central bank (RBI) in
country.
 
When central bank wants to infuse liquidity
into the market, it buys government
securities in the open market.
 Repo Rate : Repo rate is the rate at which the
central bank of country (RBI) lends money to
commercial banks in case of any shortfall of
funds.
 
Repo rate is used by monetary authorities
to control inflation.
 
Repo Means-Repurchase Option/Repur-
chase Agreement
 Marginal Standing Facility (MSF)
 
It is a system of the Reserve Bank of India
that allows scheduled Commercial banks
to avail funds overnight.
 
The interest rate charged by RBI on
such borrowing is called the MSF rate on
marginal standing facility rate.
 
MSF is sanctioned against government
securities and the MSF rate is around 100
basis points or one percent higher than
repo rate.
 
These loans faces under RBI’s Liquid
Adjustment Facility (LAF).
(60) May, 2024
 Boosting Exports from MSMEs : NITI Aayog
ˆˆ Article Index
l Why in News? l Key Highlights l Backgrounder l Indepth Analysis l Conclusion
ˆˆ Why in News?
Recently, the NITI Aayog (apex public policy think
tank of India) released a report named ‘Boosting
Exports from MSMEs.
The report recommends that government must
make it simple for smaller enterprises to export their
goods through e-commerce platforms.
ˆˆ Key Highlights of the Report
 NITI Aayog’s report recommends about the
creation of single information portal for
exporter.
 Leveraging AI based interface to provide
comprehensive and up-to-date information
on market tariffs, paperwork requirements,
finance sources, service providers,
incentives and potential customers.
  NITI Aayog recommended to set up a
comprehensive National Trade Portal
(NTN) to streamline the export process for
MSMEs, facilitating seamless operations
and competitive advantage.
 The report suggests about to initiative an annual
financial reconciliation process fore- commerce
exporters and exemptions on import duties for
return.
  The report also recommend to create a
green channel clearance for e-commerce
exports.
 Promotion of Export Credit Guarantee has
also been recommended in the report.
  As per report, access to finance is
highlighted as the significant bottleneck for
MSMEs.
 The report suggests that the government
create an incentive package to increase
uptake from the current 10% to 50% or
more.
 NITI Aayog report suggest about to include
the relaxation of compliances required for
MSMEs for a limited period and implementing a
time-bound disbursement process for incentives
to prevent the blocking of working capital.
May, 2024 (61)
 To promote e-commerce exports, the report
suggests distinguishing between Exporter on
Record and seller on record and allowing a
reduction in invoice value without a percentage
ceiling for the all e-commerce exports.
ˆˆ Current Status of MSME Sector in India
 India witnessed a significant increase in the
establishment of zero MSME units between
the financial year 2019 and 2021.
 During this time period around 40 lakh new
MSMEs were established, this growth is
particularly notable in micro enterprises.
MSME is in Economy
Contribute around More than 11
29% in country's GDP crore job opportunities
 Presently, around 38% of the total 54 lakh
MSME units are engage in manufacturing
with small and medium enterprises largely
contributing to manufacturing activity suitable
for exports.
 In India, top five states with the highest
concentration of manufacturing MSMEs are :
 Uttar Pradesh
 Maharashtra
 Tamil Nadu
 Karnataka
 Gujarat
Backgrounder
ˆˆ What is MSME?
 Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
are entities that are involved in the production
manufacturing and processing of goods and
commodities.
 The concept of MSME was first introduced by
the Government of India through the Micro,
Small and Medium Enterprises Development
(MSMED) Act, 2006.
CURRENT DRISHTI
 MSMEs account for 38.4% of the total No. of MEMEs 6.3 Crore 3.3 Lakh 5
manufacturing output and contribute 45.03% of (Based on thousand
the total export of country. NSS data)
ˆˆ Classification of MSMEs No. of MSMEs 1.5 Crore 4.6 Lakh 41
 MSMEs are classified as per their turnover and (Based on thousand
investment. Udyam data as
Parameters Micro Small Medium on March 31,
2023)
Investment < 1 Crore < 10 Crore < 50 Crore
in Plant and INR INR INR MSMEs can play a vital role in growth of the
Machinery economy as India enters the Amrit Kaal phase. They
Annual < 5 Crore < 50 Crore < 250 can help in inclusive and balanced development and
Turnover INR INR Crore INR make India a global manufacturing hub.

Use of Biochar in Steel Industry

ˆˆ Article Index
l Why in News? l Facts about Biochar l Key Highlights l What is Biochar l Steel Sector in India l

Government Initiative for Iron and Steel Sector l Overview of Biochar

ˆˆ Why in News?
Backgrounder
On December 5, 2023 the government had set
ˆˆ What is Biochar
up a taskforce to explore the use of biochar in steel
production. Soil conditions in Agri Soil Amendment
ˆˆ Facts about Biochar
 Biochar is an important component in reducing
carbon emissions in steel industry. Uses of Biochar
 According to latest official data in domestic steel
sector accounts for 12% of India’s greenhouse
gas emissions with an emission intensity of Steel Industry Water Retention
2.55 tonnes CO2 per tonne of crude steel
Carbon Sink
compared to global average of 1.9 tonnes
CO2.  Biochar is a black carbon produced from
biomass sources like agricultural waste,
ˆˆ Highlights
products, among others.
 In March, 2023, Union Steel Minister Jyotiraditya  Biochar has been identified as an important
Scindia approved the formation of 13 task force. lever for reduction of carbon emission in steel
 Responsibility of task forces was to identify industry.
action points for each aspects of Green Steel  Biochar manufacturing use stainless steel
chambers.
production and the adoption of sustainable
 It offers non-corrosive and non-toxic sturdy
manufacturing process.
materials.
 Task force focus on various aspects of green
Indepth Analysis
steel production, including raw materials,
technology and policy framework. ˆˆ Steel Sector in India
 India is the 2nd largest producer of crude steel.
 14 Task force has been established to aid the
 India produced 125.32 million tonnes of crude
Carbon reduction practices in Domestic steel and 121.29 MT of finished steel during
Steel Indsutry. financial year 2023.

CURRENT DRISHTI (62) May, 2024

 The per capital consumption of steel in India
stood at 86.7 kg in year 2023.
 Indian Steel Industry is growing due to availability
of raw materials like iron ore, land, labour and
capital.
 According to National Steel Policy, 2017, India
projects crude steel capacity of 300 million
tonnes, production of 255 million tonnes and a
robust finished steel per capita consumption of
158 kgs by 2030-2031.
 The steel Industry in India has experienced
substantial growth in past decade, with 75%
increase in production since 2008.
ˆˆ Government Initiative for Iron and Steel
Sector
 Steel Scrap Recycling Policy
  Issued by Ministry of Steel.
  Encourage circular economy in this sector.
 Industrial Revolution 4.0 : The key elements
IIM Mumbai, Starburst Collaborate to Boost
Aerospace
ˆˆ Article Index
l Key Highlights l Aerospace l Government Initiatives to Prmote Aerospace & Defece Industry
On March 26, 2024, IIM Mumbai partners with
starburst to fortify India’s Aerospace, New Space
and defence ecosystem.
This collaboration aims to booster the Aerospace,
New Space and Defence Startup ecosystem in
country.
Starburst is a prominent European Aerospace, New
Space and Defence (ASD) accelerator. It is subsidiary of
Mars (United Kingdom).
ˆˆ Key Highlights
 This strategic collaboration between IIM Mumbai
and starburst signifies a crucial step towards
nurturing and empowering the burgeoning ASD
startup ecosystem in India.
 By leveraging the expertise and resources of
both institutions, would provide unparalleled
support to ASD startups, enable them to thrive
and contribute significantly to India’s ASD
Industry.
 It is expected that it would foster innovation and
entrepreneurship within the ASD sector.
May, 2024
of 4th Industrial Revolution is the fusion of
technology ranging from Physical, digital to
biological sphere.
 PLI Scheme for Specialty Steel : Recently,
Government approved Production Linked
Incentive (PLI) Scheme for manufacturing
specialty steel with a budgetary allocation of
Rs. 6,322 crore over a period of five years from
2023-24.
 PLI scheme is central sector scheme
Note : Specialty steel is a value-added steel,
made by processing normal finished steel.
Biochar Steel sector is contributing significantly
to greenhouse gas emission this initiative aims to
reduce carbon intensity and promote sustainability in
steel manufacturing process. It will also contribute in
achieving Paris Agreement Target and SDGs goal
12 of Responsible Consumption and Production
in economy.
 The partnership catalyse the growth of ASD
startups by providing them with access
to mentorship, funding opportunities and
international network.
 This collaboration offer a conducive environment
for innovation and entrepreneurship.
  The aim of partnership is to strengthen
India’s position as a hub for ASD
Innovation on the global stage.
Backgrounder
ˆˆ Aerospace
 Aerospace is a term used collectively to refer
to the atmosphere and outer space. Aerospace
activity is very diverse with a multitude of
commercial, industrial and military applications.
 Aerospace Engineering consists of aeronautics
and astronautics. Aerospace organizations
research design, manufacture, operate or
maintain both aircraft and spacecraft.
 The Indian aerospace & defence market is
projected to reach US$ 70 billion by 2030,
driven by the burgeoning demand for advanced
infrastructure and government thrust.
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Indepth Analysis
ˆˆ Government Initiatives to Promote
Aerospace & Defence Industry
 Aero India 2021 : To position India among the
top 5 countries globally in defence aerospace
industry with active participation from the public
and private sectors.
 Foreign Direct Investment : Government has
allowed 74% FDI in defence sector via automatic
route.
 Research and Development Promoting
Startups under ‘Atmanirbhar Mission’ :
Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) an
innovation platform launched in year 2018
iDEX aims to build an ecosystem to encourage
Vizhinjam Port : India’s First Transshipments
ˆˆ Article Index
l Introduction l Key Highlights l Backgrounder l Indepth Analysis l Conclusion
Recently, Vizhinjam Port (Kerala) of Adani Group
has received approval from the Ministry of Shipping
to operate as India’s first transshipment port.
Currently, a substantial porting of India’s
transshipment cargo is handled by port abroad,
such as those in Colombo and Singapore.
ˆˆ Key Highlights
 The Ministry of shipping has sanctioned
Vizhinjam port to function as a transshipment
hub.
 This is marking a milestone for India’s maritime
sector.
 It will allow in the establishment of custom
facilities at the port.
 This designation is significant as it allows cargo
to be transferred from large vessel to smaller
ones.
 This port will contribute to India’s goal to become
manufacturing hub.
 Enhance the facilities of smoother operation.
 Vizhinjam port boasts advanced automation
and infrastructure capable of accommodating
megamax containership, the largest vessel
worldwide.
 Its initial phase is designed to handle one million
TEU, with provisions for expansion upto 6.2
million TEU in subsequent phases.
CURRENT DRISHTI (64)
defence and aerospace innovation and
technology initiative.
 Make in India Initiative : Defence and
aerospace continues to be a strong pillar for
India and key government system such make in
India to succeed.
 The Defence Ministry has set a target to
70% self-reliance in weaponry by 2027,
creating huge prospects for players in the
industry.
India has the competitive advantage over
other countries due to low-cost of production of
components. With low labour cost, presence of
resources and supporting government regulation.
The country provides huge growth opportunities in
the aerospace industry.
ˆˆ What is TEU? (Container Port Traffic)
 TEU is the standard unit, referring to 20-
foot equivalent units or 20-foot long cargo
container.
 The size of cargo containers ranges from 20
feet long to more than so long.
 Transshipment traffic is counted as two
lifts at the intermediate port (once to off-load
and again as an outbound lift) and includes
empty units.
Backgrounder
ˆˆ What is a Transshipment Port?
 Transshipment ports are transit hubs where
cargo from one ship is transferred to another on
the way to its final destination.
 World’s biggest transshipment ports are :
 Singapore,
 Sanghai
 Schenzhen
 Busan
 Hong Kong
 Adani ports and Special Economic Zone Limited
(APSEZ) initiated the Vizhinjam port project in
2015, with a planned completion by 2019.
 It is expected to commence operation within the
current fiscal year.
May, 2024
ˆˆ Importance of Vizhinjam Transshipment
Port
 Strategic Location : India will attract large
container and cargo vessel due to its strategic
location.
 Handle Megamax Containership : The port
will be one of the world’s largest, with the
World’s largest Renewable Energy Park in Khavda
ˆˆ Article Index
l Why in News l Key Highlights l Reasons for Establishing the Hybrid Renewable Energy Park in Khavda,
Kutch l Challenges in Building the Hybrid R.E. Park
depth Analysis l Conclusion
ˆˆ Why in News?
Recently, Adani Green Energy is developing the
world’s largest renewable energy park in Khavda,
Gujarat.
The Renewable Energy Park covers 538 square
kilometers, which is around five times the total area
of Paris (France).
ˆˆ Key Highlights
 Khavda Park is situated barely one kilometer
from Pakistan’s international border.
 This park will create 81 billion units of electricity,
enough to meet the whole demand of countries
such as Belgium, Chile and Switzerland.
 Gujarat Industries Power Company Limited
is appointed as the nodal agency for the hybrid
renewable energy park.
 Adani Green Energy Plans to invest Rs. 1.5 lakh
crore in this park.
 The Khavda facility will have a total capacity of
30 GW.
 This park now produce 2 GW of renewable
energy, with an additional 4 GW capacity
expected by 2025.
May, 2024 (65)
ability to handle megamax containership and
provide large scale automation for quick vessel
turnaround.
 Attracting largest container ship : The port is
expected to attract the world’s largest container
ship, which have avoided India until now
because its harbors were not deep enough to
handle such vessels.
 Biggest share in International market : The
20,000 crore investment in the port will allow
India to grab a bigger share of the international
maritime trade currently dominated by China.
This transshipment port is aligned with India’s
maritime vision 2020, which aims to make India a
top destination for manufacturing.
It would increase India’s shipping connectivity
and also boost India share in global value
chains.
l Back Grounder/PT Corner l Green Energy l In
 The capacity of park will be enhanced by 5 GW
every year.
ˆˆ Reason behind establishing this Park is
Khavda (Kutch)
 There are many reasons for setting up this plant
here :
 More than one lakh hectare of land is lying
barren near Khavda, located on India
Pakistan border in Kutch.
 
The weather condition is favourable for
both solar and wind.
ˆˆ Challenges
 Due to being barren land & lack of basic
amenities, workers are leaving the job.
 This area is very close to the Pakistan border
due to which it is very sensitive from a security
point of view i.e. ‘no go zone’.
 Due to close border, there remains a danger
that some Pakistani terrorist might join the
workers.
CURRENT DRISHTI
 India’s Pharmaceutical Export Surge Record to
$28 billion
ˆˆ Article Index
l Why in News l Key Highlights l Backgrounder l Pharmaceutical Industry l In depth Analysis
ˆˆ Why in News?
On April, 2024 India’s Pharmaceutical exports
witnessed robust growth in fiscal year 2023-24,
reaching 28 billion marking 10% increase compared
to last fiscal year.
Despite a 3% dip in total exports, the
Pharmaceutical sector demonstrated resilience and
significant growth.
ˆˆ Key Highlights of India’s Pharma Export
 Pharmaceutical export in march soared by
12.73% to USD 2.8 billion, representing a strong
upward trajectory in the sector’s performance.
 India’s drug and Pharmaceutical exports
escalated by 9.67% totalling USD 27.9 billion in
fiscal year 2023-24, indicating steady progress.
 The United States of America, United Kingdom,
Netherlands, South Africa and Brazil emerges
as the top five export destinations.
 In total Pharma export, US accounted for over
31%.
 India’s Pharmaceutical exports capturing and
penetrating new markets as Montenegro, South
Sudan, Chad, Comoros, Brunei, Latvia, Ireland,
Sweden, Haiti and Ethiopia, expressing the
sector’s growing global footprint.
 Pharma Export predicts that this sector could
surpass USD 130 billion by 2030, driven
by expanding market opportunities and rising
demand overseas.
 Indian Pharmaceutical Industry has 3rd rank
globally by volume and 13th by value, boosting
a portfolio of more than 60,000 generic drugs
across 60 therapeutic categories.
Backgrounder
ˆˆ Pharmaceutical Industry in India
 The Pharmaceutical Industry in India was valued
at an estimated US $ 42 billion in 2021 and is
estimated to reach $ 130 billion by 2030.
 India is the largest provider of Generic drugs
by volume, with 20% share of total global
pharmaceutical export.
CURRENT DRISHTI (66)
 India is also the largest vaccine supplier in
the world by volume, accounting for more than
60% of all vaccines manufactured in the world.
 According to Economic Survey 2023, the
turnover in the domestic pharmaceutical market
was estimated to be $41 billion.
 As per data released by Pharmexcil, India’s
Pharmaceutical exports revenue was $25.3
billion in fiscal year 2022-23.
 India ranked third globally in terms of dollar
value of drugs and medicine exports.
In depth Analysis
ˆˆ Major Pharmaceutical Clusters in India
 Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa and Andhra
Pradesh are the major Pharmaceutical
manufacturing clusters in country.
 The bulk drug clusters are mainly located
in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Mumbai, Pune,
Hyderabad, Chennai, Mysore, Bangalore and
Vishakhapatnam.
 The Pharmaceutical hubs offer investment
opportunities in the production of API or bulk
drug, biosimilars, vaccines, neutracenticals,
as well as food and drug testing and contract
research.
 The country has a low cost of production, low
Research and Development costs.
 India has innovative scientific man power
and large number of national laboratories that
have the potential to steer the industry a head
to the higher level.
 As per industry analysts, the cost of
manufacturing in India is approximately 33%
lower than that of the United States.
ˆˆ Key Facts
 Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
 Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients are chemical based
compound.
 APIs are mainly produced in USA, China, Europe and
India.
 API have Pharmacological activity mainly used with
combination of other ingredients to diagnose, cure,
mitigate and treat the disease.
May, 2024

 Generic Drug
 A generic drug is a pharmaceutical drug that contains
the same chemical substance as a drug that was
originally protected by Chemical patents.
 Generic drugs are allowed for sale after the patents
on the original drugs expired.
 A generic drug has the same active pharmaceutical
ingredient as the original, but it may differ in some
characteristics such as the manufacturing process,
formulation, excipients, colour and packaging.
Razorpay Launches ‘UP Switch’
ˆˆ Article Index
l Why in News l Key Highlights l What is Fintech Company l Key Drivers of Fintech in India
ˆˆ Why in News?
On April 24, 2024, Fintech Company Razorpay
launched its own UPI Infrastructure with ‘UPI Switch’.
UPI Switch is a cloud based innovation in
partnership with Airtel Payment Bank.
ˆˆ Key Highlights
 UPI switch is a cutting-edge cloud based
infrastructure designed to revolutionise the
landscape of digital payments.
 This innovative product promises to enhance
success rates by 4-5% and handle an
impressive 10,000 transactions per second
(TPS).
 This system is offering business with
unprecedented efficiency and scalability.
 UPI Switch is catering to the growing demand
for seamless and efficient payment solutions in
digital economy.
 With latency below 100 miliseconds and tailored
features to suit diverse business needs, the
UPI Switch promises to set new standards in
payment infrastructure.
Backgrounder
ˆˆ What is Fintech Company
 Fintech or financial technology, refers to the
technological innovation in design and
delivery of financial services and products.
 These companies operate in insurance, asset
management and payment and numerous other
industries.
 Fintech has emerged as a relatively new industry
in India in the past few years.
 The Indian market has witnessed massive
investment in various sectors adopting Fintech.
May, 2024
The Government of India has rolled out two
production Linked Incentive Schemes to promote
domestic manufacturing of key pharmaceutical
ingredients and generic medicine.
These initiatives are fulfilling the vision of
‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ last
but not least making India as “Pharmacy of the
World”.
 Fintech has been driven partly by the robust and
effective government reforms that are pushing
the country towards a digital economy.
ˆˆ Indian Fintech Industry
 The size of Indian fintech industry was $50 Bn in 2021,
and it is expected to be at $150 Bn by 2025.
 The payment landscape in India is expected to reach
$100 Tn in transaction volume and $50 Bn in terms of
revenue by 2030.
 According to a report by Erust & Young (EY). India
is one of the largest and fastest-growing Fintech
ecosystem in the world. Bharat stands second after
China in terms of the Fintech adoption Index with an
adoption rate of 87%.
In depth Analysis
ˆˆ Key Drivers of Fintech in India
 Increased Funding
 A substantial increase in investment from
venture capital, private equity and institutional
investment has encouraged the rise of Fintech
startups.
 India Stack
 India stack is a set of APIs that allows government,
businesses, startups and developers to utilize a
unique and common digital infrastructure, these
open API plateforms include adhar, Unified
Payment Infrastructure, Bharat Bill payments
etc.
 Innovation in Technology
 New business models are being developed
using technologies like Machine learning and
Artificial Intelligence.
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 Increase in Smart Phone and Internet  Fintech is providing technology based financial
Users services and has transformed the way we
nd interact with the financial world.
 India has the 2 highest number of smart-
 This technological innovation offer several
phone users globally and 2nd largest internet
significant advantage.
user market in world.
ˆˆ Government Initiatives Dependence
 Government initiative like Jan Dhan Yojna, on Financial Data
startup India, Digital India plateform etc. have Technology Security
played a very vital role in encouraging the
growth of startups.
Lack of Disadvantages
ˆˆ Advantages of Fintech of Fintech
Consistent
Ease of Regulation Technological
Access and Efficiency Unequal Dependence
Affordability Access
and Speed
Disadvantages of Fintech

Advantages Overall, Fintech has brought about many

Innovation changes and advancement in the financial world.
in Product Fintech is changing the way of businesses and
Transparency
and Services economy (cash economy to Digital economy).
Financial &
The need of hour is to develop adequate
Inclusion Security regulation to safeguard the consumer interests for
Advantages of Fintech the continued success of fintech in future.

News in Short
 This shift has resulted in substantial growth
Toy Industry Shift from China to India
in India’s toy exports and decline in imports,
Nowadays, the global toy industry is witnessing a positioning India as a net exporter of toys.
significant shift from China to India. It is attributed to  The value of toy industry was $1.7 billion in
various reasons including regulatory requirements, 2023 and is projected to reach $4.4 billion by
protectionism and strategic business policy decisions 2032.
by key players. Recently, India’s toy exports grew by  As per market research from IMARC this
239%. industry is growing @ 10.6%.
ˆˆ Key Highlights  This growth trajectory indicates the
transformative shift and promising prospects for
India’s toy manufacturing sector.
ˆˆ Key Drivers of Shifting from China to India
 Higher Custom Duty
 The Government of India has increased custom
duty on toys from 20% to 70%.
 Government also incentivise domestic
manufacturers to reduce reliance on imports.
 This policy aims to make Indian toy industry
competitive in global market.
 Protection
 India adopted protectionism measure in economy
by growing its custom duty on toy imports.

CURRENT DRISHTI (68) May, 2024

 This step encourage global manufactures to  Market Size: Domestic market size is
explore alternative sourcing destination. estimated at $ 1.5 Bn.
 Trade Policies  MSME Driving Growth of Sector: Nearly
4,000 toy industry units, classified under
 “China-Plus-One” strategy adopted by
the MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium
companies seeking diversification from China
Enterprises) category, propel the sector’s
again promoted India’s emergence as a
evolution.
preferred manufacturing hub.
Toy manufacturing industry is a sunrise sector. It
ˆˆ What should be Done?
has immense potential to boost sluggish economy.
 Toy Association of India advocates for
Addressing of quality, skilling and supply chain
simplification of BIS rules and regulation. challenges will pave the way for anticipated growth
 This relaxation support to micro, small and of Indian Toy Industry.
medium enterprises in toy sectors.
RBI Expands Gold Hedging Options
Import
High GST Recently, in response to surging gold prices and
Dependency for geo-political tensions, the Reserve Bank of India
Rates
Raw Material Absence allowed Indian residents to hedge gold exposure in
of Large overseas markets.
Lack of units ˆˆ Key Highlights
Challenges  Gold price is expected to surpass to $2700 per
Technology
ounce this year amidst escalating geopolitical
tension in middle east.
Increased High Fragmented &  This move of RBI allows resident entities to
Transport Import Unorganised diversify their hedging strategies against gold
cost Duty on Sector price volatility in overseas market.
 Residents can now utilize Over The Counter
Tools &
(OTC) derivatives in addition to derivatives
Machine
traded on exchanges in the International
 Government should provide more conducive Financial Service Centre (IFSC) for managing
environment to small players in this sector. gold prices.
 This policy amendment expands the avenues
 India is emerging as toy manufacturing
for hedging gold exposure, offering residents
hub, especially Gujarat as a prominent toy
enhanced flexibility in risk management.
manufacturing states, reflecting the geographical
diversification of India’s manufacturing ˆˆ Hedging
landscape.  Hedging is a risk management strategy used
 Government of India is promoting startups in toy by investors to reduce potential losses from
industry signifies the growing entrepreneurial adverse price movements.
 It involves taking an offsetting position in a
ecosystem and potential for regional
related security/financial instrument, with the
specialisation.
goal of minimizing potential losses from market
ˆˆ Indian Toy Industry: Current Status volatility.
 The toys industry in India can be traced back
INVESTING
to Indus civilization. India aims to be a global
RISK REWARDS
‘TOY HUB’ by 2025-30.
 Sector Growth: According to Invest India,
the Indian toy industry is projected to reach
$3 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 12
percent between 2022-28.
 Net Toy Exporter: The country became a net TACTICAL
exporter of toys during 2020-21 and 2021- STRATEGIC THINKING
22, ending decades of import dominance. APPROACH

May, 2024 (69) CURRENT DRISHTI

ˆˆ Need of Hedging
Need of Hedging
Protection against Market Volatility
Managing Downside Risk
Diversification
 Protection against Market Volatility
 Hedging can be used to protect against market
volatility, especially in unpredictable/uncertain
market conditions.
 Diversification
 Hedging can be a way to diversify and investment
portfolio by offsetting risks associated with
specific asset or sectors.
 This can help to reduce the overall risk of the
portfolio and increase its stability.
 Managing Downside Risk
 By hedging, investor can manage downside
risk, means they can limit their losses in the
event that the market moves against their
position.
ˆˆ Advantages of Hedging
Advantages of Hedging
Reduce Risk
Increased Stability
Improved Cost Control
Potential for Higher Return
Flexibility
ˆˆ Background of Gold Hedging in India
 Previously, resident entities were permitted
to hedge their exposure to gold price risks
on exchanges in the IFSC recognized by
International Financial Services Centres
Authority (IFSCA) since December 12,
2022.
In conclusion, hedging is a risk management
strategy used by investors to protect their portfolios
from potential losses. By using hedging techniques,
investors can potentially reduce their portfolio’s risk
exposure and achieve more stable returns over
the long term.
CURRENT DRISHTI (70)
‘Flash Pay’ for Contact-less Payment
ˆˆ Why in News?
Recently on March 26, 2024, Federal Bank in
collaboration with National Payment Corporation of
India (NPCI) launched ‘Flash Pay’ a Rupay smart
key chain enabling contact-less National Commodity
Mobility Card Payments.
ˆˆ Facts
 Customers can do transactions up to Rs. 5000
without a PIN.
 This innovative solution facilitate users to tap
and pay at metro and Point of Sales (PoS)
terminals, ensuring swift transactions with
enhanced security.
ˆˆ Key Highlights
 Enhance security in transactions : For
any transaction exceeding Rs. 5000, PIN
authentication is compulsory mandatory.
 This way ‘flash pay’ ensure heightened security
for higher value purchases.
ˆˆ Daily Transaction Limit
 Under this payment system, there is a provision
of daily cap of Rs. 1 lakh at any Point of Sale
(PoS) terminal.
ˆˆ Contact-less Transactions
 Customers saw effortlessly make payments up
to Rs. 5000 without requiring a pin.
 It is streamlining the payment process at various
location.
Global Life Expectancy Trends :
Lancet Study Insights
Recently, on April 5, 2024, Lancet Study revealed
a significant rise in Global Life Expectancy, with an
increase of 6.2 years between 1990 and 2021.
Notably, India has seen eight years increase in
life expectancy during this time.
ˆˆ Highlights
 Lancet Study and South Asia
 In the south Asian regions, Bhutan, Bangladesh,
Nepal, India and Pakistan have shown varied
improvements in life expectancy, with Bhutan
leading with a gain of 13.6 years.
May, 2024
 Countries worked very actively in Covid 19
pandemic management, which helped in
preserving these gains.
 Major Findings and Challenges
 The Lancet study represents that there is
significant net gain in life expectancy in South
East Asia and East Asia Oceania.
 Increase in life expectancy is largely due to
reduction in deaths from chronic disease, stroke,
respiratory infections and cancer.
 However, the emergency of Covid-19 disrupted
these advancements, making it the second
major cause of global death.
ˆˆ Effect of Global Burden Disease Study
(GBD) 2021
 GBD report 2021 highlights the substantial
drops in death from enteric disease, contributing
to a 1.1 – year increase in global life expectancy
between 1990 and 2021.
According to United Nation Population Division,
 Global Life expectancy at birth for both sexes has
improved from 46.5 years in 1950 to 71.7 years in
2022, and it is expected to rise to 77.3 years by 2050.
 The current life expectancy for India in 2024 is 70.62
years, a 0.29% increase from 2023.
 The life expectancy for India in 2023 was 70.42 years,
90.33% increase from 2022.
RBI’s DIGITA Initiative
ˆˆ Why in News?
Reserves Bank of India is contemplating the
establishment of the Digital India Trust Agency
(DIGITA) to combat the expansion of illegal lending
applications.
DIGITA aims to bolster cyber security measures
and clamp down on fraudulent activities in digital
lending sector.
ˆˆ Key Highlights
 DIGITA will verify digital lending apps.
 DIGITA will take support of law enforcement in
marking unverified apps as unauthorised.
 This initiative enhance transparency and
accountability in digital lending ecosystem.
 Legal Enforcement
  DIGITA creates pivotal checkpoints against
financial crimes in digital domain.
May, 2024
 Transparency and Accountability
  DIGITA initiative ensure verification
process.
  It promotes transparency and accountability
in digital lending sector.
  This will also mitigate fraudulent practices.
RBI is designing this initiative due to increasing
incidents of financial fraud in digital lending sector.
There have been several reports where loans were
given to individual at high interest rates, companies
are also engage in predatory recovery practices that
is negatively impacting consumers in economy.
ˆˆ What is Digital Lending
 Digital lending as a service has emerged as
one of the biggest catalyst in financial services
for providing micro and small loans and credit
to business and individual.
 This has successfully filled the gap left by the
traditional banking system in terms of providing
easy loans to consumers who were not able to
avail loans due to problem of collateral system
and daunting banking system.
Young Global Leaders Class of 2024
On April 4, 2024, the World Economic forum
announced its 20th edition of Young Global Leaders
Community : The class of 2024, in Geneva,
Switzerland.
ˆˆ Facts :
 The World Economic Forum (WEF) releases the
WEF of Young Global Leaders list annually.
 The list includes these person who represent
the future of leadership, whose perspective and
innovative ideas will contribute in addressing
the world’s most critical challenges.
 Young leaders are selected in 7 categories :
1. Academic and think tank.
2. Social Entrepreneurs
3. Media
4. Public Figure
5. Civil Society
6. Arts, Culture and Sports
7. Business
ˆˆ Highlights :
 WEF’s young Global leader list includes nearly
90 young people under 40 years of age.
 Young leaders are chosen from diverse fields.
 This year, five Indians including film actress
Bhumi Pednekar, have been included in this list.
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 Bhumi Pednekar is known for her roles in films
like — Toilet : Ek Prem Katha, Bala and Dum
Laga Ke Haisha.
 The person selected in the list will join a three year
leadership development programme, which will
include executive education courses, learning
journeys and opportunities to collaborate with
trusted peers to support them in accelerating
their impact.
Bank of Baroda Launches bob Green
Deposits
On March 11, 2024, Bank of Baroda, one of
India’s leading public sector banks, announced
the launch of the bob Earth Green Term Deposit
Scheme.
ˆˆ Key Highlights
 The scheme aims to raise deposits that will
be used to finance eligible environment-
friendly projects and sectors, fostering
India’s transition to a green and sustainable
economy.
 Bank is offering up to 7.15% of interest rate per
annum on deposits ranging from Rs. 5,000 to
below Rs. 2 crore.
 Existing and new customers can open a Green
Deposit through any Bank of Baroda across
India.
 Earth Green Term Deposit Scheme offer
depositors dual benefits of stable and secure
financial returns and the opportunity to
contribute to a greener planet.
ˆˆ Bank of Baroda
 Establishment : July 20, 1908
 Founder : Sir Maharaja Sayasirao Gaekwad III
 Ownership : 63.97% stake owned by GoI.
 Global Presence : Serve as customer base of ~
165 million through over 70,000 touch points spread
across 17 countries in five continents.
 Digital Banking : Offers various banking products
and services through digital banking plateform.
T h u s , b o b E a r t h G r e e n Te r m d e p o s i t
scheme in contributing in enhancing its green
financing portfolio to achieve the ESG Mandate
(Environmental, Social and Governance).
CURRENT DRISHTI
“Bob Earth” reaffirm its commitment and
responsibility towards protecting & preserving the
gift of nature for one future generation.
Country’s First Electric Dump Truck
Recently in month of April, 2024 Sany India, a
leading manufacturer of mining and construction
equipment launched the SKT105E Electric dump
truck.
ˆˆ Key Facts
 ‘SKT105E’ is the country’s first locally
manufactured electric off-highway dump truck.
 This dump truck is paving the way for a more
environmentally concious and cost-effective
future.
ˆˆ Highlights
 The e-truck combines local expertise with global
innovation.
 Designed to meet rigorous demand of open-
cast mining operation.
 Pay load capacity of truck is 70 tonnes.
 Enhancing operational efficiency
 Contributing in nation’s vision of Sustainable
Development.
ˆˆ Advantages of e-Dump truck
 SKT105E Electric Dump truck boasts an
impressive payload capacity of 70 tonnes,
making it a formidable asset for mining
enterprises across the country.
 Designed in such a way to optimize its energy
usage, ensuring that mining operations can
be carried out with unparalleled efficiency and
minimal environmental impact.
 The zero-emission nature of the truck aligns
perfectly with India’s ongoing effort to combat
climate change and reduce its carbon footprint,
positioning the STK105E as a crucial contributor
to the country’s Sustainable Development
Goals.
 Creating an environment of greener future for
mining operations, by introducing this technology,
the company is not only addressing the pressing
need for environmentally solutions but also
demonstrating its unwavering commitment to
supporting India’s ambitious climate action
plans.
 This electric dump truck reduce carbon
emissions.
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 Semiconductor Chip Manufacturing in India
ˆˆ Article Index
l New Semiconductor in India l Semi-conductor and semiconductor chips l India semiconductor mission
l Worldwide semiconductor manufacturing and India's status
Only a few regions in the world currently possess
the capability to manufacture semiconductor chips.
Due to disruptions in the supply chain caused by the
pandemic and recent geopolitical tensions, many
companies and countries, including India, have come
to understand the importance of investing in chip
manufacturing infrastructure. Taking a step in this
direction Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently
laid the foundation stone of three semiconductor
plants. It will also include country’s first commercial
fabrication plant.
About the Manufacturing Units
Foundation Stone laid by: Prime Minister
Narendra Modi (Virtually)
Foundation Stone laid on: March 13, 2024
Number of Units: 3 (at Morigaon)
Location of units: One in Assam and two in
Gujarat (at Dholera and Samand)
Special: Includes country’s first commercial
fabrication plant
ˆˆ About the Fabrication Unit
 The Tata Electronics Private Limited (TEPL)
collaborated with Taiwan’s PSMC to establish
a 300 mm (millimetre) wafer fabrication plant in
Gujarat, with plans to launch its initial 28 nm
(nanometer) chip in 2026.
 Two assembly and test plants in Gujarat and
Assam have also been recently approved by the
Government of India.
ˆˆ What is Semiconductor?
 A semiconductor is a material that has electrical
conductivity between that of a conductor and an
insulator.
May, 2024
 Electrical conductivity can be controlled and
modified by introducing impurities or applying
electrical fields, making semiconductors
essential components in electronic devices such
as transistors, diodes, and integrated circuits.
 Silicon is the most commonly used
semiconductor material, but other materials like
gallium arsenide and germanium are also used
in specialized applications.
ˆˆ Semiconductor Chip
 A semiconductor chip, also known as an
Integrated Circuit (IC) or microchip, is a tiny
electronic device made of semiconductor
material, typically silicon.
 It consists of many interconnected electronic
components such as transistors, diodes,
resistors, and capacitors fabricated on a single
semiconductor wafer or substrate.
 Semiconductor chips serve as the building
blocks for various electronic devices, including
computers, smart phones, digital cameras, and
many other electronic systems.
ˆˆ Transistors
 Transistors, pivotal semiconductor components,
serve as switches and signal amplifiers on chips.
Integrated into single semiconductor chips, they
power various functions like WiFi in mobile
devices. Their invention laid the groundwork for
semiconductor revolution, earning Nobel Prizes
in 1956 and 2000.
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ˆˆ India Semiconductor Mission (Semicon
India programme)
 Launched in 2021 with a total financial outlay of
Rs76,000 crore under the aegis of the Ministry
of Electronics and IT (MeitY) is part of the
comprehensive program for the development of
sustainable semiconductor and display ecosystem
in the country.
 Following four schemes are introduced under the
aforesaid programme:
 Scheme for setting up of Semiconductor
Fabs in India provides fiscal support to eligible
applicants for setting up of Semiconductor
Fabs.
 Scheme for setting up of Display Fabs
in India provides fiscal support to eligible
applicants for setting up of Display Fabs
which is aimed at attracting large investments
for setting up TFT LCD / AMOLED based
display fabrication facilities in the country.
 Scheme for setting up of Compound
  The Indian semiconductor market was valued
Semiconductors / Silicon Photonics / Sensors
Fab and Semiconductor Assembly, Testing,
Marking and Packaging (ATMP) / OSAT
facilities in India.
 Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme
offers financial incentives, design
infrastructure support across various
stages of development and deployment of
semiconductor design for Integrated Circuits
(ICs), Chipsets, System on Chips (SoCs),
Systems & IP Cores and semiconductor
linked design.
ˆˆ Semiconductor Manufacturing
 Globally Chip market can be divided into three
major sectors: Designing, Manufacturing and
Assembling.
 The leadership in Chip designing is with the US.
The US firms currently make up 46 per cent
of global chip design sales and a remarkable
72 per cent of chip design software and license
sales.
 Designs are manufactured in countries like
Taiwan, South Korea, Japan and China.
 The assembling of these chips is done in
countries like China, Taiwan and South Korea.
 China is miles ahead in this job with more
factories and more assemble units, compared
with India.
CURRENT DRISHTI
Where can the mot Chips be Manufactured?
Distribution of global semiconductor fabricating
capacity in 2022, by location*
*300mm fabs
Source : SEMI 300mm Fab Outlook to 2026
ˆˆ S t a t u s o f I n d i a ’s S e m i c o n d u c t o r
Ecosystem
at approximately $23.2 Bn and is projected to
reach $80.3 Bn by 2028.
 India is witnessing continuous rise in demand
for semiconductors.
 Apple Inc. is making and exporting billions
of dollars worth of iPhones from India, while
Alphabet Inc.’s Google is preparing to also
assemble phones in the country this year.
 US memory maker Micron Technology Inc. set
up a $2.75 billion assembly and testing facility in
Gujarat.
 Lam Research Corporation in Fremont has
committed to training up to 60,000 Indian
engineers in nano technologies over 10 years,
supporting India’s semiconductor education and
workforce development goals.
ˆˆ Potential of India’s Semiconductor
Ecosystem
 India is a prominent leader in semiconductor
chips design. It has almost a talent pool of
300000 design engineers.
 However, India relies heavily on imports for
advanced semiconductor chips but efforts are
underway to bolster domestic manufacturing
capabilities.
 Initiatives like the “Make in India” campaign
have encouraged investment in semiconductor
fabs and research facilities.
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 Collaborations with global semiconductor
companies and government incentives are
driving progress in this sector.
 Indian semiconductor industry can become
major job creator. For e.g. semiconductor plant
in Gujarat is expected to generate over 20,000
direct and indirect skilled jobs.
 However, India is still in the early stages
of establishing a robust semiconductor
manufacturing ecosystem compared to countries
like the United States, Taiwan, South Korea,
and China.
ˆˆ Conclusion
India possesses an unmatched talent pool and
stands at a pivotal juncture where manufacturing can
experience rapid and efficient growth. Furthermore,
the country has the intellectual prowess, resolve,
and capacity to establish itself as a prominent global
hub for research and development. It maintains a
steadfast focus on enhancing the semiconductor
industry, thereby fostering the expansion of its
burgeoning electronics manufacturing and innovation
ecosystem.

New Oral Simplified Vaccine for Cholera : Euvichol-S

ˆˆ Article Index
l New oral Cholera Vaccine l Euvichol’s l Need of this Vaccine
and its Prevention
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently
prequalified a new oral cholera vaccine, Euvichol-S.
It boasts comparable efficacy to current vaccines
but features a simplified formulation, facilitating
faster production expansion. WHO’s anticipates
that, this pre-qualification will accelerate production
and distribution to communities in dire need during
l Basic concept of Vaccines l Cholera
ˆˆ Why this vaccine?
 Currently, 23 countries are reporting cholera
outbreaks with most severe impacts seen in the
Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Ethiopia, Mozambique, Somalia, Zambia and
Zimbabwe.
 Vaccines offer the quickest means to prevent,

cholera outbreaks. contain, and manage cholera outbreaks.

However, supplies have reached critically low
About the Vaccine levels in countries where other aspects of cholera
Name: Euvichol-S prevention and management, like access to safe
Oral Vaccine for: Cholera water and sanitation, are severely lacking.
Type : Inactivated vaccine  This new formulation can facilitate faster
Status: Pre-qualified by WHO production expansion.
Pre-qualified on: 12th April 2024 ˆˆ How does the vaccine work?
Other pre-qualified vaccines of same  Vaccines contain weakened or inactive parts of
family: Euvichol and Euvichol-Plus a particular organism (antigen) that triggers an
immune response within the body.
ˆˆ Euvichol-S : Key Points
 Euvichol-S is a simplified formulation of the oral Infection Disease
Immune Cure and
Pathogen
cholera vaccine (OCV) Euvichol-Plus which is response Protection
Toxins
already in pre-qualified list of WHO.
 The vaccine is being manufactured by South Antigens relevant for
protection Immune
Korea-based EuBiologics Co., Ltd. Vaccine Protection
response
Adjuvants : Control of
 Sole purpose of this formulation is to speed up
immune response
the production and reduce cost.

May, 2024 (75) CURRENT DRISHTI

 Characteristics of Vaccines
Types of vaccine Functionality Limitation
Inactivated vaccines  Inactivated vaccines use the killed version of the germ that  They don’t provide immunity
causes a disease. that’s as strong as live
 Some diseases against which inactivated vaccine are being vaccines, so over time
used are: Hepatitis A, Flu (shot only), Polio (shot only), booster dose is required.
Rabies
Live-attenuated  Use a weakened (or attenuated) form of the germ that  Because they contain a small
vaccines causes a disease. amount of the weakened
 They create a strong and long-lasting immune response. live virus, can create
 Used to provide protection against Measles, mumps, complication in people with
rubella (MMR combined vaccine),Rotavirus, Smallpox, weak immunity.
Chickenpox, Yellow fever  They need to be kept cool,
as they don’t travel well.
Messenger RNA  They contain genetic material, or mRNA that tell body to  mRNA is unstable and can
vaccines—also make proteins in order to trigger an immune response. be easily degraded
called mRNA  Benefit includes shorter manufacturing times.  Less effective than using
vaccines  They do not contain a live virus, no risk of causing disease DNA vaccines
in the person getting vaccinated.  Less safe as compared to
 mRNA vaccines are used to protect against: COVID-19 inactivated vaccines
 Strong immunogenicity, may
trigger unnecessary immune
response
Viral Vector Vaccine  These vaccines use a harmless virus to smuggle the  Prior exposure to the
instructions for making antigens from the disease-causing virus vector might trigger
virus into cells, triggering protective immunity against it. an immune response,
potentially diminishing
vaccine effectiveness.
 Scalability is an issue.

Subunit,  They use specific pieces of the germ - like its protein, sugar,  Booster doses are required
Recombinant, or capsid (a casing around the germ). in some cases
Polysaccharide, and  They give a very strong immune response.
Conjugate Vaccines  These vaccines are used to protect against: Hib
(Haemophilus influenzae type b) disease,Hepatitis B,
HPV (Human papillomavirus), Whooping cough (part of
the DTaP combined vaccine), Pneumococcal disease,
Meningococcal disease, Shingles
Toxoid Vaccines  They use a toxin (harmful product) made by the germ that  Booster shots are required
causes a disease. They create immunity to the parts of the to get ongoing protection
germ that cause a disease instead of the germ itself. against diseases
 Provide protection against: Diphtheria, Tetanus

ˆˆ What is Cholera?  How it spreads?

 Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection
caused by eating or drinking food or water
that is contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio
cholerae.
 Researchers have estimated that each year
there are 1.3 to 4.0 million cases of cholera,
and 21 000 to 143 000 deaths worldwide due to
cholera.
 A person may get cholera by drinking
water or eating food contaminated with the
cholera bacterium.
 
Bacteria are also present in the faeces of
infected for 1-10 days after infection. This
means the bacteria are shed back into the
environment, potentially infecting other
people.

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  
Cholera transmission is closely linked to
inadequate access to clean water and
sanitation facilities. Typical at-risk areas
include peri-urban slums, as well as camps
for internally displaced persons or refugees.
  It is prominently a disease of poverty
and conflict, unplanned urbanization and
climate change augment the problem
 Symptoms:
  Most common symptoms are profuse
watery diarrhoea, vomiting and leg cramps.
  It takes between 12 hours and 5 days for a
person to show symptoms after consuming
contaminated food or water.
 Treatment
  Most of those infected have no or mild
symptoms and can be successfully treated
with oral re-hydration solution.
  Severe cases need rapid treatment with
intravenous fluids and antibiotics.
ˆˆ What are the Initiatives to Curb Cholera?
 A global strategy on cholera control, Ending
Cholera: A global roadmap to 2030, with a target
to reduce cholera deaths by 90% was launched
in 2017.
 Global Task Force for Cholera Control
(GTFCC): WHO revitalized the Global Task
Force for Cholera Control (GTFCC) to strengthen
WHO’s work in eradicating cholera.
 The purpose of the GTFCC is to support
increased implementation of evidence-based
strategies to control cholera.
Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation
and Evaluation (SPACE)
ˆˆ Article Index
l About SPACE Platform l Composition l Uses l Sonar principal l Uses of Sonar
Recently, a state-of-the-art Submersible Platform
for Acoustic Characterisation and Evaluation
(SPACE) was inaugurated by Secretary, Department
of Defence (R&D) and Chairman DRDO in Kerala.
It is a premier testing and evaluation hub for
sonar systems destined for Indian Navy onboard
various platforms including ships, submarines and
helicopters.
ˆˆ About SPACE Platform
 Launched on: April 17, 2024
May, 2024
ˆˆ How Cholera can be controlled?
 Cholera is often predictable and preventable.
It can ultimately be eliminated where access
to clean water and sanitation facilities, as well
as good hygiene practices, are ensured and
sustained for the whole population.
 Large scale adoption of Oral Cholera Vaccine is
anticipated in near future.
ˆˆ Cholera prevention in India
 As Cholera is directly associated with clean
water, sanitation and hygiene , Government
of India has been running various program to
improve their status.
 Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) provisions of
providing potable water to every rural household
through tap water connection. As of January
2024, out of 19.27 Crore rural households in
the country, more than 14.21 Crore (73.76%)
households are reported to have tap water
supply in their homes.
 Swachh Bharat Mission is a country-wide
campaign initiated by the Government of India
on 2 October 2014 to eliminate open defecation
and improve solid waste management and to
create Open Defecation Free villages.
 In 2019, all villages of India were declared open
defecation free.
 Apart from these missions like AMRUT, Smart
City, Accessible India etc also provide edge to
developing infrastructure which give importance
to hygiene and sanitation.
 Launched at: Underwater Acoustic Research
Facility, Kulamavu in Idukki, Kerala
 Launched by: Dr Samir V Kamat (Secretary,
Department of Defence (R&D) and Chairman
DRDO)
 Intended for: Indian Navy
 Use: Testing platform for sonar systems
 Set up by: Naval Physical & Oceanographic
Laboratory of DRDO
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ˆˆ Composition of SPACE Platform
 It will consist of two distinct assemblages - a
platform which floats on the water surface, and
a submersible platform which can be lowered to
any depth upto 100 m using winch systems.
 Its submersible platform makes it one of kind
facility in world.
 Upon completion of operations, the submersible
platform can be winched up and docked with the
floating platform.
ˆˆ Uses
 It finds its primary uses in Anti Submarine
Warfare research capabilities.
 The SPACE will mainly be utilised for evaluation
of complete sonar system, allowing for quick
deployment and easy recovery of scientific
packages such as sensors and transducers.
Projector generates
Active
a sound wave that
Systems
spreads outward
Only receiving sensors
Types Passive
SONAR Systems that pick up the noise
produced by the target
Require a projector
Accoustic
and receiver at both
Communication ends of the acoustic
Systems path
ˆˆ Uses of SONAR
 It’s utilized to estimate the distance and direction
of objects like vessels or submarines, and also
functions as a depth finder.
 It facilitates communication between submerged
submarines or between a submarine and a
surface vessel.
 It aids in the detection of mines and underwater
GPS Spoofing
ˆˆ Article Index
l What is GPS Spoofing l Working l Satellite Based Navigation Systems
Recently in April, 2024 Israel reportedly used
GPS spoofing against Iran’s missile targeting
teams by jamming Global Positioning System
(GPS) navigation signals. Something like this also
happened during Kargil War when USA did the same
to India. Therefore, the concept of GPS spoofing
should be understood as missilbe defence system.
CURRENT DRISHTI (78)
 It will be used for survey, sampling, and data
collection of air, surface, mid-water, and
reservoir floor parameters using modern
scientific instrumentation.
 It will cater to the needs of data processing
and sample analyses in modern, well equipped
scientific laboratories which will further help
in revolutionizing Anti-Submarine Warfare
research capabilities.
 It will prove a milestone in Indian Navy’s
technological prowess.
ˆˆ What is SONAR (Sound Navigation and
Ranging)?
 Technique for detecting and determining the
distance and direction of underwater objects by
acoustic means. It is a device that uses the laws
of reflection of waves.
Wave gets reflected Receiver picks
back by a target refelected wave and
object analyse it
Targets as a ship,
submarine, or
torpedo
obstacles to ensure safe navigation. Commercial
fishermen rely on it for locating fish.
 It’s employed in seafloor mapping and imaging.
 The principles of SONAR are being adapted for
medical imaging, where high-frequency sound
waves are directed at the body, and the resulting
echoes are used to create images known as
sonograms.
ˆˆ What is GPS Spoofing?
 GPS spoofing is a technique used to deceive
a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver by
broadcasting false GPS signals.
 This can be done by generating signals that
mimic authentic GPS signals but provide
inaccurate location information.
May, 2024
ˆˆ Working
 GPS spoofing takes advantage of the
vulnerabilities within the GPS infrastructure,
particularly the low signal strength of GPS
satellites.
 The operation of the Global Positioning System
relies on satellites transmitting signals to GPS
receivers on Earth.
 These receivers determine their position by
analyzing the timing of these signals.
 Yet, the frail signal strength of GPS satellites
makes them susceptible to interference from
counterfeit signals, leading to erroneous location
data being received by the device.
ˆˆ Spoofing can have various purposes,
including:
 Security threats: It can be used as part of cyber
attacks to mislead navigation systems, leading
to potentially dangerous situations for vehicles,
ships, or aircraft.
 Privacy Concerns: Spoofing can be used to
protect privacy by providing false location data
to location-based services or apps.
 Critical Infrastructure Disruption: This
involves disrupting essential services such as
power grids or transportation systems.
 Testing and Simulation: In controlled
environments, spoofing can be used for testing
World Cybercrime Index
ˆˆ Article Index
l About the Index l Methodology l Satellite Based Navigation Systems
A group of researchers from various countries
has created the inaugural ‘World Cybercrime
Index,’ which assesses major sources of cybercrime
globally, ranking them to identify significant crime
May, 2024 (79)
purposes or simulating different scenarios
without physically changing the location.
 Financial Fraud: It encompasses the
manipulation of location-based services to carry
out fraudulent transactions.
 National Security Threats: This includes the
deception of military or government agencies,
espionage, and infiltration risks.”
ˆˆ Satellite Based Navigation Systems
 A satellite-based navigation system is a system
that utilizes satellites orbiting the Earth to provide
positioning, navigation, and timing services to
users.
 These systems rely on a constellation of satellites
that broadcast signals containing precise timing
and positioning information to receivers on the
ground, in the air, or at sea.
 The Global Positioning System (GPS) is the
most well-known satellite-based navigation
system, operated by the United States
government. Other notable systems include:
 GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite
System): Developed by Russia, GLONASS
operates similarly to GPS and provides global
coverage.
 Galileo: Developed by the European Union and
the European Space Agency, Galileo is designed
to be an independent global navigation satellite
system.
 BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS):
Developed by China, BeiDou provides navigation
services primarily to users in the Asia-Pacific
region, with global coverage planned by 2020.
ˆˆ Measures taken by India to Counter this
threat
 India’s NavIC, formerly known as elaborate
a little, developed by ISRO, offers accurate
positioning, navigation, and timing services
within India and up to 1500 kilometers beyond
its borders.
hubs. The study ‘Mapping the global geography
of cybercrime with the World Cybercrime Index’
has been published in the journal PLOS ONE. India
occupies 10th rank in this index.
CURRENT DRISHTI
ˆˆ About the Index
 Name: World Cyber crime Index
 Published on: 10th April 2024
 Prepared by: University of Oxford, London and
University of New South Wales, Australia
 Funded by: CRIMGOV, a European Union-
supported project
 India’s rank : 10th
ˆˆ Methodology
 An expert survey was conducted from March to
October 2021.
 Leading experts in cybercrime intelligence/
investigations worldwide were invited to
participate. In total 92 experts send the filled
response to survey.
 The survey was anonymized and conducted
online.
 Participants were asked to consider five major
categories of cybercrime.
 They were tasked with nominating countries
they deemed significant sources of each type of
cybercrime.
 Participants then rated each nominated country
according to the impact of the offenses
produced there, and the professionalism and
technical skill of the offenders based there.
 The scores for each type of cybercrime was
generated and then combined into an overall
metric of cybercriminality by country: the World
Cybercrime Index (WCI).
ˆˆ The five major categories of cybercrime
assessed by the study were:
 Technical products/services (e.g. malware
coding, botnet access, access to compromised
systems, tool production).
 Attacks and extortion (e.g. denial-of-service
attacks, ransomware).
 Data/identity theft (e.g. hacking, phishing,
account compromises, credit card comprises).
 Scams (e.g. advance fee fraud, business email
compromise, online auction fraud).
 Cashing out/money laundering (e.g. credit
card fraud, money mules, illicit virtual currency
platforms).
ˆˆ Some Key terms related with Cybercrime
 Malware: Software designed to disrupt, damage,
or gain unauthorized access to computer systems.
 Phishing: Fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive
information, such as passwords and credit card
numbers, by disguising as a trustworthy entity in
electronic communication.
CURRENT DRISHTI
 Ransomware: Malicious software that encrypts
files on a victim’s computer until a ransom is paid,
usually in crypto currency.
 Data Breach: Unauthorized access or exposure of
sensitive or confidential information.
 Cyber Attack: Deliberate exploitation of computer
systems, networks, or technologies, often for
malicious purposes.
 Identity Theft: Unauthorized use of someone
else’s personal information for financial gain or
other fraudulent activities.
 Cybersecurity: Measures taken to protect
computer systems, networks, and data from
unauthorized access or cyber attacks.
 Social Engineering: Manipulating individuals to
divulge confidential information or perform actions
that compromise security.
 Cyber Espionage: Covert activities conducted
in cyberspace to gather intelligence or sensitive
information.
 Botnet: A network of compromised computers or
devices controlled by a single entity for malicious
purposes, such as sending spam or launching
distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks.
ˆˆ Key findings from Study and Index
 Cybercrime isn’t evenly distributed globally.
Specific countries serve as hubs for cybercriminal
activity, while others have minimal association
with serious cybercrime.
 T-Score calculated tells about the technical
expertise of cybercriminal in country. Russia has
highest score, followed by Ukraine, China and
North Korea.
 In terms of overall index Russia tops the list,
followed by Ukraine, China, the USA, Nigeria,
and Romania.
 India ranks 10th on the Index. It has low T-score
of -6.02 and somewhat specializes in scams
rather than high technical expertise cybercrime.
 USA ranks 4th and specialise in both technical
and non-technical crimes.
 It is estimated that cybercrime costs the
world around $9.22 trillion in 2024, and this is
expected to grow to $13.82 trillion in 2028.
CYBERCRIME INDEX
(Ranking countries by cybercrime threat level)
Rank Country WCI Rank Country WCI
Score Score
1 Russia 58.39 11 Iran 4.78
2 Ukraine 36.44 12 Belarus 3.87
3 China 27.86 13 Ghana 3.58
4 United States 25.01 14 South Africa 2.58
(80) May, 2024
 5 Nigeria 21.28 15 Moldova 2.57 National Electronic Governance Division
6 Romania 14.83 16 Israel 2.51 (NeGD) launched Cyber Surakshit Bharat.
7 Noth Korea 10.61 17 Poland 2.22   This initiative aims to raise awareness about
8. United Kingdom 9.01 18 Germany 2.17 emerging cybercrimes and cybersecurity
9 Brazil 8.93 19 Netherlands 1.92
challenges across India.
10 India 6.13 20 Latvia 1.68
 Cyber Swachhta Kendra
#Countries ranked by their World Cybercrime Index (WCI) score,
  The is an initiative dedicated to identifying
according to the study. Image credit: Pippa Havenhand. and eliminating malicious botnet programs
from computers and devices.
ˆˆ India and its own Cyber security
  Offering free malware analysis tools, it
 As per NCRB, India saw a rise of 24.4 per cent
works to enhance the security posture of
in cybercrimes registered in 2022 compared to
systems and devices.
2021.
 National Critical Information Infrastructure
 Cybercrimes in India in 2023 resulted in a
Protection Center (NCIIPC)
staggering loss of Rs. 66.66 crore, with 4,850
  It is a central government body established
reported cases.
in 2014, safeguards crucial information
 A recent report by the Indian Cybercrime
vital for national security, economic growth,
Coordination Centre (I4C) revealed that digital
and public healthcare.
financial frauds accounted for a staggering Rs.
  It identifies critical sectors as: Power
1.25 lakh crore over the last three years.
& Energy; Banking, Financial Services
 Over the years government has taken various
& Insurance; Telecom; Transport;
steps to tackle the problem of cybercrime in the
Government; Strategic & Public Enterprises
country.
 National Cyber Security Strategy
ˆˆ Government Initiatives For Cybersecurity   It was conceptualized in 2020 by the Data
In India Security Council of India (DSCI) headed by
 Indian Computer Emergency Response Lt General Rajesh Pant.
Team (CERT-In)   The report focused on 21 areas to ensure a
  It plays a crucial role in managing safe, secure, trusted, resilient, and vibrant
cybersecurity incidents and coordinating cyberspace for India.
response efforts.  The National Cyber Security Policy of 2013
  Serving as the central agency for incident   It aims to create a secure cyberspace,
response, vulnerability management, and protect infrastructure, and develop
security oversight in India’s cyberspace. capabilities to counter cyberattacks.
 Cyber Surakshit Bharat   It plans to train 500,000 cybersecurity
  In line with the government’s “Digital India” professionals in 5 years and strengthen
vision, the Ministry of Electronics and laws for effective cybercrime prevention
Information Technology (MeitY) and the and prosecution.

Sustainable Hydrogel to Remove Microplastics

from Water
ˆˆ Article Index
l About the Hydrogel l What is Microplastic? l How does this Hydrogel works? l The hazards of
microplastic pollution l Microplastic Pollution Control and Associated Problems
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science ˆˆ About the Hydrogel
(IISc) has recently announced that they have  Developed by: Suryasarathi Bose and Soumi
developed a sustainable hydrogel to address Dutta, Department of Materials Engineering,
the issue of microplastic pollution in water. This IISc
effort is in tandem with other countries as they are  Announced : April, 2024
implementing measures to mitigate microplastic  Developed for: treating issue of microplastic
pollution. pollution in water

May, 2024 (81) CURRENT DRISHTI

ˆˆ What is Microplastic?
 Plastic debris that are less than five millimeters
in length are called “microplastics.”
 Microplastics have predominantly two sources
of origin.
 One is due to breakdown of larger plastic debris
into smaller and smaller pieces.
 Other source is microbeads which are
categorized as microplastics, consist of
minuscule pieces of synthetic polyethylene
added to personal care products like cleansers
and toothpastes for exfoliation.
 These minute particles can effortlessly bypass
water filtration systems, ultimately reaching the
ocean and Great Lakes, potentially endangering
marine life.
ˆˆ How does this Hydrogel works?
 Scientists have previously tried using filtering
membranes to remove microplastics. However,
the membranes can become clogged with these
tiny particles, rendering them unsustainable.
 Instead, the IISc team led by Suryasarathi
Bose, Professor at the Department of Materials
Engineering, decided to turn to 3D hydrogels.
 The novel hydrogel developed by the team
consists of three different polymer layers –
chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol and polyaniline.
 These three layer which are intertwined together,
make an Interpenetrating Polymer Network
(IPN) architecture.
 Scientists infused this matrix with nanoclusters
of a material called copper substitute
polyoxometalate (Cu-POM).
 These nanoclusters are catalysts that can use
UV light to degrade the microplastics.
 The combination of the polymers and
nanoclusters resulted in a strong hydrogel with
the ability to adsorb and degrade large amounts
of microplastics.
 The hydrogel exhibited high efficiency, removing
about 95% and 93% of two different
microplastic types at near-neutral pH levels.
ˆˆ Hydrogels
 Hydrogel is a substance composed of a network
of polymer chains that can absorb and retain a
significant amount of water.
 It’s often used in medical applications, such as
wound dressings and contact lenses, as well as in
agriculture for soil conditioning and water retention.
CURRENT DRISHTI
Figure : Addressing microplastic contamination in water with
engineered 3D pGel@IPN hydrogel (Image:Soumi Dutta)
ˆˆ The hazards of microplastic pollution
 Environmental Impact: Microplastics can
accumulate in the environment, affecting
ecosystems on land and in water. They can
disrupt habitats and harm wildlife through
ingestion or entanglement.
 Health Risks: Microplastics have been found
in the food chain, potentially exposing humans
to harmful chemicals and toxins. The long-term
health effects of ingesting microplastics are still
being studied.
 Bioaccumulation: Microplastics can be ingested
by small organisms and then bioaccumulate as
they move up the food chain, leading to higher
concentrations in larger animals, including those
consumed by humans.
 Chemical Transport: Microplastics can absorb
and transport pollutants, such as persistent
organic pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals,
potentially introducing these harmful substances
into the food chain.
 Economic Costs: Microplastic pollution can
lead to economic losses in industries such as
fisheries and tourism due to its impact on marine
ecosystems and coastal areas.
ˆˆ Microplastic Pollution Control and
Associated Problems
 Microplastics, like larger plastic items, persist in
the environment for hundreds or thousands of
years, causing significant harm.
 They’re easily visible on beaches as small,
colorful plastic fragments mixed in with sand,
and are frequently ingested by marine creatures.
 Storms, water runoff, and wind carry plastic
debris, including microplastics, into the oceans,
contributing to environmental pollution.
(82) May, 2024
 Single-use plastics, like straws, are a major
source of these pollutants.
 Microplastics have been found in marine life
ranging from plankton to whales, as well as in
commercial seafood and drinking water.
 Standard water treatment processes struggle
to remove all microplastic traces, and these
particles can bind with other harmful chemicals
in the ocean before being consumed by marine
organisms.
 The potential harm of ingested microplastics to
human and animal health remains uncertain,
prompting ongoing scientific investigation.
C-Dome Air Defense system
ˆˆ Article Index
l What is C-Dome? l Key Points about Iron Dome System l India’s Air Defence Systems
Recently, Israel deployed its multi-layered air
defence system C-Dome for the first time to defend
itself from a major attack, as Iran launched over 300
armed drones and long-range missiles.
ˆˆ What is C-Dome?
 The C-Dome is a naval adaptation of Israel’s
Iron Dome air defense system, developed to
counter rocket and missile attacks at sea.
 Unveiled in 2014 and declared operational in
2022, the C-Dome shares technology with the
Iron Dome but is designed to be mounted on
Sa’ar 6-class corvettes, German-made warships.
 Similar to the Iron Dome, the C-Dome utilizes
interceptors to neutralize incoming threats, but it
is adapted for maritime environments.
 While the Iron Dome has its dedicated radar
system, the C-Dome integrates with the ship’s
radar infrastructure to identify targets.
 The integration of the C-Dome with the ship’s
radar enables full-circle protection for the vessel,
offering a high probability of intercept against
a wide range of modern maritime and coastal
threats.
ˆˆ Key Points about Iron Dome System
 It is Israel’s air missile defense system, designed
to protect against short-range rockets by
intercepting them within the country’s airspace,
has the capacity to successfully handle multiple
rockets concurrently.
 Developed jointly by Rafael Advanced Defense
Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries, this
system became operational in 2011.
May, 2024
 In 2017, the United Nations passed a resolution
addressing microplastics, emphasizing the
necessity of regulations to safeguard oceans,
marine life, and human well-being from this
hazard.
 In 2015 USA signed the Microbead-Free Waters
Act of 2015, banning plastic microbeads in
cosmetics and personal care products.
 Addressing these hazards requires concerted
efforts at various levels, from reducing plastic
waste at the source to improving waste
management and developing alternative
materials.
 The Iron Dome relies on three primary systems
that collaborate to establish a protective shield
over the designated area of deployment.
 Radar: Equipped with detection and tracking
radar, the Iron Dome is capable of identifying
incoming threats.
 Weapon Control: The system incorporates a
battle management and weapon control system
(BMC) to manage the interception process.
 Missile Fire: Additionally, it features a missile
firing unit responsible for launching interceptors.
 The BMC serves as the intermediary between
the radar and the interceptor missile, facilitating
coordination and response.
Iron Dome
shield
1. Enemy
artillery
2. Detection & 3. Battle management
4. Missile
tracking radar & control
firing unit
 The Iron Dome’s functionality extends to
countering various threats including rockets,
artillery, mortars, as well as aircraft, helicopters,
and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
 Since its activation in 2011, the Iron Dome has
demonstrated an effectiveness of around 90%.
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 It operates by detecting short-range rockets
with radars and destroying them using its own
missiles.
ˆˆ India’s Air Defense systems
 India possesses a range of air defense systems
aimed at protecting its airspace and national
security interests. Here are some of the key air
defense systems in India’s arsenal:
 Akash Missile System
  The Akash is a medium-range surface-
to-air missile (SAM)system designed to
intercept and destroy aerial threats such
as aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise
missiles.
  It is capable of engaging targets at altitudes
up to 18 km and has a range of around 25-
30 km.
INTEGRATED AIR COMMAND & CONTROL SYSTEM
SALIENT FEATURES:
1. Multi Sensor Data Fusion
2. Flight Plan
3. Target Identification
4. Real Time RSAP
5. Surveillance
6. Threat Evaluation
7. Weapon Solutions for Interceptors
Gun Batteries & Missiles
 Barak Missile System
  The Barak is a versatile naval air defense
system deployed on Indian warships to
defend against anti-ship missiles, aircraft,
and drones.
 
It is equipped with both surface-to-air and
surface-to-surface missile capabilities.
CURRENT DRISHTI
 
It is developed by the Defence Research
and Development Organisation (DRDO)
and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited
(BDL).
 Integrated Air Command and Control System
(IACCS)
  The IACCS integrates various air defense
assets, including radars, sensors, and
missile systems, into a centralized
command and control framework.
  It enables real-time monitoring of airspace,
threat assessment, and coordination of air
defense operations.
  It is a milestone for India as it is an auto-
mated Air Defense Command and Control
center for controlling and monitoring of Air
Operations by the Indian Air Force.
 
It was jointly developed by India’s Defence
Research & Development Organisation
(DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries
(IAI).
 Spyder Air Defense System
  The Spyder is a quick-reaction, mobile,
short-to-medium-range air defense system
(84) May, 2024
 designed to protect against aircraft,
helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles
(UAVs), and precision-guided munitions.
  It utilizes Python and Derby missiles for
interception.
  It is developed by Rafael Advanced
Defense Systems with assistance from
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
 MRSAM (Medium Range Surface-to-Air
Missile) System
  The MRSAM is a joint development project
between India’s DRDO (Defence Research
and Development Organisation) and Israel
Aerospace Industries (IAI).
  It is designed to intercept aerial threats at
medium ranges and is deployed to protect
vital installations and assets.
 AAD (Advanced Air Defence) System:
  The AAD is part of India’s ballistic missile
News in Short
World’s First “Miss AI” Contest
 The world’s first artificial intelligence beauty
pageant has been launched by The Fanvue
World AI Creator Awards (WAICAs) recently.
 The pageant will see AI-generated ladies will
compete in front of a panel of judges, including
two AI influencers.
 The contestants will be judged based on their
looks, the heft they command online and the
technical skill that went into creating them.
 The AI influencers’ social clout will be assessed
based on their engagement numbers with fans,
rate of growth of audience and utilisation of
platforms.
 The beauty pageant has a prize money of
$20,000.
ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 Mission
Awarded the Prestigious John L.
“Jack” Swigert, Jr. Award
 India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission team has been
presented with the prestigious 2024 John L.
‘Jack’ Swigert Jr. Award for Space Exploration
on 8th April 2024.
 The award was received by India’s Consul
General in Houston D.C. Manjunath on behalf
May, 2024 (85)
defense (BMD) system and is designed
to intercept and destroy incoming
ballistic missiles during their terminal
phase.
  It works in conjunction with the Prithvi Air
Defence (PAD) system to provide a layered
defense against ballistic missile threats.
 Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) System
  The PAD system is another key component
of India’s ballistic missile defense (BMD)
architecture.
  It is designed to intercept ballistic missiles
at higher altitudes during their mid-course
and terminal phases.
  It is developed by DRDO and is based
on the Prithvi missile, PAD is a two-stage
missile with a maximum interception
altitude of 80 km.
of the Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO) during the opening ceremony of the
annual Space Symposium in Colorado.
 This prestigious award is given annually by USA
based Space Foundation.
 It is given to recognize extraordinary accom-
plishments by a company, space agency, or
consortium of organisations in the realm of
space exploration and discovery.
 The award was established in 2004, in memory
of John L. “Jack” Swigert, Jr., who was part of
NASA’s Apollo 13 mission to the moon.
Bhasha Net portal
 On 21 March 2024, Ministry of Electronics
and Information Technology (MeitY) and
National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) have
announced the launch of the BhashaNet portal
at the Universal Acceptance Day.
 The theme of the event was “BhashaNet:
Impetus Towards Universal Acceptance”.
 The BhashaNet portal is a joint initiative of the
National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) and
the Ministry of Electronics and Information
Technology (MeitY).
CURRENT DRISHTI
 Food Waste Index Report 2024
ˆˆ Article Index
 Introduction  About the Index  Key Highlights of Report  What is Food Waste?  Food Waste
Management  Key Facts related with Food Production and Food Loss  Food Loss in India  About
UNEP  Indepth Analysis of Food Waste  Way Forward
In a world of plenty, it is disheartening that millions
still go to bed hungry. The statistics are staggering
up to 783 million people faced hunger in 2022
worldwide. Recently, the Food Waste Index Report
2024, was released that stressed the importance of
expanding and strengthening data infrastructure to
enable the tracking and monitoring of food waste.
ˆˆ Key Points
 Report Released by - Jointly by the United
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
and WRAP (Waste and Resources Action
Programme), a UK based non-profit organization.
 Report released on - 27 March 2024
ˆˆ Key Highlights
 The report, released ahead of the International
Day of Zero Waste (March 30), noted that in
2022, there were 1.05 billion tonnes of food
waste generated (including inedible parts),
amounting to 132 kilograms per capita
and almost one-fifth of all food available to
consumers.
 Out of the total food wasted in 2022, 60%
happened at the household level, with food
services responsible for 28%, and retail 12%,the
report observed.
ˆˆ Current Geographical situation
 Hotter countries appear to generate more food
waste per capita in households.
 It is potentially due to higher consumption of
fresh foods with substantial inedible parts and a
lack of robust cold chains,” the report noted.
CURRENT DRISHTI
 Another trend revealed by the data was that
compared to urban areas, rural ones generally
wasted less food, due to “greater diversion
of food scraps to pets, livestock, and home
composting”.
 Noting that as of 2022, only 21 countries had
included food loss and/or waste reduction in
their climate plans or Nationally Determined
Contributions (NDCs).
 The report urged governments to “raise climate
ambition by integrating food loss and waste” into
their NDCs.
ˆˆ Food waste and climate change
 Detailing the link between food waste and
climate change, the report found that food loss
and waste generated “8-10% of annual global
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions”.
 It is almost 5 times that of the aviation sector
– and significant biodiversity loss by taking up
the equivalent of almost a third of the world’s
agricultural land.
 It estimated the toll of both food loss and waste
on the global economy at $1 trillion.
Backgrounder
ˆˆ What is Food waste?
 Food waste is food that is intended for human
consumption that is wasted and lost, and refers
not only to food that consumers don’t finish at
restaurants and are thrown out at home, but
also raw materials and produce that are lost in
(86) May, 2024
 the farming stage, harvesting processes, during
transportation, and storage.
 Food waste can occur anywhere throughout the
entire supply chain.
ˆˆ Food waste management
 Food waste management refers to the
systematic approach and the strategies
implemented to handle and redirect food and
agricultural products for better purposes such
as human consumption, animal feed, industrial
application, and other environmental benefits
 The waste management hierarchy is an
approach that focuses on prioritizing waste
management practices with the goal to achieve
sustainable waste management.
1. Prevention
2. Minimization
3. Reuse
4. Recycling
5. Recovery
6. Disposal
 It establishes the order of waste management
options, from the most preferred to the least
preferred one:
 Key Facts related to Food Production
and Food Loss
As per Final Estimates, the estimated production
of major crops in India during 2022-23 is as under:
 Foodgrains – 3296.87 Lakh tonnes.
 Rice – 1357.55 Lakh tonnes.
 Wheat – 1105.54 Lakh tonnes.
 Nutri / Coarse Cereals – 573.19 Lakh
tonnes.
 Maize – 380.85 Lakh tonnes.
 Pulses – 260.58 Lakh tonnes.
 Tur – 33.12 Lakh tonnes.
 Gram – 122.67 Lakh tonnes.
 Oilseeds – 413.55 Lakh tonnes
 Groundnut – 102.97 Lakh tonnes.
 Soyabean – 149.85 Lakh tonnes.
 Rapeseed and Mustard – 126.43 Lakh
tonnes.
 Sugarcane – 4905.33 Lakh tonnes.
 Cotton – 336.60 Lakh bales (of 170 kg each)
 Jute & Mesta – 93.92 Lakh bales (of 180 kg
each)
May, 2024
ˆˆ Food Loss in India as per Food Waste
Index Report 2024
 Indian households waste 78.2 million tonnes
of food every year despite India housing the
world’s largest hunger-population.
 India housed 233.9 million out of world’s 783
million hunger—populations as per Global
Hunger Index 2023 report.
 India ranked 111 out of 125 countries, indicating
a hunger severity level of “serious” for the
country.
 The report says the study of food wastage took
place in different pockets of Andhra Pradesh,
Karnataka, Kerala, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand
in different periods of time by different
researchers.
 Kerala and Karnataka studies were conducted
by UN-Habitats. The report categorised India’s
food wastage data under ‘Medium Confidence’
which means data was of limited geographic
coverage and inadequate sample size and
difficult to track.
 Only four G20 countries (Australia, Japan, UK,
and USA) and the European Union have food
waste estimates suitable for tracking progress
to 2030.
Indepth
ˆˆ Reason for food waste in India
Some of the major reason are -
 Overproduction, inadequate storage
facilities, poor transportation infrastructure,
and market preferences for specific varieties or
appearances are some of the top reasons food
goes to waste in India.
 Reasons for Food Wastage at the Household
Level
  Careless attitude towards food
 Considering a heavy plate as a symbol of
prosperity.
 Increased food ordering through apps like
Zomato and Swiggy.
 Poor meal planning and impulse buying
leading to overbuying and spoilage.
 Food wastage at social gatherings like wedding
functions has emerged as a big challenge.
 People prepare different varieties of food to
show off, while consumption is very low, and
the rest is simply thrown away.
 Social pressure to serve abundant food and
the fear of running short contribute to over-
preparation.
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1. Measuring and tracking all food
storage : Businesses were encouraged
to use pre-existing food waste tracking
technology.
6. Changing Food Crops : The
Solution for
food waste
International Panel of Climate Change
(IPCC) recommends producers and
farmers to consider a change in crops.
5. Educate producers : The primary
goal for this solution is to educate
stakeholders on food donation incentives,
legal protection etc.
ˆˆ Government initiative for Food Waste
Management
 Government of India has implemented
SAMPADA (Scheme for Agro-Marine
Processing and Development of Agro-
Processing Clusters) - the national policy
for developing an integrated cold supply chain
for agricultural products - in collaboration with
public and private stakeholders.
 Government has established the Indian Food
18 New Geo Parks to the Global Geoparks Network
UNESCO’s Executive Board recently approved
the inclusion of 18 New sites into the UNESCO
Global Geo Park Network.
ˆˆ Key point
 New sites approved by : UNESCO
 New site approved on : March 27, 2024
ˆˆ Key Highlights
 The New Geo Parks are situated in Brazil,
China, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France,
Greece, Hungary, Poland, Portugal and Spain.
 There is an additional New Trans-boundary
Geopark Spanning Belgium and the Kingdom
of Netherlands.
 Geopark
A Geopark is a protected area with internationally
significant geology within which sustainable
development is sought and which includes
tourism, conservation, education and research
concerning not just geology but other relevant
sciences.
CURRENT DRISHTI
2. Creating a “Food Rescue” system :
Web-based system that matched locally
available food to local food needs and
volunteers
3. Promoting statewide consumer
and producer waste education :
Doing so will help people see the true
value of the food they are purchasing.
4. Building of food handling
infrastructure : This solution focuses
on “upcycling” food that is already in the
system.
Banking Network, Food storage warehouse,
Mega Food Parks etc. which collects surplus
food from hotels, restaurants, and other food
establishments and distributes it to the needy.
 The National Food Security Act, 2013 places
an obligation on the government to deliver
quality food at affordable prices to the poor. This
places an indirect obligation on the government
to reduce food wastage in order to achieve the
mission’s objectives.
Backgrounder
ˆˆ Difference between Geoparks and World
Heritage Sites
 The main difference between a Geopark and
a world Heritage site is they have a strong
commitment to directly benefit the local economy
and community.
 Geoparks play an active role in working with
stakeholders, communities and businesses on
sustainability, conservation and geology.
 National Geoparks
 National Geoparks are regions with clearly
defined borders.
 Provide tangible examples to make the
development history of the planet earth
understandable.
 Some of the network from which UNESCO
national Geoparks might be chosen are world
Heritage sites, man and Biosphere Programme
etc.
(88) May, 2024
ˆˆ About Global Geopark Network
 It is non-profit International Association officially
established in 2014.
 Global Geopark Network was founded as an
International partnership developed under the
umbrella of UNESCO.
 Networking and collaboration among Global
Geopark is an important component of the GGN.
Indepth
ˆˆ About UNESCO
 The United Nations Educational Scientific and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was born on
November 16, 1945.
 UNESCO has 194 members and 12 Associate
members and is Governed by the General
conference and the Executive Board.
 UNESCO headquarter is located in Paris,
France.
UN World Water Development Report 2024
Recently, the United Nations World Water
Development Report 2024, published by UNESCO
on behalf of UN-Water, highlights that tensions
over water are exacerbating conflicts worldwide.
To preserve peace, States must boost international
cooperation and trans-boundary agreements.
ˆˆ Key Points
 Report released by: United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
 Report released on : March 19, 2024
 Report released at : Paris, France
ˆˆ Key Highlights
 According to the new report published by
UNESCO, on behalf of UN-Water, As of 2022,
2.2 billion people still live without access to
safely managed drinking water and 3.5 billion
lack access to safely managed sanitation.
 The UN goal of ensuring this access for all by
2030 is therefore far from being attained, and
there is reason to fear that these inequalities
may continue to rise.
 Between 2002 and 2021 droughts affected more
than 1.4 billion people.
 As of 2022, roughly half of the world’s population
experienced severe water scarcity for at least
part of the year.
  while one quarter faced ‘extremely high’
levels of water stress, using over 80% of
their annual renewable freshwater supply.
May, 2024
 Current director General of UNESCO is Audrey
Azoulay.
 There is 213 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 48
countries.
 India is one of those countries which do not have
a single Geopark registered and acknowledged
under UNESCO Global Geopark list.
 China have the most Global Geoparks.
ˆˆ Geopark and India
 The Indian Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage
(INTACH) is in discussions to receive
acknowledgment for a geopark in Visakhapatnam
which houses the Erra Matti Dibbalu (red sand
dunes), Borra caves etc.
 About INTACH
 It was founded in 1984 with a vision to lead
the discussion of conservation and Heritage
awareness in India.
 Climate change is projected to increase the
frequency and severity of these phenomena,
with acute risks for social stability.
ˆˆ Girls and women are the first victims of
a lack of water
 The first impact is the deterioration of living
conditions, leading to heightened food insecurity
and health risks.
 Water scarcity also has consequences on social
development, particularly for girls and women.
The lack of water security has also been
identified as one of the drivers of migration.
 This displacement can, in turn, contribute to
water insecurity by placing added strain on water
systems and resources in settlement locations,
thereby fuelling social tensions.
 A study conducted in Somalia indicates a 200%
increase in gender-based violence against a
group of displaced people.
ˆˆ An urgent need for trans-boundary
agreements
 This water scarcity can increase the risk of
conflict. In the Sahel region, wetland degradation
– often due to ill-advised water development
projects – has exacerbated local disputes over
access to water and productive land, causing
tensions.
 While approximately 40% of the world’s
population lives in Trans-boundary River and
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 lake basins, only a fifth of countries have cross
border agreements to jointly manage these
shared resources equitably.
 Many trans-boundary basins are already located
in areas marked by current or past interstate
tensions.
ˆˆ Concrete progress in cooperation in
several regions
 In this context, cooperation on transboundary
water management appears to be a powerful
lever for maintaining peace.
 By creating conditions for regular dialogue
between all parties and instituting the necessary
legal frameworks, this cooperation has the
potential to resolve most disputes relating to
water, and therefore prevent the emergence or
exacerbation of wider-ranging conflicts.
Backgrounder
ˆˆ About The United Nations World Water
Development Report
 The United Nations World Water Development
Report is published by UNESCO on behalf of
UN-Water and its production is coordinated
by the UNESCO World Water Assessment
Programme.
 The report gives insight into the main trends
concerning the state, use and management of
freshwater and sanitation, based on work by
Members and Partners of UN-Water.
 Launched in conjunction with World Water
Day, the report provides decision-makers with
knowledge and tools to formulate and implement
sustainable water policies.

World Air Quality Report, 2023

ˆˆ Article Index
lGist of article l Key Points l Key Highlights l World most polluted countries l World most polluted cities
lBackgrounder – IQ Air, Air quality index l In-depth analysis – air pollution and its impact on humans and
Various Initiatives undertaken by Government for mitigation of Air Pollution l Way Forward
India had the third worst air quality out of 134 3 India 54.4 53.3 58.1 51.9 58.1
countries in 2023 after Bangladesh and Pakistan 4 Tajikistan 49 46 59.4 30.9 –
according to the World Air Quality Report 2023. 5 Burkina Faso 46.6 63 – – –

ˆˆ Key points ˆˆ World’s most polluted cities

 Report published - March, 2024 Most polluted city ranking based on annual
 Report published by- Swiss organization IQAir average PM2.5 concentration (μg/m³)
ˆˆ Key Highlights
 Bihar’s Begusarai emerged as the world’s most
polluted metropolitan area while Delhi was
identified as the capital city with the poorest air
quality.
 With an average annual PM2.5 concentration
of 54.4 micrograms per cubic metre, India
had the third worst air quality out of 134 Backgrounder
countries in 2023 after Bangladesh (79.9 ˆˆ About IQAir
micrograms per cubic metre) and Pakistan (73.7  IQAir is a Swiss air quality technology company,
micrograms per cubic metre. specializing in protection against airborne
ˆˆ World’s most polluted countries pollutants, developing air quality monitoring and
Most polluted country ranking based on annual air cleaning products.
average PM2.5 concentration (μg/m³)  IQAir also operates AirVisual, a real-time air
quality information platform.
Rank
(in Country 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 ˆˆ About Air Quality Index
2023)  AQI as a yardstick that runs from 0 to 500. The
1 Bangladesh 79.9 65.8 76.9 77.1 83.3 higher the AQI value, the greater the level of air
2 Pakistan 73.7 70.9 66.8 59 65.8 pollution and the greater the health concern.

CURRENT DRISHTI (90) May, 2024

 For each pollutant an AQI value of 100 generally
corresponds to an ambient air concentration
that equals the level of the short-term national
ambient air quality standard for protection of
public health.
 AQI values at or below 100 are generally thought
of as satisfactory. When AQI values are above
100, air quality is unhealthy: at first for certain
sensitive groups of people, then for everyone as
AQI values get higher.
ˆˆ Previous status of India
 In 2023, India is ranked as the third most polluted
country with an average PM2.5 concentration of
54.4 micrograms per cubic metre.
 In 2022, India was ranked as the eighth
most polluted country with an average PM2.5
concentration of 53.3 micrograms per cubic
metre.
 Begusarai stood out as the most polluted
metropolitan area globally with an average
PM2.5 concentration of 118.9 micrograms per
cubic metre.
 Begusarai did not even figure in the 2022
rankings.
 New Delhi’s PM2.5 levels worsened from 89.1
micrograms per cubic metre in 2022 to 92.7
micrograms per cubic metre in 2023.
 The national capital was ranked the most
polluted capital city in the world four times on
the trot starting 2018.
In-depth Analysis
ˆˆ Air Pollution and its importance on
Humans and Environment
Air Pollution Effect
Cause Human Illness
Like — Pneumonia, Bronchitis etc.
Reduce crop yield
Contaminate water and soil
Acid Rain
Raze, Smog
 Air pollution consists of chemicals or particles
in the air that can harm the health of humans,
animals, and plants.
 It also damages buildings. Pollutants in the air
take many forms.
May, 2024 (91)
 They can be gases, solid particles, or liquid
droplets.
ˆˆ Effects of Polluted Air on Humans
 People experience a wide range of health effects
from being exposed to air pollution. Effects can
be broken down into short-term effects and
long-term effects.
 Short-term effects, which are temporary, include
illnesses such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
 They also include discomfort such as irritation to
the nose, throat, eyes, or skin.
 Air pollution can also cause headaches,
dizziness, and nausea.
 Bad smells made by factories, garbage, or
sewer systems are considered air pollution, too.
 These odors are less serious but still unpleasant.
 Long-term effects of air pollution can last for
years or for an entire lifetime.
 They can even lead to a person’s death.
 Long-term health effects from air pollution
include heart disease, lung cancer, and
respiratory diseases such as emphysema.
ˆˆ Effects of Air Pollution on the Environment
 Like people, animals, and plants, entire
ecosystems can suffer effects from air pollution.
 Haze, like smog, is a visible type of air pollution
that obscures shapes and colors. Hazy air
pollution can even muffle sounds.
 Air pollution can directly contaminate the surface
of bodies of water and soil. This can kill crops or
reduce their yield.
 It can kill young trees and other plants.
 Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide particles in
the air, can create acid rain when they mix with
water and oxygen in the atmosphere.
 These air pollutants come mostly from coal-fired
power plants and motor vehicles.
 When acid rain falls to Earth, it damages plants
by changing soil composition; degrades water
quality in rivers, lakes and streams; damages
crops; and can cause buildings and monuments
to decay.
 Like humans, animals can suffer health effects
from exposure to air pollution. Birth defects,
diseases, and lower reproductive rates have all
been attributed to air pollution.
CURRENT DRISHTI
 Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2024
ˆˆ Article Index
l Key Points l Key Highlights- plastic waste management rule 2024 & 2016 l Backgrounder- type of
plastic , Microplastic , Biodegradable plastic l In-Depth Analysis – plastic waste and its management and
Various Initiatives undertaken by Government for mitigation of plastic waste
Unlike other materials, plastic does not
biodegrade. It can take up to 1,000 years to
break down, so when it is discarded, it builds up
in the environment until it reaches a crisis point.
To tackle plastic waste The Environment Ministry
has introduced the Plastic Waste Management
(Amendment) Rules 2024 to amend the Plastic
Waste Management Rules 2016.
ˆˆ Key points
 Rules introduced on - March 14,2024
 Rules introduced by- Ministry of Environment,
Forest and Climate Change
ˆˆ Key Highlights
 Major Points of Plastic Waste Management
(Amendment) Rules 2024
 
Environment Ministry has introduced rules
that make it harder for makers of disposable
plastic ware to label such products as
’biodegradable’, introducing a stipulation
that they must not leave any microplastics
behind.
  The amendment provides that the man-
ufacture of carry bags and commodities
shall be permitted to be made from com-
postable plastics or biodegradable plastics.
  The rules require the manufacturers of
compostable plastic or biodegradable
plastic carry bags or commodities to
obtain a certificate from the CPCB before
marketing or selling.
 Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016
  Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016,
in suppression of the earlier Plastic Waste
(Management and Handling) Rules, 2011.
 Objective of the Plastic Waste Management
Rules 2016
  Increase minimum thickness of plastic carry
bags from 40 to 50 microns and stipulate
minimum thickness of 50 micron for plastic
sheets also to facilitate collection and
recycle of plastic waste,
  Expand the jurisdiction of applicability from
the municipal area to rural areas, because
plastic has reached rural areas also.
  To bring in the responsibilities of producers
and generators, both in plastic waste
management system and to introduce
CURRENT DRISHTI (92)
collect back system of plastic waste by the
producers/brand owners, as per extended
producers responsibility.
 
To introduce collection of plastic waste
management fee through pre-registration
of the producers, importers of plastic carry
bags/multilayered packaging and vendors
selling the same for establishing the waste
management system.
 
To promote use of plastic waste for road
construction as per Indian Road Congress
guidelines or energy recovery, or waste to
oil etc.
Backgrounder
ˆˆ Microplastics
 Microplastics are defined as any solid plastic
particle insoluble in water, with dimensions
between 1 µm and 1,000 µm (1 µm is one-
thousandth of a millimetre).
 In recent years, they have been reported as a
major source of pollution affecting rivers and
oceans.
 There are multiple sources of microplastics in
the environment and it can come through water,
soil, composting medium.
 The current standards [in India] only recommend
tests that can be done to determine the levels
of microplastics but don’t prescribe a definitive
test.
In-depth Analysis
ˆˆ Plastic Waste Generation in India
 According to the reports for year 2017-18,
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has
estimated that India generates approximately
9.4 Million tonnes per annum plastic waste,
(which amounts to 26,000 tonnes of waste per
day).
 Out of this approximately 5.6 Million tonnes per
annum plastic waste is recycled (i.e. 15,600
tonnes of waste per day) and 3.8 Million tonnes
per annum plastic waste is left uncollected or
littered (9,400 tonnes of waste per day)
 Out of the 60% of recycled plastic 70% is
recycled at registered facilities , 20% is recycled
by Unorganized Sector and 10% of the plastic is
recycled at home.
May, 2024

Plastic Waste Impact
Economic Implication for
Losses Animals & Human
Land Pollution
Ground Water
Air Pollution
Pollution
ˆˆ Plastic Waste Management
1. Most favoured option for plastic waste
management is Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and
Recovery.
2. Increase in the thickness of carry bags and
plastic sheets
  Increasing the thickness of plastic carry
bags from 40 to 50 micron and stipulation
of 50 micron thickness for plastic sheets is
likely to increase the cost by about 20 %.
3. Collect back system
  The producers, importers and brand owners
who introduce the plastic carry bags, multi-
layered plastic sachet, or pouches, or
packaging in the market within a period of
six months from the date of publication of
India’s First Small-Scale LNG Unit in Madhya Pradesh
ˆˆ Article Index
 Gist of Article  Key points  Key highlights  Backgrounder – about CNG, SSCNG, Difference between
CNG and LNG IN-Depth Analysis
Recently Union Minister for Petroleum and
Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri dedicated to the
nation India’s first small-scale liquefied natural gas
(SSLNG) unit at GAIL (India) Ltd’s Vijaipur complex
in Madhya Pradesh.
ˆˆ Key Points
 India’s first small-scale liquefied natural gas
(SSLNG) unit launched at - GAIL (India) Ltd’s
Vijaipur complex in Madhya Pradesh.
 SSLNG unit launched by- Union Minister for
Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri
May, 2024
these rules, need to establish a system for
collecting back the plastic waste generated
due to their products.
4. Phasing out of manufacture and use of non-
recyclable multi-layered plastic
  Manufacture and use of non-recyclable
multi-layered plastic if any should be
phased out in two years’ time.
5. Responsibility of waste generator
  All institutional generators of plastic waste,
shall segregate and store the waste gener-
ated by them in accordance with the Solid
Waste Management Rules, and handover
segregated wastes to authorized waste
processing or disposal facilities or deposi-
tion centers, either on its own or through
the authorized waste collection agency.
6. Responsibility of local bodies and Gram
Panchayat
  The local bodies shall be responsible
for setting up, operationalisation and co-
ordination of the waste management system
and for performing associated functions.
7. Reuse of plastic waste
  The options on reuse of plastic in various
applications namely, road construction,
waste to oil, waste to energy will enhance
the recycling of plastic.
8. Land for waste management facility
  The responsibility to provide land for
establishing waste management facility
has been made to the Department with
business allocation of land allotment in the
State Government. This would eliminate
the issue of getting land for the waste
management facility.
ˆˆ Key Highlights
 The Minister Hardeep Singh Puri dedicated to
the nation 201 CNG Stations and India’s first
Small Scale LNG Unit of GAIL.
 As per Minimum work plan submitted by
City Gas Distribution (CGD) entities of GAIL,
the Minister noted that the country will have
around 17,500 CNG stations and around
120 million PNG(Domestic) connections by
2030.
(93) CURRENT DRISHTI

Backgrounder
ˆˆ Difference between CNG and LNG
 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is made by
compressing natural gas to 1/100th of its normal
volume.
 Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is a process where
natural gas is cooled to a liquid 1/600th the
volume of natural gas.
 Both processes allow natural gas to be more
easily stored and transported.
ˆˆ What exactly is SSLNG?
 There is no standard definition of this still globally
nascent industry.
 But basically, SSLNG refers to the liquefaction
of natural gas and its transportation using
unconventional means in a significantly smaller-
scale operation than the usual large-scale
liquefaction, regasification, and transportation
infrastructure and processes.
In-Depth Analysis
ˆˆ Why small-scale LNG?
 The government has been pushing for the
adoption and use of natural gas across sectors,
and aims to increase the share of natural gas in
News in Short
IPCC Reports and Equity in Climate
Change Mitigation
In a recent study researchers analysed more
than 500 future emissions scenarios the UN
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
assessed in its latest reports. These scenarios relate
to mitigation actions like reducing carbon dioxide
emissions from burning fossil fuels and increasing
carbon sequestration through forestry.
ˆˆ Key points
 Research study published on - March 4, 2024
 Research study is based on - UN
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC) reports
 Major findings of report- It found that across
all 556 scenarios, income, energy-use, and
emissions disparities between developed and
developing countries are projected to continue
up to 2050.
ˆˆ Key Highlights
 What are IPCC assessment reports?
 Typically, IPCC reports comprise three Working
Group reports: one on physical science, one on
climate adaptation, and one on mitigation action.
CURRENT DRISHTI
its primary energy mix to 15% by 2030 from a
little more than 6% at present.
 This is because natural gas is far less polluting
than conventional hydrocarbons like coal and
oil; it is also cheaper than oil, more than 85%
of India’s requirement for which is met through
costly imports.
 Natural gas is seen as a key transition fuel in
India’s journey towards green energy and future
fuels.
 However, a major challenge in scaling up gas
consumption lies in the transportation of gas to
places that are not connected by the country’s
natural gas pipeline grid — a problem that also
hinders the use of LNG directly as fuel for long-
haul trucks and inter-city buses.
 The SSLNG chain can start from a large-scale
LNG import terminal from where the LNG,
instead of being regasified and supplied through
pipelines, can be transported to consumers by
cryogenic road tankers or small vessels.
 The chain can also start at locations with ample
natural gas supply or production, where small
liquefaction plants can be set up.
 The SSLNG unit at Vijaipur, which is GAIL’s
largest gas processing facility, is an example of
the latter kind of location.
 One synthesis report consolidates findings from
the three Working Group reports. Then there are
thematic special reports.
 Each report assesses climate-related scientific
literature to capture the state of scientific,
technical, and socio-economic knowledge on
climate change.
 The IPCC is currently in its Seventh Assessment
cycle (AR7).
Backgrounder
ˆˆ About Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC)
 The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change(IPCC), consisting of the world’s leading
climate scientists.
 Created in 1988 by the World Meteorological
Organization (WMO) and the United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP).
 The objective of the IPCC is to provide govern-
ments at all levels with scientific information that
they can use to develop climate policies.
 The IPCC currently has 195 members.
Thousands of people from all over the world
contribute to the work of the IPCC.
(94) May, 2024
 The IPCC has been instrumental in creating a
broad, evidence-based consensus on the link
between human activity and climate change,
and its impacts, future risks, and options for
adaptation and mitigation.
ˆˆ How Much Is Earth’s Climate Changing
Right Now?
 Some parts of Earth are warming faster than
others.
 But on average, global air temperatures near
Earth’s surface have gone up about 2 degrees
Fahrenheit in the past 100 years.
 In fact, the past five years have been the
warmest five years in centuries.
 Many people, including scientists, are concerned
about this warming.
 As Earth’s climate continues to warm, the
intensity and amount of rainfall during storms
such as hurricanes is expected to increase.
 Droughts and heat waves are also expected to
become more intense as the climate warms.
 When the whole Earth’s temperature changes
by one or two degrees, that change can have
big impacts on the health of Earth’s plants and
animals, too.
Battery Waste Management (Amendment)
Rules, 2024
Recently, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change (MoEFCC) issued the Battery Waste
Management (Amendment) Rules, 2024 to further
amend the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022.
ˆˆ Key Points
 Rule issued on - March 14, 2024
 Rule issued by- The Ministry of Environment,
Forest and Climate Change
ˆˆ Key Highlights
 The Central Pollution Control Board shall fix
the highest and the lowest price for Extended
Producer Responsibility certificates which shall
be equal to 100% and 30%, respectively of the
Environmental Compensation leviable on the
obligated entities for non-fulfilment of Extended
Producer Responsibility obligations as deter-
mined by the Central Pollution Control Board.
 The Central Pollution Control Board shall prepare
and recommend guidelines for imposition and
collection of Environmental Compensation from
producers and entities involved in refurbishment
and recycling of waste battery, in case of non-
compliance of these rules. The Central Pollution
Control Board may consult the Committee for
Implementation constituted under rule 15.
May, 2024 (95)
 The recommended guidelines shall be submitted
to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change for concurrence.
ˆˆ Objectives of Battery Waste Management
 Promoting circular economy by recycling and
ensuring environmentally sound management
of waste batteries.
 Promoting new industries and entrepreneurship
in the collection and recycling/refurbishment of
waste batteries.
 Implementing the polluter pays principle through
EPR Reducing the dependency on new raw
materials and saving natural resources.
ˆˆ About Battery Waste Management Rules,
2022
 Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022 has
replaced the Batteries (Management and
Handling) Rules, 2001
 The rules cover all types of batteries, viz. Electric
Vehicle batteries, portable batteries, automotive
batteries and industrial batteries.
 The rules function based on the concept of
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) where
the producers (including importers) of batteries
are responsible for collection and recycling/
refurbishment of waste batteries and use of
recovered materials from wastes into new batteries.
Captive Elephant (Transfer or
Transport) Rules, 2024
Recently The Centre has notified a set of rules
called the Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport)
Rules, 2024 that liberalise the conditions under which
elephants may be transferred within or between
states.
ˆˆ New Rule
 Until August 2022, the Wildlife Protection Act
explicitly prohibited the trade in wildlife including
both wild and captive elephants.
 However amendments to the Act brought in an
exemption that for the first time allowed captive
elephants to be transferred.
 A Parliamentary Committee, led by Congress
Rajya Sabha MP, Jairam Ramesh, had
recommended the deletion of this exemption
clause for elephants – providing only an
exemption for elephants owned by temple trusts
and argued that a “careful balance” between
traditions and conservation was needed.
 The final version of the amended act, however
retains the clause on allowing the movement of
captive elephants.
 However only animals with an existing certificate
of ownership may be moved.
CURRENT DRISHTI
  Arvind Kejriwal
Persons in News  Arvind Kejriwal became the first
,
sitting Chief Minister to get arrested
NATIONAL  The Enforcement Directorate (ED)
 Vinay Kumar arrested Delhi Chief Minister Arvind
 Vinay Kumar, an Indian Foreign Kejriwal in the liquor policy scam under the
Service officer of the 1992 batch, Prevention of Money Laundering Act, of 2002.
has been named as the next  AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa was the first former

Ambassador of India to Russia. CM to get arrested in 1996.

 Kumar currently holds the position  M.V. Rao
of Ambassador of India to Myanmar. The Ministry  Central Bank of India chief executive
of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement that M V Rao elected as Indian Banks’
he is expected to take up the new assignment Association Chairman.
shortly.  Rao has been elected as IBA
 C.P. Radhakrishnan Chairman for the term 2023-24 at a meeting of
 President Droupadi Murmu on the Managing Committee of IBA held in March
March 19 gave Jharkhand 2024..
Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan  Bina Agarwal and James Boyce
additional charge of  Bina Agarwal and James Boyce have been
Telangana and Puducherry recognized for their groundbreaking work on
after accepting the resignation of Tamilisai global inequalities, receiving the prestigious
Soundararajan who had stepped down from – and inaugural – Global Inequality Research
these posts. Award (GiRA).
 On March 18, Tamilisai Soundararajan resigned
 Bina Agarwal (University of
from the post
Manchester), an economist,
 Prabha Varma is the author of pioneering
 Renowned Kerala poet and work on gender inequalities,
litterateur Prabha Varma has environmental governance,
won the ‘33rd Saraswati Samman feminist environmentalism and environmental
for 2023’ for his work ‘Roudra inequalities.
Sathwikam’,.  James K. Boyce (University of Massachusetts
 The award instituted by the KK Birla Foundation Amherst), an economist, is the author of seminal
in 1991 is recognized as the “most prestigious work on the relationship between
and the highest literary award in the country. social inequality and environmental
 ‘Roudra Sathwikam’, a poetic work in degradation and has made a major
Malayalam, was published in 2022 and it has contribution to structuring the field of
won the ‘Saraswati Samman-2023’. environmental political economy.
CURRENT DRISHTI (96) May, 2024
 Abhay Thakur
 Abhay Thakur presently Officer
on Special Duty in the Ministry,
has been appointed as the next
Ambassador of India to the Republic
of the Union of Myanmar.
 He is a 1992-batch officer of the Indian Foreign
Service (IFS).
 He had participated in the G20 Development
Working Group Meeting in Brasilia, Capital of
Brazil, current chair of the G20.
 Hansa Mishra
 Hansha Mishra, an officer of
the Indian Audit and Accounts
Service (IA&AS) from the 2010
batch, has been appointed
as Director in the Union Public Service
Commission (UPSC), Delhi.
 Her appointment comes after she was
recommended for central deputation by the
Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India.
 Ritu Raj Awasthi
 Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi sworn in as
a judicial member, Lokpal in March
2024.
 The oath was administered
by Justice A.M. Khanwilkar,
Chairperson, Lokpal of India.
 Pankaj Kumar and Ajay Tirkey took oath as
member, of Lokpal Shri Pankaj Kumar and Shri
Ajay Tirkey took oath as members, of Lokpal.
 Sadanand Vasant Date
 Sadanand Vasant Date, who
bravely fought terrorists during the
26/11 Mumbai attack, took over
as of the National Investigation
Agency (NIA) on, March 31, 2024.
 Before joining the NIA, Date was serving as
the chief of Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in
Maharashtra.
 Nidhu Saxena
 Bank of Maharashtra appointed Nidhu Saxena
as the managing director & chief
executive officer (MD & CEO)
of the bank for a period of three
years effective from March 27,
2024.
May, 2024
 He replaced A.S Rajeev, who has been
recently appointed a Vigilance Commissioner
in the Central Vigilance Commission by the
government of India
 Kamal Kishore
 The Head of India’s National
Disaster Management Authorities
Kamal Kishore has been appointed
the United Nations Assistant
Secretary-General and UN Secretary–General’s
Special Representative for Disaster Risk
Reduction on March 27th, 2024.
 He succeeds Mami Mizutori of Japan, who
led the United Nations Office for Disaster
Risk Reduction (UNDRR) between 2018 and
2023 and who successfully engaged all DRR
stakeholders, especially civil society groups
such as women, youth and the media.
 Vineet Jain
 Times Group Managing Director
Vineet Jain has been honored with
the Lifetime Achievement Award
2023 by the jury of Exchange4
Media News Broadcasting Awards (ENBA).
 This award is given for his “incomparable
contribution to the Indian television news
landscape”.
 Mirabai Chanu
 Mirabai Chanu has become the sole
Indian weightlifter who qualified for
the Paris Olympics 2024 on 1st April
2024.
 At the IWF World Cup in Phuket, Thailand, the
29-year-old Olympic silver medalist finished
third in Group B of women’s 49kg, earning 11th
place overall
 Rohan Bopann
 On March 30, Rohan Bopanna
and his Australian partner Matthew
Ebden topped the men’s doubles
final of the Miami Open in a historic
win.
 The Indo-Australian pair won the title by
defeating Croatia’s Ivan Dodik and America’s
Austin Krajicek 6-7, 6-3, 10-16.
(97) CURRENT DRISHTI
 Dr. Karthik Kommuri
 Dr. Kommuri was awarded the title
of prestigious Overseas Dental
Specialist (Orthodontics and
Orofacial Pain) at the National
Fame Awards 2024 held at The
Club, Mumbai.
 Reputably known for providing outstanding
patient care, Dr. Karthik Kommuri is a great
example of modern orthodontics and dentistry
practices.
 Santosh Kumar Jha
 Santosh Kumar Jha, an Indian
Railway Traffic Services (IRTS)
officer of 1992 batch, took charge
as the Chairman and Managing
Director (CMD) of Konkan Railway
Corporation Ltd., (KRCL) on April 1, 2024.
 Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
 Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has been sworn
in as President of Egypt .
 It is his 3rd term as President.
 In 2013, El-Sisi came to power after
overthrowing Mohammed Morsi,
the country’s first popularly elected president.
 In 2018, he was re-elected. He had won both
the last elections with 97% votes
 Rakesh Mohan
 The World Bank Group has
appointed former Reserve Bank
of India deputy governor Rakesh
Mohan member of the Economic
Advisory Panel.
 Currently, Mohan is serving as president
emeritus and distinguished fellow at CSEP
and is also a part-time member of the Prime
Minister’s Economic Advisory Council.
 Manoj Panda
 Manoj Panda, former director at
the Institute of Economic Growth
appointed as a full-time member of
the 16th Finance Commission.
 The Government had constituted
the Commission on December 31, and named
former Niti Aayog vice chairman and Columbia
University professor Arvind Panagariya as its
chairman.
CURRENT DRISHTI
 Harendra Singh
 After Janneke Schopman quit
as the head coach of Indian
women’s hockey, Harendra Singh
was appointed as coach of Indian
women’s hockey.
 Harendra Singh winner of the Dronacharya
award has coached various Indian teams,
including the senior men’s hockey team
 Sachidananda Mohanty
 Sachidananda Mohanty former vice chancellor
of Central University of Odisha, has
been appointed as a member of
the University Grants Commission
(UGC)
 He has been appointed for three
years with immediate effect.
 Jagjit Pavadia
 India has been elected to several key bodies
at the United Nations, including a
significant victory by its nominee
Jagjit Pavadia who was re-elected
for a third term to the International
Narcotics Control Board after
garnering the highest number of
votes.
 Sanjay Shukla
 Sanjay Shukla has been appointed as the
Managing Director (MD) of
the National Housing Bank (NHB)
in April 2024.
 Currently, he is the Managing
Director and CEO of Housing
Finance at Centrum India.
 Nalin Negi
 Fintech major BharatPe has
elevated Nalin Negi as its chief
executive officer, after more than
a year after he took over as interim
CEO and CFO on April 16, 2024.
 Negi was given charge of interim
CEO in January 2023 after then CEO Suhail
Sameer stepped down from the post.
 Gopi Thotakura
 Entrepreneur and pilot Gopi
Thotakura is set to become first
Indian to venture into space as a
tourist.
(98) May, 2024
 He will be part of the NS-25 mission of Blue
Origin — a company founded by Jeff Bezos.
 He has been selected as one of the six crew
members for the mission.
 Thotakura would be the second Indian to go into
space. Rakesh Sharma was the first Indian to
go into space in 1984
 Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-
Sabah
 Kuwait’s Emir has appointed
Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah al-Ahmad
al-Sabah as the new prime minister
of Kuwait.
 This decision follows the resignation
of former Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammad
Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah on April 7.
 Dinesh Kumar Tripathi
 Vice Admiral Dinesh Kumar
Tripathi was appointed as the next
Chief of the Naval Staff.
 He succeeds Admiral R.
Hari Kumar who retires upon
superannuation after over 40 years of service.
 Deepika Soreng
 Deepika Soreng, an India
Women’s Hockey Team
player, won the Asunta Lakra
Award.
 She made her debut for India in
the Women’s Junior Asia Cup. She helped the
Indian team to win the Gold medal by scoring 7
goals in 6 matches.
 Mohammed Salem
 Reuters photographer Mohammed
Salem won the prestigious 2024
World Press Photo of the Year
award on April 18 for his image
of a Palestinian woman cradling
the body of her five-year-old niece in the Gaza
Strip.
 The picture was taken on Oct. 17, 2023, at
Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis in southern
Gaza, where families were searching for
relatives killed during the Israeli bombing of the
Palestinian enclave.
May, 2024
 Ajith Kumar
 The Reserve Bank of India has
approved the appointment of
Ajith Kumar K.K as the Managing
Director & CEO of Dhanlaxmi
Bank for three years with effect
from the date of taking charge.
 Presently, Kumar is the Chief Human Resources
Officer in Federal Bank in the cadre of the
President.
 D. Gukesh
 Grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju
created history by becoming
the youngest person to win
the prestigious Candidates
Tournament.
 He earned the right to challenge
for the world championship crown in 2024.
 17-year-old Gukesh emerged as the sole leader
at the end of the thrilling 14-round Candidates
Tournament in Toronto, Canada.
 Pavuluri Subba Rao
 Ananth Technologies Founder,
CEO and Chairman Pavuluri
Subba Rao has been conferred
with the ‘Aryabhatta Award’
instituted by the Aeronautical
Society of India (ASI).
 He was also presented with ASI’s ‘Distinguished
Fellow’ title and received the award in recognition
of Rao’s “tremendous lifetime contribution to the
promotion of space science in India”.
 Rezwana Choudhury
 Renowned Bangladeshi singer
Rezwana Chowdhury Bannya
received the prestigious Padma
Shri Award.
 Ratan Tata
 Mr Ratan N Tata, Chairman of Tata Trusts,
has been conferred with the prestigious KISS
Humanitarian Award 2021, in recognition of his
unwavering commitment to social
development and exemplary
leadership.
 The award ceremony was held
on April 22, 2024, at Mr Tata’s
residence in Mumbai.
(99) CURRENT DRISHTI
 Srini Pallia  Vo Van Thuong
 Srini Pallia has been appointed  Vietnamese President Vo Van
as the next chief executive officer Thuong has resigned one year
(CEO) of Wipro. after his election.
 Mr. Thuong is the second president
 After the resignation of
to resign in two years amid an anti-
Thierry Delaporte, Wipro corruption crackdown.
has appointed Srinivas Pallia as its new
 Vaughan Gething
CEO.
 He took over as the CEO and managing director  Vaughan Gething has been
elected the first minister of Wales.
on April 7.
He became the first Black leader
 In July 2020, Thierry Delaporte was
of a government in the U.K.
appointed as Wipro’s CEO and managing  He is elected government leader
director. by members of the Welsh parliament. He
 Dr. Gagandeep Kang secured 27 of 51 votes in the Legislature.

 Dr. Gagandeep Kang, Director

of Global Health at the Bill and
Melinda Gates Foundation, has
been selected for the prestigious
John Dirks Award in global
health.
 It is the most well-recognized global health
award.
 The John Dirks Award in global health is
awarded by the Gairdner Foundation in
Canada.
INTERNATIONAL
 Judith Suminwa Tuluka
 Democratic Republic of Congo’s
President Felix Tshisekedi has
appointed Judith Suminwa
Tuluka as the country’s first-ever
female prime minister on April 1,
2024.
 she takes over as prime minister from Jean-
Michel Sama Lukonde
 Leo Varadkar
 Ireland’s Indian-origin Prime
Minister Leo Varadkar, resigned
from his post.
 Leo Varadkar was born in Ireland
to a Mumbai-born father and an
Irish mother.
 He became Ireland’s youngest and first openly
gay Prime Minister at the age of 38.
 Juan Vicente Perez
 Venezuelan Juan Vicente Perez
Mora, certified in 2022 by Guinness
World Records as the oldest man in
the world, passed away on April 2,
2024.
 Perez was officially confirmed as the oldest man
alive on February 4, 2022, when he was 112
years and 253 days old, according to Guinness.
 Luís Montenegro
 Center-right leader Luís
Montenegro was sworn in as
Portugal’s new prime minister in
Lisbon’s Ajuda Palace April 2, 2024.
 The Democratic Alliance (AD)
coalition won the March 10 election by a slim
margin over the incumbent Socialist Party (PS).
 Peter Higgs
 British physicist Peter Higgs
passed away at the age of 94.
 He gave a theory on the existence
of the Higgs boson particle, also
known as the “God’s particle”.
 He served as a professor for nearly
five decades at the University of Edinburgh.
 Simon Harris
 Ireland’s parliament has elected
Simon Harris as the country’s
new and youngest-ever prime
minister, to succeed Leo Varadkar
on April 9, 2024.
 The Irish Parliament voted 88 to
69 in favor of Mr Harris.

CURRENT DRISHTI (100) May, 2024

 Bjarni Benediktsson
 Bjarni Benediktsson has been
appointed as Prime Minister of
Iceland.
 He was appointed as Prime Minister
After the resignation of Katrín
Jakobsdottir
 Benediktsson previously served as foreign
minister. Katrín Jakobsdottir stood down
following more than six years in office.
 Lindy Cameron
 THE UNITED Kingdom appointed
Lindy Cameron as the first woman
British High Commissioner to India
on April 11, 2024.
 She replaced Mr Alex Ellis CMG,
who will be transferring to another Diplomatic
Service appointment.
 Ellis will be Britain’s next ambassador to
Spain.
 Kristalina Georgieva
 The Executive Board of the
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
on April 12, 2024 selected Kristalina
Georgieva to serve as IMF Managing
Director for a second five-year term
starting on October 1, 2024.
 The Board’s decision was taken by consensus.
 Georgieva is the second woman to head the IMF
and the first person from an emerging market
economy
 Squadron Leader
 Squadron Leader DS Majithia
passed away at the age of 103 on
April 15, 2024.
 DS Majithia was oldest retired Indian
Air Force (IAF) fighter pilot.
 DS Majithia flew aircraft like Gypsy Moth, Wapiti,
Hart, Audax, and Atlanta.
Places in News
NATIONAL
 Mumbai
 Mumbai is being established by the armed
forces as the country’s first “tri-service common
defense station” for the Army, Navy, and Indian
Air Force (IAF).
May, 2024 (101)
 The move aims to promote unity among the
three services ahead of the establishment of a
unified theater command.
 Lakshadweep
 Private lender HDFC Bank opened a branch at
Kavaratti Island in Lakshadweep, making it the
only private sector bank to have a branch in the
Union Territory.
 Telangana
 Three new archaeological sites have been
discovered in Telangana.
 A team of archaeologists discovered a unique
Iron Age megalithic site at Ooragutta near
Bandala village in SS Tadvaimandal of Mulugu
district, Telangana.
 The site was discovered by a team comprising K
P Rao and Ch Praveen Raju.
 Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
 Seven members of this particularly vulnerable
tribal group (PVTGs) of the Great Nicobar
Islands voted for the single Lok Sabha seat in
the UT.
 Voting was held on April 19th ,2024
 In addition to voting, they also posed for selfies
at polling station 411, which is named as
‘Shompen Hut’.
 Based on data from the 2011 Census, the
estimated population of Shompen is 229.
INTERNATIONAL
 Schengen area of Europe
 Bulgaria and Romania have partially joined
Europe’s Schengen area of free movement.
 In 2023, both countries reached an agreement
to join the Schengen area. It will allow free
movement by air, and sea.
 However, land border checks will remain in
place due to opposition primarily from Austria.
 The Schengen Area formed in 1985 allows more
than 400 million people in the European Union

to travel freely without internal border controls.
The Schengen zone now comprises 29
members, of which 25 are EU members.
 Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein
are also part of the Schengen area of Europe.
 Singapore
 On April 2, Singapore reportedly ruled out hosting
the 2026 Commonwealth Games, putting the
future of the multi-sport event in doubt.
CURRENT DRISHTI
 The feasibility of hosting the 2026 Common-
wealth Games has been studied by Common-
wealth Games Singapore and Sport Singapore
and has decided not to place any bid to host the
Games.
 Nigeria
 Nigeria has rolled out the world’s first vaccine
against meningitis.
 Nigeria has become the first country to introduce
a novel vaccine, Men5CV. It is endorsed by the
World Health Organization (WHO).
 This vaccine will protect against five strains (A,
C, W, Y, and X) of meningococcus bacteria.
 Brazil
 A new species of tiger cat, the clouded tiger cat,
has been found in Brazil. It is facing threats from
deforestation and illegal hunting.
 They are among the shyest and smallest wild
cats in the Americas, weighing between 1.5 to 3
kilograms (3.3 to 6.6 pounds).
 It has been discovered in the lush rainforests of
Brazil. It is small in stature.
 Papua New Guinea
 Papua New Guinea has appointed 1st defence
adviser to India.
 Col Edison Napyo has been appointed as 1st
defence advisor to India.
 PNG’s acting Chief of Defence Force
Commodore Philip Polewara gave Col Edison
Napyo a farewell on April 17.
 This is a key step towards improving defence
cooperation between India and Papua New
Guinea (PNG).
Awards
 Global Inequality Research Award
 Bina Agarwal and James Boyce have been
awarded the first “Global Inequality Research
Award” for their significant contributions to
understanding global inequalities, specifically
in the areas of social and environmental
inequalities.
 The GiRA Award recognizes the importance
of addressing global inequalitiesfrom diverse
perspectives and disciplines.
CURRENT DRISHTI (102)
 Sangita Kalanidhi award
 Noted Carnatic vocalist and Magsaysay Award
winner T.M. Krishna has been selected for the
Sangita Kalanidhi award of the Music Academy
for 2024.
 The Executive Committee of the Music Academy,
at its meeting on March 17, 2024, decided to
confer the award on him.
 The Sangita Kalanidhi awardee will preside
over the academic sessions of the 98th Annual
Conference and Concerts of The Music Academy
to be held between December 15, 2024 and
January 1, 2025, and will receive the award,
together with those selected for the Sangita Kala
Acharya, the TTK and the Musicologist awards
at the Sadas on January 1, 2025.
 Raksha Mantri Trophy for Best AFMS
Hospitals 2022
 Raksha Mantri Trophy for the Best and Second
Best Command Hospitals of the Armed Forces
Medical Services (AFMS) for the year 2022 was
presented by Director General Armed Forces
Medical Services and Senior Colonel Comdt,
Army Medical Corps Lt Gen Daljit Singh on 19
Mar 2024 in New Delhi.
 The Command Hospital (Southern Command),
Pune and the Command Hospital (Central
Command), Lucknow were judged as the Best
and Second Best Command Hospital for the
year 2022 respectively.
 The Raksha Mantri Trophy was instituted in
1989 to recognize excellence in healthcare
services provided by Armed Forces Hospitals
of the AFMS and to foster a spirit of healthy
competition among them.
 CERAW eek Leadership Award for
Building Global Consensus Towards a
Sustainable Energy Future
 Dr. Sultan Al Jaber was recognized with the
‘CERAWeek Leadership Award for Building
Global Consensus towards a Sustainable
Energy Future’ for his role in bringing Parties
together to deliver the UAE Consensus.
 Dr. Al Jaber was presented the award by Daniel
Yergin, Vice Chairman of S&P Global and
CERAWeek conference chair.
May, 2024
 Aviation Week Laureates Award
 The Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISRO) has been honored with
the prestigious Aviation Week Laureates
Award for its remarkable achievements in
the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
 Sripriya Ranganathan, Deputy Ambassador at
the Indian Embassy in the US, accepted the
award on behalf of ISRO.
 Abel Prize 2024
 The Norwegian Academy
of Science and Letters
has awarded the Abel
Prize for 2024 to Michel Talagrand of the French
National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS),
Paris, France.
 Michel Talagrand receives the prize for his work
in probability theory and stochastic processes.
From the outset, the development of probability
theory was motivated by problems that arose in
the context of gambling or assessing risks.
 The common theme in Michel Talagrand’s
groundbreaking discoveries is working with and
understanding the random processes we see all
around us.
 National Fame Awards 2024
 Dr. Kommuri was felicitated with the
Distinguished Overseas Dental Specialist
(Orthodontics and Orofacial
Pain) title at the National Fame
Awards 2024, held at The Club
in Mumbai.
 He is known for his unwavering
dedication to patient well-being, pursuit of
excellence, and commitment to shaping brighter
smiles with each passing day.
 International Culture Award
 Professor Meena Charanda, Principal of
Kalindi College, Delhi University, was given the
‘International Culture Award’ for the year 2024.
 Prof. Meena Charanda has been given this
honor for her remarkable work in the field of
education and social service.
 Prof. Charanda was presented with this honor
at a program at the India International Center on
March 30, 2024.
May, 2024 (103)
 ENBA Lifetime Achievement Award 2023
 Vineet Jain, the managing director of
the Times Group, received the prestigious
Exchange4Media News Broadcasting Awards
(ENBA) Lifetime Achievement Award 2023 for
his significant contributions to Indian television
news.
 SKOCH ESG Award 2024
 REC Limited, a Maharatna Central Public
Sector Enterprise under the
Ministry of Power and a leading
NBFC, has been bestowed with
the SKOCH ESG Award 2024 in
the ‘Renewable Energy Financing’
category.
 15th CIDC Vishwakarma Awards 2024
 SJVN Limited has won two prestigious awards
at the 15th CIDC Vishwakarma Awards
2024, instituted by the Construction Industry
Development Council.
 SJVN has been conferred with the ‘Achievement
Award for Creating Social Development &
Impact’ and ‘CIDC Partners in Progress Trophy’.
 GAIL (India) Limited has been honored with the
prestigious 15th CIDC Vishwakarma Award in
the ‘Achievement Award for Best Construction
Projects’ category for its remarkable
accomplishmentin the Barauni – Guwahati
Natural Gas Pipeline project (BGPL).
 John Dirks Gairdner Global Health Award
 Dr. Gagandeep Kang, Director of Global Health
at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has
been selected for the prestigious John Dirks
Award in global health. It is the most well-
recognized global health award.
 The John Dirks Award in global health is awarded
by the Gairdner Foundation in Canada.
 Freedom Prize
 The Late Russian
dissident Aleksei Navalny
and his wife, Yulia
Navalnaya, won the Freedom Prize of the Media
from a leading German forum, the Ludwig
Erhard Summit.
 The award is presented annually to public figures
who have made significant contributions to
freedom of expression, dialogue, and democracy.
CURRENT DRISHTI
 The decision to honor Aleksei Navalny and
Yulia Navalnaya with the Freedom Prize
underscores the ongoing efforts to keep their
fight for democracy and human rights in Russia
at the forefront of the international community’s
attention.
 Best Scientific Poster Award’ 2024
 Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital’s research team has
been honored with the prestigious ‘Best
Scientific Poster Award’ at the 2024 Annual
Meeting of the American Society for Cataract
and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS).
 The award-winning study focused on ‘The
efficacy of Revital Vision vision-training software
in improving best-corrected vision in stable
keratoconus patients post Crosslinking surgery.’
 American President’s Volunteer Service
Award 2024
 India’s Jain spiritual leader
Lokesh Muni has been honored
with the US Presidential Gold
Volunteer Service Award for his
contribution to the welfare of
people and humanity.
 Muni, the founder of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharati and
World Peace Center in India, was honored with
the award by Democratic Congressman Brad
Sherman at the US Capitol.
 Established in 2003 during the tenure of
President George Bush.
 South Asian Person of the Year
 Avantika Vandanapu has been named the South
Asian Person of the Year by Harvard University.
 The Indian-American actor, who was recognized
for her outstanding achievements, recently
appeared in ‘Mean Girls’ and the Indian OTT
series ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’.
 World Literary Prize
 Mamta G. Sagar, a Bengaluru-based Kannada
poet, writer, academic, and activist, has won the
World Literary Prize from the World Organization
of Writers (WOW) for her contributions to the
world of literature.
 Dr. Sagar, a facilitator at Srishti Manipal Institute
of Art, Design, and Technology, known for her
involvement in diverse forms of transdisciplinary
creative writing and cultural industries, received
the award on April 6 at a ceremony in Abuja,
Nigeria.
CURRENT DRISHTI
 Honorary Doctorate in Literature
 Actor Ram Charan has received an honorary
doctorate from Vels University at the institute’s
14th Annual Convocation which was held at
its Pallavaram campus in
Chennai.
 Along with Ram Charan,
the university also awarded
Dr. P Veeramuthuvel, the
Project Coordinator at
Chandrayaan, Dr GSK Velu, the Founder and
CMD of Trivitron Healthcare, and table tennis
player and Padma Shri awardee Achanta
Sharath Kamal.
 Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award
 Bollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan has
been honored with the prestigious third Lata
Dinanath Mangeshkar Award for his remarkable
dedication to the nation, its people, and society.
 Previous recipients of this esteemed award
include Prime Minister Narendra Modi and
popular singer Asha Bhosale.
 Established by the Deenanath Mangeshkar
Smriti Pratishthan in memory of the late
Bharat Ratna awardee and legendary singer
Lata Mangeshkar on February 6, 2022, the
Lata Dinanath Mangeshkar award was also
conferred on several other personalities for their
outstanding contributions to their respective
fields.
 Skytrax Award for ‘Best Airport Staff
 GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd
(GHIAL) has won the prestigious ‘Best Airport
Staff in India & South Asia 2024’ award by
Skytrax.
 The award was announced at a glittering
ceremony held on 17th April at the Passenger
Terminal EXPO 2024 in Frankfurt, Germany.
 Hyderabad Airport emerged as the number one
airport among all participating airports in India
and South Asia.
 Aryabhatta Award for Astronautics
Contribution
 Ananth Technologies Founder, CEO, and
Chairman Pavuluri Subba Rao has been
conferred with the ‘Aryabhatta Award’ instituted
by the Aeronautical Society of India (ASI). He
was also presented with ASI’s ‘Distinguished
Fellow’ title.
(104) May, 2024
 He received the award recognition of Rao’s
“tremendous lifetime contribution to the
promotion of astronautics in India.”
 KISS Humanitarian Award 2021
 Renowned industrialist and philanthropist
Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of the Tata
Group, was bestowed with the prestigious KISS
Humanitarian Award 2021 in a private ceremony
held at his residence in Mumbai.
 This recognition stands as a testament to his
unwavering dedication to social development
and outstanding corporate leadership.
Organization
 UNCTAD
 According to a report by the United Nations
Conference on Trade and Development
(UNCTAD), India’s trade reliance on China and
the European Union has grown by 1.2%.
 India’s reliance on Saudi Arabia has decreased
by 0.6%.
 As per the UNCTAD’s report, the major shift in
trade is due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
 The United Nations Conference on
Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is
an intergovernmental organization within
the United Nations Secretariat that promotes
the interests of developing countries in world
trade.
 It was established in 1964 by the United Nations
General Assembly (UNGA) and reports to that
body and the United Nations Economic and
Social Council (ECOSOC).
 UNCTAD is composed of 195 member
states and works with nongovernmental
organizations worldwideits permanent
secretariat is in Geneva, Switzerland.
 TRAI
 TRAI issued a Consultation Paper on inputs
for the formulation of National Broadcasting
Policy-2024.
 The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
(TRAI) was, thus, established with effect from
20th February 1997 by an Act of Parliament,
called the Telecom Regulatory Authority of
May, 2024 (105)
India Act, 1997, to regulate telecom services,
including fixation/revision of tariffs for telecom
services which were earlier vested in the Central
Government.
 World Bank
 The World Bank projected India’s economic
growth to be 6.6% for FY25.
 It was created in 1944, as the International Bank
for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)
along with the IMF. The IBRD later became the
World Bank.
 The World Bank is one of the United
Nations’ specialized agencies.
 It has 189 member countries.
 India is also a member country.
 WHO
 World Health Organization has launched
S.A.R.A.H.
 It is a digital health promoter prototype. It has
enhanced empathetic response, which is
powered by generative artificial intelligence (AI).
 S.A.R.A.H. is a Smart AI Resource Assistant for
Health. It is also known as Sarah.
 The World Health Organization (WHO)
is a specialized agency of the United
Nations responsible for international public
health.
 It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland
 WHO is an organization of 194 Member States.
 NCDFI
 On April 5, the National Cooperative Dairy
Federation of India Limited (NCDFI) unanimously
elected Dr. Meenesh Shah as Chairman in its
board elections.
 It aims to facilitate the working of dairy
cooperatives through coordination, networking,
and advocacy.
 It was registered in December 1970. In 1984,
it started working as the apex body of the
cooperative dairy industry.
 It is governed under the provisions of the Multi-
State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Act,
2023.
 It has 20 regular members, 14 associate
members, and the National Dairy Development
Board (NDDB) as its institutional member.
CURRENT DRISHTI
 International Narcotics Control Board
(INCB)
 Mr. Pavadia was re-elected by secret ballot for a
third term for five years from March 2025-2030,
receiving the highest number of votes in the
highly competitive election.
 Since 2015, Mr. Pavadia has been a member of
the International Narcotics Control Board.
 Founded in 1968, the INCB is the independent
and quasi-judicial monitoring body for
the implementation of the United Nations
international drug control conventions.
 Elected by the Economic and Social Council,
it consists of 13 members who serve in their
personal capacity and not as government
representatives.
 IMF
 IMF reappointed Kristalina Georgieva as
managing director for another five-year term.
 The IMF was established in 1944 in the aftermath
of the Great Depression of the 1930s.
 The IMF is a global organization that works to
sustain UNFPA.
 According to the United Nations Population
Fund’s (UNFPA) State of World Population –
2024 report, India’s population is estimated to
reach 144 crore, with 24 percent in the 0-14 age
bracket.
 As per this report, India’s population is estimated
to double in 77 years.
 WMO
 The World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
has released a report titled: The State of the
Climate in Asia 2023.
 As per the World Meteorological Organization
(WMO), in 2023, Asia remained the world’s most
disaster-hit region due to weather, climate and
water-related hazards.
 The extreme heat and severe floods devastated
many parts of India.
 The World Meteorological Organization is
a specialized agency of the United Nations
responsible for promoting international
cooperation on atmospheric science,
climatology, hydrology, and geophysics.
CURRENT DRISHTI
 It was founded in March 1950.
 As of 2023, WMO has 193 Members, including
187 Member States and 6 Territories, maintaining
their own meteorological services.
 Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
 The WMO began operations in 1951
 NABARD
 NABARD released its Climate Strategy 2030
document.
 On the occasion of Earth Day, the National
Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
(NABARD) released its Climate Strategy 2030
document.
 The Climate Strategy 2030 document has been
released by Shaji KV, Chairman of NABARD.
 NABARD(National Bank for Agriculture and
Rural Development)is India’s apex development
bank, established in 1982 under an Act of
Parliament to promote sustainable and equitable
agriculture and rural development.
Conference & Summit
 Annual Meeting of the Defence Ministers’
of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
(SCO) Member States 2024
 Date - April 25-26, 2024
 Venue - Astana, Kazakhstan
 Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane lead the
Indian delegation.
 6th International Conference on Disaster
Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI) 2024
 Date - April 24-25, 2024
 Venue - Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
 Theme - Investing today for a more resilient
tomorrow.
 4th meeting of the Task Force for the
Development of Tourism in North East
2024
 Date- April 25, 2024
 Venue - New Delhi
(106) May, 2024
 Present in the meeting were the officials of all
the North Eastern States - Assam, Arunachal
Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram,
Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura.
 World Energy Congress 2024
 Date - April 22-25, 2024
 Venue - Rotterdam, Netherlands
 Theme - Redesigning Energy for People and
Planet
 Organised by - World Energy Council
 India’s Progressive Path in the
Administration of Criminal Justice
System conference 2024
 Date - April 20, 2024
 Venue - Dr. Ambedkar International Centre,
Janpath, New Delhi
 Organised by - Department of Legal Affairs,
Ministry of Law and Justice
 The Conference was set on the backdrop of
the enactment of three Criminal Laws, namely
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Bharatiya
Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 and Bharatiya
Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 given their being
brought into effect from 1st July , 2024.
 8th Meeting of Ministers of Education of
the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
Member States 2024
 Date - April 18, 2024
 Venue - Moscow (Russian Federation)
 Chaired by - Minister of Science and Higher
Education of the Russian Federation Valery
Falkov
 Tri-service Conference, ‘Parivartan
Chintan’ 2024
 Date - April 8, 2024
 Venue - New Delhi
 Chaired by - Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil
Chauhan
 The ‘Chintan’ will be the first ever conference
of the Heads of all Tri- Services Institutions, the
Department of Military Affairs, Headquarters
Integrated Defence Staff and the three
May, 2024 (107)
Services, with officers from varied service
brackets, through their diverse understanding
and experience, recommending measures to
achieve the desired “Joint and Integrated” end
state with celerity.
 19th Meeting of SCO Security Council
Secretaries, 2024
 Date - April 2-3, 2024
 Venue - Astana, Kazakhstan
 Chaired by - the Republic of Kazakhstan
 Army Commanders’ Conference 2024
 Date - Virtual session held on 28 March, 2024
and in-person discussions held from 1-2 April,
2024
 Venue - New Delhi
 Virtual session chaired by General Manoj
Pande, Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
 Rajnath Singh, Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, in
his keynote address on 2nd April 2024,
reaffirmed the nation’s trust in the Indian Army,
acknowledging its indispensable role in national
security.
 ABA India Conference 2024 - the global
Lawyers summit
 Date - March 28-29, 2024
 Venue - Taj Man Singh, Delhi
 Theme - Harmonising Horizons - Uniting Law,
Governance and Philanthropy in India and the
West
 Organised by - American Bar Association
Important Days
 International Jazz Day, 2024
 This year International Jazz Day is observed on
April 30, 2024.
 The Global Host for this year’s celebration is the
city of Tangier, Morocco.
 It is first time when a city on the African continent
hosts International Jazz Day.
 World Immunization Week, 2024
 This year World Immunization Week is observed
on April 24-30, 2024.
CURRENT DRISHTI
 Theme - Humanly Possible: Immunization for
All.
 This year World Immunization Week will
celebrate 50 years of the Expanded Programme
on Immunization (EPI).
 At its inception in 1974, the Expanded
Programme on Immunization (EPI) focused
on protecting all children against 6 childhood
illnesses, but today, this number has grown to
13 universally recommended vaccines across
the lifecourse, and 17 additional vaccines with
context dependent recommendations.
 Global immunization efforts have saved at least
154 million lives over the past 50 years.
 World Day for Safety and Health at Work,
2024
 World Day for Safety and Health at Work is
observed on April 28, 2024.
 On the occasion of the World Day for Safety and
Health at Work 2024, the ILO has launched a
new report titled “Ensuring safety and health
at work in a changing climate,” which reveals
alarming new data on the impact of climate
change on workers’ safety and health.
 World Intellectual Property Day, 2024
 World Intellectual Property Day is observed on
April 26, 2024.
 Theme- IP and the SDGs: Building our common
future with innovation and creativity.
 International Chernobyl Disaster
Remembrance Day, 2024
 International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance
Day is observed on April 26, 2024.
 An explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power
Plant in 1986 spread a radioactive cloud
over large parts of the Soviet Union, now the
territories of Belarus, Ukraine and the Russian
Federation.
 Nearly 8.4 million people in the three countries
were exposed to the radiation.
 International Girls in ICT Day, 2024
 International Girls in ICT Day is observed on
April 25, 2024.
CURRENT DRISHTI (108)
 Theme - Leadership.
 This year the global ITU celebration held in the
Philippines and hosted by the Department of
Information and Communications Technology
(DICT).
 World Malaria Day, 2024
 World Malaria Day is observed on April 25,
2024.
 Theme - Accelerating the fight against malaria
for a more equitable world.
 International Day of Multilateralism and
Diplomacy for Peace, 2024
 International Day of Multilateralism and
Diplomacy for Peace is observed on April 24,
2024.
 Multilateralism is often defined in opposition to
bilateralism and unilateralism. Strictly speaking,
it indicates a form of cooperation between at
least three States.
 World Book and Copyright Day, 2024
 World Book and Copyright Day is observed on
April 23, 2024.
 World Book Capital 2024 - Strasbourg, France
 English Language Day, 2024
 English Language Day is observed on April 23,
2024.
 English Language Day at the United Nations
is celebrated on the 23rd of April — the date
traditionally observed as both the birthday and
date of death of William Shakespeare.
 International Mother Earth Day, 2024
 International Mother Earth Day is observed on
April 22, 2024.
 Theme - Planet vs. Plastics.
 World Creativity and Innovation Day,
2024
 World Creativity and Innovation Day is observed
on April 21, 2024.
 World Chagas Disease Day, 2024
 World Chagas Disease Day is observed on April
14, 2024.
 Theme - Tackling Chagas disease: detect early
and care for life.
May, 2024
 International Day of Human Space Flight,
2024
 International Day of Human Space Flight is
observed on April 12, 2024.
 April 12, 1961 was the date of the first human
space flight, carried out by Yuri Gagarin, a
Soviet citizen.
 World Health Day, 2024
 World Health Day is observed on April 7, 2024.
 Theme - My health, my right
 The date of 7 April marks the anniversary of the
founding of WHO in 1948.
 International Day of Sport for
Development and Peace, 2024
 International Day of Sport for Development and
Peace is observed on April 6, 2024.
 Theme - International Day of Sport for
Development and Peace.
 61st Merchant Navy Week, 2024
 Merchant Navy Week is observed on 30th March
to 5th April , 2024.
 Theme - Sustainable Shipping: Opportunities
and Challenges.
 International Day of Conscience, 2024
 International Day of Conscience is observed on
April 5, 2024.
 Theme - Promoting the Culture of Peace with
Love and Conscience.
 International Day for Mine Awareness
and Assistance in Mine Action, 2024
 International Day for Mine Awareness and
Assistance in Mine Action is observed on April
4, 2024.
 Theme - Protecting Lives. Building Peace.
 World Autism Awareness Day, 2024
 World Autism Awareness Day is observed on
April 2, 2024.
 Theme - Moving from Surviving to Thriving :
Autistic individuals share regional perspectives.
 International Day of Zero Waste, 2024
 International Day of Zero Waste is observed on
March 30, 2024.
May, 2024
 Households, small businesses and public
service providers generate between 2.1 billion
and 2.3 billion tons of municipal solid waste
every year – from packaging and electronics to
plastics and food.
 However, global waste management services
are ill-equipped to handle this, with 2.7 billion
people lacking access to solid waste collection
and only 61–62 per cent of municipal solid waste
being managed in controlled facilities.
 World Tuberculosis Day, 2024
 World Tuberculosis Day is observed on 24th
March, 2024.
 Theme - Yes! We can end TB!
ˆˆ Some important fact-
 75 million lives saved since 2000 by global
efforts to end TB.
 10.6 million people fell ill with TB in 2022.
 1.3 million people died of TB in 2022.
 World Meteorological Day, 2024
 World Meteorological Day is observed on 23rd
March, 2024.
 Theme- At the frontline of climate action.
Books
 Phool Bahadur’ – by Jayanath Pati
(first Magahi novel) the English translation of
the first Magahi novel, ‘Phool Bahadur’. was
done by Abhay K.
 From A Car Shed To The Corner Room &
Beyond – by S. Raman
(it is S. Raman’s autobiography)
 Code-Dependent: Living in the Shadow of AI
– by Madhumita Murgia
 The Idea of Democracy – by Sam Pitroda
 Knife – by Salman Rushdie
 The Law and Spirituality: Reconnecting the
Bond – by Professor Raman Mittal and
Professor Seema Singh
 Justa Mercenary?: Notes from My Life and
Career – by Duvvuri Subbarao
 India — the Road to Renaissance: A Vision and
an Agenda – by Bhimeswara Challa
(109) CURRENT DRISHTI
 ATP Barcelona Open, 2024
Tennis
April 15-21, 2024
WTA Stuttgart Open, 2024 Barcelona, Spain
(Porsche Tennis
Results
Grand Prix)
Winner – Casper Ruud (Norway)
April 15-21, 2024 Men’s
Runner-up – Stefanos Tsitsipas
Stuttgart, Germany Singles
(Greece)
Results Winners – Maximo Gonzalez and
Winner – Elena Rybakina
Men’s Andres Molteni (Both Argentina)
Women’s (Kazakhstan)
Doubles Runners-up – Hugo Nys (Monaco)
Singles Runner-up – Marta Kostyuk
(Ukraine) and Jan Zielinski (Poland)
Winners – Hao Ching Chan
ATP Rolex Monte Carlo Masters, 2024
(Chinese Taipei) and Veronika
Women’s
Kudermetova (Russia) April 7-14, 2024
Doubles
Runners-up – Ulrikke Eikeri
Results
(Norway) and Ingridneel (Estonia)
Men’s Winner – Stefanos Tsitsipas (Greece)
Miami Open, 2024
Singles Runner-up – Casper Ruud (Norway)
March 17-31, 2024
Winners – Sander Gille and Joran
Miami, USA Men’s Vliegen (Both Belgium)
Results Doubles Runners-up – Marcelo Melo (Brazil)
and Alexander Zverev (Germany)
Men’s Winner – Jannik Sinner (Italy)
Singles Runner-up – Grigor Dimitrov (Bulgaria)
WTA Credit One Charleston Open, 2024
Women’s Winner – Danielle Collins (USA)
April 1-7, 2024 Charleston, USA
Singles Runner-up – Elena Rybakina (Kazakhstan)
Winner – Rohan Bopanna (India) and Results
Men’s Matthew Ebden (Australia) Women’s Winner – Danielle Collins (USA)
Doubles Runners-up – Ivan Dodig (Croatia) Singles Runner-up – Daria Kasatkina (Russia)
and Austin Krajicek (USA)
Winners – Ashlyn Krueger and
Winner – Sofia Kenin and Bethanie
Women’s Mattek Sands (Both USA) Women’s Sloane Stephens (Both USA)
Doubles Runners-up – Gabriela Dabrowski Doubles Runners-up – Lyudmila Kichenok
(Canada) and Erin Routliffe (New Zealand) and Nadiia Kichenok (Both Ukraine)

CURRENT DRISHTI (110) May, 2024

 ATP Morelos Open, 2024 Hockey India
April 8-14, 2024 Morelos, Mexico Annual Awards, 2023
Results March 31, 2024

Winner – Giovanni Mpetshi Hockey India Major Dhyan Chand Ashok Kumar
Men’s Perricard (France) Lifetime Achievement Award
Singles Runner-up – Nicolas Mejia Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Hardik Singh
(Colombia) Award for Player of the Year (Men)
Winners – Arjun Kadhe and Jeevan Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award Salima Tete
Nedunchezhiyan (Both India) for Player of the Year (Women)
Men’s
Runners-up – Piotr Matuszewski Hockey India Dhanraj Pillay Award Abhishek
Doubles
(Poland) and Matthew Christopher
for Forward of the Year
Romios (Australia)
Hockey India Baljit Singh Award P.R. Sreejesh
for Goalkeeper of the Year
Football Hockey India Ajit Pal Singh Award Hardik Singh
for Midfielder of the Year
Indian Super League, 2023-24 Hockey India Pargat Singh Award Harmanpreet
for Defender of the Year Singh
September 21, 2023 – May 4, 2024 Hockey India Jugraj Singh Award Araijeet Singh
of Upcoming player of the Year Hundal
Teams – 12 Matches – 139 (Men Under-21)
Hockey India Asunta Lakra Award Deepika
Champion – Runner-up –
Results

for Upcoming Player of the Year Soreng

Mumbai City F.C. Mohun Bagan (Women – Under 21)
(First title) Super Giant

Golden Ball (Player of the League) – Badmintan

Dimitrios Petratos
(Mohun Bagan Super Giant) BWF European
Golden Boot – Dimitrios Diamantakos Championships, 2024
(Kerala Blasters FC)
April 8-14, 2024 Germany
Golden Glove – Phurba Lachenpa
(Mumbai City FC) Results
Emerging Player of the League – Vikram Winner – Anders Antonsen
Partap Singh Sandhu (Mumbai City FC) Men’s (Denmark)
Singles Runner-up – Toma Junior Popov

Hockey
(France)
Winner – Carolina Marine (Spain)
Women’s
Runner-up – Kirsty Gilmour
Indian Men’s Hockey Team in Singles
(Scotland)
Australia 2024 Winners – Kim Astrop and Anders
April 6-13, 2024 Men’s Skaarup Rasmussen (Both Denmark)
Winner –
Doubles Runners-up – Andreas Sondergaard
Australia (5-0)
Matches – 5 and Jesper Toft (Both Denmark)

May, 2024 (111) CURRENT DRISHTI

 Winners – Margot Lambert and Men’s Winners – Ben Lane and Sean Vendy
Women’s Anne Tran (Both France) Doubles (Both England)
Doubles Runners-up – Gabriela Stoeva and Women’s Winners – Lanny Tria Mayasari and
Stefani Stoeva (Both Bulgaria) Doubles Ribka Sugiarto (Both Indonesia)
Winners – Thom Gicquel and Mixed Winners – Goh Soon Huat and Lai
Mixed Delphine Delrue (Both France) Doubles Shevon Jemie (Both Malaysia)
Doubles Runners-up – Mathias Christiansen
and Alexandra Boje (Both Denmark)
Madrid Spain Masters, 2024
March 26-31, 2024
Badminton Asia
Madrid, Spain
Championship, 2024
Results
April 9-14, 2024 China
Men’s Winner – Loh Kean Yew (Singapore)
Results
Singles Runner-up – Toma Junior Popov
Winner – Jonatan Christie
Men’s (France)
(Indonesia), First Title
Singles Women’s Winner – Ratchanok Intanon (Thailand)
Runner-up – Li Shi Feng (China)
Singles Runner-up – Supanida Katethong
Women’s Winner – Wang Zhi Yi (China)
(Thailand)
Singles Runner-up – Chen Yu fei (China) Men’s Winners – Sabar Karyaman Gutama
Winners – Liang Wei Keng and Doubles and Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani (Both
Men’s Wang Chang (Both China) Indonesia)
Doubles Runners-up – Goh Sze Fei and Nur Women’s Winners – Rin Iwanaga and Kie
Izzuddin (Both Malaysia) Doubles Nakanishi (Both Japan)
Winner – Baek Ha Na and Lee So Mixed Winners – Rinov Rivaldy and Pitha
Women’s Hee (Both South Korea) Doubles Haningtyas Mentari (Both Indonesia)
Doubles Runners-up – Zhang Shu Xian and

Table Tennis
Zheng Yu (Both China)
Winners – Feng Yan Zhe and Huang
Mixed Dong Ping (Both China)
Doubles Runners-up – Seo Seung Jae and ITTF Men’s and Women’s
Chae Yu Jung (Both South Korea)
World Cup, 2024
Swiss Open, 2024
Macao,
March 19-24, 2024 April 15-21, 2024
China
Basel, Switzerland Results
Results Event Champion Runner-up
Men’s Winner – Lin Chun Yi (Chinese Taipei) Lin
Ma Long
Singles Runner-up – Chou Tien Chen (Chinese Men’s Singles Gaoyuan
(China)
Taipei) (China)
Women’s Winner – Carolina Marin (Spain) Wang
Women’s Sun Yingsha
Singles Manyu
Runner-up – Gregoria Mariska Singles (China)
Tunjung (Indonesia)
(China)

CURRENT DRISHTI (112) May, 2024

 WTT Champions Incheon, 2024 WTT Feeder Beirut II 2024
March 22-24, 2024 Beirut, Lebanon
March 27-31, 2024 South Korea
Results
Men’s Winner – Chuang Chih Yuan (Chinese
Results
Singles Taipei)
Events Winner
Runner-up – Kirill Gerassimenko
Men’s Liang Jingkun
(Kazakhstan)
Single (China)
Women’s Winner – Sreeja Akula (India)
Women’s Sun Yingsha
Singles Runner-up – Sarah De Nutte
Single (China)
(Luxembourg)
Men’s Winners – Manush Utpalbhai Shah
WTT Feeder Beirut, 2024
Doubles and Manav Vikash Thakkar (Both India)
Beirut, Lebanon Runner-up – Mudit Dani and Akash
March 19-21, 2024
Pal (Both India)
Results
Women’s Winners – Doo Hoi Kem and Zhu
Winner – Sathiyan Gnanasekaran Doubles Chengzhu (Both Hong Kong)
Men’s (India) Runners-up – Sreeja Akula and Diya
Singles Runner-up – Manav Vikash Thakkar Parag Chitale (Both India)
(India) Mixed Winners – Akash Pal and Poymantee
Doubles Baisya (Both India)
Winner – Xia Lian Ni (Luxembourg)
Women’s Runners-up – Sathiyan Gnanasekaran
Runner-up – Suh Hyo Won (South
Singles and Manika Batra (Both India)
Korea)
Winner – Andy Pereira and Jorge WTT Feeder Otocec, 2024
Men’s Campos (Both Cuba) March 26 – April 1, 2024
Doubles Runners-up – Manush Utpalbhai Shah
Otocec, Slovenia
and Manav Vikash Thakkar (Both India)
Results
Winners – Doo Hoi Kem and Zhu
Men’s Winner – Cho Daeseong (South
Chengzhu (Both Hong Kong) Singles Korea)
Women’s
Runners-up – Chantal Mantz Runner-up – Benedek Olah (Finland)
Doubles
(Germany) and Izabela Lupulesku Women’s Winner – Park Gahyeon (South Korea)
(Serbia) Singles Runner-up – Li yu Jhun (Chinese
Winner – Manush Utpalbhai Shah and Taipei)
Diya Parag Chitale (Both India) Men’s Winners – Kim Minhyeok and Park
Mixed Doubles Ganghyeon (Both South Korea)
Runners-up – Manav Vikash Thakkar
Doubles Runners-up – Manav Vikash Thakkar
and Archana Girish Kamath (Both
and Manush Utpalbhai Shah (Both
India)
India)
* Sathiyan Gnanasekaran become
Women’s Winners – Kim Hayeong and Lee
first Indian player to win a men’s Doubles Eunhye (Both South Korea)
singles title at a WTT Feeder Mixed Winner – Alvaro Robles and Maria
Series event. Doubles Xiao (Both Spain)

May, 2024 (113) CURRENT DRISHTI

 Asian U20 Athletics
Chess Championships, 2024
April 24-27, 2024 Dubai, UAE
FIDE Candidates, 2024
Medal Table (Top-5)
Toranto,
April 3-23, 2024
Canada

Rank
Country Total
Results Gold Silver Bronze
Event Champion 1. China 15 9 3 27
Men’s Gukesh D. (India 2. Japan 8 5 8 21

Women’s Tan Zhongyi (China) 3. India 7 11 11 29

4. Uzbekistan 4 1 2 7
17 year old Gukesh D. is
5. Qatar 4 1 0 5
the youngest World Chess
Championship Challenger
in history. He will face world Winner – Abdi
Champion Ding Liren at World Chess Nageeye (Netherlands)
Men’s
Championship 2024. Runner-up –
Marathon
Amedework Walelegn
While Tan Zhongyi will play against Ju (Ethiopia)
Wenjun in women’s section.
Rotterdam,
April 13-14, 2024
Netherlands

Athletics Rotterdam
Marathon, 2024
World Athletics Race Walking Winner – Ashete
Women’s Bekere (Ethiopia)
Team Championships, 2024
Marathon Runner-up – Viola
Kibiwot (Ethiopia)
April 21, 2024

Antalya,
Indian Grand Prix 1, 2024
Turkey April 30, 2024 Bengaluru, Karnataka

Results Gold Medal Winners

Winner – Spain Men Women
Men’s Team
Runner-up – Japan 100 m Animesh Kujur Nithya Gandhe
Winner – China Chelmi
Women’s Team 200 m Animesh Kujur
Prathyusha
Runner-up – Peru
Ankesh Laxmipriya
Marathon Race- Winner – Italy 2 800 m
Chaudhary Kisan
Walk Mixed
Runner-up – Japan 3000 m Shankar Lal Sonam
Relay Steeplechase Swami Sudhakara

CURRENT DRISHTI (114) May, 2024

 Abhinaya
High Jump
Jesse
Sandesh
Sudhakara Wrestling
Shetty
Aditya Kumar
Long Jump Shaili Singh Seniors Asian
Singh
Nellickal Championships, 2024
Praveen
Triple Jump Verkay
Chithravel Bishkek,
Sheena April 11-16, 2024
Kyrgyzstan
Javelin throw D.P. Manu K. Rashmi
Indian Wrestlers have won 9 medals
Shot Put Abha Khatua
(4 Silver and 5 Bronze)

Formula 1 Car Race

Indian Medal Winners
Silver Bronze
1. Udit 1. Abhimanyou
Chinese Grand Prix, 2024 (Men’s 57 kg) (Men’s 70 kg)
2. Radhika 2. Vicky
Shanghai, China April 21, 2024 (Women’s 68 kg) (Men’s 97 kg)
Winner – Max 3. Anju 3. Shivanee Pawar
(Women’s 53 kg) (Women’s 50 kg)
Verstappen
Results

4. Harshita 4. Antim
(Red Bull)
(Women’s 72 kg) (Women’s 65 kg)
Runner-up –
5. Manisha
Lando Norris
(Women’s 62 kg)
(McLaren)

Japanese Grand Prix, 2024 Boxing

Suzuka, Japan April 7, 2024
Asian Youth Boxing Championships, 2024
Winner – Max
April 27 – May 7, 2024
Verstappen
Results

(Red Bull) Astana, Kazakhstan

Runner-up –
Sergio Perez Medal Standing (Top-5)
(Red Bull)
Rank

Country Total
Gold Silver Bronze
Australian Grand Prix, 2024 Kazakhstan 11 4 9 24
1.
March 24, 2024 2. Uzbekistan 7 3 12 22
Winner
Carlos 3. India 5 9 8 22
Runner-up
Sainz Jr. Charles Leclerc China 1 1 3 5
4.
(Ferrari) (Ferrari)
5. Iran 1 0 2 3

May, 2024 (115) CURRENT DRISHTI

Indian Gold Medal Winner
1. Brijesh Tamta (Men’s 48 kg) Golf
2. Aryan (Men’s 51 kg)
3. Yashwardhan Singh (Men’s 63.5 kg) Masters Tournament, 2024
4. Laxmi (Women’s 50 kg)
5. Nisha (Women’s 52 kg) April 11-14, 2024

Georgia, USA
Shooting
Winner
Scottie Scheffler (USA)
Archery World Cup (Stage 1) 2024
Shanghai,
April 23-28, 2024
China Miscellaneous
Medal Standing (Top-5)
44th Queen Sirikit Cup (Golf), 2024
Rank

Country Total
Gold Silver Bronze March 20-23, 2024

1. India 5 2 1 8
Winner – South Korea
2. South Korea 2 3 2 7
3. Spain 1 1 0 2
Christchurch, New Zealand
4. China 1 0 1 2
5. Austria 1 0 0 1 This tournament is officially known as Asia –
Pacific Ladies Golf Team Championship.
Indian Gold Medal Winners
1. Jyothi Surekha Vennam (compound
women) 3 × 3 Basketball Asia Cup, 2024
2. Abhishek Verma and Jyothi Surekha
March 27-31, 2024 Singapore
Vennam (compound mixed team)
3. Prathamesh Bhalchandra Fuge, Abhishek
Results
Verma and Priyansh (compound men
Winner – Australia
team)
Men (4th title)
4. Parneet Kaur, Aditi Gopichand Swami
Runner-up – Iran
and Jyothi Surekha Vennam (compound
Winner – Australia
women team)
Women Runner-up – New
5. Dhiraj Bommadevara, Pravin Ramesh
Zealand
Jadhav and Tarundeep Rai (Recurve men
team) Awards
Most Valuable Player (Men) – Todd
Blanchfield (Australia)
Most Valuable Player (Women) – Alex
Wilson (Australia)

CURRENT DRISHTI (116) May, 2024

 Arisa Trew
Prime Volleyball League : Season 3 Laureus World Action
(Skateboarding/
Sportsperson of the Year
February 15 – March 21, 2024 Australia)
Fundacion Rafa
Teams - 9 Chennai, India Laureus Sport For Good Nadal (Multisports/
Spain)
Winner – Calicut
Awards
Heroes (First Trophy)  I.P.L. 2024 : Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Most Valuable Player
 I.P.L. franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore has
– Jerome Vinith (Calicut
changed its name to Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Heroes)
(March 19, 2024).
Most Innovative Setter
 RCB’s women team captain Smriti Mandhana,
of the Season – Mohan
Men’s team skipper Faf du Plessis and star batter
Runner-up – Ukkrapandian (Calicut Virat Kohli Unveiled the new name.
Delhi Toofans Heroes)
 Olympics, 2024 : Russian and Belarusian
Athletes
WRF Asian Rafting  Russian and Belarusian athletes will not take part
March 4-8, 2024
Championships, in the opening ceremony (March 19, 2024).
 Athletes from both countries had already been
2024 Shimla, banned from attending the opening ceremony of
Himachal Pradesh the Paralympics, starting on August 28, 2024.
Satluj River
Results  International Olympic Committee (IOC) in
December, 2023 suspended Russia from the Paris
Events Winner
2024 Olympics.
Men’s Nepal  Later IOC allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes
Women’s Iran to compete as neutral athletes.
Edition - First Mixed India
 Russian and Belarusian athletes must not have
actively supported the war in Ukraine.
 They will not take part in team sports.
Laureus World Sports Awards, 2024  World Friendship Games, 2024
April 22, 2024 Madrid, Spain  Russia has announced to hold World Friendship
Games in 2024.
Winners
 It is an international multi-sport event.
Laureus World Novak Djokovic
 International Olympic Committee (IOC) has critised
Sportsman of the Year (Tennis/Serbia)
the games.
Laureus World Aitana Bonmati  According to IOC, the Friendship Games is a
Sportswoman of the Year (Football/Spain) political action that violates the Olympics Charter
Laureus World Team of Spain Women’s (March 19, 2024).
the Year Football Team  In 1984, the Friendship Games or Friendship-84
Laureus World Jude Bellingham was organized in Soviet Union.
Breakthrough of the Year (Football/U.K.)  Unlike the Olympic Games, athletes at World
Laureus World Simone Biles Friendship Games will win cash prizes.
Comeback of the Year (Gymnastics/USA)  Indian Sports Industry Growth in 2023
Laureus World Diede De Groot  The Indian sports industry registered 11% yearly
Sportsperson of the year (Wheelchair Tennis/ growth, as per Group M ESP Sporting Nation
with a Disability Netherlands) Report 2024.

May, 2024 (117) CURRENT DRISHTI

 According to report, the value to Indian Sports
industry is 15766 crore rupees.
 Cricket has dominated the overall Indian sports
industry, with 87% share in 2023.
 In 2023, Indian cricket stars garnered 810 crore
rupees.
 Report also revealed that the cricketers dominated
the social media space, with Virat Kohli and Rohit
Sharma leading the pack.
 Wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik were
the most popular non-cricketers on social media in
2023.
 Pangong Frozen Lake Marathon, 2024
 Data – February 20, 2024
 Place – Pangong Lake, Leh (Ladakh)
 Participants – 120
 Categories – 21 km and 10 km
 Edition – Second
 The primary objective of this run was to spread
awareness about rapid melting of Himalayan
glaciers.
 The run was conducted at an altitude of 14273 ft.
 It is world’s highest frogen lake marathon, officially
registered in the Guinness Book of World Records.
 Khelo India Medals : Eligibility for
Government Jobs
 Khelo India medal winners at youth, university,
para and winter games will eligible for government
jobs. (March 4, 2024)
 Department of Personnel and Training (DOPT)
has introduced comprehensive reforms in the
recruitment, promotion and incentive framework
for athletes.
 The Khelo India Games have been recognized as
events of national significance, joining the ranks of
other esteemed tournaments and competitions.
 Khelo India Games were first organized in 2018 to
revitalize sports culture art the grassroots level.
 Khelo Indian Rising Talent Identification
(KIRTI) Programme
 KIRTI Programme has launched by the Union
sports minister, Anurag Singh Thakur at Chandigarh
(March 12, 2024).
 It is an ambitious nation-wide talent hunt
programme.
CURRENT DRISHTI
 It will provide a common platform to showcase
talent.
 It aimed at school children in the age group of 9-18
years.
 The scheme will focus on using sports as a tool for
healthy life.
 The primary objective of the programme to
keep youngsters away from drugs and gadgetry
distractions.
 Artificial intelligence would be used to assess
aspiring athletes.
 The fundamental objective of KIRTI is to create
a pyramidal structure; from grassroot level to
development of elite athlete for international
events.
 KIRTI will involve physical education teachers and
exports in scouting talent.
 In first phase, 10 Khelo India disciplines – archery,
athletics, boxing, football, hockey, kabaddi, kho-
kho, volleyball, weightlifting and wrestling have
been identify.
 Children have to register through MyBharat portal.
 The Khelo India Scheme is the flagship central
sector scheme of the Ministry of Youth Affairs &
Sports.
 India want to host the youth Olympics in 2030 AD
and the summer Olympics in 2036 AD.
 WADA : 2022 Anti-Doping Testing
Figures
 A 6.4% increases in the total number of samples
analyzed and reported into ADAMs in 2022
(256,770) vs 2021 (241,430)
 World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has released
2022 Anti-Doping Testing Figures (April 3, 2024).
 India registered highest percentage of failed
dope tests among countries which tested more
than 2000 samples.
 India test 3865 samples of which 125 turned
positive; 3.2 percent of the samples.
 Vietnam test 1105 samples cup which 346
turned positive, 3.2% of sample.
 South Africa was on second spot, with 2.9
percent of positive samples.
 The third place was taken by Kazakhstan with
1.9 percent positive samples.
(118) May, 2024
 Uttar Pradesh State Kayaking and  The flame travel across Greece and arrived in
Canoeing Water Sport Championship, Athens on April 26, 2024.
2024  The flame arrived in Marseille, France on May 8,
2024.
 Date – March, 2024
 It will travel across entire country and some
 Place – Kanpur
French overseas territories arriving at the
Results opening ceremony in Paris on July 26, 2024.
Winner – Prayagraj
Men  Asian Carrom Championship, 2024
Runner-up – U.P. Police
Winner – Prayagraj  April 27 – May 1, 2024
Women  Maldives
Runner-up – Kaushambi
Team Results
 India’s First Indoor Athletics Centre
Event Champion Runner-up
 India’s first Indoor Athletics Centre and Indoor Men India Maldives
Aquatic Centre inaugurated at the Kalinga
Women India Sri Lanka
Stadium, Bhubaneswar. (March, 2024)
 The world class centre has shown India’s  51st National Carrom Championship,
capability of hosting indoor continental and 2024
regional championships.  April 7-10, 2024
 Indian Oil : F1 Fuel  Gwalior, M.P.
 Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) set to become Results
first Indian company to produce fuel for F1 car Event Winner Runner-up
racing. Men K. Srinivas S. Aditya
 F1 fuel is high-octane petrol and standards th
Women Rashmi Kumar (12 title) K. Nagajothi
are regulated by International Automobile
Federation (FIA).  56th Senior National Kho-Kho
 IOC refinery at Paradip will produce petrol used Championship (Men & Women), 2023-24
in F1 car racing.  March 28 – April 1, 2023 (Opening Ceremony
 Indian Oil : STORM – Ultimate Racing was held on March 27, 2024)
Fuel  New Delhi

 IOC has become official fuel partner for Asia Results

Road Racing Championship (AARC) for three Event Winner Runner-up
years, 2024-2026. (March 6, 2024) Railway Sports
Men Maharashtra
 IOC is providing category 2 race fuel ‘STORM’ Promotion Board
across all ARRC events. Airports Authority of
Women Maharashtra
 IOC is producing ‘Storm’ fuel at Koyali India
refinery,Vadodara, Gujarat.  47th Chess Olympiad, 2028
 Federation Internationale De Motocyclisme
 Abu Dhabi Sports Council and International
(FIM) is global governing body for motorcycle
Chess Federation (FIDE) have signed
racing including ARRC, MotoGP etc.
agreement on hosting and organizing the 47th
 Olympic Flame for the Olympic, 2024 lit Chess Olympiad. (May 1, 2024)
 The flame for the Olympic Games Paris, 2024  Along with 47th Chess Olympiad, the 4th FIDE
has been lit. (April 16, 2024) Olympiad for people (Determination) and the
 It was ignited at the historic birthplace of the 98th FIDE Congress will also organise in Abu
Olympic Games in Ancient Olympia in Greece. Dhabi, UAE in 2028.

May, 2024 (119) CURRENT DRISHTI


Players in News
 Sharath Kamal
 Indian talde tennis player.
 He will be India’s flag bearer at the 2024 Paris
Olympics. (March 21, 2024)
 P.R. Sreejesh
 Indian hockey team’s goalkeeper
 P.R. Sreejesh and Camila Caram (Chile
Women’s) are appointed as co-chairs of the new
FIH Athletes committee. (March 28, 2024)
 International Hockey Federation (FIH) Athletes
committee is a consultative body.
 It provide feedback to the FIH on behalf of the all
athletes.
 Mary Kom
 Indian woman boxer.
 She has stepped down as India’s Chef-de-
Mission for Paris Olympics, 2024. (April 12,
2024)
 Novak Djokovic
 Professional tennis player of Serbia.
 He has officially become the oldest world
number one in ATP Rankings history (April 7,
2024).
 He achieved the feat at age of 36 years and 321
days.
 This record was previously held by Roger
Federer of Switzerland.
 Devendra Jhajharia
 Indian para javelin thrower.
 He has elected unoppesed as President of
Paralympic Committee of India (PCI). (March 9,
2024).
 Tiger Woods
 An American professional golfer.
 United States Golf Association has selected him
for 2024 Bob Jones Award.
 Bob Jones award is the USGA’s highest honor.
 ICC Player of the Month : March 2024
 Men’s player – Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka)
 Women’s player – Maia Bouchier (England)
CURRENT DRISHTI
 Mykolas Alekna
 Lithuania’s discuss throw athlete.
 He broke the longest standing men’s athletics
world record.
 Alekna’s throw of 74.35 m at Oklahoma throw
series in USA is the new world record (April 14,
2024).
 Previously this record was in name of Germany
Jurgen Schult (74.08m) since 1986.
 Balraj Panwar
 Indian rower.
 He has won bronze medal in men’s single scull
at the Asia and Oceania Olympic Qualification
Regatta in South Korea. (April 21, 2024)
 Armand Duplantis
 Sweden’s Pole Vault athlete.
 He broke his own pole vault record.
 He has achieved height of 6.24m at Xiamen
Diamond League (April 20, 2024)
 Sheetal Devi
 Indian woman para-archer.
 Election Commission of India appointed her as
person with disabilities (PWD) icon. (March 16,
2024)
 Bilguis Mir
 Jammu and Kashmir based water sports
promoter and jury member of Indian Kayaking
and Canoeing association.
 She is first person from India to be appointed
as jury member at the Paris Olympics. (April 5,
2024)
 Russ Cook
 Extreme marathon runner of Britain.
 He has become first person ever to run the
entire length of Africa. (April 7, 2024)
 He started his adventure from Africa’s most
southerly point, L’Agulhas and finished at Ras
Angela, the most northern point of Africa.
 He travelled across 16 countries, running over
16 thousand kilometers.
 He completed his adventure in 352 days.
 Bindyarani Devi
 Indian woman weightlifter.
 She has won 2 medals (1 silver and 1 bronze)
at IWF World Cup, 2024 in Phuket, Thailand.
(March 31 – April 11, 2024).
(120) May, 2024