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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. POLITY 1 Forum ............................................................... 37
2.13. China Explores Extension of CMEC to
1.1. CBI: Independent Legal Entity............................. 1 Sri Lanka............................................................ 37
1.2. Role of Governor Over State Bills........................ 2 2.14. Organization of the Petroleum Exporting
1.3. Old Pension Scheme vs National Pension Countries (OPEC)............................................... 38
Scheme . ............................................................. 4 2.15. Pakistan Applies for BRICS Membership........... 38
1.4. Lateral Entries in Civil Services............................ 6 2.16. UNSC seeks ‘Humanitarian Pauses, Corridors’
1.5. Criminalization of Politics.................................... 8 in Gaza............................................................... 39
1.6. Frictions in Indian Federalism........................... 10 2.17. G20 Virtual Summit........................................... 39
1.7. High Court Quashes Haryana’s Quota in 2.18. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) Loan to
Private Sector.................................................... 12 Maharashtra...................................................... 40
PRELIMS NEWS: 3. ECONOMY 41
1.8. Government Exempts CERT-In from RTI Act...... 15 3.1. High Food Inflation in India............................... 41
1.9. National Pharmacy Commission Bill, 2023........ 15 3.2 Tata Motors Wins Singur’s Land Case................ 42
1.10. Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023.... 15 3.3. World Food India and Indian Food Industry...... 44
1.11. Bihar Reservation Amendment Bill, 2023......... 16 3.4. Rise in India’s Edible Oil Imports....................... 46
1.12. Approval to Digital Adverstisement Policy, 3.5. Approval Under New IT Hardware PLI Scheme.48
2023.................................................................. 16 3.6. India-UK Trade Deal Negotiations..................... 50
1.13. Tracking Prison Inmates Released on Parole..... 16 3.7. Centre Considers Higher Food Subsidy Outlay.. 52
1.14. Ethics Panel Recommends Disqualification of 3.8. Indian Economy Remains Resilient.................... 54
MP..................................................................... 17 3.9. RBI Supersedes Board of Mumbai’s Abhyudaya
1.15. CCPA’s Probe of IAS Coaching Institutes............ 17 Cooperative Bank.............................................. 56
1.16. State Educational Achievement Survey 2023.... 17
1.17. Appointment of New CIC.................................. 18 PRELIMS NEWS:
1.18. Social Audit in MGNREGS.................................. 18
1.19. Road Accidents in India 2022 Report................ 21 3.10. 7 Years of Demonetisation................................ 59
1.20. Decline in Sittings in State Legislative 3.11. Direct Listing on Foreign Exchanges.................. 59
Assemblies . ...................................................... 21 3.12. Centre’s Goal of Installing 250 Million Smart
Meters by 2025................................................. 59
2. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 22 3.13. National Level Monitors (NLM) to Oversee Live-
stock Schemes................................................... 60
2.1 Impact of Ethnic Conflict on India-Myanmar 3.14. Tokenised Card Transaction............................... 60
Relations............................................................ 22 3.15. NITI Aayog Report on School Education............ 61
2.2. India-Qatar Diplomatic Conundrum.................. 24 3.16. Widening of Yield Spread Between State Bonds
2.3 6th Session of the International Solar Alliance .26 and G-Secs......................................................... 61
2.4. Bhutan King’s Visit to India: India Bhutan 3.17. Making INR (rupee) a Hard Currency................ 62
Relation............................................................. 28 3.18. Rise of Patent Applications In India .................. 63
2.5. 2nd Voice of Global South Summit................... 30
2.6. India-Australia Relation( 2+2 Ministerial 4. ENVIRONMENT AND GEOGRAPHY 64
Meet)................................................................. 31
2.7 Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF).......... 33 4.1 Convergence of Wildlife Crime with Other Forms
of Organized Crime............................................ 64
PRELIMS NEWS: 4.2. Adaptation Gap Report (AGR) 2023.................. 66
4.3. Climate-Smart Agriculture . .............................. 68
2.8. India-US 2+2 meet............................................. 36
2.9. Indian Finance Minister’s Visit to Sri Lanka:...... 36 PRELIMS NEWS:
2.10 India and Bangladesh Unveiled Rail Link
Power, Port Projects.......................................... 36 4.4. COP 28 News:.................................................... 72
2.11. India-Nepal Border Forces’ Talks....................... 37 4.5 Report by the 28th session of the Conference of
2.12. Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) the Parties (COP28) Presidency......................... 72

III
 4.6. CoP 28 Turns Attention To Potent Methane 7.3. Navy Chief Flags Fragile Situation in South
Emissions........................................................... 72 China Sea........................................................... 01
4.7. India’s Energy Conservation Building Code,
2017.................................................................. 73 PRELIMS NEWS:
4.8. Production Gap Report 2023............................. 73 7.4. FATF Report on Terrorist Financing.................. 104
4.9. Emissions Gap Report 2023............................... 74 7.5. 10th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting - Plus
4.10. State of Climate Services for Health Report (ADMM-Plus)................................................... 104
2023.................................................................. 74 7.6. Naval Anti-Ship Missile.................................... 105
4.11. Ecological Threat Report 2023.......................... 74
4.12. State of Food and Agriculture Report: FAO....... 75 8. ART AND CULTURE 106
4.13. Oxfam’s Climate Equality Report....................... 75
8.1. Jehovah’s Witnesse......................................... 106
4.14 Global Protection of River Dolphins by 2030.... 76
8.2. Indira Gandhi Peace Prize............................... 106
4.15. Fifty Years of ‘Project Tiger’............................... 76
8.3. 2024 Grammy Awards..................................... 106
4.16. Supreme Court Bans Crackers In India.............. 77
8.4. Rohini Nayyar Prize......................................... 107
4.17. Cloud Seeding for Artificial Rain........................ 77
8.5. UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)........ 107
4.18. Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project.............. 78
4.19. State of the Cryosphere Report 2023................ 78 9. SOCIETY 108
4.20. India’s Response to EU’s Carbon Tax................. 79
4.21. UNCCD Released Policy Recommendations on 9.1. Sub-categorisation of Scheduled Caste........... 108
Dust Emissions.................................................. 79 9.2. Women In Indian Armed Forces...................... 109
4.22. Cyclone Midhili ................................................. 80 9.3 India Needs New Tools to Measure
4.23. International Tropical Timber Council............... 80 Inequality........................................................ 111
4.23. Gujarat’s State Fish: Ghol ................................. 80 9.4. Rethinking India’s Exam-Centric Education
4.24. Transhipment Hub in Andaman and Nicobar System............................................................. 113
Island................................................................. 81 9.5. ILO Report on Occupational Safety and Health
(OSH)............................................................... 115
5. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 83
PRELIMS NEWS:
5.1. London Summit on the Safe Use of Artificial
Intelligence(AI).................................................. 83 9.6. Prime Minister Launched PM-PVTG Mission... 118
5.2 US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging 9.7. UNICEF Report Highlights Water Stress Impact on
Technology (iCET).............................................. 85 Children........................................................... 118
5.3. Privatization of Space Sector............................. 87 9.8. SATHEE (Self Assessment Test and Help for
Entrance Exams) Portal................................... 119
PRELIMS NEWS: 9.9. State Food Safety Index (SFSI) 2023................ 119
5.4. Aditya L1 Mission Captured First High-Energy 10. ETHICS 120
Solar Flare......................................................... 90
5.5. World Health Organization (WHO) 2023 10.1. Ethical Perspective: 70 Hours a Week............. 120
Global TB report ............................................... 90 10.2. The Ethics of War: Proportionality and
5.6. Senegal Hosts WHO GONE initiative................. 90 Nationalism..................................................... 122
5.7. First Vaccine for Chikungunya Approved........... 91
5.8. Production of Drugs to Counter Rare Diseases.91 11. PLACES IN NEWS 123
5.9. Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease................ 91 1.1. Klyuchevskoy Volcano..................................... 123
5.10. NASA Spacecraft Fired A Laser At Earth............ 92 11.2. Horn of Africa.................................................. 123
5.11. Rise in illnesses, and Pneumonia Clusters in 11.3. Red Sea............................................................ 123
China................................................................. 93 11.4. Rapid Ice Melt in West Antarctica................... 124
5.12. 25th Year of International Space Station........... 93 11.5. Ben Gurion Canal: An Alternative to the Suez
Canal............................................................... 124
6. PERSPECTIVE-DEEPFAKE TECHNOLOGY 95
12. PERSONALITY IN NEWS 125
7. DEFENCE AND SECURITY 98 13. SCHEMES IN NEWS 127
7.1. Aadhaar Data Breach........................................ 98
7.2. India Plans to Bring National Security Strategy..... 99 TEST YOURSELF 129-132

IV
 1. POLITY AND GOVERNANCE
1.1. CBI: Independent Legal Entity
Context:
Recently, the Centre urged the Supreme Court to reject West Bengal’s petition against the CBI. It has argued that the CBI is an
“independent legal entity” and is not under the direct “control” of the Union government.
More on News:
• West Bengal Government Suit: Under Article 131 of the Constitution, Article 131 of the Constitution empowers a state to
the West Bengal government has filed an original suit in the apex court move the Supreme Court directly in case of dispute
against the Centre, alleging that the central agency has been filing FIRs with the Centre or any other state.
and proceeding with investigations despite the state having withdrawn
the general consent.
• Withdrawal of General Consent: The West Bengal government withdrew the ‘general consent’ accorded to the CBI to
conduct a probe and raids in the state on November 16, 2018.
What is General Consent?
• Form of Consent: The CBI need prior consent for investagation
from state government, that can be grant in two forms either
case-specific or ‘general’.
{{ General consent: It allows the CBI to operate seamlessly
within states.
{{ Case-specific consent: Consent is given on a case-by-case
basis and CBI cannot act before the consent is given.
• Impact of Withdrawal:
{{ Restriction of Fresh Cases: CBI will not be able to register
any new case involving central government officials
or private persons in a particular state without prior
permission of that state government.
{{ Continued Investigations: The CBI can continue to
investigate cases in a state registered before the
withdrawal of general consent.
• Legal Precedent:
{{ In a case related to illegal coal mining and cattle smuggling,
the Calcutta High Court ruled that the CBI cannot
be stopped from investigating a central government
employee in another state.
Challenges in the Functioning of CBI:
• ‘Caged Parrot’ Image: The Supreme Court’s remark in the
Hawala case labels CBI as a “caged parrot” speaking in its
master’s voice, highlighting excessive political interference.
{{ The functioning of the CBI criticised in the Jain hawala,,
coal scam, 2G scam and other prominent cases.
• Violation of Constitution and Federal Principle: Law and
order, and Police is State subject under the seventh schedule of the Constitution.
{{ The CBI, being a central agency, investigates case that fall within the domain of state police.
• Lack of Independence: The agency depends on the home ministry for staffing since many of its investigators come from the
Indian Police Service.

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 {{ For lawyers the agency depends on the law ministry and It also lacks functional autonomy to some extent.
• Political Misuse: Alleged misuse for settling political scores; opposition accuses it of being a tool for harassment and
intimidation.
{{ Example: In the recent past, Eight states have withdrawn ‘general consent’ to the CBI, namely, Telangana, Maharashtra,
Punjab, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Kerala and Mizoram.
• Structural Inefficiencies:
{{ Acute shortage of personnel is a major cause of the shortfall in mismanagement of CBI’s workforce.
{{ The public fight between two top officers of the CBI — former director Alok Verma and special director Rakesh Asthana
— exposed the premier probe agency to ridicule.
• Credibility and Public Trust: CBI has been criticized for mishandling high-profile case, like the Bofors scandal, the Bhopal gas
tragedy, the Arushi murder case and the Nithari Serial murder case, etc
{{ It has been criticized for delays in concluding investigations due to political inertia.
Way Forward:
• Independent Legal Entity: It should be granted more autonomy by making it accountable only to the Parliament like the
office of CAG and the Election Commission.
• Granting Statutory status: Separate enactment under – “Central Bureau of Intelligence and Investigation Act” and replacing
DSPE Act.
SC Led Structural Changes (Vineet Narain v. Union of In-
{{ In 1978, the LP Singh committee recommended enactment of a dia in 1997)
“comprehensive central legislation with a self-sufficient statutory • Director’s Autonomy: CBI director shall have a
charter of duties and functions”. “minimum tenure of two years, regardless of the
{{ The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (2007) also date of his superannuation”.
recommends the enactment of new law to govern the working • CVC Responsibility: The Central Vigilance
of the CBI”. Commission (CVC), “shall be responsible for the
efficient functioning of CBI”.
• Establishing Independent Cadre: The CBI needs to develop its own • CVC Chief Selection: The CVC chief shall be selected
dedicated cadre of officers in line with international best practices, by a panel comprising the prime minister, home
who are not bothered about deputation and abrupt transfers. minister and the opposition leader.
{{ The process of direct recruitment through UPSC which was • Transfer Approval Process: The transfer of CBI
stopped in 2000 can be restarted. Director, even in extraordinary situations, requires
approval from the selection committee comprising
• Ensuring Fixed Tenure for Directors: The current system of the PM, Opposition Leader, and CJI.
appointing CBI directors for a fixed term of two years, with the
possibility of extension, can create uncertainty and make them
vulnerable to political influence. A five-year fixed tenure, without the option of extension, would provide greater stability
and independence.
{{ The directors should be ineligible for any appointment by the Central and state governments.
• Strengthening Parliamentary Oversight: A parliamentary oversight over CBI to ensure better accountability, despite concerns
regarding political misuse of the oversight.
• The 24th Report of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and
Justice, released in 2018, made several recommendations for CBI reform.
{{ These include strengthening human resources, improving infrastructure and financial resources, granting additional
powers, and enhancing administrative empowerment with accountability. Implementing these recommendations
would address several critical operational challenges faced by the CBI.

1.2. Role of Governor Over State Bills

Context:
The Supreme Court (SC) of India has ruled that if the Governor withholds assent to a Bill, they must obey Article 200 of the
Constitution.

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More on News:
• Supreme Court’s concern over Governor’s inaction: The SC voiced concern over Governors not acting on bills passed by
state legislatures and directed the Solicitor General (SG) to place on record the details of action taken by the Punjab Governor
on the bills cleared by the assembly.
• Recently, Kerala and Tamilnadu State governments have also moved to the SC seeking that it instructs Governors that they
cannot indefinitely delay assent to Bills that a state Assembly has passed.
• Issue: The Punjab government moved SC citing delay in Governor’s approval for three money bills.
{{ (Punjab Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (Amendment) Bill, 2023, the Punjab Goods and Services Tax
(Amendment) Bill, 2023 and the Indian Stamp (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2023).
• Governor’s Stand: The governor had said the October 20-21 session, which was projected as an extension of the budget
session, was “bound to be illegal” and any business conducted during it “unlawful”.
• Bills Awaiting Assent:
{{ Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, Punjab Universities Laws (Amendment) Bill, Punjab Police (Amendment) Bill, and
Punjab Affiliated Colleges (Security of Service) Amendment Bill.
{{ Bills passed during the June 19-20 session were termed “patently illegal” by the governor.
Recent SC Judgement, November 2023:
• The Supreme Court in its latest judgement ruled that a “Governor cannot be at
liberty” to keep a “Bill pending indefinitely without any action whatsoever”.
• Power to recommend changes: The Governor may recommend reconsideration
of the entirety of the Bill or any part thereof and even indicate the desirability
of introducing amendments.
{{ However, the ultimate decision on whether or not to accept the advice of
the Governor belongs to the legislature alone”.
• Inconsistent with constitutional provision: Failure to take a call and keeping
a Bill duly passed for indeterminate periods is a course of action inconsistent
with the provision under article 200.
What are the Legal Arguments against Delaying Assent?
• States Constitutional Obligation: The legislature reflects the will of the
people and is the constitutionally designated body to make laws with respect
to subjects mentioned in ‘State list’. However, sitting on a Bill passed by the
Assembly is not an option given by the Constitution. By doing so, a governor is acting against the constitutional direction.
• SC in The State Of Telangana Versus Governor For The State Of Telangana & Anr: It held that the first provison to ‘Article
200’ states that the Governor may “as soon as possible after the
presentation” of the Bill for assent, return the Bill if it is not a Money Practice Followed in Other Countries:
Bill together with a message for reconsideration to the House or • In the United Kingdom: The assent is necessary for
Houses of the State Legislature. a Bill to be passed by Parliament and the crown has
the power to withhold assent. But it is a dead letter.
{{ The expression “as soon as possible” has significant constitutional
content and must be borne in mind by constitutional authorities. {{ However, no power of veto exercised by practice
and usage there is by the crown in England now.
Way Forward: • In the United States: The President can refuse to grant
• Clarification of Reasonable Time Limit: The SC has observed that the assent and return a Bill to the House but if the Houses
Governor should not unduly delay in granting or withholding assent. pass it again with two thirds of each House the Bill
becomes law.
{{ A clear definition of a “reasonable time limit” would provide
more transparency and predictability in the process.
{{ Justice Rohinton F. Nariman, in his 2020 judgment in the Keisham Megha Chandra Singh case, said a ‘reasonable time’
would mean three months.

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• Doctrine of Neutrality: Through its various judgments, the SC Constitutional Protection to Governors:
has highlighted the need for authorities like the Speaker and • Article 361 of the Constitution prohibits the court from
Governor to be faithful to doctrine of neutrality and not vacillate initiating proceedings against a Governor or the President
under “prevailing political pressures” and thus maintaining for any act done in exercise of their powers.
Political Neutrality. • However, This point has been settled by a Constitution
{{ Governor as impartial constitutional head of state ensuring bench of the Supreme Court in Rameshwar Prasad and Ors.
vs Union Of India and Anr.
that the legislature functions effectively and that the Bills
passed are in consonance with the Constitution. • The Court held: “the immunity granted by Article 361(1)
does not, however, take away the power of the Court to
• Judicial Review: The judiciary should continue to play an active examine the validity of the action including on the ground
role in reviewing the Governor’s actions and ensuring that the of malafides”
power to withhold assent is not misused.
• Cooperation and Consultations: The Governor should actively engage in consultation and dialogue with the Chief Minister
and the legislature before taking any decision regarding assent or reservation of Bills. This would foster better understanding
and cooperation between the executive and the legislature.
{{ The 1988 Sarkaria Commission report on Centre-State relations had suggested consultation with the Governor while
drafting the Bill and fixing a deadline for its disposal.
Conclusion:
The SC needs to safeguard the balance of power between the state legislature and the Governors. All constitutional authorities
are required to act in a reasonable manner. Unreasonable acts are unsustainable in law.
1.3. Old Pension Scheme vs National Pension Scheme
Context:
The ongoing state elections have intensified the political conflict surrounding the choice between maintaining the National
Pension System (NPS) and returning to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
More on News:
• Recently, states including Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab have opted to move back to
the old pension system.
{{ The government is planning to amend the NPS so that employees get an assured 40%-45% of their last drawn salary as pension.
• The central government discontinued the OPS in 2004 and introduced the National Pension Scheme (NPS) for government
employees.
Features OPS NPS
Defined benefits The government pays the entire pen- Employees pay to their pension corpus
sion amount to government employees from their salary, with the government
after retirement. matching their contributions.
For example, in the case of OPS, if a Employees contribute 10% of their sala-
government employee’s basic monthly ry (basic + dearness allowance). The gov-
salary at the time of retirement was Rs ernment contributes 14% towards the
10,000, she would be assured of a pen- employees’ NPS accounts.
sion of Rs 5,000.
Pension Amount It guarantees government employees The pension amount is not fixed.
50% of their final drawn pay plus Dear-
ness Allowance (DA) as a post-retire-
ment income for life.
Challenges with OPS:
• Pension Liabilities: There is no means to fund the growing pension liability with the existing tax buoyancy.
{{ As of 2021-22, state pension liabilities represent 1.2% of GDP.
{{ In the 10 States, pension spending alone amounts for 12.4% of total revenue expenditures (on average from 2017-18

4
 to 2021-22) and it is predicted that the pension outlay will remain
between 0.7% and 3% of GSDP through 2030-31.
{{ The NPS replaced the OPS which encouraged early retirement and
underutilization of personnel resources.
• Demographic changes of Indian Population: Governments are
expected to face increasing pension obligations in the future, driven
by factors like rising life expectancy, periodic DA increases, and salary-
linked pensions.
{{ The increase in the elderly population and their life span means an
increase in liabilities.
• Fiscal Implications: The government is already heavily burdened with
non-discretionary expenditure towards interest payments, salaries
and administrative expenses.
{{ Indexed pensions for government employees can significantly add
to this bill, crowding out productive spending and welfare schemes
for the wider population.
• Impact on Social Sector Expenditure: OPS-based recruitment poses
expenditure challenges, leading to reduced social sector spending and
worsening poverty among the marginalized.
• Deepening Intergenerational Equities: It negatively impacts fairness
between generations as it places the burden of funding pensions
for retirees on future workers through taxes. Intergenerational equity refers to fairness or justice in relation-
{{ Currently, the bottom 50% of the population bears the ships between children, youth, adults and seniors, particularly in
burden of indirect taxation six times more than their income. terms of treatment and interactions.
{{ Government employees receive a minimum pension of ₹9,000 based on the Sixth pay norms.
{{ On the other hand, the social security pension for the poor does not exceed ₹500 in 14 States and is only ₹2,000 in a
few other States.
Concerns with NPS:
• Pension Unpredictability: The pension payout depends on the market returns on the corpus, which is mostly invested in federal debt.
{{ It also leaves the employees with less disposable income as they too have to contribute under this scheme.
• Fund Management: The public is of the view that their fund would not be secure in the hands of fund managers, and their
pensions may be reduced.
• Lack of Flexibility of Contributions: In contrast to private sector employees who have the flexibility to adjust their NPS
contributions, government employees are obligated to contribute 10 percent of their monthly pay.
• Investment in Annuity Plans: The NPS requires mandatory 40% allocation of maturity proceeds to purchase an approved
annuity plan, which entails locking in hefty premiums for life and yielding meager returns of 5-5.5%, subject to taxation.
Way Forward
• Participatory Pension System: By maintaining the employees’ contribution component, the scheme can incorporate
increased government contributions.
{{ It should include a commitment to step in when returns fall short of ensuring the mandated minimum pension.
• Guaranteed Monthly Return: To shield employees from the uncertainties of the market, the government should modify the
NPS to offer a guaranteed monthly return.
{{ Similar proposal was put forth by Andhra Pradesh which upholds the contributory nature of the NPS while guaranteeing
a minimum of 33% of the basic pay.

5
• Optional Government Contributions: The employee contributions should be made optional even as the government
continues its 14 percent contribution to the scheme.
• Guaranteed Pension: This should be similar to the OPS which is 50% of your last pay drawn, which is inflation indexed, but
with contribution from the employees.
• Fixed Return Scheme for NPS Subscribers: The government can consider offering a fixed return scheme for NPS subscribers
to park their money at maturity.
{{ The scheme can offer an inflation-plus fixed return. This will address the concerns related with unpredictability of
pension amounts.
• Administrative Reforms: They are needed to address disparities in pay among different employee ranks.
{{ Government employees with access to decision-making processes should advocate for rationalizing the pension plans
and excessive spending of political executives.
{{ A progressive taxation for the top 10% of wealth holders should be promoted to address poverty and the widening
wealth gap.

1.4. Lateral Entries in Civil Services

Context:
Among the advocacy of institutional reforms in India, one key area of administrative reform is the introduction of lateral-entry
appointments in the country’s civil services system of administrators.
About Lateral Entries:
• Lateral Entry: It refers to the induction of individuals from outside the traditional recruitment process.
{{ Candidates from private sector and public sector undertakings for appointment at senior and mid-level positions in
various Union Ministries under the “lateral entry” programme on contract basis.
{{ For instance, Amber Dubey joined as a lateral entrant in 2019 as secretary in the civil aviation ministry.
• Process of Lateral Entry: On Department of Personnel and Training (DoP&T) request, UPSC invites recruitment applications
from Indian nationals willing to join the Government on Contract Basis for a specified period.
• Aim: It allows individuals with specialized skills, expertise, and experience in specific domains to join the bureaucracy at
higher levels. By bringing in professionals from diverse backgrounds, it intends to inject fresh perspectives, innovative ideas,
and specialized expertise into the administrative system.
Need for Lateral Entries:
• More Flexible Steel Frame: Sardar Patel hailed bureaucratic structure as the steel frame of India, however inefficiency and
corruption have corroded India’s bureaucracy which needs to be made more efficient and accountable to people.
{{ Bringing in talent from diverse backgrounds can potentially enhance the efficiency and performance of government
departments, introducing best practices and management strategies from other sectors.
• Innovation and Reforms: Those recruited laterally may bring in experiences from the private sector, NGOs, or other
organizations, which could aid in reforming and improving the administrative processes and governance.
{{ For example, under Nandan Nilekani’s innovative
approach, Aadhaar became the world’s largest biometric
ID system.
• Specialised Skill And Expertise: The traditional recruitment
process for the civil services primarily focuses on generalist
knowledge.
{{ Lateral entry allows the government to bring in individuals
with specialized skills and expertise, particularly in areas
such as technology, management, finance, and other
domains where the government might lack expertise.

6
 {{ For instance, appointments of economists like Manmohan Singh, Vijay Kelkar and Bimal Jalan were lateral in nature.
• Shortage of Bureaucrat at Center: The lateral entry can fill the talent gap at the upper ranks of the IAS by recruiting experts
from the private sector.
{{ The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has mentioned in the 2023-24 Demands for Grants report that only
442 IAS officers are working with the Centre, against the required strength of 1,469 officers.
• Bridge the Gap Between the Public and Private Sectors: The idea of ‘lateral exits’ has made advances, involving the reverse
migration for all types of civil servants to the private sector for a limited period.
{{ For example, Instead of officers and soldiers serving until 60, the military offers exit paths at various stages. Most early
retirees work in the business or governmental sector.
Challenges Associated with Lateral Entries:
• Short Tenure: The Central government has fixed the tenure of joint secretaries at three years. This is not a sufficient span
of time for newcomers to get well-inculcated with the complex governance systems and be able to contribute meaningfully.
• Maintaining Objectivity and Neutrality: Preserving objectivity and neutrality while bringing in individuals from various
backgrounds and industries can be challenging.
{{ There might be concerns about conflicts of interest, loyalty, and impartiality, especially if the lateral recruits have had
associations with private companies or interest groups.
• Potential Dilution of Merit-Based Recruitment: The introduction of lateral entries might dilute the merit-based recruitment
system that has been the foundation of the civil services.
{{ If not executed transparently, this could lead to perceptions
of favoritism or nepotism in the selection process. Related Information:
Industrial Management Pool Initiative:
• Outsider Syndrome: Traditional bureaucrats might resist the • Aim: Set up in 1957, its aim was to boost the quality of
induction of lateral entrants due to concerns about hierarchy, the bureaucracy at the senior level in public-sector units by
power dynamics, and a potential disruption to the existing roping in private-sector talent.
administrative structure. Problem:
{{ According to a lateral entrant, the bureaucracy is hostile • Recruits were picked without focusing on actual
requirements.
towards the laterals and they are treated as outsiders.
• Public sector companies preferred to stick with the
• Experience Requirement for Senior Positions: In the permanent traditional bureaucrats.
system, IAS officers get promoted to joint secretary level after 17
years of service with average age of a joint secretary around 45
years.
{{ If similar experience requirements are used for lateral
entry, it is unlikely that the best will join because in the
private sector they rise to the top of their profession at
that age.
Way Forward:
• Prevent Misuse: Reforms are needed to minimize the
potential misuse of this system by recruiting politically
indoctrinated individuals in the name of recruiting specialists
and experts.
{{ For example, give a constitutional body like the UPSC
the authority to conduct the recruitment process and
have well-defined job requirements.
• Benefiting from Competition: Increasing competition in any
sphere is a good thing, but serious thinking is required on

7
 entry requirements, job assignments, number of personnel and training to make it a force for positive change.
• Transparent Selection Process: Ensure a transparent and merit-based selection process for lateral entries. This process
should emphasize the expertise, experience, and skills required while maintaining a fair and impartial evaluation to avoid
perceptions of favoritism or bias.
{{ United Kingdom (UK): In the UK, the Civil Service Fast Stream program allows for direct recruitment into the civil service
at various levels based on specialized skills and expertise.
• Gradual Integration: Implement a phased approach to integrate lateral entrants into the bureaucracy.
{{ For example, pairing them with experienced civil servants as mentors can help navigate the bureaucratic environment
and effectively contribute to the system.
• Clear Expectations and Role Definition: Clearly define the roles, responsibilities, and expectations and establish specific
performance indicators and objectives to gauge their contributions and align them with organizational goals.
Conclusion:
It would be in the best interest of India if administrative reforms are implemented with more rigor while infusing fresh blood in
our administration to allow us to grow faster in our Amrit Kaal phase and achieve our goal of reaching $30 trillion in GDP by 2047
and becoming a developed country.
1.5. Criminalization of Politics
Context:
The Supreme Court recently issued guidelines to monitor the speedy disposal of criminal cases against Members of Parliament
(MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs).
More on News:
• Lifetime ban on convicted politicians: Petition demanded banning legislators from contesting elections rather than
subjecting them to the six-year ban, as laid down under Section 8(3) of the Representation of People Act, 1951.
• Amicus curiae Vijay Hansaria submitted a report (November 2022) to the top court pointing out that the number of cases
against MPs and MLAs have continued to rise.
What is Criminalization of Politics?
• Participation of criminals in politics: Persons with criminal
Representation of the People Act (RPA) 1951:
background contest in the election and get selected as a member • About: It provides for the conduct of elections to the
of parliament or state legislature. houses of parliament and the legislatures of each state,
• Status in India: corrupt practices, and other offences taking place at or in
connection with the elections.
{{ According to ADR, after the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, 43%
• Section 8: It deals with disqualification of legislators on
of the newly-elected MPs had pending criminal cases against conviction for offences.
them.
• Section 8 (3) : It imposes a six-year ban on persons
{{ The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) is an advocacy convicted of offences with a minimum two-year sentence.
group focused on electoral reforms.
Reasons Behind Criminalization of Politics:
• Muscle and Money Power: It involves the free use of musclemen to influence the attitude and conduct of the electorate.
{{ The political parties and individuals engage in exorbitant spending for vote buying and other illegitimate purposes
through these criminals or musclemen.
• Political Control of Police: Transfers and postings are entirely controlled by elected politicians. Often, police officials who act
impartially and independently are transferred.
{{ The governments have formal powers of dropping charges and prosecution, and such powers are exercised to protect
their favoured criminals and to harass opponents.

8
 {{ Anand Mohan Singh (ex-MP from Bihar) sentenced to life imprisonment by the SC was released after serving only 14
years in prison as Bihar Government remitted his sentence.
• Electoral System and Political Culture: Candidates with huge financial resources, backed by caste alliances and loyal political
networks, including those involving criminals, enjoy an
edge in elections.
{{ Due to the uncertainties of the first-past-the-post
system, political parties attract ‘strong’ and ‘potentially
winning’ candidates, often at the expense of honorable
and commendable public figures.
• Failure of Criminal Justice System: Massive delays of cases
of criminal candidates over the years has made the justice
system inefficient, failing to provide credible and swift
resolutions to disputes or punishment for criminals.
{{ With over 40 million cases pending in courts, most of
them for years and decades, people have lost faith in
the formal justice system.
• Other Reasons:
{{ unwarranted granting of parole and abundance
withdrawal of the court cases.
Implications of Criminalisation of Politics:
• Threat to Democracy: When politicians with criminal
backgrounds hold public office, they use their power to
subvert the justice system and create a culture of impunity.
• Governance Issues: Politicians with criminal backgrounds are more interested in serving their own interests rather than
those of the people.
{{ This leads to a lack of good governance, and a failure to address important issues facing the country.
• Corruption: The criminalization of politics often goes hand in hand with corruption.
{{ Politicians with criminal backgrounds use their power for personal gain, which leads to widespread corruption.
{{ India ranks 85 in Transparency International’s
corruption index in 2022.
• Criminalization of Political Parties: It leads to
criminalization of political parties, with criminal
elements gaining control of political parties and using
them for their own benefit.
• Public Trust: It leads to apathy and disillusionment
among the public, with people losing faith in
democratic institutions and the rule of law.
• Other Impacts:
{{ Betrays the electoral mandate of the voters.
{{ Corrodes the fundamental tenets of the party
system.
{{ Reduces the value of politics from a
transformative tool for social change to serving
individual interests.

9
Way Forward:
• Checking the Nexus Between Crime, Money And Muscle Power: Parliament, judiciary and executive will have to find
common ground to put firm mechanisms in place to deal with increased criminalisation of politics.
• Strengthening of Legal Framework: Candidates against whom charges have been framed in court for serious offences should
be disallowed from participating in elections by making an amendment to the RPA,1951.
{{ 244th Law Commission recommends disqualification at the stage of framing of charges, accompanied by other legal
safeguards.
• Fast Tracking Trials: Expediting the judicial process through a time-bound justice delivery system is needed.
{{ This will prevent politicians from using their power to delay or manipulate the legal process.
• Electoral Reforms: Mandating the political parties to disclose the criminal records of their candidates, stricter election
funding rules, and increased monitoring of political campaigns.
{{ It is necessary to strengthen the ECI by providing it the powers to regulate the actions of the political parties with
specific emphasis on scrutiny of the candidate’s application.
{{ Providing Statutory Status to the Model Code of Conduct will help in curbing criminalization of politics.
• Internal Democracy In Political Parties: Convicted politicians may continue to influence law-making by controlling the party
and fielding proxy candidates in legislature.
{{ Although the RPA 1951 disqualifies a sitting legislator or a candidate on certain grounds, there is no regulation over the
appointments to offices within the party.
• Public Awareness: An awareness program for voters, to make them aware of their right to know the criminal background of
the person through the media, civil society organizations, and educational institutions.

1.6. Frictions in Indian Federalism

Context:
In recent years, disputes between the Centre and States over eco-
nomic policies have intensified, evolving into persistent frictions in
the federal system.
More on News:
• In recent times, three issues have emerged as major
discussion points in India’s fiscal federalism, leading
to back-and-forth exchanges between the Centre and
States.
• First are a set of issues related to Goods and Services
Tax (GST) such as the rate structure, inclusion and
exclusion of commodities, revenue sharing from GST
and associated compensation.
• Second, State-level expenditure patterns especially related to
the welfare schemes of States.
{{ GoI spends only a fifth of its total expenditure on the
social sector. State governments, conversely, devote a
higher share to social sector spending.
{{ In FY 2020-21, 41% of states’ expenditure was on the social
sector.
• Third, the conception and the implementation of central
schemes.
{{ Two States, West Bengal and Odisha, and the Union Territory
of Delhi are still not on-board the Ayushman Bharat scheme
leading to a conflict between the centre and States.

10
About Federalism:
• Federalism is a system of government in which the power is divided between a central authority and various constituent
units of the country.
• Usually, a federation has two levels of government.
{{ One is the government for the entire country that is usually responsible for a few subjects of common national interest.
{{ The others are governments at the level of provinces or states that look after much of the day-to-day administering of
their state.
Reason for Conflict:
• Resource sharing: Continuing economic reforms
since 1991 has led to the relaxation of many
controls on investments, giving some room
to States, but the autonomy regarding public
expenditure policies is not absolute as State
governments depend on the Centre for their
revenue receipts.
• Centralizing Impact of Goods and Services Tax
(GST):
{{ The introduction of GST, replacing state-
level sales taxes, gave the Centre significant
control. The GST Council’s structure, with
the Centre holding one-third voting rights, effectively grants it veto power, undermining the promised cooperative
federalism.
• Neglect of Inter-State Council: There has been no meeting
since July 2016. Since its constitution in 1990, the body has
met only 11 times.
• Lack of Consultation on Major Decisions:
{{ Decisions on critical matters, such as demonetization
and the initial Covid-19 lockdown, were made without
consulting chief ministers, showcasing a tendency towards
unilateral decision-making by the Centre.
• Politicization of the Office of Governor:
{{ There have been cases such as Tamil nadu’s where
governors have delayed or withheld assent to bills. These
actions have been criticized as arbitrary, and partisan.
Way Forward for Strengthening Indian Federalism:
• Reassess the Role of Governors: Conduct a comprehensive
review of the governor’s role to ensure it aligns with the
principles of federalism, avoiding interference with states for
central interests.
• Optimal Utilization of Inter-state Council: Ensure effective use
of the Inter-state Council as an institutional mechanism for fostering political
goodwill between the Centre and states, particularly on contentious policy About Inter-State Council:
• It was established under Article 263 of the
issues. Constitution to create a strong institutional
• Legal Guarantee for Fiscal Capacity: Legally guarantee the gradual expansion framework to promote and support
cooperative federalism in the country.
of states’ fiscal capacity without diminishing the Centre’s share, providing
financial autonomy and balanced resource distribution.
• Electoral Reforms for Political Equity: Implement necessary electoral reforms to create a level playing field for regional

11
 political parties and leaders, fostering healthy
competition between national and regional political
forces.
• Empowerment of Local Self-Governments: Politically
empower local self-governments, the third level of
Indian federalism, to ensure their active participation
and contribution, forming a crucial component for the
overall strength of the federal structure.
1.7. High Court Quashes Haryana’s Quota in
Private Sector
Context:
The Punjab and Haryana High Court quashed Haryana State
Employment of Local Candidates Act, 2020 guaranteeing
75% reservation to locals in private sector jobs in Haryana.
More on News:
• The High Court asserted ‘Haryana State Employment
of Local Candidates Act, 2020’ was unconstitutional.
Arguments of Haryana Government in favour of reserva-
tion:
• Non-Discrimination in Employment Allocation: The
Haryana government contended that the Act did not
discriminate regarding employment under the central or state governments or any other organization owned by them.
• Domicile-based Employment and Article 15(1): It also argued that reservation on the basis of place of birth would violate
provisions of the Constitution but employment on the basis of domicile would not offend Article 15(1) of the Constitution.
{{ Article 15(1): The State shall not discriminate
against any citizen on grounds only of religion,
race, caste, sex, place of birth or any of them.
• Constitutional mandate of adequate representation:
According to Article 16(4) of the Constitution, the
guarantee to equality in public employment doesn’t
prevent the state from creating reservations for any
backward class not adequately in state services.
• Distinct Class and Reasonable Classification: It
said unemployed local youth were a distinct class
and reasonable classification could be made of this
particular class for the purpose of providing 75 per cent
employment in private sectors.
What is Local Reservation?
• The concept of a local reservation was born out of
concerns about job shortages and the necessity for
governments to satisfy their domestic electorates.
• The policy states that the jobs created in a state will be
offered first to those who belong to that State.
Reasons for demand of local Reservation:
• LPG Reforms and Jobless Growth: LPG reforms have been
criticized for contributing to jobless growth which further exacerbates economic insecurity and fueling the demand for local reservation.
Recommendation to Promote Cooperative Federalism:
• Sarkaria Commission Recommendations:
{{ Coordination and Mutual Consultation: Proposes coordinated
policy and action in concurrent jurisdictions through mutual
consultation for a smooth dual system.
{{ Limitation on Union Government’s Powers: Suggests the Union
government restrict itself in Concurrent List matters to ensure
uniformity in basic national policy.
• Punchhi Commission (2010):
{{ Proposes the creation of a superseding structure, the ‘National
Integration Council,’ for matters related to internal security,
enhancing coordination and effectiveness.
{{ Recommends amendments to Article 355 (Centre’s duty to protect
states against external aggression) and Article 356 (President’s
rule in case of state machinery failure) to curb potential misuse of
powers and protect states’ interests.
{{ Advocates consultation with states through the Inter-State
Council before introducing bills on matters in the Concurrent List.
{{ Appointment and Removal of Governors:
„„ Recommends the Chief Minister’s involvement in Governor
appointments.
„„ Proposes a fixed five-year term for governors and their
removal only through a State Legislature resolution.
‘Haryana State Employment of Local Candidates Act, 2020’.
• The law provided for 75% of the new employment to be given to local
candidates for jobs having a salary of less than ₹30,000 per month in
various privately managed companies.
• Employers with 10 or more employees were included, but central or
state governments and their organizations were exempt.
• The act was to be initially implemented for 10 years only.
• An exemption has been mentioned that when enough local
candidates are not available with the desired skills, qualifications,
and proficiency, then an officer of the rank of Deputy Commissioner or
higher will validate such a claim.
Private Sector Reservation in Other states:
• The Jharkhand government announced 75 percent reservation in
private sector jobs with salaries up to Rs 30,000 for locals.
• The Madhya Pradesh government made it mandatory to give 70
percent of jobs to locals, but the law was not meant for all private
companies.
• Andhra Pradesh became the first state to introduce such a
provision in the private sector after the Jagan Mohan Reddy
government passed a bill in the assembly to impose a 75 percent
quota for local Andhra Pradesh youth in the private sector.
12
• Agrarian Distress: Years of low returns from agriculture, coupled with fractured landholdings and inadequate non-farm
incomes, have contributed to the demand for local reservation.
• Employment Situation: The COVID-19 lockdown exacerbated the unemployment
crisis, particularly among migrant workers in urban areas.
• Populist Impulse and Youth Support: A 2017 national survey by CSDS and Lokniti
found that nearly two-thirds of the youth support job reservation for locals.
• Fear of losing out: This is not unique to India or Indian States, but is universal.
{{ It was spectacularly manifest in the Brexit vote, when Britons thought that foreigners
were taking away local jobs, and hence voted to secede from the European Union.
Arguments Against Reservation in Pvt. Sector:
• Balancing Fundamental Rights and State Intervention: Reservation in private
employment creates an unprecedented intrusion by the State government into the
fundamental rights of the employers to carry on their business and trade as provided
for under Article 19 of the Constitution of India.
{{ Dr. Pradeep Jain v Union of India (1984) case: The Supreme Court discussed the
issue of legislation for “sons of the soil”. Court held that such policies would be
unconstitutional but did not expressly rule on it.
• State Domicile Quotas and the Erosion of Common Citizenship in India: A fundamental
wedge is sought to be created between persons domiciled in different States by the
statue in question which is contrary to the concept of common citizenship provided in
the Constitution of India.
• Dilemma of ‘One Nation, One Everything’ versus Regional Employment: Reservation in the Private sector would be a direct
attack on the fundamental idea of the Indian economy as one unit.
{{ For Example: On the one hand, the Centre outlines about ‘One Nation, One Everything,’ businesses – both domestic and
multinational – may struggle to find skilled workers in particular state (Haryana)
• Striking at the Core of Meritocracy in the Private Sector: Reservation in private sector, goes against the fundamental
principle of merit that alone drives the private sector, as opposed to the public sector, where the governments continue to
hire on the basis of an archaic flawed reservation system for their political purposes.
Arguments in Favor of Reservation in Pvt. Sector:
• Discriminatory HR Policies: A 2019 study conducted by the Azim Premji University found that the SC/ST communities were
“over-represented” in low-paying jobs and “under-represented” in high-paying ones, it couldn’t have been possible without
discriminatory and biased corporate HR policies.
• Upholding Social Justice in Private Sector amid Privatization Concerns: Social justice movements have increasingly feared
that increasing privatization may lead to a complete
decline of opportunities for the historically marginalized Government Efforts:
caste groups. • A coordination committee for affirmative action in the private
sector was set up by the Prime Minister Dffice in 2006.
{{ A quota-based reservation system in the private
The official position of the committee so far has been that
sector in this context becomes not only necessary but {{

the best course on the issue of affirmative action is through

also inevitable. voluntary action by the industry itself (some industry
• Global Precedents: Even in the US, companies like General associations have a voluntary code on affirmative action for
their members).
Motors and Ford have systems in place to employ African
• Article 371: It gives special protection to few states, for instance in
Americans, Asians and so on. the case of the state of Andhra Pradesh which has power bestowed
• Employment Equality for Stakeholders in the Private to directly recruit local cadres in certain areas or fields.
Sector: Our private sector takes a lot of money from
public sector banks and financial institutions, and there is a huge default in loan repayment and taxes.

13
 {{ Those whose land, labor and capital are being used by the Indian entrepreneurial class can definitely seek some modicum
of equality in job distribution.
Way Forward:
• Voluntarily Code of Conduct (VCC): India Inc. declared that they would adopt a Voluntarily Code of Conduct (VCC), according
to which, they would take up measures to ensure social justice in their organizations.
• Focus on Human development: The government should train the labor and also pose restrictions on the contract by the
industrial sector which pose a “hire and fire” basis and promote long-term contracts.
{{ For Example: The flagship Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
• Government role as a facilitator: It should create an environment through their policies such that those policies can help
minimize inequalities in income, status, facilities, and opportunities. So, the government should focus on its role rather than
guaranteeing employment.
• Safeguarding Fundamental Rights in Policy Formulation: It is crucial to guarantee that any policy decision aligns with the
Constitution of India, upholding the fundamental rights of citizens and avoiding any violation thereof.”
Conclusion
Rather than focusing on the reservation to provide jobs, the government should focus on skill enhancement and job creation
as it goes against the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,” which demands an integrated and mobile labor market within the
country.

14
Prelims:
1.8. Government Exempts CERT-In from RTI Act
Context:
The Central government has added the Computer Emergency
Response Team (CERT-In) among a list of organizations that
are exempted from the ambit of the Right to Information Act
(RTI), 2005.
About CERT-In:
• CERT-In is a functional organization of the Ministry of
Electronics and Information Technology that secures
Indian cyberspace.
• Mission: To enhance the security of India’s Communications
and Information Infrastructure through proactive action
and effective collaboration.
• Objectives:
{{ Preventing cyber attacks against the country’s
cyberspace.
{{ Responding to cyber attacks, minimizing damage and
recovery time and Reducing ‘national vulnerability to
cyber attacks
{{ Enhancing security awareness among ordinary
citizens.
About Right to Information Act (RTI), 2005:
• Passed by Parliament in 2005 to enable the citizens to
exercise their freedom of speech and expression under
Article 19(1)(a) of Indian Constitution.
• Mandate: It provides the right to information for citizens
to secure access to information under the control of
public authorities in order to promote transparency and
accountability in the working of every public authority.
• Section 24: The Sub-section (2) of Section 24 of the RTI
Act empowers the central government to exempt any
organization from the purview of the transparency law.
{{ Using those powers, the Centre has included CERT-In
at serial number 27 in the Second Schedule of the RTI
Act.
1.9. National Pharmacy Commission Bill, 2023
Context:
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare seeks public and
stakeholder comments on the proposed National Pharmacy
Commission Bill, 2023.
Key Provision of the Bill:
• National Pharmacy Commission: To establish the National
Pharmacy Commission and repeal the Pharmacy Act, 1948.
• Enhancing Education and Access: Focus on improving
15
access to affordable, high-quality pharmacy education.
{{ Ensures availability of pharmacy professionals
nationwide.
• Assessment and Registration: Periodic and transparent
assessment of pharmacy institutions and facilitating
maintenance of a pharmacy register for India.
• Grievance Redressal Mechanism: Establishes an effective
grievance redressal mechanism for relevant matters.
• Flexibility and Transparency: The Pharmacy Ethics and
Registration Board shall maintain National Pharmacy
Register (NPR) containing the name, address, all recognised
qualifications possessed by a pharmacy professional and
such other particulars as may be specified by regulations.
• Mandate of States: Every state chapter shall maintain and
regularly update the State Pharmacy Professional Register
and the State Pharmacy Register in the specified digital
format.
1.10. Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023
Context:
The Information & Broadcasting Ministry released the draft
Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023.
Key Features of the Bill:
• Single Legislative Framework: It seeks to replace the Cable
Television Networks (Regulation) Act of 1995 and other
policy guidelines currently governing the broadcasting
sector in India.
• Expansion of Regulatory Ambit: To encompass
broadcasting OTT content, digital news and current affairs
currently regulated through the IT Act, 2000.
• Comprehensive Definitions: It provides definitions for
contemporary broadcasting terms along with other
important technical terms to be defined in the statute for
the first time.
• Advisory Bodies: It introduces ‘Content evaluation
committees’ for self-regulation and ‘Broadcast Advisory
Council’ to “advise the central government on programme
code and advertisement code violations.
• Penalties: Statutory penalties like advisory, warning,
censure, or monetary penalties, for operators and
broadcasters.
• Inclusive and Accessible: The Bill has a provision for
appointing a Disability Grievance officer.It promotes the
use of subtitles, audio descriptors, and sign language
• Infrastructure Sharing: Provisions for infrastructure
sharing among broadcasting network operators and
carriage of platform services.
• Right of Way: Address relocation and alterations more
efficiently, and establishes a structured dispute resolution
mechanism.
Significance:
• Modernizes the broadcasting sector’s regulatory
framework, replacing outdated Acts, Rules, and Guidelines
with a unified, future-focused approach.
• Adapts to the dynamic world of OTT, Digital Media, DTH,
and more, promoting technological advancement and
service evolution.
1.11. Bihar Reservation Amendment Bill, 2023
Context:
The Bihar Assembly unanimously passed Bihar Reservation
Amendment Bill, to increase reservation for Backward Classes,
Extremely Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled
Tribes from the existing 50% to 65%.
Key Provisions of Bihar Reservation Amendment Bill:
• Quota Adjustments:
{{ Raised the Extremely Backward Class (EBC) quota
from 18% to 25%.
{{ Backward Class (BC) quota to be increased from 12%
to 18%.
{{ Scheduled Caste (SC) quota to see an increase from
16% to 20%.
{{ Scheduled Tribe (ST) quota doubled, moving from 1%
to 2%.
• Changes in BC Women Reservation: The existing 3%
reservation for Backward Class (BC) women has been
eliminated.
• Continuation of EWS Quota: The 10% quota for
Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) within the general
category remains unchanged.
Concern:
Together with the 10% Economically Backward Class (EWS)
quota, the Bill will push reservation in Bihar to 75%, well past
the 50% ceiling set by the Supreme Court in the 1992 Indra
Sawhney case.
1.12. Approval to Digital Adverstisement Policy, 2023
Context:
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting approved the
“Digital Advertisement Policy, 2023 to enable and empower
the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) to undertake cam-
paigns in the digital media space.
About Central Bureau of Communication (CBC):
• It is the Media Unit of Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting which is the designated organization for
16
issue of advertisements through all forms of media.
Digital Advertisement Policy, 2023:
• Objective: To enhancing the Digital Outreach of the
Government of India and improving information
dissemination to the Citizens.
Key Features:
• Empaneling Digital Agencies: CBC can now empanel digital
media agencies to engage podcast listeners, YouTube, OTT
viewers, and social media users.
• Inclusive Campaign Platforms: The policy extends
campaigns to mobile applications, requiring eligibility for
websites, mobile apps, OTT platforms, and digital audio
platforms with a minimum one-year existence.
• Transparent Advertising Rates: Advertising rates will be
linked to subscriber base and viewership, determined
through competitive bidding for transparency and
efficiency, with rates valid for three years.
Significance:
• To leverage the growing number of listeners to podcasts
and digital audio platforms through the empanelment of
digital audio platforms.
• To enhance the Digital Outreach of the Government of
India.
• To improve information dissemination to the Citizens
1.13. Tracking Prison Inmates Released on Parole
Context:
The Union Home Ministry has suggested that States may use
tracking devices on prison inmates when they are released on
parole.
Key Points:
• The suggestion to track prison inmates is part of Model
Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023.
• Prisoners may be granted prison leave on the condition
of their willingness to wear electronic tracking devices for
monitoring the movement and activities of such prisoners.
About Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023:
• The Ministry of Home Affairs introduced ‘Model Prisons
Act’ with the objective of holistically providing guidance
and addressing the gaps in the existing Prisons Act.
• The administration and management of prisons was
regulated by two pre-Independence Acts namely, The
Prisons Act 1894 and The Prisoners Act 1900.
About Parole and Furlogh:
• Parole and furlough are two provision which are covered
under Section - 432 of Criminal Procedure Code 1973.
• Parole:
{{ A conditional release of a prisoner who has served
part of the term for which he was sentenced to prison.
{{ It is a temporary release granted on account of
contingency and after the period of parole is over the
convict has to report back to prison to undergo the
remaining part of sentence.
{{ State governments have their own Prisoner Release
on Parole Rules. ‘Prisons’ is a State subject under the
State List of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.
• Furlough:
{{ It is given in cases of long-term imprisonment.
{{ The period of furlough granted to a prisoner is treated
as remission of his sentence.
{{ Unlike parole, furlough is seen as a matter of right
for a prisoner, to be granted periodically irrespective
of any reason, and merely to enable the prisoner to
retain family and social ties, and to counter the ill-
effects of prolonged time spent in prison.
1.14. Ethics Panel Recommends Disqualification of MP
Context:
The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee adopted a report recom-
mending the expulsion of a Trinamool Congress MP from the
Lower House over a “cash-for-query” allegation.
More on News:
• The term “cash for query” refers to a scandal involving
the Indian Parliament system, specifically Members of
Parliament (MPs) allegedly accepting bribes or financial
incentives in exchange for raising questions in the
Parliament on behalf of private individuals or organizations.
Lok Sabha Ethics Committee:
• Establishment: Lok Sabha Ethics Committee came into
force in 2015 with a mandate to oversee the moral and
ethical conduct of the MPs.
• Function: Examine complaints relating to unethical
conduct of an MP and make recommendations as it may
deem fit.
• Composition: Lok Sabha Ethics Committee- 15 members
appointed by Speaker
• Term of Members: 1 year
• Procedure for complaints:
{{ Any MP complaint can be referred to the Committee
by the Speaker. The Committee investigates the
charges prima facie and issues recommendations to
the Speaker , who asks the House for consideration.
17
Ethics Committee in Rajya Sabha:
• The first such Committee in India was constituted by the
Chairman, Rajya Sabha on 4 March 1997.
• Composition: 10 members appointed by the Chairman of
Rajya Sabha.
• Tenure: Committee holds office until a new committee is
appointed, the casual vacancies arising are filled by the
Chairman from time to time.
1.15. CCPA’s Probe of IAS Coaching Institutes
Context:
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) recently
probed 20 IAS coaching institutes for making misleading claims
in their advertisements and for unfair trade practices.
About Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA):
• Establishment: Regulatory body formed in 2020 under the
Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
• Composition:
{{ Chief Commissioner as the head and Two other
commissioners appointed by the Central Government.
About Consumer Protection Act, 2019:
• The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 comes in to force in
July 2020.
• To empower consumers and help them in protecting their
rights through its various notified Rules and provisions.
Essential provisions of Consumer Protection Act, 2019:
• Consumer Protection Councils: They protect the rights of
the consumers at both the national and state levels.
• Central Consumer Protection Authority: To regulate
matters relating to violation of the rights of consumers,
unfair trade practices and false or misleading
advertisements.
• Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (CDRC): The
state government shall establish a CDRC known as the
District Commission in each district of the state.
• Offences and Penalties: For false and misleading
advertisements and for manufacturing, selling, distributing
products containing adulterants
1.16. State Educational Achievement Survey 2023
Context:
The State Educational Achievement Survey by PARAKH was
conducted to understand the baseline performance in the de-
velopment of the competencies at the end of the foundation-
al, preparatory and middle stages.
About PARAKH:
• PARAKH Stands for ‘Performance Assessment, Review,
and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development’.
• Aim: To set up assessment guidelines for all boards to
help remove disparities in scores of students enrolled with
different state boards.
About State Educational Achievement Survey:
• Objective: To assess the learning competencies of students
at the end of each educational stage, i.e., foundational,
preparatory, and middle with a primary focus on Language
and Mathematics.
• Coverage: The survey covered approximately 80 lakh
students from 3 lakh schools at 5917 blocks across the
nation.
• Assessment Methodology: Tools to assess students’
competencies were designed using scientific procedures,
while the assessment methodology employed a paper-
pen-based approach with OMR technology for data
capture and analysis, which ensured the precision and
efficiency of data acquisition and validation.
1.17. Appointment of New CIC
Context:
The Senior bureaucrat Heeralal Samariya was sworn in as the
chief of the Central Information Commission (CIC).
About Central Information Commission(CIC):
• It is a statutory body constituted under the provision
of Section-12 of RTI Act 2005, the Central Government
constitutes a body to be known as the Central Information
Commission.
• Composition: The CIC shall consist of the Chief Information
Commissioner (CIC) and such number of Central
Information Commissioners not exceeding 10 as may be
deemed necessary.
• Jurisdiction: It extends over all Central Public Authorities.
• Appointment Process of CIC/IC: The selection committee
of CIC/IC consists of
{{ The Prime Minister, who shall be the Chairperson of
the committee;
{{ The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha
{{ A Union Cabinet Minister to be nominated by the
Prime Minister.
• Term of office: The CIC and ICs (at the central and state
level) will hold office for a term of three years.
{{ CIC is not eligible for reappointment.
• Oath: Administered by the President of India.
18
State Information Commission(SIC):
• The SIC will be constituted by the State Government
through a Gazette notification.
• Composition: It consists of one State Chief Information
Commissioner (SCIC) and not more than 10 State
Information Commissioners (SIC) to be appointed by the
Governor.
• Oath: It will be administered by the Governor.
• Process Of Appointment: The Appointments Committee
will be headed by the Chief Minister. Other members
include the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative
Assembly and one Cabinet Minister nominated by the
Chief Minister.
Powers and Functions of Information Commissions:
• The Central Information Commission/State Information
Commission has a duty to receive complaints from any
person.
• Power to order inquiry if there are reasonable grounds.
• CIC/SCIC will have powers of Civil Court such as -
{{ summoning and enforcing attendance of persons,
compelling them to give oral or written evidence on
oath and to produce documents or things;
{{ requiring the discovery and inspection of documents;
{{ receiving evidence on affidavit;
{{ requisitioning public records or copies from any court
or office
{{ issuing summons for examination of witnesses or
documents
{{ any other matter which may be prescribed.
1.18. Social Audit in MGNREGS
Context:
The Management Information System (MIS) on Social Au-
dit maintained by the Union Ministry of Rural Development
(MoRD) reveals statistics about social auditing done by states
under MGNREGS.
What is Social Audit:
• It is a process of reviewing official records and determining
whether state reported expenditures reflect the actual
monies spent on the ground.
Key Findings:
• Social Audit Coverage:
{{ This has been done in only six states out of the 34
States and union territories.
{{ Kerala is the only State to cover 100% gram panchayats.
{{ States crossing 50% Mark: Bihar (64.4%), Gujarat
 (58.8%), Jammu and Kashmir (64.1%), Odisha (60.42%)
and Uttar Pradesh (54.97%).
{{ States covering 40% Mark: Telangana (40.5%),
Himachal Pradesh (45.32%) and Andhra Pradesh
(49.7%).
• Periodic Social Audit Public Hearings (Janakeeya Sabhas):
{{ Kerala is the only state conducting this at the
panchayat level to subject the audit reports to close
public scrutiny.
{{ In the other States, such public scrutiny is done only
at the block level.
About Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guar-
antee Act (MGNREGA):
• About: It was enacted in 2005 as a social welfare program
by the Ministry of Rural development.
• Objective: To guarantee 100 days of employment in every
financial year to adult members of any rural household
19
willing to do public work-related unskilled manual work.
Key Features of Scheme:
• Unemployment allowance: Employment must be
provided with 15 days of being demanded failing which an
‘unemployment allowance’ must be given.
• Role of Gram sabhas: They must recommend the works
that are to be undertaken and at least 50% of the works
must be executed by them.
• Work Site Facilities: All work sites should have facilities
such as crèches, drinking water and first aid.
• Social audits: They are conducted by gram sabhas to
enable the community to monitor the implementation of
the scheme.
• Social Audit Units (SAU): Each State has SAUs which are
supposed to work independent of the implementing
authorities.
SHORT NEWS

Prisoner’s Dilemma Recently, the Defence Minister of India has referred to the concept of “Prisoner’s Dilemma”.
• Reason: To underscore the need for countries to collaborate with each other instead
of working at cross purposes.
• Prisoner’s Dilemma: When applied in the domain of international relations, it can
explain and analyse various situations where countries face strategic decision-making
challenges.
{{ For example, when two or more countries engage in an arms race, they often do
so out of mutual fear and mistrust.
• Solution: Finding solutions that promote cooperation, build trust, and mitigate the
risks associated with the Prisoner’s Dilemma situations in international relations.
Section 67 of the Information In a recent judgment, the Allahabad High Court held that merely Liking a post on social
Technology Act media applications like Facebook, X, etc. cannot be punishable under Section 67 of the
Information Technology Act.
About IT Act,2000:
• It is based on the United Nations Model Law on Electronic Commerce 1996 (UNCITRAL
Model) which was suggested by the General Assembly of the United Nations by a
resolution dated on 30th January, 1997.
• Objective: To carry lawful and trustworthy electronic, digital and online transactions
and alleviate or reduce cybercrimes.
• Section 67: Penalisese publishing obscene information or pornography or
transmission of obscene content in public
• Section 66A of the Information Technology Act 2000 was struck down as
unconstitutional by the Court in 2015 in the Shreya Singhal Case.
Discontinuation of Composite NITI weighs discontinuing a key water report that was launched 5 years ago.
Water Management Index About Composite Water Management Index (CWMI):
• Launched by: NITI Aayog in June 2018.
• The CWMI report is a critical assessment of states’ water management.
• Collaboration of Ministries: Water Resources, Drinking Water & Sanitation, and Rural
Development, worked together to create the CWMI report.
• Current Status: In May, 2023, NITI Aayog sought the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti’s
perspective on the Index’s “use and applicability.” The Ministry has yet to respond,
and the third and fourth editions of the report await release.
Supreme Court at its Full Recently, three high court judges took oath as judges of the Supreme court taking its full
Strength strength of 34 judges.
Supreme Court Composition:
• At Present the Supreme Court consists of thirty-four Judges (One Chief Justice and
Thirty Three Other Judges).
• Originally, the Supreme Court had eight judges (one chief justice and seven others).
The Parliament has increased the number of judges over time.
Appointment Procedure:
• Constitutional Provision: Article 124(1)  states that “there shall be a supreme court
of india consisting of a Chief Justice Of India and, Until Parliament by law Prescribe a
larger Number, Of more than seven other judges.’’
• The judges of the SC are appointed by the President on the recommendation of
Collegium of judges.
• The Collegium deliberates on and discusses the names of Chief Justices and senior
puisne Judges of the High Courts eligible for appointment to the Supreme Court.

20
DATA POINTS:
1.19. Road Accidents in India 2022 Report
Context:
The Annual Report on ‘Road Accidents in India-2022” has been published by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
About the Report:
• The report is based on data sent by police departments of states/UTs in formats as provided by the United Nations
Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific under the
Asia Pacific Road Accident Database project.
• United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the
Pacific: It is one of the five regional commissions under the jurisdiction
of the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
Key Findings of Report:
• Trends: The states and Union Territories (UTs) reported 461,312
incidents in 2022, which caused injuries to 443,366 people.
• Demographic Trends: Adults in the age group of 18 to 45 years made
up 66.5 percent of the victims in 2022 while those aged 18 to 60 years
(working population) comprised 83.4 percent of the overall fatalities.
• Reasons: Over speeding was a major cause, accounting for 71.2 percent
of the persons killed. It was followed by driving on the wrong side (5.4 per cent).
Recommendation: The report underscores the urgency of adopting a comprehensive approach which includes speeding,
reckless driving, drunken driving, and non-compliance with traffic regulations.

1.20. Decline in Sittings in State Legislative Assemblies

Context:
According to PRS legislative Research data, the average number of days the Assemblies meet has been shrinking across states
in recent years.
Key Findings:
• Shrinkage in average meeting days: Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh (MP),
Chhattisgarh, Mizoram and Telangana, met for less than 30 days on
average annually between 2019 and 2023.
• Fall in Average Sittings (2014-18): Average sittings fell for all except
Rajasthan, which recorded a marginal increase, from 28 days to 29 in
the current term.
{{ The fall was the sharpest for MP, where the Assembly met for
barely 16 days. In 2014-2018, it had met for 27 days.
{{ In Chhattisgarh, the legislature’s business days shrank from 29 to
23, and Telangana from 26 to 15 (see chart 1).
• Outlier: The Karnataka Legislative Assembly met for 45 days in 2022,
the highest among the 28 states and Union Territories (UTs) for which
data is available.
{{ West Bengal and Kerala followed with 42 days and 41 days,
respectively
• Performance of Women Legislature: Women MLAs asked less than 20%
of the questions in the five poll-bound states between 2018 and 2023.
• Attendance: The average MLA attendance in the five poll-bound states
was below 90%.

21
 2. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
2.1 Impact of Ethnic Conflict on India-Myanmar Relations
Context:
Recently, India had called for a cessation of fighting between Myanmar’s
military and anti-junta groups near the Indo-Myanmar border that has
triggered an influx of Myanmar refugees to Mizoram.
More on News:
• Current Conflict: Since last month, the Myanmar military (Junta)
has faced a major coordinated offensive from an alliance of three
ethnic armed forces. This led to the rebels capturing several towns
and security outposts.
• Result of the Conflict: Concurrent assaults by other militias in the
Chin and Sagaing regions, adjoining India, have precipitated the
flight of around 5,000 people, including some military personnel, into
India’s Mizoram.
Why has Myanmar endured so many ethnic conflicts?
• Ethnic Diversity and Inequality: Myanmar with over 100 distinct
ethnic groups have also been a source of conflict.
{{ The majority of Bamar people have historically held a privileged
position leading to marginalisation of ethnic minority.
• Armed Struggles and Repression: Post-independence, Myanmar has
witnessed numerous rebellions and insurgencies, as various ethnic
groups (such as the Karen National Liberation Army in Kayin State;
the Kachin Independence Army in Kachin State; among other groups)
have sought to assert their autonomy or achieve self-determination.
• The Rohingya Crisis: In 2017, the Myanmar military launched a brutal
crackdown against the Rohingya, resulting in widespread killings, rape, and displacement.
{{ The United Nations has described the atrocities committed against the Rohingya as a genocide.
Major Concerns in India-Myanmar Relation:
• Security concerns: Instability in Myanmar could spill over
into India’s northeastern states, posing challenges for
border security and ethnic insurgencies.
• China’s Inroads: China has been steadily increasing its
influence in Myanmar, investing heavily in infrastructure
projects and expanding its economic footprint.
{{ For example, India’s announcement of the Sairang-
Hmawngbuchhuah railway project under India’s Act
East Policy, aims to counter China’s railway access in
Myanmar through Yunnan and the ambitious China-
Myanmar Economic Corridor.
• Refugee Influx: The ongoing violence and instability in
Myanmar have led to a surge in the number of refugees
fleeing to India, particularly Mizoram.

22
 {{ Over 54,100 Myanmar nationals have sought refuge in the
Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur,
and Nagaland, straining resources and posing security
challenges for India.
• Drug Menace: Myanmar’s Golden Triangle region is a notorious
hub for drug trafficking, and the political instability in the country
has raised concerns that the drug trade could flourish, posing a
serious threat to India’s northeastern states.
• Regional connectivity Projects: Conflict could affect regional
connectivity projects.
{{ India aims to strengthen integration with its neighbours to
the north and east through the Bay of Bengal Initiative for
Multisectoral and Technical Cooperation.
• India’s Balancing Act: India faces a delicate balancing act in its
approach to Myanmar.
{{ On the one hand, India wants to support the pro-democracy
movement and promote human rights in Myanmar.
{{ On the other hand, India also wants to maintain a good
relationship with the military junta, as it relies on the junta
to control insurgent groups operating along the India-
Myanmar border.
Area of Cooperation between India-Myanmar:
• Cultural Linkages: Given India’s Buddhist heritage, India and
Myanmar share close cultural ties and a sense of deep kinship.
{{ Building on this shared heritage, India is undertaking some key initiatives in restoring the Ananda Temple in Bagan and
repairing and conserving many damaged pagodas.
• Geographical Significance: India shares a long land border of over 1643 km with Myanmar and a maritime boundary in the
Bay of Bengal.Four northeastern states—Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland,
Manipur, and Mizoram—border Myanmar. Free Movement Regime (FMR):
• India and Myanmar have activated a ‘free
{{ It is the only ASEAN country adjoining India and, therefore, is a movement regime’ (FMR) for people residing in
gateway to South East Asia. villages near their 1,643 km-long border.
• Commercial Cooperation: India is the fifth-largest trading partner of • It allows tribes living along the border on either
Myanmar. The bilateral trade stood at US$ 1.03 billion in 2021-22. side to travel up to 16 km inside the other country
without a visa.
{{ India stands at 11th position with an approved investment of US$
773.038 million by 34 Indian enterprises as of 31 January 2022.
• Infrastructure and Connectivity: India has invested heavily
in infrastructure projects in Myanmar, such as the Kaladan
Multimodal Transit Transport Project which aims to connect
India’s northeastern states with Southeast Asia; the Trilateral
Highway Project, which is an East-West corridor connecting our
Northeast with Myanmar and Thailand.
{{ In September 2022, India and Myanmar signed a Project
Agreement for constructing a Modern Integrated Checkpost at
Tamu in Myanmar.
• Development Cooperation: India’s development assistance
portfolio in Myanmar is now over US $1.75 billion. The bulk of this
assistance is grant-funded.

23
 {{ For Example: Assistance in setting up Myanmar Institute of Information Technology, Advanced Centre for Agricultural
Research and Education, Myanmar-India Centre for Enhancement of IT Skills, Rakhine State Development Programme,
etc
• Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief: India has responded promptly and effectively in rendering assistance following
natural calamities in Myanmar like Cyclone Mora (2017), Komen (2015), earthquake in Shan State (2010), etc.
{{ India supported Myanmar in its fight against COVID-19, supplied more than 20 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
Way Forward:
• Support for democracy and human rights: India should continue to advocate for the restoration of democracy and respect
for human rights in Myanmar including release of political prisoners and an end to the military junta’s crackdown on dissent.
• Engagement with all stakeholders: India should use its influence to open channels of dialogue with and between the junta
and the opposition, including armed ethnic groups.
• Regional Cooperation: New Delhi should collaborate closely with the ASEAN nations to assess whether their proposed
peace plan requires reformulation or revisions.
{{ Working in coordination with regional partners and active involvement in regional forums will strengthen collective
efforts to address the crisis and find viable solutions.
• Economic Engagement: India should continue to engage with Myanmar economically, but it should do so in a way that
promotes sustainable development and benefits the people of Myanmar.
{{ This includes investing in infrastructure projects and supporting the development of Myanmar’s private sector.
• Security Cooperation: Given the presence of insurgent groups along the India-Myanmar border, robust counterterrorism
cooperation is essential.
{{ India can collaborate closely with Myanmar in intelligence sharing and coordinated efforts to combat these groups. Still,
it should do so in a way that does not legitimise the military Junta.
• Solidarity with the People of Myanmar: India’s approach should prioritize humanitarian assistance and support for displaced
people and showcase its commitment to regional stability.
{{ Providing aid and service to those affected by the crisis will alleviate suffering and demonstrate India’s solidarity with
the people of Myanmar according to Harsh V. Pant.
Conclusion:
With the ground situation in Myanmar evolving rapidly, India’s efforts hold immense significance in fostering regional peace and
cooperation and preserving Indian interests in a country that is critical for India’s own internal security in the northeast.
2.2. India-Qatar Diplomatic Conundrum
Context:
Recently, eight former Indian Navy personnel have been sentenced to death by a
court in Qatar.
More on News:
• The eight former Navy personnel were working at the now defunct Al Dahra Global
Technologies and Consultancy Services, a defence services provider company.
• Reason: Although official charges were not made public by the Qatari authorities,
according to media sources, they were arrested on undeclared charges of espionage.
About India- Qatar Relations:
• India and Qatar share a deep-rooted relationship, with hundreds of thousands
of Indians working in Qatar, making up a substantial part of the country’s foreign
workforce.
• Historical Ties: The diplomatic relations between India and Qatar were established
in 1973 and historical ties date back centuries due to trade and cultural
interactions.

24
• These relations have evolved and grown over the time stronger and steadier marked by high level exchanges between the
two countries.
Challenges Associated with India-Qatar Relations:
• Present Challenge:
{{ Unprecedented Verdict: The death sentence to eight former Indian Navy personnel was deeply shocking for India,
might test diplomatic relations between the two countries.
{{ For instance, The individuals include highly decorated veterans such as Commander Purnendu Tiwari was honored with
the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman.
{{ Lack of Transparency: The details of the present case are too opaque to justify such an extreme sentence in a short trial.
Other Challenges:
Significance of India-Qatar relations
• Cultural and Religious Challenges: Ensuring cultural
• Economic Cooperation: In 2021, India was one of Qatar’s top
integration, understanding, and addressing any challenges three import sources and fourth largest export destinations.
faced by the Indian community in Qatar or by the two countries
• India’s Energy Security: Qatar is a crucial supplier of liquefied
can be challenging tasks. natural gas (LNG) to India which makes up almost 50% of
{{ For example, Qatar demanded a public apology with overall Indian imports (by value) from Qatar.
reference to the controversy involving derogatory • Defense Collaboration: In India offers training slots in its
remarks about the Prophet on a TV show in India. defence institutions Qatar, also India participates Doha
International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference
• Labor and Migrant Workers’ Issues: While Qatar has made (DIMDEX) in Qatar.
progress in labour reform, there have been concerns about the
• People-to-People Ties: There are over 800,000 Indian
welfare of Indian migrant workers, including issues related to nationals residing in Qatar comprising the largest expatriate
working conditions, wages, and access to legal protection. community in Qatar. Out of foreign inward remittances of
{{ India has often raised concerns about the rights and well- $89,127 million during 2021-22, 1.5% were from Qatar.
being of its citizens working in Qatar, leading to diplomatic • Investment Opportunities: 50 wholly-owned Indian
tensions between the two countries. companies are located in Qatar in these diverse fields and
the 15,000 jointly owned companies are adding momentum
{{ For instance, around 2,711 Indian workers have died in to the India-Qatar economic partnership.
Qatar since preparations began for the 2022 FIFA World • Covid cooperation: Qatar sent Covid medical relief material
Cup. to India for combating the second wave of Covid-19, Qatar
• Geopolitical Dynamics in the Region: India’s relations with Petroleum filled Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) in cryogenic
tankers which were shipped through various Indian Naval
other nations in the Middle East, which might not always align
Ships to India.
with Qatar’s alliances, could potentially strain bilateral ties.
{{ For instance, in 2017, Saudi Arabia-led bloc’s closure of
sea, land and air borders with Qatar complicated India’s relations with other Gulf Arab countries.
• India raised the issue of Indian fugitive Zakir Naik wanted by Indian authorities since 2016 for alleged money laundering
and inciting extremism through hate speeches, traveling to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup.
Option Available for India:
• Legal Options and Diplomatic Pressure: In response to the verdict, India is pursuing various legal options and India has the
recourse to escalate the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) if it believes due process is not being followed.
• Transfer of Sentenced Persons: There is a bilateral agreement for the transfer of sentenced prisoners, enabling Indian
nationals sentenced in Qatar to serve their jail terms in India.
• Economic Leverage: India’s significant market of Qatar’s LNG presents a powerful economic lever with India’s continued
growth and energy demands, Qatar has a vested interest in maintaining a healthy economic relationship.
{{ India might request concessions or revisit trade agreements, which could be beneficial for both nations.
• Careful Diplomatic Handling: Navigating challenges and engaging in constructive dialogue underscores the importance of
diplomacy in resolving international disputes.
{{ For example, India is committed to providing consular and legal assistance and taking up the verdict with Qatari
authorities with the families of these individuals having filed a mercy plea to the Emir of Qatar.

25
• Case for Royal Pardon: India enjoys good relations with the royal family and India
should also seek an option of royal pardon if such situation arise.
• Others Suggestions:
{{ Diversification of Trade an d Investments: Both countries aim to diversify and
expand their economic engagement into other sectors beyond energy.
{{ Labor Rights and Welfare: Improving the rights and living conditions of the
significant Indian expatriate community.
Conclusion:
These two nations need to resolve this complex and sensitive issue through diplomatic
channels, reinforcing their enduring friendship. India’s approach exemplifies its
commitment to diplomacy and the value it places on its relationships in the global arena.
2.3 6th Session of the International Solar Alliance
Context:
The Sixth Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) was hosted at Bharat Mandapam, in New Delhi.
More on News:
• The 6th Assembly of ISA has decided to increase viability gap funding (VGF) for projects from 10% up to 35%.
{{ VGF aims at supporting infrastructure projects that are economically justified but fall marginally short of financial
viability
• India is considering a $25 million investment as a capital Global Solar Facility (GSF)
contribution to the Global Solar Facility. • Global Solar Facility is a payment guarantee fund formed by
ISA to stimulate investments into solar power projects.
• Need of ISA: Around 80 percent of the global population,
• It is designed to catalyze solar investments in underserved
totaling a staggering 6 billion people, reside in countries that segments and geographies across Africa.
depend on fossil fuel imports.
Initiatives under International Solar Alliance:
• One Sun, One World & One Grid: It aims to connect different regional
grids through a common grid that will be used to transfer renewable
energy power, especially solar energy.
{{ The idea for the One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) initiative
was put forth by India, at the First Assembly of the ISA in October
2018.
• ‘Towards 1000’ policy’: To mobilize 1000 billion USD by 2030 to install
1000 gigawatts (GW) of solar energy capacity to provide energy access
for 1000 million people.
• Common Risk Mitigation Mechanism (CRMM): It aims to act as an
insurance pool for financiers.
{{ Significance: The USD1-billion guarantee from this mechanism
could attract up to USD15 billion in investments, which could set
up 20 GW of solar PV capacity in more than 20 countries.
• Sustainable Renewables Risk Mitigation Initiative (SRMI): It aims to leverage private investments to support governments
in developing, financing and implementing sustainable solar programs and projects.
• The Affordable Finance at Scale and Scaling Solar Applications for Agricultural Use (SSAU) programs were launched
together by India and France at a Ministerial side event on ISA at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, in 2016.
• Scaling Solar Mini-Grids Programme: It aims to address the energy requirements of ISA member nations in specific regions
lacking a reliable grid or with no grid access at all.

26
Challenges:
• India’s Limited Material Capability: India, being a founder of ISA suffers a major
drawback as it does not possess significant material capability in the solar sector
that can influence other players.
{{ For example, Dependency on Chinese Equipment, India heavily relies on
Chinese solar equipment, with about 70% of the country’s solar capacity
being built using Chinese-made solar equipment.
• Diverse Challenges and Perspectives Among ISA Member States: Many member
states are developing countries with pressing priorities at home who have not
always been able to articulate their solar needs well.
{{ Some member states, such as those in Southeast Asia, are not fully convinced
about solar power itself while others are waiting for more successes before
embracing solar power fully.
• Limited Global Solar Capacity: The International Solar Alliance (ISA) was initially
designed to cater to 121 countries lying in the sunshine-rich area between the
Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.
{{ These countries, most of which are poorer, account for nearly three-quarters
of the world’s population but only 23% of global solar capacity.
• Challenges in Solar Markets of Smaller Countries: Solar markets in smaller
countries are fragmented to attract investors, and governments often lack the
know-how to differentiate among the various technologies and policies to find the best fit for their own needs.
• Land Acquisition Challenges: Land and water usage and ensuing ecological considerations have been a major part of
solar power production in developing countries. India could be a case in point in this regard, where out of 57 solar parks
commissioned by the government, only about 10 have been
About IRENA: It is an intergovernmental organisation that supports
operationalized due to land acquisition concerns. countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future, and serves
• Differentiating Itself from IRENA: The ISA has emerged in what as the principal platform for international cooperation, a centre of
is already a crowded renewables ecosystem of multiple inter- excellence, and a repository of policy, technology, resource and
financial knowledge on renewable energy.
governmental and global actors. Among the most prominent
• Membership:168 countries and the EU
of these is the International Renewable Agency or IRENA.
• Headquarters: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
{{ The ISA will need to differentiate itself from IRENA, and it
• India is the 77th Founding Member of IRENA.
is not yet clear it will do so.
India’s Role in ISA:
• Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre: ISA established the Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre (GHIC) at the initiative of India’s
G20 Presidency in July 2023.
• Solarisation of healthcare centers in Africa: In August 2023, India through ISA inaugurated nine projects for the solarisation
of healthcare centres and primary schools in Uganda, Comoros and Mali.
• Funding: The Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank) has pledged to fund solar initiatives for scaling up affordable finance,
totalling USD 1.4 Billion
• Supporting Infrastructure: Being a founding member, the Indian government contributed $27 million to the ISA for building
infrastructure and recurring expenditure over a 5-year duration from 2016-17 to 2020-21.
• Research & Development: India will also provide 500 training slots for ISA member countries and start a solar tech mission
to lead R&D.
Way Forward:
• Reduce Dependence on China: With nearly 90% of it being imported from China, India has been in a hurry to build up
domestic manufacturing capacity under Make-in-India program and with the ambitious scheme of Production-linked
Incentives (PLI).

27
• Private-Public partnerships: One of the many immediate steps could be to get the private industry players in India in the
solar field to visit the countries that have come on board the ISA and forge vital international private-public partnerships.
• Fostering Leadership, Innovation, and International Collaboration in Solar Energy: Some of the best-performing states in
India can be encouraged to show leadership in forging partnerships with renewable energy partners in the countries that
are part of the alliance.
{{ Additionally, international experts in the field of solar energy can also be brought together to understand their case
studies.
• Promoting Solar Investment Summits: In all the countries that have signed the ISA agreement, renewable energy or specific
solar energy investment summits or solar shows have to be organized and anchored by the ISA periodically.
• Recognizing Solar Ambassadors: Inspiring Global Solar Advocacy: India could also pick and honor some credible and
emerging solar ambassadors across the various countries that have signed the ISA framework agreement and honor them
annually or when the general assembly of the ISA takes place.
{{ This will showcase positive human stories as driving the global solar movement within the ambit of the ISA in the times
to come and inspire several others to join the movement

2.4. Bhutan King’s Visit to India: India Bhutan Relation

Context:
Recently, Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck visited India amid renewed push by Bhutan and China for an early
settlement of their boundary dispute.
More on News:
• Five Year Plan (FYP): Bhutan thanked India for development assistance under the
12th FYP (2018-2023). Indian reiterated commitment to support Bhutan’s 13th FYP.
• GyalSung Project Financing: India considered concessional financing in the area of
skill development and capacity building in Bhutan.
• Border Talks: Recently, China and Bhutan held the 25th round of boundary talks in
Beijing and signed an agreement delimitation and demarcation of the Bhutan-China
boundary.
Background of India- Bhutan Ties:
• India and Bhutan share unique bilateral relations based on mutual trust, goodwill
and understanding.
• Basic Framework: Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1949 between the
two countries, which was renewed in 2007 serves as the basic framework.
• Spiritual Kinship: Bhutan considers India as “gyagar,” the sacred land where Buddhism
originated. Buddhism has kept the ties between the two countries resilient.
{{ The recent International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) (Based in Delhi, India)
brought together Buddhist leaders from both nations, emphasizing their shared
spiritual connection and strengthening the spiritual bond.
25th Round of China- Bhutan Boundary Talks :
Significance of India- Bhutan Ties: • During the talks, the Cooperation Agreement between China
and Bhutan was signed on the responsibilities and functions
• High-level Exchanges: The recent visit by Bhutan king amid
of the Joint Technical Team (JTT) on the Delimitation and
Bhutan’s bilateral talks with China shows the strength of India- Demarcation of the China-Bhutan Boundary.
Bhutan relations. Further, the Prime Minister of India visited
• The JTT was established during the 13th Expert Group
Bhutan in August 2019 and launched major bilateral projects Meeting to assist in the implementation of the Memorandum
including: of Understanding (MOU) on the Three-Step Roadmap.
{{ The 720 MW Mangdechhu Hydroproject. The Ground • The three-step roadmap is an agreement to resolve their
Earth Station of ISRO for utilization of the South Asian boundary issues.
Satellite. • The two sides also exchanged views on enhancing bilateral
relations and matters of mutual interest.

28
• Trade and Economic Ties: India is Bhutan’s top trade partner and India-Bhutan Agreement on Trade, Commerce and Transit
establishes a free trade regime between the two countries. It provides for duty free transit of Bhutanese exports to third
countries.
{{ In 2021-22, India’s bilateral trade with Bhutan was USD 1422 million, of which India’s imports from Bhutan were USD
545 million.
• Hydropower Cooperation: Mutually beneficial hydro-power cooperation between India and Bhutan is covered under the
2006 bilateral agreement for cooperation and its Protocol signed in 2009.
{{ Two HEPs viz. 1200 MW Punatsangchhu-I, 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II in Inter-Governmental mode are under various
stages of implementation.
• Security and Geostrategic Aspect: Bhutan acts as a buffer between India and China. It has cooperated with India and
helped to remove militant groups like United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and National Democratic Front of Bodoland
(NDFB) from Bhutan.
• Multilateral Cooperation: Both countries are members of various regional groupings, including SAARC (South Asian
Association for Regional Cooperation) and BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic
Cooperation).
• New Areas of Cooperation: Bilateral cooperation has moved into new and emerging areas with full interoperability of the
flagship digital project RuPay. Bhutan became the second country to launch the BHIM app, etc.
• Cooperation during Doklam Crisis: Bhutan was instrumental in enabling Indian forces to enter its territory in 2017 during
the Doklam conflict between India and China in order to stave off Chinese invasions.
Challenges:
• Normalizing Bhutan and China Relations: In October 2023, Bhutan’s first foreign minister visited China and concluded the
25th round of border negotiations, aimed at ending the decades-old territorial dispute.
{{ For China, diplomatic relations and dispute resolution with tiny-landlocked Bhutan is crucial for its status as an Asian
power, and for improving its offensive position vis-a-vis India.
• Security Concerns: The China-Bhutan boundary talks are raising security concerns for India as they cover the trijunction
near the crucial Siliguri Corridor that connects India’s North East with the rest of the country.
{{ Recent developments viz. Chinese construction of villages along the China- Bhutan border and change in the Bhutanese
expression over the resolution of the trijunction near
Doklam. About Belt and Road Initiative:
• The BRI was launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping in
• Bhutan may Join Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): India’s 2013.
reservations about the BRI and its impact on the region, • Objective: To connect Asia with Europe and Africa, through
particularly in terms of sovereignty and debt implications, a network of railways, highways, ports, airports, and other
could cause friction given Bhutan’s strategic location. infrastructure projects with the intent to promote trade,
investment, and economic growth in participating countries.
• Economic Dependency on India and Diversification: Bhutan
heavily relies on India for trade, aid, and assistance which has • Principal components: The Silk Road Economic Belt and the
Maritime Silk Road
provided an additional incentive for Bhutan to expedite the
negotiations with China.
{{ China’s exports to Bhutan have increased from Rs 200 crore in 2020 to Rs 1,500 crore in 2022.
• The Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicle Agreement: Bhutan withheld its ratification of the agreement,
citing environmental concerns.
{{ BBIN is a sub-regional initiative to improve economic cooperation and connectivity while bypassing complex political
issues of SAARC.
Way Forward:
• India’s Diplomatic Balancing: Although there are increasing signs of normalisation of relations between the two countries,
India needs to maintain a strategic silence, indicating it does not anticipate these developments to harm its interest.

29
 {{ With sensitive sectors like Doklam being
unresolved and new claims in the Sakteng region,
India needs to be cautious of China’s intention to
alter the status quo.
• Exploit Chinese Crisis of Trust: Bhutan got a shock
when China made sudden new claims over the Eastern
sector of the Sakteng region.
{{ In 1984, China narrowed the disputed region to two
sectors, in the north, the Pasamlung and Jakarlung
valleys and in the west, Dramana, Shakhatoe,
Sinchulungpa and Langmar Po valley, Yak chu and
Charithang valleys, and the Doklam plateau.
• Improving Security Cooperation: The Doklam standoff
in 2017 emphasized the importance of security and border management coordination between India and Bhutan.
{{ For instance, India’s deployment of the Military Training Team (IMTRAT) in Bhutan has been crucial for training
Bhutanese security forces.
• Cultural and People-to-People Relations: A number of Bhutanese pilgrims travel to Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Sikkim,
Udayagiri, and other Buddhist sites in India.
{{ Strengthening cultural ties through exchange programs, festivals, and educational initiatives between the two countries
can enhance people-to-people contact.
• Further Strengthening Economic Ties: India is the leading source of investments in Bhutan, comprising 50% of the country’s
total Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and needs to explore new sectors and products to diversify trade beyond the existing
free trade agreement.
{{ India can invest in sectors like renewable energy, tourism, and technology while encouraging joint ventures and
partnerships between Indian and Bhutanese companies.

2.5. 2nd Voice of Global South Summit

Context:
The 2nd Voice of Global South summit took place in virtual mode on November
17, 2023.
About Global South:
• Brandt line: It is an imaginary boundary running from the Rio Grande into
the Gulf of Mexico across the Atlantic Ocean, through the Mediterranean
Sea, and over the vast expanses of Central Asia to the Pacific Ocean.
• Global South: The term “Global South” refers to nations characterized by a
relatively low level of economic and industrial development.
Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS) Highlights:
• Prime Minister’s Condemnation of Hamas Attacks: Indian PM condemned
the Hamas attacks on October 7.
• Global Centre for Excellence - DAKSHIN: PM inaugurated DAKSHIN, a global
center for excellence for Global South countries. Emphasized that the
Global South now has a voice on the global stage.
• Five ‘Cs’ for the Global South: The PM proposed five principles: consultation,
cooperation, communication, creativity, and capacity building.
• Invitation to join Global Biofuels Alliance(GBA): India invites Global South
nations to join the Alliance.

30
 {{ GBA launched at G20 leaders meeting in September, aims to reduce emissions in transportation and industrial sectors.
Challenges Faced by Global South:
• Industrialization Divide: Skewed industrialization favoring advanced economies, hindering Global South progress.
• Social Security Inequities: Disparities in the effectiveness of social security programs between developed and developing nations.
• Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: The Ukraine War and the COVID-19 pandemic have exposed vulnerabilities in the supply chain,
affecting the availability of essential goods like food, vaccines, and energy in the Global South.
• Energy Insecurity: In 2022, the price of a barrel of oil crossed over $100, resulting in the hardest hit countries being from
the Global South.
• Climate Change Impact: The countries of the Global South are facing the adversarial consequences of climate change largely
due to the historical polluters of the Global North.
{{ In a study done by Lancet Planetary Health, they found the Global North was responsible for 92% of global emissions
(the US with 40% and the EU with 29%).
Way Forward:
• Enhancing Energy Security: Global South countries should collaborate on
securing a stable and affordable energy supply. This may involve developing
alternative energy sources, promoting energy efficiency, and negotiating
fair international energy agreements.
• Climate Resilience and Sustainable Development: The need of the hour is
to ensure a sustainable energy transition which can bring overall socio-
economic development to the countries of the Global South.
• Strengthening Multilateral Institutions: The need to reform multilateral
bodies arises because of new challenges emerging from different parts of
the world.
{{ Example: Covid-19 pandemic and Russia-Ukraine war
• Reforming Normative Order: The Global South faces challenges in
dealing with normative issues like democracy, human rights, and the
Responsibility to Protect (R2P).
{{ Global North employs “democracy promotion” as a geopolitical tool,
seen in events like the Colour Revolution and the Arab Spring in West
Asia and North Africa.
{{ Reinterpreting R2P beyond narrow Western perspectives is crucial to
address skepticism in the Global South.
Conclusion:
• The Global South confronts challenges such as energy and food crises, compounded by the global economic downturn.
• India’s Prime Minister vision, shared at the Voice of Global South Summit 2023, emphasizes inclusive development and a
redesigned global governance structure.

2.6. India-Australia Relation( 2+2 Ministerial Meet)

Context:
Recently, India and Australia held a 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi.
More on News:
• About 2 + 2 meetings: The 2 + 2 is a unique ministerial dialogue involving the Defence and External Affairs Minister of
participating countries.
{{ India’s 2+2 Dialogue Partners: Australia, the United States, Japan, Russia and the United Kingdom.

31
India-Australia Bilateral Relationship
• Diplomatic Relations: Diplomatic relations were established in the pre-independence period,when the Consulate General
of India was first opened as a Trade Office in Sydney in 1941.
• Shared Values: Bilateral relationship is based on shared values of pluralistic democracy, expanding economic engagement,
and high-level interaction.
• Evolution to strategic ties and plurilateral cooperation: In June 2020, at the India-Australia Leaders’ Virtual Summit in
June 2020, the bilateral relationship was elevated from the Strategic Partnership concluded in 2009 to a Comprehensive
Strategic Partnership (CSP).
• The two democracies have taken their cooperation to plurilateral formats,
including the Quad (with the United States and Japan).
Area of Cooperation:
• Geographical Proximity: Australia is situated in India’s extended
neighborhood, fostering a unique geographical closeness.
• Economic cooperation: Australia is currently India’s 17th largest trading
partner and India is Australia’s 9th largest trading partner.
• People-to-people ties: As per the 2021 Census, around 9.76 lakh people
in Australia reported their ancestry as Indian origin, making them the
second largest group of overseas-born residents in Australia.
• Education: Australia’s Deakin University and the University of
Wollongong Indian campuses are being opened in the GIFT City
(Gandhinagar). These are the first two international universities to be
approved to set up a campus in India
• Defense Cooperation: Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA) was
concluded during the Virtual Summit in June 2020 which allows the two
countries to access military bases for refueling and logistics purposes, as
well as to enhance military engagement and maritime domain awareness
between the two countries.
{{ Defense Exercises: Both countries participate in “Malabar” exercises
and AUSINDEX
• Clean Energy: The countries signed a Letter of Intent on New and Renewable Energy in February 2022 which provides for
cooperation towards bringing down the cost of renewable energy technologies.
Challenges in India-Australia Relations:
• Visa issues:In April 2023, at least five Australian universities placed restrictions on students from some Indian states, amidst
a surge in fraudulent applications from South Asia seeking to work and not study in Australia.
• Khalistan Movement Concerns: The recent surge in ‘khalistani’ activities in Australia to the extent of the ‘Kill India’ rally and
open threats to Indian diplomats is a grave concern that needs to be addressed.
• Economic Relationship Limitations:The economic relationship is narrow and primarily dominated by coal exports, with
challenges in diversifying and expanding trade beyond this sector.
• Free Trade Agreement Challenges: India’s reluctance to liberalize market access in agriculture and Australia’s reservations
about allowing significant labor mobility are obstacles to finalizing a comprehensive free trade agreement.
• Lack of Uranium Supply: The progress on uranium supply has been very low, despite efforts from both sides.
{{ In 2017, Australia had sent its first uranium shipment to India but that was cited as “a small sample of uranium”
transferred “purely for testing purposes”.
• Adani coal mine project in Australia: The proposed Adani Carmichael coal mine project in Queensland, Australia, led by the
Indian company Adani Group, has faced environmental and regulatory hurdles.

32
Way Forward:
• Navigating Market Challenges: Although the government has achieved a favorable trade deal, India faces hurdles entering
the Australian market, given Australia’s 16 operational FTAs.
{{ The key to success lies in improving competitiveness, especially considering competition from nations like China, ASEAN,
Chile, Japan, Korea, and New Zealand with established FTAs.
• Amended tax laws: Although Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) between India and Australia addresses
taxation challenges faced by Indian IT companies. Australia should commit to amending tax laws, preventing taxation of
offshore income from Indian firms providing technical services.
• Economic Cooperation: India and Australia are continuing the momentum over free trade negotiations, following the interim
trade pact coming into force at the end of 2022.
{{ Seeking to reap further dividends, the two countries should conclude Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement
(CECA) by December 2023.
• Control of khalistani activities: India has requested Australia to “ensure the safety and security of members of the Indian
community and their properties” and to not allow the use of Australian territory for “activities that would be detrimental
to the territorial integrity, security and national interests of India”.
• Open Indo-Pacific Cooperation:Both countries reaffirmed their support for sovereignty and territorial integrity in the Indo-
Pacific, democratic values, rule of law, freedom of navigation and overflight and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

2.7 Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)

Context:
India recently signed the Supply Chain Resilience Agreement of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) at
a meeting in San Francisco, US.
Key Highlights IPEF Meeting at San Francisco in the US:
Supply Chain Agreement (Pillar II):
• India, the US and 12 other members of the Indo-Pacific
Economic Framework (IPEF) entered into a supply chain
resilience agreement.It would come into force after any five-
member countries implement the agreement.
• IPEF Supply Chain Council: It would be set up to implement
and monitor the agreement. The council will meet every
year and all the members must report on the agreement’s
implementation progress.
{{ The block would also set up The IPEF Supply Chain Crisis
Response Network and The IPEF Labour Rights Advisory
Board.
• Benefits: These include shifting production centers in
critical sectors, Supply chain diversification, mobilization
of investments, deeper integration of India in global value
chains, support to MSMEs and creation of a seamless regional
trade ecosystem.
Clean Economy Agreement (Pillar III)):
• Climate Objectives and Net-Zero Emission Economies: Pursuing shared climate objectives and pathways to net-zero
emission economies.
• Clean Economy Investor Forum: Annual convening of the What is supply chain resilience?
IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum, starting in Singapore in It is the ability to respond quickly to operational disruptions
the first half of 2024, to catalyze investment for sustainable through flexible contingency planning and forecasting – from
infrastructure and climate technology. material sourcing to logistics and the final delivery of products
and services.

33
• Catalytic Capital Fund: Establishment of the IPEF Catalytic Capital Fund administered by the Private Infrastructure
Development Group to expand the pipeline of bankable climate-related infrastructure projects.
Fair Economy Agreement (Pillar IV):
• Extension of Good Governace: Enhancing transparency, rule of law, and accountability in their economies to improve the
trade and investment environment in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Capacity Building Framework (CBF): Establish a new Capacity Building Framework (CBF) to enhance each other’s capabilities
to effectively implement all aspects of the proposed agreement.
• Annual Coordination Meetings: The IPEF partners would also hold annual coordination meetings to discuss the
implementation of commitments, challenges in implementation, and any technical assistance needs.
Significance of IPEF:
• Enhancing supply Chain Resilience:First multilateral attempt to enhance supply chain resilience globally, addressing
inflationary pressures and future disruptions, especially for key raw materials, critical minerals, and semiconductors.
• High-Standard Rules: It represents an effort to negotiate
“high-standard” rules between like-minded countries to • Global value chain- The full range of activities (design,
govern the digital economy, particularly data flows, propel production, marketing, distribution and support to the final
climate mitigation , and tilting power in the global economy consumer, etc) that are divided among multiple firms and
toward workers through equitable global tax, anti-money workers across geographic spaces to bring a product from its
conception to its end use and beyond.
laundering and anti-bribery provisions.
• For Example, a smart phone assembled in China might
• Flexibility and Open Nature: Its member countries are not include graphic design elements from the United States,
required to join all its four pillars and can opt to join any computer code from France, silicone chips from Singapore,
pillar/s of their choice. and precious metals from Bolivia
{{ For Example, India had joined Pillars II to IV of IPEF while
it has an observer status in Pillar-I.
• Providing an Alternative: To cut dependence on China and help shift manufacturing of crucial goods to member nations.
{{ For instance, it aims to prevent future supply chain disruptions, as witnessed during the COVID outbreak, as most
countries depended on China for various products.
• Leveraging Mutual Trust: India enjoys strong economic and strategic relations with IPEF members, it should assist India in
grabbing chances to integrate into GVCs, as this is key to successful trade and investment promotion.
Concerns specific to Trade (Pillar I):
• Lack of Market Access Details: There is ambiguity about the market access that India would gain under the IPEF trade pillar.
The absence of clear incentives and potential restrictions raises questions about the benefits for India.
• Export Restrictions: There is an issue of export restrictions, especially in the context of food and agriculture
{{ However, India has been extensively using such restrictions to arrest food prices. India has banned wheat exports,
imposed restrictions on rice and sugar exports recently.
Other Concern for India:
• Impact on Manufacturing Sector: The concern is specifically about the potential impact of such a deal on India’s
manufacturing, similar to worries about China flooding Indian markets with cheap goods.
• New Age Trade Deals: The IPEF’s departure from traditional
tariff-focused trade deals to a comprehensive approach covering What is Data Localisation?
intellectual property, services, investment, domestic regulation, • Data localization mandates that information regarding
digital, and labor and environmental standards raises concerns. nationals or residents of a given nation be gathered,
processed, or kept domestically before being sent abroad.
{{ Unlike a traditional trade agreement, the U.S.
• Usually, local privacy or data protection laws must be followed,
administration will not need congressional approval to act
including notifying users of how their information is used and
under the IPEF. This also raises doubts about its willingness getting their consent before any data can be moved.
to offer significant concessions under the agreement.

34
• Strategic-Economic Bloc Formation: The IPEF is seen as an attemp t by the U.S. to form a strategic-economic bloc centered
on itself, excluding China.
{{ It is argued that the IPEF aims to integrate economies into a system advantageous to the U.S., potentially limiting policy
autonomy and industrialization efforts for participating countries, including India.
• Data Localisation Challenge: India has a significant concern regarding data localisation, a contentious issue with the U.S. for
the past few years.
{{ India’s proposed data localisation requirements, requiring firms to store data within India, have been criticized by the
U.S. as potential barriers to digital trade.
Way Forward:
• Empowered Trade Negotiator: Establish an empowered trade negotiator to coordinate with relevant ministries, report to
key government figures, and assess the pros and cons of negotiations.
{{ For Example- Niti Aayog can facilitate broad consultations with stakeholders and educate the public on the benefits of
greater integration.
• Navigate Data Localization Concerns: Address the concerns related to data localization diplomatically and explore solutions
that balance India’s regulatory goals with the need of international digital trade.
• Active Participation in IPEF: Through Continue active participation in the IPEF discussions and collaborations, India can
leverage the platform to strengthen economic ties, regional connectivity, and trade and investment opportunities within the
Indo-Pacific region.
• Proactive Internal Review: Initiate an internal review of India’s tax administration involving experts to align with global best
practices, enhancing India’s attractiveness for trade and investment.
• Flexibility in Digital Trade: In the critical area of digital trade, India should play a constructive role in evolving global
consensus, considering contentious issues like data localisation and fair competition.
Conclusion:
Balance national interests with the collaborative spirit of the IPEF. Ensure that India’s participation aligns with its economic
priorities, while also contributing to the overall objectives of the framework.

35
Prelims:

2.8. India-US 2+2 meet 2.9. Indian Finance Minister’s Visit to Sri Lanka:
Context: Context:
The India-US ‘2+2’ foreign and defence ministerial dialogue The Indian Finance Minister recently concluded a three-day
was held in New Delhi. visit to Sri Lanka
Key Highlights of the Visit:
• NAAM 200 Event: The Government of Sri Lanka organized
‘NAAM 200’ to mark the 200th anniversary of the arrival
of Indian-Origin Tamils (IOTs).
• Memorandum of Understanding for Solar Electrification
• Financial Allocation for Buddhist Ties: Allocation of Rs
82.40 crore for the promotion of Buddhist ties.
• Negotiations on proposed Economic and Technology
Cooperation Agreement
• Sri Lanka is set to launch the Unified Payments Interface
(UPI) payment system.
India’s Assistance to Sri Lanka:
• Financial Support: India provided USD 4 billion assistance
in alignment with the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy,
utilizing credit lines and currency support.
• IMF Financing Assurance: India, as the first bilateral
creditor, conveyed financing assurance to the IMF,
facilitating a formalized program for Sri Lanka.
• Vision Document for Economic Partnership: India released
a comprehensive vision document outlining specific areas
of cooperation for sustainable economic development and
prosperity.
• Special Grant Package: During President Ranil
Wickremesinghe’s visit to India, a special grant package of
SLR 3 billion was announced for multi-faceted projects in
the IOT community.

2.10 India and Bangladesh Unveiled Rail Link,

India-US 2+2 Meet Power, Port Projects
• The 2+2 dialogue is a format of meeting of the foreign
Context:
and defense ministers of India and its allies on strategic
India and Bangladesh launched three India-assisted
and security issues.
development projects, two of which are expected to boost
• Agenda: trade and improve connectivity with the Northeastern states.
{{ To discuss bilateral and global concerns and Key Points:
developments in the Indo-Pacific. • The three projects are the Akhaura- Agartala Cross-Border
{{ Discuss Chinese aggression in the South China Sea Rail Link, Khulna-Mongla Port Rail Line; and Unit 2 of the
and Pacific regions. Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant.
• India’s Other Partners in 2+2 ministerial dialogue: • Akhaura-Agartala Cross-Border Rail Link project: This is the
{{ Australia, Japan, Russia, and UK first rail link from India’s northeastern states to Bangladesh.
{{ The length of the rail link is 12.24 km with a 6.78 km dual
gauge rail line in Bangladesh and 5.46 km in Tripura.

36
 {{ Significance: Trains can run from Kolkata to Agartala
via Bangladesh.
• The Khulna-Mongla Port Rail Line Project:The project
entails construction of approximately 65 km of broad
gauge rail route between Mongla Port and the existing
rail network in Khulna.
{{ With this, Mongla, the second largest port of
Bangladesh, gets connected with the broad gauge
railway network.
{{ Significance: Boost the connectivity of Bangladesh
with its three neighbours – India, Nepal and Bhutan.
• Maitree Super Thermal Power Project:
Location: Rampal, Bangladesh, developed on the
{{
Open Border Between India and Nepal
• Treaty of Peace and Friendship:The “open” border between
India and Nepal is established under the Treaty of Peace and
Friendship signed by the two countries in 1950.
• Equal Rights for Citizens:: The treaty provisions grant
citizens of both India and Nepal equal rights concerning
Residence, Acquisition of property, Employment and
Movement in each other’s territory.
• Visa-Free Crossings As per these provisions, citizens of
India and Nepal can cross their shared borders without
passport and visa restrictions.
2.12. Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
Forum

bank of Passur River.

{{ Built by: Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited and the
Bangladesh Power Development Board.
{{ Capacity: 1320 MW
{{ Financing: Concessional funding from India
2.11. India-Nepal Border Forces’ Talks
Context:
Seventh edition of annual coordination talks between India-
Nepal Border Forces Begin in Delhi.
Context:
Recently, the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry attended
the APEC meeting in San Francisco (the United States).
About Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC):
• It is a regional economic forum that was established in
1989.
• Aim: To “leverage the growing interdependence of the
Asia-Pacific and create greater prosperity for the region’s
people through regional economic integration.”

India-Nepal Border Forces’ Talks • Function: It operates based on non-binding commitments

• These talks have been conducted annually since 2012, as
part of bilateral cooperation in managing border security
and trans-border issues.
• These talks discuss measures to curb trans-frontier crimes
and timely sharing of intelligence inputs.
with decisions reached by consensus and commitments
undertaken voluntarily.
• Membership: Australia, Brunei, New Zealand, Papua New
Guinea, Hong Kong (as part of China), the Philippines,
Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand,
Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), China, Japan, South Korea, Russia,
Canada, the United States, Mexico, Peru, and Chile.
{{ India is not a Member.
• The 21 members of APEC are termed “economies” (rather
than countries or member states) because trade and
economic issues are the focus of the grouping.
• Economic Impact: Home to around 2.95 billion people,
representing approximately 62 percent of world GDP and
48 percent of world trade in 2021.

2.13. China Explores Extension of CMEC to Sri Lanka

Context:
• Key Participants: Sashastra Seema Bal (India) & Armed China prioritizes extending the China-Myanmar Economic
Police Force(Nepal) Corridor (CMEC) to Sri Lanka, signaling an intent to enhance
• Objectives: the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project in South Asia.
{{ Strengthening mechanisms for collaboratively About CMEC:
combating trans-border crimes. • CMEC, one of the six land corridors under BRI, gains
{{ Facilitating the prompt exchange of crucial information prominence, replacing the stalled Bangladesh-China India
between the forces. Myanmar (BCIM) corridor.

37
• India and Bhutan are the only countries in South Asia that
have stayed out of the BRI.
Sri Lanka’s BRI Participation and Economic Contributions:
• Sri Lanka, a BRI participant, expresses readiness to embark
on the second phase of the initiative, expecting a more
substantial economic contribution.
About Belt and Road Initiative:
• The BRI was launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping in
2013.
• Objective: To connect Asia with Europe and Africa,
through a network of railways, highways, ports, airports,
and other infrastructure projects with the intent to
promote trade, investment, and economic growth in
participating countries.
• Principal components: The Silk Road Economic Belt and
the Maritime Silk Road
• Geographic Corridors under BRI:
{{ China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
{{ New Eurasian Land Bridge Economic Corridor.
{{ China-Indochina Peninsula Economic Corridor.
{{ China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor.
{{ China-Central Asia-West Asia Economic Corridor.
{{ China-Myanmar Economic Corridor.
2.14. Organization of the Petroleum Exporting
Countries (OPEC)
Context:
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and
allies (OPEC+) are likely to extend and may even deepen oil
supply cuts into next year.
Key points:
• Saudi Arabia, Russia and other members have pledged
total oil output cuts of about 5 million barrels per day
(bpd), or about 5% of daily global demand.
About OPEC:
38
• Founding Members: OPEC was formed in 1960 by Iraq,
Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela.
• Headquarters: Vienna, Austria
• Objective: OPEC regularly meets to set oil production
targets and coordinate output to help manage global oil
prices for the entire group.
• Members: Apart from founding members, other countries
who joined OPEC include Algeria, Angola,Congo, Equatorial
Guinea, Gabon, Libya, Nigeria, and United Arab Emirates.
• OPEC+: In 2016, largely in response to falling oil prices
driven by significant increases in U.S. shale oil output,
OPEC signed an agreement with 10 other oil-producing
countries (including Russia) to create OPEC+.
Oil Benchmarks:
• Oil benchmarks describe where the commodity originates,
which determines its use and allows investors to track the
price of a specific oil type.
• Brent Crude: It is the benchmark used for the light oil
market in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
{{ Origin: Oil is produced near the sea, so transportation
costs are significantly lower.
• West Texas Intermediate: It is the benchmark for the U.S.
light oil market and is sourced from U.S. oil fields.
{{ Origin: Oil is produced in landlocked areas, making
transportation costs more difficult.
• Both Brent Crude and WTI are light and sweet, making
them ideal for refining into gasoline.
2.15. Pakistan Applies for BRICS Membership
Context:
Pakistan has filed an application to join the BRICS group of
nations in 2024.
More On News:
• Pakistan’s application came as the grouping of emerging
economies was set for its biggest expansion with six new
members under Russia’s rotating Presidency in 2024.
{{ New Members: Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran,
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
as new members formally admitted to the BRICS
summit-2023 held in South Africa.
{{ However, they will formally join during the 2024
summit in Kazan, Russia.
Other Development Related to BRICS:
• India’s External Affairs Minister attended the virtual BRICS-
Plus joint meeting on the Middle East situation in Gaza.
• The meet titled ‘Extraordinary Joint Meeting on the
Middle East situation’ was attended by leaders of the
 participating countries – Brazil’s Lula da Silva, Russia’s
Vladimir Putin, China’s Xi Jinping and South Africa’s Cyril
Ramaphosa.
About BRICS:
• BRICS started in 2001 as BRIC, an acronym coined by
Goldman Sachs for Brazil, Russia, India, and China.
{{ South Africa was added in 2010.
• The 1st BRIC summit was held in Yekaterinburg, in Russia
in 2009.
• Together, BRICS countries represent 27% of the world’s
land mass, and 42% of the world’s population, 24% of
global GDP, and 16% of Global trade, and produce 33% of
the world’s food.
{{ For More information: BRICS Expansion
2.16. UNSC seeks ‘Humanitarian Pauses, Corridors’
in Gaza
Context:
The UN Security Council has approved a resolution calling for
“humanitarian pauses and corridors” in Gaza.
About the Resolution:
• Malta’s Drafted Resolution
{{ Calls for humanitarian corridors in Gaza.
{{ Urges the release of all hostages held by Hamas.
• Resolution’s Impact: UN resolutions are legally binding
but often ignored.
• Vote Outcome: The 15-member council vote was 12-0 in
favor of the resolution.
About United Nations Security Council:
• UN Organ: It is one of the six main organs of the United
Nations. It was established by the UN Charter in 1945.
• The other 5 organs of the United Nations are—the General
Assembly (UNGA), the Trusteeship Council, the Economic
and Social Council, the International Court of Justice, and
the Secretariat.
• Headquarter: NewYork
• Primary Responsibility: Maintaining international peace
and security.
• Council Composition
• Membership: Consists of 15 Members (5 permanent, 10
non-permanent).
• India’s Membership: India has served seven times in the
UN Security Council as a non-permanent member and in
January 2021, India entered the UNSC for the eighth time.
• Voting: Each Member has one vote.
39
• Presidency: The Security Council has a rotating Presidency,
changing every month. (alphabetical Order).
2.17. G20 Virtual Summit
Context:
Recently, the Indian Prime Minister emphasized zero tolerance
for terrorism and condemned killings of innocents, especially
children and women in his concluding remarks at the virtual
G-20 summit.
Humanitarian Pause in Gaza:
• Humanitarian Pause:
{{ The United Nations defines a “humanitarian pause”
as a “temporary cessation of hostilities purely for
humanitarian purposes”.
{{ Such pauses are usually limited to a defined period,
and to a specific area where the humanitarian
activities are to be carried out.
How it is not the same as a ceasefire?
• The UN defines ceasefire as a “suspension of fighting
agreed upon by the parties to a conflict, typically as
part of a political process”, with the goal being to “allow
parties to engage in dialogue, including the possibility of
reaching a permanent political settlement”.
Key Highlight of G-20 Virtual Summit:
• Prime Minister’s Focus on Israel-Hamas Conflict:
{{ Stressesed on the need for regional peace and stability
in West Asia.
{{ Advocated diplomacy and dialogue as the only way to
address territorial and political crises.
{{ PM highlights agreement on a two-state solution for
the Israel-Palestine issue.
• Humanitarian Assistance to Gaza:
{{ In an apparent reference to the humanitarian crisis in
Gaza, Prime Minister said human assistance should
reach them quickly and safely. He welcomed the news
about the release of Israeli hostages.
• G-20’s Consensus on Israel-Palestine Issue
{{ PM highlights key points of agreement reached during
the G-20 summit. This includes consensus on a two-
state solution for addressing the Israel-Palestine
issue permanently.
• G-20 Welcomes Ceasefire and Hostage Release
{{ G-20 leaders welcomed the temporary ceasefire
agreed upon by Israel and Hamas.
{{ Hostage Release Agreement: Israel and Hamas
agreed on the release of 50 hostages, with a promise
to extend the truce for every 10 additional releases.
 {{ More Information: Israel- Palestine Conflict of which 49 are from within Asia and the Pacific and 19
outside.
2.18. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) Loan to
India became the member in 1966.
Maharashtra
{{

• Membership Criteria: It is open to members and associate

Context:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $500
million loan to enhance the quality and affordability of tertiary
health care and medical education in Maharashtra.
About Asian Development Bank (ADB):
• About: It is a multilateral development bank, which seeks
to help its developing member countries to reduce poverty
and improve their people’s quality of life.
• Membership: From 31 members at its establishment
in 1966, ADB has grown to encompass 68 members—
SHORT NEWS:
members of the United Nations Economic Commission for
Asia and the Far East.
{{ It’s also open to other regional countries and non-
regional developed countries that are members of the
U.N. or of any of its specialized agencies.
• Shareholders: As of 31st December 2019, ADB’s five
largest shareholders are Japan and the United States (each
with 15.6% of total shares), the People’s Republic of China
(6.4%), India (6.3%), and Australia (5.8%).
• It is headquartered in Manila, Philippines.

UK ‘Safe States’ List India is expected to be added to the UK’s list of “safe states”, preventing those who illegally travel
from seeking asylum in Britain
What is the Safe State list?:
• A country can only be added to the UK’s safe statest list, if the Home Secretary is satisfied that
there is, in general, no serious risk of persecution of its nationals, and; removal of nationals
to that country cannot go against the UK’s obligations under the Human Rights Convention.
India-EU Recently, India and the European Union signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on
Semiconductor Pact semiconductors to help build a “robust supply chain” and support innovation.
More on News:
• Memoranda of Understanding: The MoU was signed at the second India -EU Trade
and Technology Council (TTC) meeting held virtually for deepening cooperation on the
semiconductors ecosystem.
• This agreement requires India and the EU to share semiconductor ecosystem experiences,
best practices, and information and establish research, development, and innovation
collaborations between universities, research organisations, and enterprises.
• Review of Progress: The TTC also examined the council’s working groups’ progress in high-
performance computing, digital public infrastructure, EV batteries and recycling, waste to
energy, resilient supply chains, and FDI screening.
Indo-­Pacific Maritime Admiral Hari Kumar termed the IPMDA initiative as a significant endeavour aimed at enhancing
Domain Awareness the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region.
(IPMDA) Initiative About Indo-­Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) initiative:
• It was announced by the Quad (India, Japan, Australia and the USA) countries in 2022.
• It is a technology and training initiative to enhance maritime domain awareness in the Indo-
Pacific region and to bring increased transparency to its critical waterways.
• Objective:
{{ To track “dark shipping” and build a “faster, wider, and more accurate maritime picture of
near-real-time activities in partners’ waters”.
{{ Integration of three critical regions in the Indo-Pacific - the Pacific Islands, Southeast
Asia, and the Indian Ocean Region.

40
 3. ECONOMY
3.1. High Food Inflation in India
Context:
According to the CRISIL report, “Food inflation is back
to haunt the Indian economy”, food inflation in the
Indian economy is primarily driven by higher vegetable
and foodgrain inflation during the September quarter.
More on News:
• An uneven monsoon has contributed to this shift
in India’s inflation outlook for the fiscal year.
• Vegetables, are one of the most volatile
components, and price spikes are not uncommon.
{{ Vegetable inflation has been on the rise,
averaging 5.7% from fiscal years 2020 to
2023, compared to an average of 0% from
fiscal years 2016 to 2019.
• This overall rise in average food inflation, which
went from 2.8% in fiscal years 2016 to 2019 to
6.2% in fiscal years 2020 to 2023.
Reasons for High Food Inflation:
• International Prices and Trade Policy: After
adoption of Liberalization, Privatisation and Globalization reforms, agricultural markets in India have been progressively
integrating with global markets.
{{ Consequently, a shift in international food prices exert direct and indirect influence on domestic markets through trade
as well as through policy adjustments.
{{ For Example: India’s agriculture sector witnessed greater integration with the global market, with the share of agriculture
trade to agriculture GDP rising from 5.2% in 1990-91 to
Impact of Food Inflation:
19% in 2013-14. • Psychological Stress: Consumers, not being able to afford
● Minimum Support Prices: The role of MSPs in guiding vegetables and fruits, amid rising inflation, can result in
food inflation is fairly large as the crops covered un- psychological stress and anxiety among individuals and
families.
der MSP constitute more than a third of all-India food
consumption basket. • Budget Strain: According to the State of Economy published
by RBI, spike in tomato prices due to crop damage and pest
{{ The MSP as a concept is intended to be a floor for
attacks in the major production belts has taken a toll on
market prices but during years with substantial hikes, it households’ budgets.
eventually ends up setting market prices directly, which
• Impact on Health: The Asian Development Bank has found
is generally followed by rise in prices of key agricultural that a one percent increase in food inflation leads to an
crops. increase of 0.3 percent in both infant and child mortalities,
• Impact of El Nino: Uncertainty has increased over the outlook and 0.5 percent in undernourishment.
for both summer and winter crops as there is a 95% chance
that El Nino will prevail from December 2023 to February 2024.
{{ Geographical Anomalies: The recent spike in the prices of essential food items, which have doubled in most cases
across India, has been attributed to geographical anomalies like heatwave and pestilence.
• Fuel Prices: The price of fuel, another key input in agriculture, has witnessed considerable increase in recent years.
{{ For Example: An increase in fuel inflation by 1% leads to a 0.13% rise in food inflation, and the effect slowly declines
through the next 12 months.

41
 {{ Economic recovery has pushed up prices: In May 2020, food prices fell to their lowest levels in four years, partly due to
the pandemic, as economic activity declined sharply in the wake of lockdowns
• As global economic growth started to recover—global GDP is estimated to have grown by 5.9% in 2021 after a 3.1%
contraction in 2020—commodity prices, including that of food items, started receiving a boost.
• Russia-Ukraine Crisis: The global impact of ongoing conflicts, in Ukraine, has adversely affected, particularly developing
countries, with spiraling energy and commodity prices and disruptions in global logistical supply chains.
{{ With Ukraine and Russia accounting for up to 30% of the global exports for wheat, food prices, too, have jumped.
Government Initiatives to Curb Food Inflation:
• Commodities at Subsidized Prices: The government has stepped up sales of subsidized vegetables, particularly onions and
tomatoes, through its distribution network, while releasing stocks of wheat and sugar into the market to cool prices.
• Reducing Import Duty: In the case of pulses, the government is encouraging farmers to grow pulses to boost domestic
production and has also reduced the import duty on some of the pulses to improve local availability.
{{ For example, Import duty of 10% on tur has been removed to facilitate smooth and seamless imports.
• Ban on Exports: The imposition of a wheat export ban in May 2022, a ban on the export of broken rice in September 2022
to ensure an ample domestic rice supply and gradually bring prices down.
• Ban on Stockpiling: The government has also banned traders, millers, wholesalers and retail chains from holding more than
3,000 tonnes of wheat. Smaller retailers and shops cannot stock more than 10 tonnes.
• Operation Greens: Operation Greens seeks to stabilize the supply of Tomato, Onion, and Potato (TOP) crops and to ensure
the availability of TOP crops throughout the country round the year without price volatility.
• Floor Prices: Recently, the Union government imposed a minimum export price (MEP) of $800 a tonne ( ₹67 a kg) on onion
exports between 29 October and 31 December 2023 to ensure domestic availability.
{{ The move comes against the backdrop of rising onion prices owing to a delay in the arrival of kharif onions.
Way Forward:
• Investments to increase food supply elasticity: Investments and policies to make food supplies more price-sensitive—such
as improved rural infrastructure, well-functioning input and output markets, and competitive supply chains—should be
pursued to reduce domestic price volatility and domestic prices should reflect export or import parity prices.
• Facilitating effective risk management tools: More effective risk management tools are needed by farmers, traders and
consumers to cope with extreme weather events, global warming and market fluctuations.
{{ Climate Smart Agriculture(CSA): It is an approach that helps guide actions to transform agri-food systems towards
green and climate resilient practices.
{{ Contrary to conventional agricultural development, CSA systematically integrates climate change into the planning and
development of sustainable agricultural systems.
• Institutional Forecasting Mechanism: The Indian government needs to set up a strong institutional forecasting mechanism
that could send demand and price signals to the farming community before sowing season.
{{ Giving farmers the scope to scale up the production in accordance with expected demand.
• Supply-Side Reforms: Addressing structural bottlenecks and improving supply-side factors can help alleviate inflationary
pressures.

3.2 Tata Motors Wins Singur’s Land Case

Context:
Recently, a three-member Arbitral Tribunal ruled in favor of Tata Motors in the Singur land acquisition case and ordered the
West Bengal government to pay around Rs 766 crore as compensation.
More on News:
• The arbitral tribunal also ordered the West Bengal Industrial Development Corp. Ltd (WBIDC) to pay the interest on the
amount at an 11% rate.

42
• TATA Singur Land Case: In 2006, the West Bengal government acquired nearly 1,000 acres of land in Singur, Hooghly, to build
a manufacturing facility for the Tata Nano.
• The land acquisition was opposed which led to a mass movement against land acquisition in Singur.
• The movement was successful and the project forced the company to relocate it to Gujarat in 2008.
About Land Acquisition:
• Land Acquisition: It is the process by which the government acquires private property for public purpose without the
consent of the land-owner.Land acquisition in India is governed by the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in
Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RFCT-LARR) Act, 2013.
{{ In addition to the minimum compensation, it extends
RFCT-LARR (Amendment) Ordinance, 2014:
rehabilitation and resettlement benefits. • Mandatory things are no longer required for 5 types of projects:
• Provisions under the RFCT-LARR Act, 2013: National security and Defense production, Rural Infrastructure
& Rural Electrification, Infrastructure and Social Infrastructure,
{{ Mandatory: 70% consent for Public Private Partnership Industrial Corridors, and Housing for the poor.
(PPP) projects, 80% consent for private projects and
• Social Impact Assesment (SIA) is not needed for five
Social impact assessment (SIA) for every project. categories listed above and for PPP projects, if the
{{ Compensation: 4 times the market rate in rural areas Government owns the land.
and 2 times in urban areas. • Building private hospitals and private educational institutes
will also count as “public purpose”.
{{ Stringent provisions for relief and rehabilitation.
• Private companies, NGOs, trusts, foundations, charity bodies,
{{ Private companies can acquire land for public purposes. proprietors etc. too can acquire land for public purposes.
{{ The provisions of this Bill shall not apply to acquisitions
under 16 existing legislations including the Special Economic Zones Act, 2005, the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, the
Railways Act, 1989, etc.
Need for Land Acquisition:
• Land is Scarce Resource: It is scarce and inefficiently used
in India. Land is the source of livelihood for over half of
India’s population. For instance, India holds only 2.4% of
total land surface but we host more than 18% of the world
population.
• Infrastructure Development: To build roads, highways,
railways, airports, and other critical infrastructure projects,
acquiring land is necessary.
{{ For example, Uttar Pradesh acquired land for the
Yamuna Express Highway.
• Industrial and Economic Growth: Land is required for
establishing industries, manufacturing units, special
economic zones, and technology parks etc.
{{ For instance, land acquisition for establishment
of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) has been aimed
at boosting manufacturing, trade, and economic
activities.
• Urban Expansion and Housing: Urbanisation is taking
place at a faster pace and by 2050, India is likely to see
850-900 million people living in urban spaces. As cities expand and populations grow, land acquisition becomes essential
for housing and related amenities.
• Energy Projects: Land acquisition is essential for the development of power plants, renewable energy projects, and other
energy-related initiatives.
{{ For example, Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat required substantial land acquisition.

43
Challenges Associated with Acquisition of Land in India:
• Lack of Support to Private Firms: Most countries have an ‘eminent domain’ policy for the state to take over land needed for
a public purpose but private firms cannot expect the same privilege.
{{ Eminent Domain: State’s power to acquire private property against the consent of the owner for a ‘public purpose’. The
taking should be under a valid law, the land owner must be paid just compensation and the acquisition of the property
should only be for public purposes.
• Overlapping Jurisdiction: Though land is a state subject, “acquisition and requisitioning of property” is in the concurrent list.
{{ For example, Telangana brought drastic changes to subvert the procedure laid down by the LARR Act by eliminating the
SIA for certain types of development projects, such as those in the infrastructure category.
• Politicization of Issue: Land acquisition issues are often exploited for political gain as opposition parties have used the
discontent among affected communities to challenge the ruling parties.
{{ For example, the Nandigram dispute provided the Trinamool Congress (TMC) a poll-winning agenda.
• Misuse of “Public Purpose”: The Supreme Court has expanded the definition of “public purpose” in decisions like Yamuna
Expressway ,and several such cases. The term is vague and ambiguous which leads to high potential of its misuse which
increases land disputes.
• Land Deprivation: Land ownership and control have been central to India’s social structure and have been a source of
power, wealth, and social status.
• Social Disorder: The process of land acquisition is often followed by protests and agitation due to multiple reasons ranging
from environmental to political concern, often turning violent.
{{ The Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) was a mass movement that began in 1985 to protest against the lack of an
appropriate resettlement and rehabilitation (R&R) policy.
Way Forward:
• Digitalisation and Modernisation of Land Records: Implements digital system for an efficient land market in India facilitating
price discovery and quick transactions.
{{ For example, through the SVAMITVA scheme the government is providing ‘Record of Rights’ to the property owners.
• Promotion of SEZs: Promoting export-oriented SEZ into broader hubs for enterprise can help private firms overcome the
challenges of bulk land acquisition.
{{ For instance, the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Act of 2005 allows the government to transfer land acquired for public
purposes to private companies for development.
• Land Leasing over Acquisition: Leasing land may also support Gujarat’s Land Acquisition Practices:
sustainable project development since the lands need to be • Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation has simplified
returned to the landowners at the end of the lease period. land acquisition in the state with minimum direct
government participation.
• Ensuring Ease of Doing Business (EoDB): Efficient and
• Price determination is based on market prices which are
fair land acquisition processes are essential for the EoDB determined by a scientific method and investors can do a
improving the overall business environment in India. large part of their research without even visiting the land.
• Promoting Land Pooling and Land Banks: Land pooling is a
voluntary land acquisition strategy whereas land bank is a repository of all industrial infrastructure-related information
serving as a decision support system for investors.

3.3. World Food India and Indian Food Industry

Context:
Recently, the Prime Minister (PM) of India inaugurated the second edition of the “World Food India (WFI) 2023” at Bharat
Mandapam.
More on News:
• During the event, the PM disbursed seed capital assistance to over 1 lakh self-help groups (SHGs) and inaugurated a “food
street”.

44
• This event serves as a platform to showcase India’s global
leadership in food production and coincides with the
celebration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets.
• A total of 16 memoranda of understanding (MoUs)
were signed between the Ministry of Food Processing
Industries (MoFPI) and various companies
{{ These agreements amounted to a total investment of
around ₹18,000 crore.
Significance of Indian Food Industry:
• India’s Food Diversity: Having roots in the ancient
Ayurvedic way of life, Indian food diversity is a dividend
for investors across the world with its focus on ‘Ahara’
(diet) and ‘Anna’ (food) as a means of good life, health,
and wellbeing.
• Growing Food Processing Industry: Food processing
industry has emerged as the sunrise sector in India and
has attracted Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) of about
₹50,000 crore over the past 9 years. The share of processed foods in India’s agricultural exports has grown from 13% to 23
% in the last 9 years.
{{ Sunrise Sector: A sunrise industry is a business or business sector showing potential for substantial and rapid growth.
• Pro-Industry and Pro-Farmer Policies: India’s food processing capacity has increased from a 12 lakh tonne to over 200 lakh
tonne and India has witnessed 150% growth in exports of processed food in the last 9 years.
• Significant Role of Women: Indian women have the natural ability to lead the food processing industry and play key roles
in bolstering the sector and government support women in various ways, including Stree Shakti Package For Women
Entrepreneurs, Mudra Yojana Scheme etc.
{{ A seed capital of over 1 lakh was disbursed for the
promotion of cottage industries and self-help groups
for women on WFI program.
• Promoting Consumption of Millets: On India’s initiative,
an awareness campaign regarding millets has started
in the world as United Nations recognised 2023 as the
International Year of Millets.
{{ India pitched for diversification of the food basket to
create domestic and global demand and to provide
nutritional food to the people.
• Investment Opportunities and Cultural Exchange: It
attracts both domestic and international investors, offering
them insights into the diverse investment opportunities within India’s food processing and agriculture sectors.
{{ It allows for promoting Indian cuisine and cultural heritage, offering a platform for cultural exchange through food.
Challenges Associated with the Food Industry in India:
• Supply Chain Issues: The industry is plagued by inefficient supply chains, inadequate storage and transport facilities, and
a lack of access to credit and financing.
{{ Inefficiencies in the supply chain lead to significant wastage of food produce, and makes it difficult for small and
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to enter the market and compete with larger, more established companies.
• Increasing Vulnerability to Climate Change: Changing weather patterns, erratic monsoons, and other effects of climate
change can significantly impact agricultural production and food security.

45
 {{ For instance, India recently suspended exports of non-basmati rice varieties after heavy monsoon rainfall damaged
newly planted crops.
• Crop Losses: Food security and sustainable development are pressing global concerns as a growing population, changing
climate patterns, and socio-economic disparities pose significant challenges.
{{ According to the Ministry of Agriculture And Farmers’ Welfare, India lost 5.04 million hectares (mha) of crop area to
cyclonic storm, flash floods, floods, landslides and cloudbursts in 2021.
• High Post-Harvest Losses: As per a 2022 study, between harvesting and consumption, India lost 5-13% of its fruits and
vegetables and around 3-7% of crops that included oil seeds and spices.
{{ While India saw an increase of over 23% grains production in FY23 than FY15, post-harvest losses have only reduced
by less than 1% during the period.
• Limited Technology Adoption: Fusion of technology and taste will pave the way for the economy of the future but factors
like a lack of trusted sources of information, poor literacy, inability to comprehend scientific messages, and a stubborn
belief in traditional systems affect technological adoption.
Way Forward:
• Reduce Post-Harvest Losses: Industry stakeholders need to focus on finding solutions to reduce post-harvest losses and
promote sustainable packaging methods.
{{ For instance, investments exceeding ₹50,000 crore have been made to set up post-crop harvest-related infrastructure
projects under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund.
• Promoting Skill Development: Ensuring that the workforce is skilled and equipped with the necessary knowledge, especially
in the technological aspects of food processing.
{{ For instance, the Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI) is contributing to nation-building through Skill Development
in Agriculture.
{{ ASCI is a Not-for-profit concern working under the aegis of Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
• Investments in Food Processing Infrastructure: Investments in processing infrastructure in the fisheries and animal
husbandry sector are needed.
{{ Bringing farmers together and helping them partner with the right service provider like Farmers’ Producer Organisation
can make unprecedented progress in helping farmers scale up the production of food.
• Implement Ancient Knowledge: There is a need for the food processing industry to implement ancient knowledge for global
food security.
{{ Traditional wisdom and nutritional value of niche Indian food products, such as Indian variants of millets, fruits, rice,
and oilseeds make them excellent export choices.
• Promote Sustainable Practices: Ensuring sustainable agriculture, food security, and nutrition security, as highlighted in the
G-20 Delhi declaration. Further, ensuring the development of sustainable packaging methods as a viable alternative to
traditional plastic-dominated packaging is the need of the hour.
{{ For Example: Climate smart agriculture, organic farming, agro-forestry etc.
• Ensuring Quality and Safety Standards: Over 95% of India’s farm produce is consumed domestically as quantity and quality
of yield are still hampered by a lack of good farm inputs and equipment.
{{ There is a need to implement stringent food safety standards to boost consumer trust both within the country and
overseas. Adhering to food safety standards is crucial to protect public health and prevent food-borne illnesses.

3.4. Rise in India’s Edible Oil Imports

Context:
India’s edible oil imports have risen almost 1.5 times and more than doubled in rupee value terms during the last 10 years.
More on News:
● Imports of vegetable oils — used in cooking and frying of foods, as opposed to petroleum fuels — touched a
record 16.5 million tonnes (mt) in the year ended October 2023, according to data from the Solvent Extractors’
Association of India (SEA).

46
Types of Oils Commonly in Use in India:
• Traditionally cultivated: Groundnut, mustard, rapeseed, sesame, safflower, linseed, niger seed, castor.
• Non-conventional Oils: Rice bran oil and cottonseed oil. In addition, oilseeds of tree and forest origin, which grow mostly
in tribal inhabited areas, are also a significant source of oils.
Oilseeds Cultivation in India:
• India’s several regions have developed specific preferences for
• Ground Nut: It thrives best in the tropical climate and
certain oils largely depending upon the oils available in the requires 20°-30°C temperature and 50-75 cm rainfall.
region.
{{ Dry winter is needed at the time of ripening.
{{ For example, people in the South and West prefer • Linseed: Clay loams, deep black soils and alluvial soils are
groundnut oil, while those in the East and North use best suited for its cultivation. It is a rabi-crop.
mustard and rapeseed oil.
Consumption Pattern of Edible Oils:
• Self Sufficiency during 1980s and 1990s: Per-capita Why is India so dependent on imports?
consumption of edible oils was at 6-7 kg per person per year. • Oilseed productivity of a tonne per hectare is less than half
the global average, due to lack of access to the latest seed
• The per capita consumption which was 7.3 kg/year in 1994-95 technology.
increased to 18.3 kg/year in 2014-15. • Farmers also hesitate to grow oilseeds as they cannot
• The Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) recommends compete with the flood of cheap imports and lack of price
30g of edible oils per person per day — that is 12 kg per support mechanisms.
person per year.
Current Status of Oil Seeds:
• India accounts for about 15-20 percent of global oilseeds
area, 6-7 percent of vegetable oils production, and 9-10
percent of the total edible oils consumption.
• In terms of acreage, production and economic value, oilseeds
are second only to food grains.
Challenges of Edible Oil Sector:
• Reliance on Imports: India heavily depends on imported
edible oils to bridge the supply-demand gap which is often
interlinked with uncertainties such as fluctuating global
prices due to geopolitical conflicts( Example-Russia-Ukraine
war)
• Productivity and Yield: Low productivity and yield levels in
oilseed cultivation pose a significant challenge.
{{ For Example: If we just bring Mustard acres in India to
global yield levels of 1980 kg/ha, we can reduce edible oil
imports by 15% (within the same area) and hybrid seeds
will play a key role in reversing the balance of trade.
• Land Constraints: Limited availability of arable land and
competition with other cash crops present obstacles to
increasing oilseed cultivation.
• Storage and Distribution: Inadequate storage facilities and
supply chain inefficiencies result in post-harvest losses and
higher prices for consumers.
• Lack of a defined procurement policy: In spite of a regular
enhancement in MSP of oilseed crops, the lack of a defined
procurement policy does not encourage the farmers to take
up the cultivation of these crops

47
• Dependency on climatic conditions: Malaysia’s palm production declined due to the impacts of Typhoon Rai in December 2021.
Way Forward:
• Technology application and adoption: Development of new hybrids and varieties using double haploid approach, marker-
assisted breeding/selection and other biotechnological approaches to solve viability (sunflower and soybean) and seed
production issues should receive top priority amongst the researchers to enhance oil production.
{{ For Example: The productivity (yield) gap between improved
technology and farmers’ practices ranged from 21 per cent in
sesame to 149 per cent in sunflower.
• Storage and Infrastructure Development: Strengthening storage infrastructure and improving logistics and distribution
networks are crucial to minimize wastage and ensure a steady supply of edible oils.
• Diversification of Oilseed Cultivation: Encouraging the cultivation of alternative oilseeds, such as palm, canola, and olive,
alongside traditional crops can help reduce import dependency and increase domestic production.
• Tapping the Private Sector: The potential of public-private partnership (PPP) through linkages in all aspects of production,
processing, marketing needs to be harnessed.

3.5. Approval Under New IT Hardware PLI Scheme

Context:
The Government recently granted approval to 27 companies, including Dell, HP, and Foxconn, under the new production-linked
incentive (PLI) scheme for IT hardware.
More on News:
• Companies including Dell, HP, Acer, Asus, Lenovo, Benq, ViewSonic and Foxconn will now manufacture components in India
under the scheme.
• The approved applications are projected to result in an additional investment of ₹3,000 crores, with an overall production
value of ₹3.5 lakh crores.
• Employment potential: Around 50,000 direct employment opportunities and 150,000 indirect employment opportunities
are slated to be generated.
Ultra Small Form Factor devices:
About PLI 2.0 for IT Hardware: • They are the tiny versions of their traditional desktop
• Scheme coverage: It covers laptops, tablets, all-in-one PCs, counterparts.
Servers and Ultra Small Form Factor devices. • Small form factor(SFF) is an umbrella term for technologies
designed to be smaller versions of similar devices within a
• Benefits Under the Scheme: Eligible enterprises will receive respective field.
an average incentive of 5% on net incremental sales (over
base year) for items manufactured in India for six years.
• Inclusion of Incentivised Components such as Semiconductor design, IC Manufacturing, and Packaging.
• Advantages of the Scheme: Broadening and deepening of the manufacturing ecosystem by encouraging the localisation of
components and sub-assemblies.
About Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme:
• Objective: To attract investments in key sectors and cutting-edge technology; ensure efficiency and bring economies of size
and scale in the manufacturing sector.
• Reliance on Import Substitution: It aims to generate more employment and cut down the country’s reliance on imports.
• Incentives for Production: It aims to give companies incentives on incremental sales from products manufactured in
domestic units.
{{ It provides a subsidy of 4% to 6% based on incremental sales of products manufactured domestically and are disbursed
over a specified period.
{{ Incentives are not guaranteed and are released based on annual performance and meeting stipulated criteria in the
respective Scheme Guidelines.

48
Need for the Scheme:
• Structural challenge of Indian Economy: India has faced challenges
in increasing the share of the secondary sector, including
manufacturing, in its GDP.
• Limited Growth: Despite the introduction of pro-business reforms
under the New Economic Policies in 1991, the growth has been
limited. The manufacturing sector has remained at around 17% of
the GDP.
Challenges with the Scheme:
• Subsidy for Finishing Rather Value Addition: Subsidy is paid only
for finishing the product in India, not on how much value is added
by manufacturing in India.
{{ Due to this, despite assembly work shifting to India, the import
of components still persists, raising uncertainty about the
scheme’s impact on shifting the value chain to the country.
• Complex Nature of Application: Since the start of the scheme,
only Rs 2,900 crore of incentives have been disbursed. Outlay for
incentives has been kept at `1.97 trillion.
{{ The slow offtake is due to the complicated nature of filing
an application where the investor has to fulfill many criteria to
qualify for inclusion under the scheme and claim incentives.
• Lack of Centralised Database: The absence of a database that records
information such as production growth, export figures, and the
creation of new jobs complicates the evaluation process creating an
administrative challenge.
• Biases Towards Large Firms: Most of the industries under the PLI
scheme are either large or medium-sized units. The scheme’s focus on
providing subsidies to selected large and medium-scale industries is a
sub-optimal policy.
{{ These MSMEs not just contribute to a bulk of the manufacturing
output and exports but generate much of the employment in the
manufacturing sector.
• One size Fits All Approach: The scheme lacks sector-specific
considerations neglecting the diverse needs and complexities of
industries,and thus, inadequately addressing the inefficiencies and
limitations of different industries.
{{ For example, the pharmaceutical sector requires more
resources for Research and Development (R&D), and innovation
infrastructure to sustain manufacturing at the optimum level.
• Overlooking Global Dynamics: The efficacy of production subsidies
to galvanise sector-specific manufacturing depend on a combination
of factors. Ex- Steady stock of raw materials available at competitive
prices, size of the domestic market, etc.
{{ PLI extension to the container manufacturing industry neglected the prevailing dynamics in India and that of the global
container manufacturing business.
{{ Around 80 percent of the total cost of production of these containers is composed of a single raw material called Corten
steel and the price of which is ₹120-130 per kg in India, as compared to ₹80-90 in China.

49
 {{ The high cost of primary input makes the sector uncompetitive, limiting its ability to compete in the global market.
Way Forward:
• Value Addition as a Condition for Incentives: Incentivising local production of components and not the final product is
needed for effectiveness of the scheme.
{{ In order to shift actual manufacturing to India, the condition of value-addition needs to be added to be eligible for
incentives under the PLI scheme.
• Diversification of Sectors: Expanding the scope of the scheme to encompass more industries, including sunrise sectors and
technology-driven fields, can further boost domestic manufacturing and innovation.
{{ Recently the government is planning to add six new sectors in the PLI scheme including toys, bicycles, leather, and
footwear.
• Removing Investment Criteria: The companies argue that the investment criteria have acted as a barrier to entry into the
scheme.
{{ Global IT hardware firms have requested that the government remove the minimum investment requirement for
eligibility to receive incentives and link the incentives to production from existing manufacturing facilities.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuous monitoring and evaluation of the scheme’s impact on job creation, export promotion,
and manufacturing growth are crucial. This data can be used to make necessary adjustments and improvements.
{{ Periodic reviews can help ministries make necessary policy changes/adjustments based on the changing market
dynamics, trends, and global competitiveness.
• Infrastructure Development: To support the manufacturing sectors, the government should invest in infrastructure
development, including transportation, logistics, and energy supply.
{{ Industrial labs for reverse engineering should be encouraged to reduce the dependence on imported machinery and
enhance production quality.
• Skill Development: This will ensure a trained and adaptable workforce that can meet the needs of modern manufacturing.

3.6. India-UK Trade Deal Negotiations

Context:
India is currently negotiating a potentially landmark FTA with the
United Kingdom (UK).
More on News:
• Potential Benefits for India: India’s goals include the issue of
priority visas to Indian professionals, positive signals toward a
social security agreement, simplifying the pharma market access,
and duty derogation for Basmati rice etc.
• It is critical in providing a window into India’s strategy for future
western negotiations and its handling of non-trade issues like
environmental and labour standards.
• Benefits for UK: British exports to India such as cars, Scotch
whisky, and wines, face considerable tariffs of 100-150%.
• Goods Sector: Attention is given to strategic trade-offs concerning
dairy products, wines and spirits, electrical and electronic items,
and the automotive sector’s tariffs and regulations.
• Roadblock: UK negotiators are insisting on enhanced protection
for the country’s geographical indication (GI) products originating
from the agriculture sector.
{{ Key British GI items, such as Scotch whisky, Stilton cheese,
and Cheddar cheese, are at the center of talks.

50
About Trade Agreements:
• Trade agreements: They are agreements between two or more countries
for specific terms of trade, commerce, transit or investment.
• Depending on the terms and concessions agreed on by the participating
bodies, there are several types of trade agreements viz. FTA, PTA, CEPA etc.
Significance of Trade Agreements for India:
• Economic Growth: Trade agreements play a pivotal role in trade
facilitation by reducing barriers, streamlining customs procedures, and
harmonizing regulations.
{{ For example, in the period between 2017 and 2022, India’s exports
to its FTA partners increased by 31%.
• Increases Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): This can attract foreign
companies to invest in India, leading to technology transfer, job creation,
and increased productivity.
• Employment Opportunities: Export-oriented growth, can lead to the
creation of jobs which indirectly contribute to skill development by
promoting industries that require specialized knowledge.
„„ For example, Indian textile exports face tariffs as high as 10% in
the UK and a trade deal could put India on par with competition
such as Bangladesh, and revive textile exports.
• Secure Supply Chains: Trade agreements can provide India with a more stable and diversified supply of critical raw materials
and resources, and integrate India into global value chains, participating in different stages of production.
• Consumer Welfare: Trade agreements can increase the variety of goods available to consumers and contribute to lower
prices due to increased competition.
{{ For example, the potential India- UK FTA will increase competition from cheaper, imported brands which will provide
imported items at a lower price.
Potential Challenges Associated with Trade Agreements in India:
• Complexity in Administration: Innovative tariff barriers to trade leads to increased administrative burdens and potential
disruptions to operations.
{{ For example, vegetable and fruit exporters often face strict
limits imposed by European economies on pesticides and other India’s Trade Names of Trade
contaminants. Agreements Agreements
• Stringent Environmental Standards: Trade agreements that include ASEAN India-ASEAN FTA
environmental and social standards may lead to increase in compliance Japan India-Japan CEPA
costs affecting the competitiveness of certain sectors.
South Korea India-South Korea CEPA
{{ For example, the European Union’s (EU) Carbon Border Mauritius India-Mauritius CECPA
Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) threatens substantial levies on
United Arab Emirates India-UAE CEPA
products like steel and aluminum, thereby potentially impacting
India’s exports to the EU. Australia India-Australia Economic
Cooperation and Trade
• Supply Chain Disruptions: India faces such emerging challenges which Agreement (Ind-Aus
can become major obstacles in fulfilling its ambitions of becoming an ECTA)
export-oriented manufacturing hub.
{{ For example, the trade war between USA and China, COVID-19 induced lockdown, international conflict, rising cost of
oil, etc. are leading to supply chain disruptions.
• Competitive Pressures: In some cases, trade agreements may expose Indian industries to intense global competition,
particularly if partner countries have cost advantages or more advanced technologies.

51
 {{ South Korea and ASEAN’s manufacturing sectors outperform India’s in critical industries such as electronics, automobiles,
leather and textile products, among others.
• Agricultural Concerns: Increased competition from foreign agricultural products, potentially impacting local agriculture
and livelihoods.
{{ For example, India exited the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to protect the interests of
industries like agriculture and dairy.
Way Forward:
• Ensuring Policy Clarity: India has come out with many tax and trade policies in the recent past to facilitate genuine
investments and taxpayers but long-term clarity may be missing.
{{ For example, the recently changed stance on import licensing for laptops.
• Insight and Agility: There is a need to have clear insights on the role of India’s Missions to the World Trade Organisation
(WTO), various countries, etc., and swift analysis and response is a must to determine India’s stance.
• Pros and Cons Study: Have an unbiased study of India’s existing FTAs and to derive pros and cons, which can help in
upcoming negotiations.
• New Delhi Effect: India should be strategically positioning itself to exert a “New Delhi Effect” drawing inspiration from the
‘Brussels effect’ which was coined due to the EU’s lead in international trade regulations over the past couple of decades.
• Learning from Experience: As India navigates international trade, it must leverage its past FTA experiences, evaluate the
present trade landscape, and prepare strategically for future challenges to fulfill its economic ambitions and contribute
meaningfully to global trade.

3.7. Centre Considers Higher Food Subsidy Outlay

Context:
According to a news article published in Financial Express, the Centre’s food subsidy outlay is likely to be pegged at Rs 2.3 trillion
in the Budget Estimate (BE) for the next financial year.
More on News:
• Rise in Food Subsidy: In the revised estimate (RE) for FY24, the food
subsidy is estimated to rise by Rs 17,000 crore to Rs 2.14 trillion
due to sharp increases in the minimum support prices (MSP) for
key crops.
{{ The food subsidy BE for FY25 is likely to be around 7% higher
than the FY24RE.
{{ Revised Estimates: RE are mid-year review of possible
expenditure, taking into account the trend of expenditure, New
Services and New Instrument of Services etc.
{{ Revised Estimates are not voted by the Parliament, and hence by
itself do not provide any authority for expenditure.
{{ Budget Estimates: Amount of money allocated in the Budget to
any ministry or scheme for the coming financial year.
Sugarcane Subsidy:
What is Food Subsidy?
• The Department of Food and Public Distribution is also
• About:. The Department of Food and Public Distribution responsible for formulation of policies and regulations for
provides food subsidies to the Food Corporation of India the sugar sector.
(FCI) and states for procuring food grains from farmers • This includes fixing the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP)
at government notified prices and selling them at lower of sugarcane which is payable to farmers by sugar factories,
subsidised prices (known as Central Issue Prices), under the training in sugar technology, and regulation of supply of free
National Food Security Act(NFSA), 2013. sale sugar.
• Economic Cost consists of the cost of procurement, storage • The FRP is fixed based on the recommendations of the
Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).
and distribution of food grains.

52
• Nodal Ministry: The Department of Food and Public Distribution under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public
Distribution.
Components of Food Subsidy:
• Subsidy to FCI: Government provides subsidy to FCI for procurement of food grain from the farmer at notified price.
• Subsidy to State: Central government provides food subsidy to the state under decentralised procurement scheme.
{{ Under this, state may take operation of procurement, distribution and storage of food grain on the behalf of the Food
Corporation of India.
• Sugar Subsidy: Under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana, sugar subsidy is given to the poor family by providing one kg of sugar per
month at subsidised price.
Concerns with Food Subsidy in India:
• Difference between Economic Cost and Central Issue
Price: The widening gap between economic cost and
Central Issue Prices (CIPs) has led to an increase in
expenditure on food subsidy.
{{ While the economic cost for rice has increased
from Rs 11 per kg in 2001-02 to Rs 43 per kg in
2021-22, and of wheat from Rs 9 per kg to Rs 30
per kg over the same period, their CIPs have not
been revised.
• Faulty Cropping Pattern: The open-ended
procurement of paddy and wheat in states such as
Punjab and Haryana increased both the area and production of these crops, displacing crops like pulses and oilseeds.
• Excessive Stockholding: The monocropping of paddy and wheat resulted in excessive stockholding beyond the norm
required for food security.
{{ About 10 per cent of the procured foodgrains are routinely wasted in post-harvest handling and storage losses.
{{ As of May 2021, the actual food stock with the government was about 83 million tonnes, against the strategic requirement
of only 50 million tonnes.
• Impact on Environment: The Economic Survey of 2019-20 noted that the increasing trend in MSPs gives a signal to farmers
to opt for the crops that have an assured procurement system.
{{ This shows that market prices do not offer remunerative options for farmers and MSPs act as maximum prices that
farmers can realise.
{{ This puts pressure on the water table as these crops (especially paddy and sugarcane) are water-intensive.
• Sugarcane Dues: In years of surplus production, the sugar prices fall impacting the sale of sugar and liquidity of mills.
{{ As a result, mills are unable to pay farmers leading to delay in payments and accumulation of dues.
{{ As of January 31, 2021, payment of Rs 19,260 crore is pending with sugar mills as dues for 2019-20 and previous years.
{{ Certain state governments fix their own State Advised Price at levels higher than the FRP announced by the central
government. This causes further strain on the financial health of the sugar mills.
• Challenges related to delivery of food subsidy:
{{ Leakages in PDS: Leakages refer to foodgrains not reaching the intended beneficiaries. According to the 2011 data,
leakages in PDS were estimated to be 46.7%.
Way Forward:
• Reforms in targeted PDS: There is need for the diversification of the commodities under PDS.
{{ For this, the government has to focus on sustainable production and economically feasible procurement and distribution
of diversified foods.

53
 {{ For example, Haryana is providing financial incentives of ₹7,000/acre to farmers for shifting from paddy to pulses,
oilseeds and cotton.
• Revisiting NFSA norms and coverage: An official committee in January 2015 called for decreasing the quantum of coverage
under the law, from the present 67% to around 40%.
• Voluntary “give up” of subsidies: For all ration cardholders drawing food grains, a “give-up” option, as done in the case of
cooking gas cylinders, can be made available.
{{ While States have the authority to establish criteria for identifying Priority Household (PHH) cardholders, the Centre can
nudge them to reduce the number of beneficiaries.
• Slab system of prices: The existing arrangement of flat rates should be replaced with a slab system of prices.
{{ Barring the needy, other beneficiaries can be made to pay a little more for a higher quantum of food grains.
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): A better alternative to support prices is in-cash subsidy, where the government directly
transfers money to individual beneficiaries.
{{ This will increase the purchasing power of the poor and will have an indirect bearing on production.
• Rationalisation of sugarcane pricing Linkage of sugarcane prices to sugar prices: As recommended by a Task Force on
Sugarcane and Sugar Industry (2020), sugarcane prices must be linked to sugar prices.
{{ Increases in FRP should be kept moderate and state announcing SAP should bear the additional costs associated with it.
{{ The Task Force recommended a staggered payment mechanism for sugarcane so that the entire dues to the farmers are
cleared within two months.

3.8. Indian Economy Remains Resilient

Context:
The robust performance of the Indian economy in recent times has revived the aspirations of the country to emerge as a
developed economy by 2047.
More on News:
• Optimistic India’s Growth Trajectory: According to
National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and
Programme Implementation, India’s GDP had grown by
7.6% to attain a level of ₹41.74 lakh crore in Q2 of FY24
(Financial Year 2023-24).
• Decreasing Global Growth: The World Economic Outlook
update of July 2023 by the International Monetary Fund
(IMF) projects that global growth is estimated to fall from
3.5% in 2022 to 3% in 2023.
• India’s Central Government’s Debt: It stood at 57.1% of
the GDP at the end of March 2023, which has reduced from
61.5% of GDP in 2020-21. General government debt is the
total gross debt of the government at the end of a quarter
or year.
{{ The N.K. Singh Committee recommended to set a limit of
60% for India’s public debt to GDP ratio (consisting of 40% for the Central Government and 20% for state governments’ debt).
With rapidly changing economic conditions, the Indian economy About Fiscal Deficit:
has remained resilient. • When the balance of the government’s total receipts (i.e.,
revenue + capital receipts) and total expenditures (i.e.,
Reasons for Resilience in Indian Economy:
revenue + capital expenditures) turns out to be negative, it
• Sensible Management of Macroeconomic Conditions: shows the situation of fiscal deficit.
At a time when unprecedented inflationary conditions
• It indicates that the government is spending more than its
necessitated significant monetary tightening in many large income.
economies.

54
 {{ India has been able to manage its price rise while ensuring
that domestic demand did not collapse and infrastructure
construction was escalated through a spike in public
capital expenditure.
• Fiscal Consolidation: According to the Controller General of
Accounts (CGA), India’s fiscal deficit for April- May 2023 stood
at 11.8% of budget estimates as against 12.3% reported in the
comparable period last year.
{{ In the Union Budget 2023-24, the Government has
adhered to its fiscal deficit target of 6.4% of GDP for FY23
to promote resilience and macroeconomic stability.
• Improving Spending Quality: Capital spending, like on roads
and rails by the central government has risen appreciably.
{{ At the same time, the states’ fiscal deficit is at pre-
pandemic levels and the spending quality by states has
also improved this year.
• Controlled Total Expenditure: It touched a lower 13.9% of the
budget target in April- May 2023 as against 14.8% in the same
period of the last fiscal.
Challenges Faced by Indian Economy:
• Higher Fiscal Deficit Target: India’s GDP growth has been robust and it is forecasted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to be
6.5% for the current year. However, despite GDP growth being back at pre-pandemic levels, the central government fiscal
deficit at 5.9% target for 2023-24 is much higher.
• High Interest Payment: India stands out for its high interest bill, deficit and debt, despite its annual growth being much
higher than the world average.
{{ For instance, India’s interest bill exhausts 45-50% of its annual net tax revenue. The fiscal excesses will be more
noticeable when a new private capex cycle begins, and competes for funding.
• IMF Decreases India’s Estimated Growth: The IMF has marked
down India’s estimated growth rate to 5.9 per cent for FY24.
{{ Softening global growth is already impacting India in terms
of faltering exports and slowing foreign direct investment
flows. At the same time declining consumption demand in the
domestic market is a concern.
• Declining Tax and Other Revenues: Slower growth is anticipated to
impact tax collections resulting in lower fiscal resources to support
the economy as visible in a contraction of 9.6% in tax revenues in
April-May 2023.
{{ The total receipts stood at 15.3% of budget estimates in April-
May 2023 as against 16.7% in April-May 2022.
• Public Sector Borrowing: Some spending commitments have
risen, for instance the extension of the free food scheme. This
can negatively impact economic growth and fiscal stability and
lead to crowding-out effect of government borrowing on private
investment due to higher interest rates.
• External Factors like escalation of geopolitical stress (viz. Israel- Palestine conflict), global inflation, enhanced volatility in
global financial systems, sharp price correction in global stock markets, and FDI inflows etc. may constrain India’s pace of
economic growth in the ongoing fiscal.

55
Way Forward:
• Lowering Fiscal Deficit: A useful goal is to get the fiscal deficit back to the last normal pre-pandemic year’s level of 3.4% of
GDP. This would mean almost 2.5% of GDP consolidation from 2023-24 levels.
• Raising Additional Resources from Tax Collections: According to the 15th Finance Commission’s (FC) estimates, there is
over a 4% gap in tax to GDP ratio between India’s tax collection potential and actual collections.
{{ For this, the Government could avoid large increases in income tax thresholds which would allow for a broadening of
the income tax base further.
• Increasing Non-Tax Revenue: By making renewed efforts to achieve the targets set under disinvestment, asset monetization,
and diluting stakes in public sector banks, etc.
{{ Monetising idle government assets by National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) is yet another avenue for collecting non-
tax revenues which can be used for capital creation.
• Expenditure Rationalisation: It would act to free funds available for investment. For this, non-merit subsidies which
comprise 5.7% of GDP should be rationalised.
{{ 15th FC suggested to cease funding of Centrally Sponsored Schemes where allocation is small, below a certain threshold.
• Avoiding New Subsidies: Introducing any new subsidy scheme, apart from Production Linked Incentives, should be avoided
unless it is an absolute imperative justified by social and economic considerations.
• Continue With Capital Expenditure: The Government should continue to focus on augmenting capital expenditure plans to
kick-start the virtuous cycle of investment and growth.
{{ Besides, the targets under NIP and Gati Shakti should be completed on time.
• Independent Fiscal Council: India could also consider setting up an independent fiscal council for strengthening the fiscal
responsibility framework, as suggested by the IMF.

3.9. RBI Supersedes Board of Mumbai’s Abhyudaya Cooperative Bank

Context:
Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) took over the board of Mumbai-based Abhyudaya Cooperative Bank Ltd for a year due
to poor governance standards.
More on News:
• The RBI has appointed the former chief general manager of the State Bank of India, as the administrator to oversee the
affairs of the Urban Cooperative Bank for the next 12 months.
Reasons for RBI’s Action:
• According to the RBI, the action was necessary because of concerns arising from observed poor governance standards in
the bank.
• Financial Performance of the Bank:
{{ The bank’s profit declined sharply by 78% to Rs 3.54 crore in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021, compared to Rs
16.22 crore in the previous fiscal year.
{{ Deposits stood at Rs 10,952.44 crore as of March 2021, showing a modest increase from Rs 10,838.07 crore in March
2020.
What are the Issues in Governance of UCBs?
• Weak governance: Weak governance structures and inadequate internal controls has led to financial mismanagement and
fraud in some cases.
{{ For instance, the ‘one-member, one-vote’ policy in cooperative banks is impacting decision-making processes.
{{ Example: The collapse of Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative Bank (PMC Bank) in 2019 was primarily attributed to
fraudulent activities and financial irregularities.
• Lack of Professional Management: Many UCBs are managed by amateur and untrained individuals, who may not have the
necessary skills and expertise to manage the bank effectively.

56
• Lack of compliance with regulatory norms: Non-compliance with
regulatory norms, such as rules related to capital adequacy, asset
classification, and provisioning.
{{ In July 2023, the RBI has cancelled the banking licenses of Adoor
Co-operative Urban Bank of Kerala and Mahalaxmi Cooperative
Bank Dharwad.
• Competition from other banks: UCBs face competition from other
banks, particularly from larger public and private sector banks, which
have a wider range of products and services and better access to
resources.
• Limited Access to capital: Over 50% of UCBs have less than Rs
100 crore deposits, which doesn’t allow them to deploy requisite
resources in either manpower or in technology.
{{ Due to their cooperative structure, UCBs cannot raise capital
from any other source but their members.
• High Non-Performing Assets (NPA) Ratio: Recently, the RBI Governor
highlighted an 8.7% gross non-performing assets ratio in urban
cooperative banks (UCBs).
• Dual Regulation Challenges: Limited area of operations leads to the
issue of dual regulation by the RBI and the state government – there
is often a lack of clarity as to who has oversight over these banks.
Recent Developments in Governance of UCBs:
• N S Vishwanathan Committee Suggestions:
{{ Suggested a flexible CRAR ranging from 9% to 15% for UCBs, with
Basel III norms for Tier-4 UCBs.
{{ Prescribed separate ceilings for home loans, loans against gold
ornaments, and unsecured loans.
{{ Suggested mandatory mergers for UCBs not meeting prudential
requirements.
• RBI Measures After Collapse of PMC Cooperative Banks:
{{ Four-Tier Scale-Based Regulatory Framework: Larger-sized banks
are mandated to maintain higher capital under this framework.
{{ Priority Sector Lending Target for UCBs: Urban Cooperative Banks
(UCBs) must achieve a priority sector lending target of 75% by
March 2026.
{{ New Branches: UCBs can now open new branches up to 10%
(maximum 5 branches) of the number of branches in the previous
financial year without prior approval of RBI in their approved area
of operation
{{ One-Time Settlement: UCBs can also do One Time Settlement at
par with Commercial Banks.
{{ Nodal Officer: RB has appointed a designated nodal officer, to
enhance coordination and facilitate focused interaction.
• Prompt Corrective Framework (PCA) For UCB: RBI in its annual report
(2022-23) is considering to bring UCB in the ambit of PCA mechanism.

57
Way Forward:
• Strengthening Governance: UCBs should focus on strengthening their governance structures and internal controls and
ensuring they have trained and professional management teams.
• Credit Risk Management: The need for rigorous credit risk management is underscored, including robust underwriting
standards, effective post-sanction monitoring, timely recognition and mitigation of potential stress, rigorous follow-up of
large Non-Performing Asset (NPA) borrowers for effective recovery, and maintaining adequate provisioning.
• Enhancing compliance with regulatory norms: UCBs should ensure that they comply with all relevant regulatory norms and
requirements, such as rules related to capital adequacy, asset classification, and provisioning.
• Improving access to capital: UCBs should explore ways to increase their access to capital, such as by raising members’
equity or issuing bonds.
{{ The RBI’s Financial Stability Report (FSR), released in June 2023, showed that, the consolidated capital adequacy ratio
or CRAR of scheduled UCBs and non-scheduled UCBs diminished by 194 basis points (bps) and 345 bps, respectively.
• IT and Cybersecurity Infrastructure: UCB must establish a robust IT and cybersecurity infrastructure, ensuring the availability
of requisite skills at the bank level.
• Collaborating with other banks: UCBs can consider collaborating with other banks, such as public and private sector banks,
to leverage their resources and expertise and expand their reach.

58
Prelims:
3.10. 7 Years of Demonetisation
Context:
The demonetisation exercise recently completed 7 years.
About Demonetization:
• It is the act of stripping a currency unit of its status as legal
tender. It occurs whenever there is a change in national
currency.
• The current form or forms of money is pulled from
circulation and retired, often to be replaced with new
notes or coins
Objective of Demonetisation in India:
• Tackling Black Money: Demonetisation, announced in
November 2016, was undertaken to weed out black money
and nudge people to change their method of payment
from cash to digital.
• Stripping higher order currency: It included the scrapping
of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, representing over 86 per
cent of the currency in circulation by value.
Impact of Demonetisation:
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that 98 percent
of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes were returned to the banking
system, attracting mixed reactions from citizens, experts
as well as politicians.
{{ Nearly seven years later, in 2023, the RBI announced
its decision to withdraw the Rs 2,000 notes.
{{ As of October 31, 97 per cent of all Rs 2,000 notes in
circulation have been returned.
Demonetisation and digitalisation of economy :
• Rise in Cashless payments: As per a recent survey by
LocalCircles, after the demonetisation, the circulation of
cash in the Indian economy and the adoption of UPI has
grown.
{{ In May 2023 for instance, UPI accounted for over 78
per cent of total retail digital payments in India.
{{ Only every four Indians used cash for over 25 per cent
of their monthly household purchases in the past 12
months.
• Global recognition: India’s expertise in digital transactions
is gaining recognition in both Asian and European
countries.
• Increase in Cash transactions: While UPI and other digital
payment mechanisms have reduced the number of cash
transactions, cash in circulation in the Indian economy has
increased from 17 lakh crores in November 2016 to 33
lakh crores in October 2023.
59
3.11. Direct Listing on Foreign Exchanges
Context:
The government recently permitted certain Indian companies
to directly list on select foreign stock exchanges, which will
allow these companies to access global capital and boost
capital outflows.
More on News:
According to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), the
provision was announced in the Companies (Amendment)
Bill, 2020, came into effect on October 30, 2023.
• In July 2023 government enabled listed and unlisted
domestic companies to directly list their equity shares
on the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC),
Ahmedabad.
How do companies currently list on foreign Stock Markets?
• Domestic listed companies would use depository receipts
— American Depository Receipts (ADR) or Global
Depository Receipts (GDR) — to list in the overseas
market.
• Under this route, Indian companies wanting to get listed
on foreign stock exchanges would give their shares to an
Indian custodian, and depository receipts would be issued
to foreign investors.
• Benefits: Offer them better valuation and exposure to
trade in foreign currency such as the dollar, and enhanced
Foreign Exchange.
Depositary Receipt (DR):
• A depositary receipt (DR) is a negotiable certificate
representing shares in a foreign company traded on a local
stock exchange.
{{ Depositary receipts allow investors to hold equity
shares of foreign companies without the need to
trade directly on a foreign market.
• ADR: They are shares issued in the U.S. from a foreign
company through a depositary bank intermediary.
• GDR: They are shares issued in foreign markets of more
than one country. For example, an Indian company that
issues its shares through a depositary bank intermediary
into the London market and the United States market.
3.12. Centre’s Goal of Installing 250 Million Smart
Meters by 2025
Context:
The Centre has set an ambitious target of installing 250 million
smart meters nationwide by 2025. Currently, 7 million smart
meters are installed across the country.
What is a Smart Meter?
• A smart meter measures and records energy consumption
data. It differs from the regular meter as it is a digital
device communicating remotely with the utility.
• It will send consumption information to the concerned
utility every 15 minutes to an hour and eliminate the
need for a meter reader.
• Net Metering: Net metering means that consumers can act
as prosumers by producing power through Solar rooftops,
pushing power to the grid and making some financial gains
in the process while saving energy bills along with adding
to carbon savings.
About Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS)
• It aims to improve the operational efficiencies and
financial sustainability of state-owned distribution
companies (discoms)/power departments by providing
conditional financial assistance.
• The Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) allocates
Rs 10,000 crore for smart prepaid metering infrastructure
across the country.
• Nodal Agencies: Rural Electrification Corporation and
Power Finance Corporation
• Implementation cost: The scheme’s cost is borne by the
Centre and state governments in a 3:2 ratio.
• Objectives of the scheme:
{{ Reduction of Aggregate Technical and commercial
(AT&C) losses to pan-India levels of 12-15% by 2024-
25.
{{ Reduction of Average Cost of Supply (ACS)-Average
Revenue Realised (ARR) gap to zero by 2024-25.
• Eligibility criteria for RDSS:
{{ All State-owned Distribution companies (referred
to as DISCOMS collectively) excluding private Sector
power companies.
3.13. National Level Monitors (NLM) to Oversee
Livestock Schemes
Context:
The Centre has decided to deploy National Level Monitors
(NLM) to oversee the implementation of its livestock schemes
including the National Livestock Mission, National Programme
for Dairy Development and Livestock Health and Disease
Control programme and Rashtriya Gokul Mission.
About NLM:
• The NLMs will be third-party independent monitors —
individuals and institutions deployed by the government.
• Individual NLMs will be selected from among retired Civil/
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Defence Services Officers, and academia.
• Terms of reference for NLM: The objectives of
this monitoring include ascertaining whether the
programmes of the Ministry are implemented according
to guidelines prescribed by the Ministry and if prescribed
implementation processes are being followed.
About National Livestock Mission:
• The scheme was implemented as a sub scheme of White
Revolution - Rashtriya Pashudhan Vikas Yojana under the
Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
• The concept of NLM Scheme is to develop the entrepreneur
in order to create the forward and backward linkage for
the produce available at the unorganized sector and to link
with the organized sector.
• Aims: Employment generation, entrepreneurship
development, increase in per animal productivity and
thus targeting increased production of meat, goat milk,
egg and wool.
National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD):
• It was launched in February 2014 by merging three existing
schemes i.e.
{{ Intensive Dairy Development Programme
{{ Strengthening Infrastructure for Quality
{{ Clean Milk Production and Assistance to Cooperatives.
• In July 2021, NPDD has been restructured with the aim
of enhancing the quality of milk and milk products and
increasing the share of organized procurement, processing,
value addition and marketing; for implementation from
2021-22 to 2025-26.
Rashtriya Gokul Mission:
• It has been implemented for development and
conservation of indigenous bovine breeds since
December 2014.
3.14. Tokenised Card Transaction
Context:
According to Visa’s report titled ‘Enabling the Digital Shift:
Tokenisation in India’s Economic Landscape’, India has issued
over 560 million tokens over the past year.
Key points:
• India issued a substantial portion of over 7.5 billion tokens
issued globally, leading to card authorization rates rising
by 4.5% since the introduction of tokenization.
• In September 2021, the RBI prohibited merchants from
storing customer card details on their servers with effect
from January 1, 2022, and mandated the adoption of
tokenization as an alternative.
About Card Tokenisation:
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) defines tokenization as
replacing actual card details (debit or credit cards) with an
alternate code called the ‘token’, a unique combination of
card, token requestor, and a device.
{{ A tokenized card transaction is safe as the card details
are not shared with anyone, including the merchant,
during transaction processing.
{{ RBI has directed all sellers in India such as Amazon,
Flipkart, Zomato etc. to delete card information stored
earlier to enhance the security of online transactions.
• Token Issued By: A tokenized card will be issued by card
networks like Visa, Mastercard, or Rupay.
• Benefits:
Enhanced security., Reduced risk of data breach. , Increased
trust in digital payments., Improved payments experience.
Reduced fraud rates and Simplified compliance.
3.15. NITI Aayog Report on School Education
Context:
Recently, the NITI Aayog released the report, titled ‘Learnings
for Large–scale Transformation in School Education,’
About the Report:
• The report analyses the implementation of Project SATH-E
in Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha under 9
intervention categories.
• Nine Intervention Cateogries: These are school
consolidation, remedial learning interventions,
assessments, teacher recruitment and rationalisation,
teacher capacity building, management information
systems and academic monitoring systems, governance
and accountability, organisation strengthening and leader
schools.
Project SATH-E: Aims and Selection
• The Sustainable Action for Transforming Human Capital
- Education (Project SATH-E) initiated by NITI Aayog in
2017 targets a comprehensive overhaul of education with
a focus on enhancing quality.
• Out of 16 interested states, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh,
and Odisha were selected for the project, emphasizing the
need for a large-scale transformation.
Key Issues Identified:
• Addressing the issue of sub-scale, inadequately resourced
schools head-on with strong political support
• Solving large-scale teacher vacancies issues
• Improving teacher quality and pedagogy
• Enforcing accountability towards learning outcomes
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• Focus on Early Childhood Education (ECE) and
contextualised Mother tongue-based Multilingual
Education (MLE)
• Strengthening the governance structures in education
departments
Key Suggestion made by the Report:
• School Merging as a Solution: Merging of schools to
address the issue of sub-scale schools with low enrollment.
• Addressing Unequal Distribution of Teachers, Prioritizing
Early Childhood Education (ECE):
3.16. Widening of Yield Spread Between State Bonds
and G-Secs
Context:
The yield spread between 10-year state bonds and 10-year
government bonds has widened by 8-10 basis points (bps) in
the current quarter of the financial year (2023-24). This is due
to the increased supply of state bonds.
Key Points:
• Yield
{{ “Yield” refers to the earnings generated and realized
on an investment over a particular period of time.
{{ It’s expressed as a percentage based on the invested
amount, current market value, or face value of the
security.
• Yield Spread:
{{ A yield spread is the difference between yields on
differing debt instruments of varying maturities,
credit ratings, issuers, or risk levels.
{{ A yield spread is calculated by deducting the yield of
one instrument from the other.
{{ This difference is most often expressed in basis points
(bps) or percentage points.
• What is a Bond?
{{ A bond is a debt instrument in which an investor
loans money to an entity (typically corporate or
government) which borrows the funds for a defined
period of time at a variable or fixed interest rate.
About Government Securities (G-Secs):
• It is a tradable instrument issued by the Central
Government or the State Governments. It acknowledges
the Government’s debt obligation.
• Types of G-Secs on the Basis of Maturity: Such securities
are short-term (usually called treasury bills, with original
maturities of less than one year) or long-term (usually
called Government bonds or dated securities with an
original maturity of one year or more).
• In India, the Central Government issues both, treasury bills
and bonds or dated securities while the State Governments
issue only bonds or dated securities, which are called the
State Development Loans (SDLs).
• G-Secs carry practically no risk of default and, hence, are
called risk-free gilt-edged instruments.
How are G-Secs Issued?
• G-Secs are issued through auctions conducted by RBI
on the electronic platform called the E-Kuber, the Core
Banking Solution (CBS) platform of RBI.
3.17. Making INR (rupee) a Hard Currency
Context:
GTRI suggests India should focus on becoming a middle-
income country before aspiring to make the INR (rupee) a hard
currency.
About Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI):
• GTRI aims to create high quality and jargon-free outputs
for Governments and Industry on issues related to trade,
technology and investment from the perspective of
development and inequality reduction.
What is Hard Currency?
• It refers to money that is issued by a nation that is seen as
politically and economically stable.
SHORT NEWS
• They are widely accepted around the world as a form of
payment for goods and services and may be preferred
over the domestic currency.
{{ The problem of international liquidity is related to the
non-availability of Dollar and other Hard Currency.
• Key Factors for Hard Currency Status:
{{ Economic stability, low inflation, consistent growth,
and a balanced trade environment are pivotal factors.
{{ Strong fiscal and monetary policies, political stability,
and effective national debt management are crucial
for aspiring reserve currency status.
• Some of the most recognised hard currencies and their
approximate global share:
{{ US Dollar (60 percent), Euro (20 percent), Japanese
Yen (5-6 percent), British Pound Sterling (4-5per cent),
Swiss Franc (1 percent), Canadian Dollar (2-3 percent)
and Australian Dollar (2-3 percent).
About Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI):
• GTRI aims to create high quality and jargon-free outputs
for Governments and Industry on issues related to trade,
technology and investment from the perspective of
development and inequality reduction.

Moving off Information The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed the installation of an inbuilt
System’ (MOIS) ‘moving off information system’ (MOIS) in certain categories of four-wheeler vehicles.
• About ‘Moving Off Information System’ (MOIS): To detect and alert drivers about the
presence of pedestrians and cyclists nearby. It issues a warning to the driver if a potential
collision is imminent.
Seed Capital Assistance to Prime Minister disbursed seed-capital assistance of ₹380 crore to over 100,000 self-help
SHG’s group (SHG) members.
• Objective: Help SHGs gain better price realization through improved packaging and quality
manufacturing.
• Seed Capital: It refers to the type of financing used in the formation of a startup.
• SHGs: These small groups which promote small savings among their members are kept
with the bank. It gives small loans to its members from its common fund
• Deen dayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM): Under
Ministry of Rural Development, is in mission mode with the objective of organizing the
rural poor women into SHGs.
{{ Revolving Funds (RF)- Rs.10,000-15,000 per SHG and Community Investment Support
Fund (CISF) at maximum of Rs.2,50,000 per SHG is provided.
AAINA Dashboard The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) launched the ‘AAINA Dashboard for
Cities’ portal.
About AAINA Dashboard: It is a portal where Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across the country
can participate to voluntarily submit their key data on a regular basis, through a simple, easy-
to-fill, data entry form on the portal.
• Objectives: Provide opportunities to learn and engage with frontrunners.

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 GI Tag for Onattukara Onattukara Sesame has received a geographical indication (GI) tag.
Sesame About Onattukara sesame:
• Cultivation: Onattukara sesame is currently grown on less than 600 hectares spread across
43 local bodies in three districts of Alappuzha, Kollam and Pathanamthitta, Kerala
• Nutritional Benefits: Besides vitamin E and antioxidants, it also contains oleic acid, linoleic
acid, palmitoleic acid, etc, which help maintain good health.
Geographical indication (GI):
• It is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities
or a reputation that are due to that origin.
• Geographical indications are typically used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and
spirit drinks, handicrafts, and industrial products.
• In India, Geographical Indications registration is administered by the Geographical
Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

DATA POINT
3.18. Rise of Patent Applications In India
Context:
According to a World Intellectual Property Organization report
“World Intellectual Property Indicators 2023, patent filings by
Indians surged by 31.6% in 2022”, the sharpest increase globally,
reflecting the country’s growing innovation ecosystem.
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO):
• It is the global forum for intellectual property (IP) services,
policy, information and cooperation.
• Established by a convention signed in Stockholm in 1967,
and became a specialized agency of the United Nations in
December 1974.
• It is headquartered in Geneva.
Key highlights of the Report:
• Patent Applications: Global Status: Innovators worldwide
filed 3.46 million patent applications in 2022, which is 1.7%
higher when compared with the previous year.
{{ A patent is an invention-based legal document that defines and provides the bearer with exclusive rights to exclude
others from producing, selling, or distributing such an invention.
• Indian scenario: Indians filed 15,495 more patent applications in 2022 than in the previous year, while China received
33,605 more applications than in 2021.
• Featured technology in published patent applications: Computer technology accounted for 11.1% of the world total in
2021.
{{ It was followed by electrical machinery (6.4%), measurement (5.8%), medical technology (5.2%) and digital
communication (4.9%).
• Trademark filings: India was in the top four with 467,918 filings in 2022, behind the US (945,571), Turkey (482,567), and
Germany (479,334).
{{ A trademark can be any word, phrase, symbol, design, or a combination of these things that identifies your goods or
services.
• Geographical indication (GI): China had the most GIs in force within its territory, with 9,571, followed by Hungary (7,843),
Germany (7,386) and the Czech Republic (6,383).

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 4. ENVIRONMENT AND GEOGRAPHY
4.1 Convergence of Wildlife Crime with Other Forms of Organized Crime
Context:
The Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) has released a new report on the convergence
of wildlife crime with other forms of organized crime.
More on News:
• The report reveals close connections between wildlife trade and various criminal
activities, including protection rackets, extortion, murder, money laundering, illicit
drugs, tax evasion, and corruption.
• This report, titled “Convergence of wildlife crime with other forms of organized
crime: A 2023 Review,” is a follow-up to the 2021 report, which highlighted 12
case studies demonstrating links between wildlife trafficking and human trafficking,
fraud, migrant smuggling, illicit drugs, corruption, and money laundering.
• However, it is the first time that it noted sand-mining as a form of environmental
crime.
About Wildlife Trade and Wildlife Crime:
• Wildlife Trade:It Involves the sale and exchange of wild animals and plants,
including live specimens, parts, derivatives, or transformed products.
{{ Regulated internationally by CITES (Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).
• Wildlife Trade in India: International wildlife trafficking into and out of India mainly
occurs through either the Northeast or through airports. Chennai and Mumbai
airports are major hubs for this illegal activity.
Major Trafficking Routes (The 2018 TRAFFIC report In Plane
Sight):
• Northeastern Borders: Rhino horns, tiger parts, and
pangolin scales are trafficked extensively across the borders
with Nepal, Myanmar, and China, with transit sites in cities
like Dimapur, Guwahati, and Imphal.
• India-Bangladesh Border: The trafficking of birds and
reptiles is prevalent along the India-Bangladesh border.
• Wildlife Crime: A significant environmental crime
encompassing violations of national, regional, or
international laws protecting wildlife species .
Legal Framework in India:
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: India has a robust legal and
policy framework to regulate and restrict wildlife trade.
{{ The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, prohibits trade in
over 1800 species of wild animals, plants, and their
derivatives.
• CITES Membership: India has been a member of CITES
(Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
of Fauna and Flora) since 1976.
{{ CITES is an international agreement that ensures international trade in specific species listed on Appendices does not
threaten their survival.

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• The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB): It is a statutory multi-
disciplinary body under the Ministry of Environment and Forests, to
combat organized wildlife crime in the country.
Common Facilitating Factors for Wildlife Crime:
• Bribery and Corruption: Corruption is a major driver in terrestrial
wildlife crimes, fisheries, and timber. It facilitates illegal activities at
every step of the supply chain, including poaching, transportation,
processing, and product sales.
{{ Examples: In the 12 case studies, bribery and corruption were
overtly present, particularly in timber and fisheries crimes,
where corruption can extend to high levels of government,
such as providing fishing licenses and logging concessions.
• Money Laundering:
{{ Attractiveness to Organized Crime: Wildlife crime is lucrative,
attracting organized crime groups due to the potential for large
profits with relatively low risk.
{{ Laundering of Illicit Financial Flows: High prices for wildlife
products like rhino horn and ivory suggest substantial illicit financial flows that may be laundered to conceal their illegal
origins.
• Limited Financial Investigations: Many countries do not conduct financial investigations to identify the proceeds of crime or
potential money laundering offenses linked to wildlife crime.
{{ Examples: The United States is one of the few countries that conducts financial investigations.
• Difference in Legislative Framework: One of the main problems that investigators face worldwide is the difference in the
legal status of wild animals in various countries.
{{ For instance, a star tortoise is protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (WPA, 1972), in India, it is not
considered a protected animal in many countries where it is sold freely and legally.
{{ When the trade of an animal, protected in one country, is not restricted under CITES, then it can be sold as a ‘captive-
breed’ to avoid any legal wrangles that could arise.
• Factors Driving Wildlife Trafficking in India:
{{ Demand for Raw Materials and Animal Parts:
„„ High demand for raw materials like red sandalwood and ivory, used in luxury product manufacturing.
„„ Demand for animal parts, including rhinoceros horn and tiger parts, for traditional medicine.
Impact of Wildlife Trade on the Environment
• Depletion of Natural Inhabitants: Wildlife trade leads to the depletion of natural habitats and populations of native species,
including tigers, elephants, rhinos, pangolins, and star tortoises.
{{ Example: In April 2010, the last known Vietnamese Javan rhinoceros. The animal—the final member of the subspecies
Rhinoceros sondaicus annamiticus—was killed by poachers.
• Spread of Invasive Species: Introduction of invasive species into ecosystems, such as red-eared slider turtles and suckermouth
sailfin catfish, due to the pet trade.
{{ Example: Burmese Python Species
{{ Native to Africa, Asia, and Australia become problematic in US due to their popularity as pets.
{{ However, by way of an accidental release, one such popular pet snake species, the Burmese python, was introduced in
South Florida.

65
 {{ They have since established a breeding population and are now considered to be one of the most concerning invasive
species in the Everglades National Park.
• Emergence of Zoonotic Diseases: Close human-wildlife contact in wet markets and wildlife trade can lead to the emergence
of zoonotic diseases.
{{ Virulent diseases like Ebola, Marburg virus disease, SARS, and COVID-19 have been linked to such interactions, posing
threats to human health and ecosystems.
Way Forward for Combating Wildlife Crime:
• Synergy Among Agencies: India’s coastal regions are vulnerable to smuggling of marine species like sea cucumber, sea horse,
shark fins etc. Synergy among Indian Coast Guard and Forest/Police/Customs is crucial to counter marine wildlife smuggling.
• Tackling Cross-Border Wildlife Trafficking: India’s land borders with Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar and China are
also exploited by wildlife traffickers.
{{ Enhanced coordination and cooperation are needed among security forces like Assam Rifles, Border Security Force,
Indo-Tibetan Border Police, and Sashastra Seema Bal to counter cross-border wildlife trafficking effectively.
{{ For Example: In 2018, Chinese Customs (Xiamen) detected endangered species smuggling involving suspects A and B.
They bought pangolin scales from from Nigeria to Vietnam, and smuggled them into China.
{{ Xiamen Customs informed the Vietnamese Customs authority and started a joint operation
• Addressing Wildlife Crime as Financial Crime:
{{ Establish coordination and cooperation between FIU-India, and Forest/Police/Customs/ for sharing financial intelligence
related to wildlife trafficking.
{{ Use provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to investigate and curb wildlife crime as a financial
crime.
• Recommendation by the WJC Commission:
{{ Intelligence Collection and Comprehensive Wildlife Datasets: Emphasize the need for governments to establish
comprehensive wildlife datasets and advocate for better intelligence collection methods.
{{ Organized Crime Group Mapping: Promote the use of organized crime group mapping as an essential tool.
{{ Multi-Agency Cooperation and Joint Investigations: Encourage multi-agency cooperation and joint investigations.
{{ Alternative Legislation for Convergent Offenses: Suggest considering the use of alternative legislation when relevant.
{{ Financial and Corruption Investigations: Advocate for conducting financial and corruption investigations alongside
wildlife crime cases.
{{ Specialized Investigative Techniques:
{{ Promote the greater utilization of specialized investigative techniques, including:
„„ Communications interception
„„ Undercover operations
„„ Use of listening and tracking devices
„„ Controlled deliveries

4.2. Adaptation Gap Report (AGR) 2023

Context:
Recently released, UNEP’s Adaptation Gap Report 2023: Underfinanced. Underprepared – Inadequate investment and plan-
ning on climate adaptation finds that progress on climate adaptation is slowing on all fronts.
Key Findings of the Report:
• Widening Adaptation Finance Gap: The adaptation finance gap is widening and now stands between US$194 billion and
US$366 billion annually.

66
• Climate adaptation finance: The fund from public multilateral (like the World Bank) and bilateral sources (from a developed
to a developing nation) declined by 15 percent to around $21 billion in 2021.
• Adaptation Cost: Estimated adaptation costs and needs for developing
countries are significantly higher than previous estimates, with a plausible
central range of US$215 billion to US$387 billion per year this decade
{{ Adaptation finance needs are 10–18 times higher than current
international public adaptation finance flows – at least 50 per cent
higher than previously estimated.
• Progress on National Adaptation Plans: Five out of six Parties of UNFCCC
have established at least one national adaptation plan, strategy or policy,
and just under half of them have two or more national instruments, that
serve to replace or update the initial ones.
{{ A recent study indicates that the 55 most climate-vulnerable economies
alone have experienced losses and damages of more than US$500
billion in the last two decades.
• Integration of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Climate Plans: It finds that only 20 percent of these plans have a
dedicated budget for such activities, and that the amount allocated is generally low, averaging 2 percent.
Need for Bridge Adaptation Finance and Measures:
• Accelerating Global Temperature:
{{ While global average temperatures already exceed 1.1°C above
pre-industrial levels, current plans reflected in the Nationally
Determined Contributions (NDCs) are putting us towards
2.4°C–2.6°C by the end of the century.
• Residual Climate Risk:
{{ The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concludes
that residual climate risks (that is risks remaining after ambitious
adaptation efforts) will persist even if the Paris Agreement goals
are reached.
„„ Residual climate risks, in turn, will inevitably lead to both
economic and non-economic losses and damages.
• Lack of a National Adaptation Planning Instrument:
{{ One out of six countries still does not have a national adaptation
planning instrument and more must be done to close the remaining
gap
• Progress in Adaptation Implementation in Developing Countries is
Plateauing:
{{ The number of adaptation actions supported through the four international climate funds was lower in 2022 than in the
previous year. Still, their value has been rising due to investments in very large projects.
• Gender Equality and Social Inclusion:
{{ There is global recognition that climate change can exacerbate inequality in multiple dimensions of social identity,
including gender, indigeneity, age, ethnicity, migrant status or disability.
{{ Of the international public finance for adaptation, only 2 percent is considered gender-responsive, with a further 24
percent considered gender-specific or integrative.
• Minimize Climate Costs:
{{ According to report every billion invested in adaptation against coastal flooding leads to a USD 14 billion reduction in
economic damages.

67
 „„ USD 16 billion per year investment in agriculture would prevent
approximately 78 million people from starving or severe hunger.
• Reducing Loss and Damage:
{{ Climate Vulnerable Economies Loss Report estimated that damages
in the 55 most climate-vulnerable economies alone exceeded US$500
billion over the past two decades.
Major Recommendation of Report: This report identifies seven ways to bridge
the adaptation financing Gap.
• International Public Adaptation Finance: LDCs rely most heavily on
international support, particularly grants – and bridging the adaptation
finance gap requires attention to both quantitative and qualitative aspects
such as access to finance and equity.
• Domestic Expenditure on Adaptation: Increase and improve budget tagging
and tracking. It can, therefore, help to spend government funds more
consciously and to integrate climate risks more effectively.
• Private-sector Finance for Adaptation: Concessional finance can help
encourage or de-risk private-sector investment and to reduce the cost of
capital, with the potential to also include technical assistance funds (grants)
to help strengthen financial viability or provide support on key issues.
Four additional potential approaches to bridge the finance gap are identified:
• Remittances By Migrants: These are a potential supplementary source of
finance for bridging the adaptation gap at the local level.
• Increasing Finance Tailored To Small And Medium-Sized Enterprises:
SMEs hold considerable potential in unlocking climate adaptation
solutions. Hence financing mechanisms should support their potential
to offer adaptation-relevant products and services.
• Reform of the Global Financial Architecture: This architecture,
together with other financing institutions such as MDBs, holds a large
and unused potential for helping developing countries to tackle 21st-
century problems, including adaptation.
• Implementing Article 2.1 (C) of The Paris Agreement: Article 2.1(c) calls
on governments to ‘make financial flows consistent with policy of low
greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development’.
{{ This is a pre-condition for achieving the Agreement’s adaptation
and mitigation goals, including limiting global warming to 1.5°C
above pre-industrial levels.
Conclusion:
Policymakers, multilateral banks, investors and the private sector must
make COP28 (2023) the moment that the world committed to insulating
low-income countries and marginalized groups, such as women and Indigenous Peoples, from climate impacts.
4.3. Climate-Smart Agriculture
Context:
Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) offers a viable solution to the world’s current challenges of climate change and food insecurity.
More on News:
• Consequences of Climate Change: Heat waves, flash floods, droughts, and cyclones, are detrimentally impacting lives and
livelihoods

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 {{ Southern continents are facing severe droughts adversely
affecting agricultural production and the well-being of farmers.
• Increased Demand For Food: The increasing global population and
shifts in dietary patterns further compound the demand for food.
• Inefficacy Of Traditional Farming Practices: Environmental factors
are increasing the challenges faced by traditional farming methods,
rendering them less productive.
Benefits of CSA:
• Achieving SDGs: CSA aims to end hunger (Goal 2) and enhance
environmental management aligned with the United Nations’
Sustainable Development Goals(SDG), through sustainable
agricultural practices and rural development.
• Mandate of NAPCC: The National Action Plan on Climate
Change(NAPCC) underscores the importance of CSA as a key
component of India’s adaptation strategies.
• Limiting Global Warming: CSA measures like agroforestry and
carbon sequestration can help India meet its international climate goals.The goal is to arrest “the increase in the global
average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels” and pursue efforts “to limit the temperature increase
to 1.5°C”
• Reducing GHG Emissions: The agricultural sector contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for around
17% of such emissions in 2018.
{{ The implementation of CSA becomes pivotal in mitigating GHG emissions and preserving biodiversity.
• Increasing Agricultural Productivity: CSA promotes crop diversification, increases water efficiency, and integrates drought-
resistant crops.
• It can increase agricultural output while maintaining ecological stability.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Ecosystem-based approach of CSA coupled with diverse crop varieties, fosters coexistence
between cultivated lands and natural habitats. Climate Change and Indian Agriculture:
{{ This collaborative effort aids in preserving native plant • Shift in monsoon pattern: Climate change has triggered a
species, maintaining stable pollinator populations and shift in monsoon pattern with a projected decrease of 15–16
days as well as intensification of rainfall by 1–4 mm per day.
mitigating the impacts of habitat degradation.
• Loss in cropped area: Hydro-meteorological calamities,
Challenges Associated with CSA: including heavy rainfall and floods, have damaged 33.9
• Creation of Localized Responses: It is challenging to generate million hectares of India’s cropped area between 2015-16
local scientific knowledge to identify appropriate solutions to and 2021-22.
the region-specific agricultural challenges. • Impact on productivity of crops: It is likely to decrease 10-
40% by 2100 due to climate change.
{{ India is divided into 15 agro-climatic regions based
• Decrease in crop yield: The decline in major crop yields
on parameters such as topography, soil, geographical between 2010 and 2039 could be as high as Nine percent,
formation, rainfall pattern, cropping system, irrigation, etc. worsening further with time.
{{ Agro-climatic region-specific information is critical for
understanding, evaluating and addressing the challenge of climate change and its impact on agriculture in each region.
• Shortage of Agricultural Water Resources: It has become a rigid constraint on global food security and sustainable
development of CSA.
{{ According to a study in the journal Earth’s Future, agricultural water scarcity is expected to increase in more than 80%
of the world’s croplands by 2050.
• Challenges in Adopting CSA technologies: High input cost, lack of sufficient knowledge, lack of awareness about climate
change issues, and lack of farmers-friendly CSA technologies are the major reasons behind this.

69
• Climate Variability and Climate Change: These have changed the distributions of light, heat, water, and other agricultural
climate resources.
{{ This has a destructive impact on smallholder agriculture, reducing crop yield, income, and food insecurity.
• Agricultural GHG Emissions: It further expands challenges to the sustainable development of CSA.
{{ Seven nations—Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, India, and the United States—are estimated to be
responsible for more than half of the world’s total soil emissions and 49% of the world’s total agricultural emissions.
• Information Resource Integration: Ensuring the security and standardization of agricultural information and data is crucial
for the effective development of CSA.
{{ However, challenges such as low standardization, incomplete data collection, and the risk of misinformation pose
significant obstacles to its long-term success.
Way Forward:
• Cooperative Or Community Farming: The smallholder farmers are
extremely vulnerable to crop losses.
{{ Cooperative or community farming can be an apt solution for
adopting CSA technology and practices to attain economies of scale.
{{ According to the Agricultural Census 2015 by the Ministry
of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare. The average size of
operational holdings declined from 2.28 hectares in 1970-71
to 1.08 hectares in 2015-16.
• Application of Remote Sensing Techniques: Hyperspectral images
help improve the identification and differentiation of crop
nutrients, diseases, and canopy structures.
{{ For example, the China Agriculture Remote Sensing Monitoring
System can monitor crop growth, planting area, yield, and
agricultural disaster information for staple crops in China.
{{ Fertilizer and pesticide management in the field can be further
enhanced by combining a wireless sensor network on the
ground with a remotely operated aerial vehicle.
• Improvement of Cropping Patterns: Multiple cropping patterns,
crop diversification practices, and no-till agriculture can increase
agricultural productivity and reduce GHG emissions.
{{ Suitable dryland crops need to be introduced to reduce the
submergence period in the annual planting cycle.
{{ Combining inorganic fertilizers with organic improves soil quality and crop productivity, especially for soils with low
fertility.
{{ For example, biochar as a soil additive has great potential in fixing carbon, repairing soil, and improving soil quality and
crop productivity
{{ Direct seeding of Rice(DSR) should be promoted wherein rice seeds are sown directly into the field, as opposed to the
traditional method of growing seedlings in a nursery, then transplanting into flooded fields..
• Soil Conservation: Techniques to reduce CO2 emissions are recommended, such as using crop residues, improving nitrogen
utilization efficiency, and reducing planting.
{{ Applying crop residues can increase soil organic carbon(SOC), enhancing crop yield.
{{ SOC represents the amount of carbon retained in the soil after the decomposition of the organic content.
• Agricultural Weather Index-Based Insurance: It applies the concept of financial instruments to the risk management of
natural disasters, and attracts social funds to participate in the dispersion of agricultural natural risks.

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{{ It is simple to settle claims and promote, overcoming traditional insurance’s adverse selection and moral hazard, and
reducing operating costs.
{{ Crop insurance programs like Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and Integrated Agrometeorological Advisory
Service (IAAS) have helped farmers maximize income from crop production by assisting them in coping with current,
short-term climate-induced risk.

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Prelims:
4.4. COP 28 News: • Share of Variable Renewable Energy: The combination of
solar PV and wind power, a rise from 10 per cent of the
UN Climate Change Conference (COP 28) total electricity generated in 2021 to 46 per cent by 2030
• The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is all set to host the UN is needed to meet the 2030 target.
Climate Change Conference (COP 28) from November 30
to December 12, 2023. • Increase In Energy Intensity: The global annual rate of
energy intensity improvement should double by 2030
• Meetings at the 2023 UN Climate Change conference in from the current level.
Dubai include:
• Increase in investment: It has to be increased from
{{ The fifth session of the decision-making body of the $486 billion in 2022 to $1,300 billion by 2030.
Paris Agreement (CMA 5)
{{ The 18th session of the decision-making body of the 4.6. CoP 28 Turns Attention To Potent Methane
Kyoto Protocol (CMP 18) Emissions
Context:
4.5 Report by the 28th session of the Conference of Methane emissions are also likely to be discussed in COP28
the Parties (COP28) Presidency meeting in Dubai.
Context:
Key Points:
The report by the 28th session of the Conference of the Par-
• Strengthen Global Methane Pledge: Scientists at European
ties (COP28) Presidency, the International Renewable Energy
Academies’ Science Advisory Council (EASAC) have called
Agency (IRENA) and the Global Renewables Alliance was re-
for COP28 to agree on a “substantial strengthening” of
cently launched pre-COP event in Abu Dhabi.
the methane pledge, with a formalised reduction target
Key Suggestions from the Report: of around 60% in the energy sector, in line with recent EU
• Increase In Renewable Power Generation Capacity: regulations.
Tripling renewable energy capacity for power generation
and doubling energy efficiency by 2030 is crucial to limiting
the global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius
above pre-industrial levels by the turn of the century.
{{ It has to be increased from 3,382 gigawatts (GW) in
2022 to more than three times to reach 11,174 GW
by 2030.
{{ Over the same period, installed solar photovoltaic
capacity need to increase to more than 5,400 GW
from 1,055 GW in 2022.
{{ Wind installations need to exceed 3,500 GW
(3,040 GW onshore and 500 GW offshore) from
899 GW in 2022.

What is Methane (CH4 )?

• Atmospheric methane (CH4) occurs abundantly in nature
as the primary component of natural gas.
• It is the second largest contributor to climate change,
accounting for around 16% of the warming effect.
• Methane remains in the atmosphere for only about 10 years
but has a much more powerful warming impact than CO2.
• Global Warming Potential: Its warming effect is 28 times
greater than CO2 over a 100-year timescale (80 times over
20 years).

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Major Sources of Methane Emission: • Objective: Reducing energy intensity of the Indian
● Human vs. Natural Sources: 60% from human ac- economy.
tivities, 40% natural sources (mainly wetlands).
● Agriculture and Livestock: Largest contributor, ac- 4.8. Production Gap Report 2023
counting for approximately 25% of emissions. Context:
● Energy sector and Gas leak: Methane leaks from Recently, the Production Gap Report 2023 was released by
energy infrastructure such as gas pipelines. Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), Climate Analytics,
● Decomposition of Waste: Discarded household E3G, International Institute for Sustainable Development
waste also releases large quantities of methane (IISD) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
when it decomposes if left to rot in landfills.
4.7. India’s Energy Conservation Building Code,
2017
Context:
Paris-based International Energy Agency highlighted India’s
Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), 2017 as a ‘notable
exception’ among developing countries.
India’s Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC):
• The ECBC was first released by the Ministry of Power’s
Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in 2007, followed by an
update in 2017.
• ECBC 2017: ECBC sets minimum energy standards for
commercial buildings.
{{ Objective: Enabling energy savings of between 25 and
50 percent in compliant buildings.
{{ Applicability: Applicable to commercial buildings like
hospitals, hotels, schools, shopping complexes, and
multiplexes with a connected load of 100 kW or more,
or contract demand of 120 kVA or more.
{{ It primarily looks at six components of building design
{{ Envelope (walls, roofs, windows),
What is the Production gap?
{{ Lighting systems, HVAC systems, and • The discrepancy between governments’ planned/
{{ Electrical power systems and projected fossil fuel production and global production
• Nodal Agency: Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) levels consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C or 2°C.
• Significance: Implementing energy efficiency building Key Findings of Report:
codes like ECBC is important as buildings in India account • Planned Fossil Fuel Production Surpasses Climate Goals:
for 30 percent of total electricity consumption, a figure Countries intend to produce 110% more fossil fuels in
expected to reach 50 percent by 2042. 2030 than aligns with the 1.5°C global warming limit.
• Challenges: 23 states have notified rules to enforce ECBC • Global Coal Production Surge: Immediate rise in coal
compliance, while large states like Maharashtra and production, notably in India and the Russian Federation,
Gujarat are still drafting rules. with significant expansions planned through 2030.
Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE): • Climate Impact of Fossil Fuel Burning: Fossil fuel burning
• It was set up on 1st March 2002 under the Energy has elevated atmospheric CO2 from 275 ppm pre-industrial
Conservation Act, 2001. revolution to 420 ppm, intensifying climate change.
• Mission: To assist in developing policies and strategies • Lack of Commitment to Production Reduction: Despite
with a thrust on self-regulation and market principles, net-zero emissions pledges, major producer countries
within the overall framework of Act. fall short in committing to reducing coal, oil, and gas
production in line with the 1.5°C warming target.

73
4.9. Emissions Gap Report 2023 • Mortality Disparities: Countries with limited early warning
coverage have eight times higher disaster mortality.
Context:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released • ‘Early Warnings for All Initiative’: Heat warnings provided
the 14th Emissions Gap Report 2023. in half of affected countries, expected to increase by 2027
under the Early Warnings for All initiative.
• Annual Heat-Related Deaths (2000-2019): Estimated
489,000 heat-related deaths/year (2000-2019), with Asia
(45%) and Europe (36%) bearing high burdens.
• Increasing Global Drought (2012-2021): 29% more global
land area affected by extreme drought/month (2012-
2021) than in 1951–1960.
• Droughts and Heat Waves (2020): Compound impacts led
to 98 million more people facing moderate-severe food
insecurity in 2020 compared to 1981–2010.

Key Highlights from the Report:

• Limiting Global Warming to 1.5 °C : There is only a 14
percent chance of limiting global warming to 1.5 °C over
pre-industrial levels considering the most optimistic
climate action projects.
• Breach of 2°C target: Even if the existing nationally
determined contributions (NDC), both conditional and
unconditional, are delivered by 2030, the world will
warm by 2.5°C, breaching the 2°C target set by the Paris 4.11. Ecological Threat Report 2023
Agreement. Context:
• Implementation gap: Warming under the current policy Recently, The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) has re-
scenarios will reach 3°C, given the implementation gap still leased its Ecological Threat Report for 2023, revealing alarm-
stands at five gigatonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent. ing findings about the increasing ecological threats faced by
{{ Implementation gap is the difference between the countries around the world.
commitments made by countries in their NDCs and Key Findings of the Report:
the actual measures and policies implemented to • Escalating Ecological Threats
achieve those commitments. {{ Rising Numbers: By 2050, the number of people in
• Rise in Alarming Climate Trends: There is a spike in the countries facing severe ecological threats will surge
number of climate records being shattered. Ex- 86 days from 1.8 billion to 2.8 billion.
have experienced warming higher than 1.5°C this year. {{ Hotspot Regions: Over half of these countries are
located in sub-Saharan Africa.
4.10. State of Climate Services for Health Report
2023 • Vulnerability and Resilience
Context: {{ Wide Analysis: The report encompasses 221 countries
Recently, ‘State of Climate Services for health report 2023’ and 3,594 sub-national areas, covering 99.99% of the
was released by the World Meteorological Organization. global population.
Key Findings: {{ Growing Vulnerability: The number of countries
• Projected Disasters by 2030: Medium or large-scale with low resilience facing severe ecological threats
disaster events to reach 560 annually by 2030. has increased to 30, with sub-Saharan Africa most
affected.

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• Hotspot Countries
{{ Prominent At-Risk Nations: Ethiopia, Niger, Somalia,
and South Sudan are identified as some of the most
at-risk countries, with Ethiopia and Niger emerging as
new hotspots. Myanmar has also been added to the
list of countries facing severe ecological threats.
• Regional Comparisons
{{ Europe and North America: These regions are the
exceptions with no countries currently facing severe
ecological threats, offering a contrast to other parts
of the world.
• Key Ecological Threat Categories:
{{ Food Insecurity: 42 countries experience severe food
insecurity, with the majority in sub-Saharan Africa.
„„ A 25 per cent increase in food insecurity, as
measured by the report, increases the risk of
conflict by 36 per cent.
{{ Natural Disasters: Natural disasters contribute to
ecological threats, with a 25% increase in natural
disasters increasing the risk of conflict by 21%.
{{ Demographic Pressure: The report underscores the
significance of demographic pressure as a threat
factor.
{{ Water Risk: Critical globally, with 2 billion lacking
access to clean water. A 25% increase lack of clean
drinking water raises the risk of conflict by 18%.
4.12. State of Food and Agriculture Report: FAO
Context:
Recently, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the
United Nations has released the State of Food and Agriculture
report.
Key Findings of the Report:
• Hidden Costs of Agrifood Systems: India’s hidden agrifood
costs reached approximately $1.1 trillion, making it the
world’s third-largest contributor after China and the
United States.
• Hidden Costs: Comprise environmental expenses
(greenhouse gas emissions, nitrogen emissions), land-
75
use changes, water usage, health-related losses due
to unhealthy dietary patterns, and social costs linked to
poverty and undernourishment.
{{ Hidden Cost for India:
„„ India accounted for 8.8% of the global quantified
hidden costs totaling $12.7 trillion.
„„ The largest share (60%) of hidden costs in
India stems from the burden of disease, mainly
productivity losses due to dietary patterns.
„„ Social costs associated with agri food worker
poverty contributed 14% of the hidden costs.
„„ Environmental costs related to nitrogen emissions
represented 13% of India’s hidden costs.
• Global Overview: China contributed 20% of the global
hidden costs, and the United States contributed 12.3%.
The hidden costs for China and the US were $2.5 trillion
and $1.5 trillion, respectively.
• Income-Level Variation:
{{ The majority of hidden costs originated in upper-
middle-income countries (39%) and high-income
countries (36%).
{{ Environmental costs constituted about 20% of the
global hidden costs, primarily from nitrogen emissions,
greenhouse gas emissions, land-use changes, and
water use.
4.13. Oxfam’s Climate Equality Report
Context:
Recently, Oxfam International released the “Climate equality:
A planet for the 99%” report.
Key Findings of the Report:
• Annual Global Emissions: The emissions of the super-rich
1% was cancelling out the carbon savings from almost a
million onshore wind turbines.
• The richest 1% of the world’s people emitted as much
carbon as the poorest 5 billion who make up 66% of the
global population.
• The emissions of the 1% are set to be over 22 times more
than the safe limit (the emissions allowed if we are to stay
below 1.5 degrees Celsius global warming) in 2030.
• Unequal Burden: The countries that are least responsible
for global warming are suffering the worst consequences
of the climate crisis and also the least able to respond and
recover.
• Most Vulnerable Countries: Located in Africa, South Asia,
Central and South America, Small Island Developing States
and the Arctic.
About Oxfam International:
• Origin: In 1995 a group of independent non-governmental
organisations formed Oxfam International to share
knowledge and resources and combine their efforts in the
fight against poverty and injustice.
• Works: Located in about 70 countries to save and protect
lives in emergencies, help people rebuild their livelihoods
and campaign for genuine, lasting change, keeping
women’s rights at the heart of everything they do.
• Member Organisation: There are 21 member
organisations of the Oxfam International confederation.
• They are based in India also.
4.14 Global Protection of River Dolphins by 2030
Context:
Recently, representatives from 14 countries that are home to
the world’s populations of river dolphins came together for
the Global Declaration of River Dolphins and their Rivers con-
vening.
• Global Declaration for the Protection of River Dolphins
include:
• Eleven of these countries signed a global declaration for
the protection of river dolphins by 2030.
{{ Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Colombia,
Ecuador, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Peru and Venezuela.
{{ These countries are committed to work on
transboundary research-driven solutions and
recommendations to mitigate threats facing river
dolphins.
• Formation of a Global Coalition: The signatory countries
will also create a global coalition comprising NGOs,
scientific research institutions, and foundations.
{{ This coalition will be responsible for implementing the
declaration and focusing on securing the long-term
future of river dolphins, their river habitats, and the
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communities that depend on these rivers.
• About Gangetic River Dolphin:
{{ The Ganges river dolphin can only live in freshwater
and is essentially blind.
• They hunt by emitting ultrasonic sounds, which bounces
off of fish and other prey, enabling them to “see” an image
in their mind also called ‘susu’..
• They are reliable indicators of the health of the entire river
ecosystem.
• Gangetic river dolphin has been designated as the National
aquatic Animal of India.
• Distribution: Seven states namely, Assam, Uttar Pradesh,
Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.
• Protection Status:
{{ IUCN Status: Endangered
{{ Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I.
{{ Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species (CITES): Appendix I (most endangered).
{{ Convention on Migratory Species (CMS): Appendix II
Steps Taken to Protect Dolphin by India:
• Project Dolphin: Launched in 2020, this project is aimed at
the conservation and protection of river dolphins, similar
to the successful Project Tiger.
• Dolphin Sanctuary: The Vikramshila Ganges Dolphin
Sanctuary has been established in Bihar, providing a
protected habitat for these endangered dolphins.
4.15. Fifty Years of ‘Project Tiger’
Context:
NTCA, in collaboration with the Sankala Foundation, has orga-
nized an art exhibition to pay tribute to the 50th anniversary
of Project Tiger’s successful completion.
About ‘Project Tiger’:
• Project Tiger (Centrally Sponsored Scheme) was launched
on April 1, 1973 from Jim Corbett National Park.
• Objective: To promote conservation of the tiger.
{{ It not only focused on the conservation of the tiger
but also ensured the preservation of their natural
habitat as tigers are at the top of the food chain.
• Nodal Agency: National Tiger Conservation Authority
(NTCA) is a statutory body under the Ministry for
Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) and was
established in 2006.
Protection Status of Tigers:
• Schedule I: Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
• Endangered: International Union for Conservation of
Nature (IUCN) Red List
• Appendix I: Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
4.16. Supreme Court Bans Crackers In India
Context:
The Supreme Court clarified that its order banning barium and
other banned chemicals in firecrackers applies to the entire
country, not just the National Capital Region.
What are the SC orders on Firecrackers?
• In October 2018, the Supreme Court imposed a ban on the
production and sale of all crackers except ‘green crackers’
and those with reduced emissions (improved crackers).
{{ The ban include the prohibition of ‘joined crackers’
(long rows of crackers joined together, and barium
salts in fireworks and said their noise levels should be
within permissible limits.
• The court reiterated this in its October 29, 2021 order.
• In September 2023, the SC dismissed a plea by the
firecracker manufacturers’ association to allow the use of
joined crackers and to add barium with improved additives
in green crackers.
Composition of Firecrackers:
77
• Firecrackers typically contain four primary ingredients:
oxidizer, fuel, coloring agents, and binder.
• Color Components:
{{ White: Aluminum, magnesium, titanium.
{{ Orange: Carbon, iron.
{{ Yellow: Sodium compounds.
{{ Blue and Red: Copper compounds, strontium
carbonates.
{{ Green: Barium monochloride salts, barium nitrate, or
barium chlorate
Why is Barium Banned?
• Barium is a metal oxide that pollutes the air and causes
noise.
• It was banned because of its harmful impact on human
health.
{{ such as irritation in the respiratory tract, skin allergies,
breathing difficulties, and even cancer.
Green Crackers as an Alternative to Barium Crackers:
• Green crackers are defined by the CSIR-National
Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR
NEERI) as firecrackers with a smaller shell, no ash and/or
additives such as dust suppressants to reduce emissions,
especially particulate matter.
• Composition: Excludes barium compounds, using
alternatives like potassium nitrate and aluminum for the
distinctive green color.
• Emission Reduction: Incorporates additives like dust
suppressants to minimize particulate matter and ash
emissions.
• Noise Levels: Produces sounds between 110-125
decibels, approximately 30% less noisy than conventional
firecrackers (160 decibels).
4.17. Cloud Seeding for Artificial Rain
Context:
To address the air pollution, the Indian Institute of Technology
(IIT) Kanpur has proposed “artificial rain” through cloud seed-
ing to reduce pollution levels in the national capital.
What is Cloud Seeding?
• Artificial rain: Also known as cloud seeding, it is a weather
modification technique used to encourage precipitation
by introducing chemicals like silver iodide, potassium
iodide, and dry ice into the sky using airplanes and
helicopters.
• Condensation nuclei: These particles serve as nuclei
around which water droplets can form leading to the
development of raindrops.
 {{ It usually takes about half an hour for this method to
make it rain.
• Objective: It serves various purposes, including reducing
the impact of droughts, preventing forest fires, increasing
precipitation, and enhancing air quality.
Cloud seeding techniques:
• Hygroscopic Cloud Seeding: It aims to accelerate the
coalescence of droplets in clouds, resulting in the
formation of larger droplets that lead to precipitation.
{{ In this method, salt particles are dispersed at the
cloud’s base.
• Glaciogenic Cloud Seeding: It focuses on inducing ice
production in supercooled clouds, leading to precipitation.
{{ It involves dispersing efficient ice nuclei, such as
silver iodide particles or dry ice, into the cloud, which
triggers heterogeneous ice nucleation.
Benefits of Cloud Seeding:
• Cloud seeding is used for enhancing winter snowfall
and increasing mountain snowpack, supplementing the
natural water supply available to communities of the
surrounding area.
4.18. Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project
Context:
Recently, the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project suffered a
setback after a large part of the hill on the left side of the dam
collapsed into its reservoir.
Key Points:
• The deposit blocked the only working diversion tunnel,
halting water flow downstream into the Subansiri River, a
major Brahmaputra tributary.
78
About Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project:
• It is an under-construction gravity dam located on the
Arunachal Pradesh and Assam border.
{{ Gravity dams are massive structure dams which are
constructed of concrete or stone masonry.
• It has a total capacity of 2000 MW, consisting of 8 units,
each with a capacity of 250 MW.
• This project is the largest hydroelectric venture ever
undertaken in India.
• It is a run-of-river scheme.
{{ Run-of-river hydro projects use the natural downward
flow of rivers and micro turbine generators to capture
the kinetic energy carried by water. Typically water is
taken from the river at a high point and diverted to a
channel, pipeline, or pressurised pipeline (or penstock).
• Implementing Agency: National Hydroelectric Power
Corporation (NHPC) Limited.
About Subansiri River:
• Subansiri River, also known as the “Gold River,” is the
largest tributary of the Upper Brahmaputra River.
• Originating from the Tibetan Himalayas, it flows into India
through Arunachal Pradesh’s Miri Hills.
4.19. State of the Cryosphere Report 2023
Context:
The International Cryosphere Climate Initiative has recently
released the State of the Cryosphere report, 2023.
• International Cryosphere Climate Initiative is a network
of policy experts and researchers working to preserve the
Earth’s cryosphere
Key Findings of the Report:
• The Himalayas: Expected to lose 50% of today’s ice if
global average temperatures touch 2°C.
• Antarctica: Sea ice hit an all-time low summer and
winter record this year. Experts predicted that it would
completely lose sea ice every summer at 2°C.
• Arctic Ocean: At 2°C, the Arctic Ocean will be free of sea
ice almost every year and for periods of up to four months
from July to October.
{{ Water temperatures in parts of the Arctic and North
Atlantic were 4-6°C higher than normal.
• Impact on Permafrost: At the current temperature rise of
1.2°C, many glaciers of the northern Andes, East Africa,
and Indonesia are disappearing rapidly.
{{ Both 2°C and 1.5°C could lead to doom of permafrost
as these temperatures are too high to stop the thawing
of permafrost extensively.
 {{ The world must limit global warming to 1.5°C to
protect the cryosphere.
About Cryosphere:
• The cryosphere is the name given to Earth’s snow and ice
regions and ranges from ice sheets, glaciers, snow and
permafrost to sea ice and the polar oceans.
• Permafrost is ground below the Earth’s surface that has
been permanentaly frozen.
{{ When permafrost thaws, it releases CO2 and methane
emissions. This will cause a spike in temperatures
even if human emissions reach zero.
4.20. India’s Response to EU’s Carbon Tax
Context:
India recently criticized the European Union’s (EU) plan to im-
pose a Carbon Tax on imports, calling it a poorly thought-out
decision.
Key Points:
• India believes EU’s tax would severely harm the
manufacturing industry and even if the plan goes ahead
in 2026, India would counteract it by imposing its own
carbon tax.
What is carbon Tax?
• A carbon tax, also known as a price on carbon, is a price
levied on emissions from fossil fuel sources, be it from
coal, oil, natural gas or gasoline.
About Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM):
• In order to prevent carbon leakage and reach other climate
change mitigation goals, , the EU in 2021, came up with
a proposal for a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
(CBAM).
• It is one of the central pillars of the EU’s ambitious Fit for
55 Agenda.
{{ The Fit for 55 package is a set of proposals to revise
and update EU legislation and to put in place new
initiatives with the aim of ensuring that EU policies are
into line with the climate goals.
• The CBAM plans to impose a tariff on a set of carbon-
79
intensive imports, which will have to be paid by EU
importers and companies who export such goods to EU
countries.
• With the CBAM, the EU also wants to create a level-playing
field for business in the bloc with those outside by making
equal the price for the carbon content of goods regardless
of where they are made.
• The CBAM initially plans to impose a carbon border tax
on the most carbon-intensive imports—iron and steel,
cement, fertilisers, aluminium and electricity.
4.21. UNCCD Released Policy Recommendations on
Dust Emissions
Context:
Recently, the UNCCD, released policy recommendations on
dust emissions during a five-day meeting from November 13-
17 in Uzbekistan.
Key Findings:
• Global Dust Emissions: It reveals that human activities
contribute to 25% of global dust emissions. Agriculture
stands out as the primary anthropogenic source, impacting
ecosystems worldwide.
• Alarming Land Loss: The world is losing almost 1 million
square kilometres (386,000 square miles) of productive
land yearly to sand and dust storms.
Key Recommendations:
• Emphasize enhanced practices for restoring damaged
land.
• Strengthen systems for early detection and response to
sand and dust storms.
• Introduce incentives and public funding to encourage
responsible land use by the private sector.
About Sand and Dust Storms:
• They are a meteorological phenomenon characterised by
strong and turbulent winds lifting an ensemble of small
particles to great heights.
• These storms pose significant challenges to achieving 11 of
the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, according to the
United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Sources:
• Natural: About 75 percent of emissions come from
natural sources such as hyper-arid regions, topographic
depressions in arid areas and dry ancient lake beds with
little vegetative cover.
• Anthropogenic: Anthropogenic factors such as land-use
change, agriculture, water diversion and deforestation
contribute to the remaining 25 percent.
4.22. Cyclone Midhili
Context:
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) declared about
the development of Cyclone Midhili in the northwest Bay of
Bengal.
What are Cyclones?
• A Cyclone is a rapid inward air circulation around a low-
pressure(LP) area.
• They are confined to the area lying between 30° N and 30°
S latitudes in the atmosphere.
• Cyclones in India: Tropical cyclones in the North Indian
Ocean region develop during the pre-monsoon (April to
June) and post monsoon (October to December) periods.
Conditions for the Formation of a Tropical Cyclone:
• Large and continuous supply of warm and moist air.
• Strong Coriolis force that can prevent the filling of low
pressure at the centre.
• Unstable condition that creates local disturbances.
• Absence of strong vertical wind wedge which disturbs the
vertical transport of latent heat.
Naming of Cyclones:
• Countries affected by the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal
cyclones rotationally give names of cyclones in a sequence.
• The name ‘Midhili’ was given by the Maldives.
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4.23. International Tropical Timber Council
Context:
The 59th International Tropical Timber Council (ITTC) recently
concluded in Thailand.
About the International Tropical Timber Council (ITTC):
• It is the governing body of the International Tropical
Timber Organisation (ITTO).
International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO):
• About: It is an intergovernmental organization for
promoting the sustainable management, restoration and
conservation of tropical forests and trade in tropical forest
resources including improved market intelligence.
• Establishment: ITTO was established under the
International Tropical Timber Agreement 1983 (ITTA
1983), negotiated under the auspices of the UN Conference
on Trade and Development.
• Headquarters: Yokohama, Japan.
• Project Funding: It facilitates funding for forestry projects
in tropical timber producing countries.All projects are
funded by voluntary contributions from governments.
• Members: Total members are 75 including EU, 37 are
producer member countries and 38 consumer member
countries. India belongs to the group of the producing
member countries.
ITTO Projects in India:
• ITTO has funded a project titled ‘Establishment of network
to facilitate collection, processing and dissemination of
statistics pertaining to tropical timber and other forestry
parameters in India.
4.23. Gujarat’s State Fish: Ghol
Context:
The Gujarat government chose the Black-spotted croaker or
the ‘ghol’ as state fish.
About Ghol Fish:
• Habitat: Found in the Indo-Pacific region that stretches
from the Persian Gulf to the Pacific Ocean.
{{ India: Marine areas of Gujarat and Maharashtra in a
golden-brown color.
{{ It is found in coastal waters over muddy
bottoms off the seabed.
{{ It ascends tidal rivers and estuaries and feeds
on crustaceans and small fishes.
• IUCN Red List Assessment: Near Threatened (2020)
• Importance: The fish is considered a delicacy in many
countries.
{{ While the meat of the fish is exported as frozen fillet or
 whole fish to European and Middle-Eastern countries.
• It is used for medicinal purposes.
{{ Its air bladder — which is cut open from the stomach
and dried — is mainly exported to China, Hong Kong
and other Asian countries where it is in high demand
for its medicinal values.
4.24. Transhipment Hub in Andaman and Nicobar
Island
Context:
According to the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways,
a bulk cargo transhipment hub can be developed in Atlanta
Bay near Diglipur in the Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) Islands.
Key Points:
• The Atlanta Bay: It is just 50m away from the sea and
there is availability of Natural break and is well connected
by road.
• Galathea Bay Project: The hub is part of the Galathea bay
project, worth Rs 44,000 crore.
{{ International Container Transhipment Port (ICTP): It is
a Sagarmala Project being developed at Galathea Bay.
• Strategic Location: Situated in the northern side of A&N
Islands, a harbour is essential to promote high-end
81
tourism and other essential purposes.
{{ It is situated at around 80 km from the Coco Islands
(the Chinese defence base).
• Significance: Once operationalized, the Port will be
economically beneficial for India and its neighbours.
{{ The proposed port is 565 km from Yangoon
(Myanmar), 1,000 km from Chittagong (Bangladesh).
{{ The route connects East India to South East Asia,
Australia, New Zealand and other regions.
• Indira Point: There are plans to develop the southernmost
tip of India as a major tourism destination.
About Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) Islands:
• Union Territory: It consists of two groups of islands in the
southeastern edge of the Bay of Bengal.
Andaman Islands: The Andamans extend north-
{{
south and include more than 300 islands. The major
islands are North Andaman, Middle Andaman, and
Lower(South) Andaman with Little Andaman, to the
south.
{{ Nicobar Islands: The Nicobar group includes the
islands of Car Nicobar (north), Camorta (Kamorta) and
Nancowry (central group), and Great Nicobar (south).
SHORT NEWS
New Mushroom Species
Relics of Huge Primordial
Collision
Red Sanders
Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary
Rare Metal Tantalum in Sutlej
A new species of mushroom belonging to the genus Candolleomycestiny was found in
Western Ghats in Kerala.
• This region is rich in fungi, many of which are endemic to the region.
• The new species has been named Candolleomyces Albosquamosus.
• The fragile-looking mushroom is a relatively small genus with just 35 species recognised
worldwide.
• Structure: Delicate in build, there are white woolly scale-like structures on its pileus
or cap.
In a recent study, scientists have proposed that the mysterious “blobs” deep within Earth’s
mantle are actually remnants of a protoplanet named Theia.
Theia: Theia is a hypothesized ancient planet in the early Solar System that, according to
the giant-impact hypothesis, collided with the early Earth around 4.5 billion years ago.
Key Findings of Study:
• Seismologists have recognized since the 1970s that two mysterious continent-sized
blobs reside in the deepest part of Earth’s mantle, one under Africa and the other
under the South Pacific region.
• These blobs, denser than the material surrounding them, may be relics from a cataclysm
early in our planet’s history hypothesized to have spawned the moon - the collision
between primordial Earth and a Mars-sized object called Theia.
Recently, Tirupati police have seized a loot of Red Sanders logs estimated to be worth ₹4.31
crore.
• Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus): It is an endemic tree species to the forests of
Seshachalam, Veligonda, Lankamala and Palakona Hills range of Andhra Pradesh and
can only be found in the southern parts of the Eastern Ghats.
• Conservation Status:
{{ The Wildlife Protection Act: Listed under Schedule IV, IUCN Red List: Endangered,
CITES: Appendix II
The Goa bench of the Bombay High Court directed the Goa government to establish a tiger
reserve in Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary and adjoining areas within three months.
About Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary:
• It is located in the Northern Part of Goa, near the village of Valpoi.
• Named after the Mhadei River that flows through it. It originates in Bhimgad Wildlife
Sanctuary in Karnataka and drains into the Arabian Sea.
Flora: Lush deciduous and some evergreen vegetation, Sacred groves protecting rare trees,
Ashoka tree with saffron-colored flowers, Rare and endemic orchids.
Fauna: Indian gaur, Barking deer, Sambar deer, Black Panther, Sloth bear, Tiger, and others.
Rich birdlife with 255+ species; it is declared an International Bird Area.
IIT-Ropar researchers discovered rare metal viz. tantalum in Sutlej which is used in elec-
tronics and semiconductors.
Key Points: According to the Punjab Mining and Geology Department, the discovery of tan-
talum in Sutlej is not only significant for Punjab but for India, given its value in terms of its
use in electronics and semi-conductors.
About Tantalum: Tantalum is a hard, lustrous transition metal that is highly corrosion resis-
tant. It has the symbol Ta and atomic number 73.
• Importance: The annual report of the Union Ministry of Mines for 2020-21 identified it
as one of the 12 critical and strategic minerals.
• Production: Rwanda is one of the world’s largest producers of tantalum.
• Uses of Tantalum: It is widely used in electronic components, alloys and orthopedic material
82
 5. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
5.1. London Summit on the Safe Use of Artificial Intelligence(AI)
Context:
The two-day London summit on the safe use of Artificial Intelligence(AI) is being hosted by the UK for discussing the risks and
opportunities posed by artificial intelligence (AI).
About the Summit:
• British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak organized the summit What is Artificial Intelligence?
at Bletchley Park, known for AI research pioneered by Alan It is a machine-based system that can, for a given set of human-
Turing . defined objectives, make predictions, recommendations, or
decisions influencing real or virtual environments.
{{ Turing, “father of AI,” led a team that cracked the German
Enigma code during World War II, aiding the Allies.
• The summit will discuss the establishment of:
{{ International register of frontier AI models that will allow governments to assess the risks involved with AI.
{{ AI Safety Research Institute will examine, evaluate and test new types to understand what each new model is capable
of and its risks. .
• It marks an important first step towards the global governance of AI that offers unprecedented danger to human rights.
Need for Global AI Governance:
• Lack of Laws To Regulate Data Scraping: Web scrapers for What is meant by Data Scraping?
Generative AI gather data for training the models properly and • Data scraping refers to a technique in which a computer
this data needs to be regulated. program extracts data from output generated from another
program.
{{ Currently, there is no uniform global law to regulate this • Data scraping is commonly manifested in web scraping,
data. the process of using an application to extract valuable
• Dominance of The AI Big Three: China, the European information from a website.
Union (EU) and the US are shaping the new global order of What are Web crawlers or data scrapers?
governance, development of AI and the data-driven digital • The foundational model is the core of any Generative AI
economy in support of their interests. program which is a deep learning algorithm that has been
pre-trained on data scraped from the internet.
{{ The AI Big Three aim to control and own global critical • These foundational models need fresh data inputs constantly.
infrastructure and software, and hardware value chains
• To ensure that their models are working properly, Generative
that are prerequisites for national AI deployments. AI companies build web crawlers or data scrapers, which are
{{ At an industry level, the AI Big Three are headquarters computer programs that crawl through websites and extract
of the top 200 most influential digital technology their data.
companies worldwide, and they shape current industry-
led global AI governance.
• Widening Social Disparities: Today, AI development is with large digital corporations.
{{ The concentration of AI expertise in a few companies and nations could exacerbate global inequalities and widen digital
divides.
• Cybercrime: The potential risks with AI, include online harassment, hate and abuse, and threats to children’s safety and
privacy.
{{ In the realm of generative AI, it points to the danger of foreign information manipulation, which involves spreading
disinformation, undermine democratic values, suppress freedom of expression, and threatening the enjoyment of
human rights.
{{ HYAS Labs created a polymorphic malware called BlackMamba using Large Language Models, as a proof of concept,
which could collect sensitive information like usernames, passwords, and credit card numbers.
• Curb of Individual Rights: The risks posed by AI to freedom of expression entail, among others, excessive content blocking
and restriction and opaque dissemination of information.

83
 {{ For example, DeepMind, Google’s AI unit, is alleged to have violated UK data protection laws and patient privacy rules
during the development and testing of an app for the NHS(National Health Services).
• Exclusionary AI Governance Frameworks: Current transnational AI governance frameworks do not adequately consider the
perspectives of Global South.
{{ Without active participation in the multidimensional
global AI governance discourse, countries in the
Global South will likely find it challenging to limit
the harm caused by AI-based disruption.
{{ There is also a lack of consideration for the fact that
Western knowledge, values, and ideas, might not
function as effectively in other regions.
What has been India’s progress towards regulating AI?
• NITI Aayog: It issued the National Strategy for Artificial
Intelligence in 2018 which had a chapter dedicated to
responsible AI. In 2021, it issued a paper, ‘Principle of
Responsible AI’.
• During the B20 meeting (Part of G20 year long meeting),
India emphasised on a global framework on expansion of “ethical” AI.
{{ This implies establishment of a regulatory body to oversee the responsible use of AI, akin to international bodies for
nuclear non-proliferation.
• In the recently concluded G20 meeting, it suggested international collaboration to come out with a framework for responsible
human-centric AI.
• Sector-Specific Frameworks: These were issued due to absence of an overarching regulatory framework for the use of AI
system in India.
{{ In June 2023, the Indian Council of Medical Research had issued ethical guideline for AI in biomedical research and
healthcare;
{{ In January 2019, SEBI issued a circular for creating an inventory in AI systems in the capital market and guide future
policies.
{{ Under the National Education Policy 2020, AI awareness has been recommended to be included in school courses.
{{ Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended setting up a domestic statutory authority to regulate
AI in India, through the lens of a risk-based framework.
Way Forward:
• Uniform Global Regulation: All countries need to build a set of harmonised regulations that govern all Generative AI models
and their data crawlers/scrapers.
{{ Enforcing global governance through a fragmented Role of G20 in AI Governance:
approach, and regulating AI in some nations while leaving • Several initiatives and working groups have been established
it unregulated elsewhere holds limited effectiveness. where discussions typically focus on three main areas:
Ethical considerations, Economic implications,
• Establishment of a Global AI Knowledge Hub: There should {{

Regulatory frameworks
be a centralised platform for sharing best practices, research
• G20 AI Principles: They provide a framework for countries
findings, and policy recommendations on AI governance.
and organisations to develop and deploy AI in a way that is
{{ It would address ethical issues and involve experts and beneficial and addresses concerns related to ethics, privacy,
citizens into governance mechanisms, thereby benefiting and security.
countries of both the Global North and Global South. {{ However, there is limited consideration of the
distributional aspects and existing multidimensional
• Support for International Technical Standards: Technical
power dynamics that shape global AI governance.
standards function as a baseline to gauge a product’s features
and performance.

84
 {{ These technical standards enable a common platform
for risk assessments and audits, allowing countries with
varying regulations to mutually assess and evaluate AI
systems or services.
• Creation of a coordinating committee for the governance
of artificial intelligence and data (CCGAID): It will
institutionalize linkages between relevant actors within
the G20
{{ Decolonial-informed approach (DIA) to responsible AI
governance can help address power imbalances.
{{ To support a DIA, the CCGAID must establish a
dedicated Global South Working Group (GSWG) that
includes multistakeholder representatives from the Global South.
{{ This working group would ensure the inclusion of diverse perspectives in shaping responsible AI governance frameworks.

5.2 US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET)

Context:
US-India iCET is emerging as an important collaboration that would deepen cooperation between the government, academia
and industry of the two countries in areas of Critical and Emerging technologies.
More on News:
• Announcement: In May 2022, President Joe Biden and Prime
Minister Narendra Modi announced the US-India Initiative About NSC:
• The three-tiered NSC of India is responsible for managing
on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) “to elevate and
security, energy, political, and economic matters of strategic
expand their strategic technology partnership and defense importance.
industrial cooperation.
• Headed by: The National Security Advisor (NSA) is in charge
• It will be Co-led by the National Security Council Secretariat of it.
in India and the U.S. National Security Council. • Three-tiers of hiearchy: The Strategic Policy Group (SPG), the
• Objective: The iCET seeks to position New Delhi and National Security Advisory Board (NSAB), and the National
Security Council Secretariat
Washington D.C. as “trusted technology partners” to build
supply chains and support the co-production and co-
development of items.
• Area Of Cooperation: Under iCET, both countries
have identified six cooperation areas, including co-
development and co-production, that would gradually be
expanded to QUAD, then to NATO, followed by Europe and
the rest of the world.
Other critical goods, and lead the revolution in AI (Artificial
Intelligence), advanced computing, biotech, and quantum
computing.
About CET:
Critical and emerging technologies (CETs) are a subset of advanced technologies potentially significant to India.
• For Example, Advanced Computing and Quantum Information
Technologies What is Open RAN?
It stands for open radio access network. Specifically, Open RAN
• These advanced technologies are rapidly transforming is an ongoing shift in mobile network architectures that enables
the global landscape, and have the scope to redefine service providers the use of non-proprietary subcomponents from
next-generation industrial and economic growth besides a variety of vendors.
security challenges. Challenges at India’s end in leveraging Radio Access Network(RAN): It is a major component of a wireless
telecommunications system that connects individual devices to
iCET:Differences on Global Issues: India’s stance on global
other parts of a network through a radio link.

85
 issues, such as its approach to the Ukraine-Russia war, can sometimes strain its relationships with key partners, potentially
affecting collaboration on CETs.
• Regulatory Barriers and Export Control Norms: India’s
existing export control norms can create hurdles for strategic Artemis Accords: It was established by the U.S. State Department
technology collaborations and trade. Streamlining these and NASA with seven other founding members: Australia, Canada,
regulations is essential to foster innovation and technology Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the United Arab Emirates, and the
transfer. United Kingdom in 2020.
NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar):
• Research and Development (R&D) investments: India’s It is a Joint earth observation project of NASA and ISRO.
total spending on R&D as a percentage of its Gross Domestic Objective: To observe natural processes, including ecosystem
Product (GDP) is estimated to be 0.7 per cent, which is far too disturbances, ice-sheet collapse, and natural hazards such as
low compared to even near-peer countries such as Mexico, earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, landslides, etc.
Brazil, and South Africa, let alone China or the US according
to the NITI Aayog.
• Capacities of PSUs: According to Defense experts, the DRDO, HAL and its associated laboratories are not the best at
developing cutting-edge or emerging technologies like AI that the military can use.
• Problem of intellectual property rights: The U.S. Trade Representative highlighted India was one of the most challenging
major economies as far as IP protection and enforcement in its annual Special 301 report.
{{ The Indian industry raised concerns concerning the IP regime in the US, such as high patent filing costs, online piracy,
and unfavorable enforcement of industrial design.
India-US Technology Collaboration:
• Semiconductor supply chains:
{{ Micron Technology with support from the India Semiconductor Mission – will invest more than $800 million toward a
new $2.75 billion semiconductor assembly and test facility in India.
• Critical Minerals Partnership:
{{ The US and India forged the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), to accelerate the development of diverse and
sustainable critical energy minerals supply chains globally through targeted financial and diplomatic support.
• Advanced TelecommunicationsIndia and the US also launched public-private Joint Task Forces, one on developing and
deploying Open RAN systems and one on advanced telecoms research and development.It will reduce costs, increase
security, and improve the resiliency of telecommunication networks.
• New Frontiers in Space: India has signed the Artemis Accords, joining 26 other countries committed to peaceful, sustainable,
and transparent cooperation that will enable exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
{{ NASA will provide advanced training to Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) astronauts to launch a joint effort to
the International Space Station in 2024.
{{ NASA and the ISRO are developing a strategic framework for human spaceflight cooperation by the end of 2023.
• Climate Change and Disaster Management:
{{ The US Geological Survey and ISRO are negotiating expanded bilateral data exchange that will enable greater insight
into the earth, including for various applications, such as climate resiliency, sustainable development and management
of natural resources, and disaster management support.
• Quantum, Advanced Computing, and Artificial Intelligence
{{ India and the US have established a Joint Indo-U.S. Quantum Coordination Mechanism to facilitate joint research
between our countries’ public and private sectors.
{{ The US has also endorsed India’s participation in the Quantum Entanglement Exchange and the Quantum Economic
Development Consortium, which facilitates exchanges on quantum between nations.
• Defence “Innovation Bridge”: The India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) a network of universities, incubators,
corporations, think tanks, and private investment stakeholders — was inaugurated on June 21, 2023.

86
 {{ This programme will facilitate joint innovation on defence technologies and accelerate the integration of India’s private
sector defence industry with the US defence sector.
Conclusion:
CETs hold immense potential for India’s future growth and prosperity. India must continue to invest in research and development,
foster innovation, and create a conducive environment for adopting CETs to realize their transformative power.
5.3. Privatization of Space Sector
Context:
According to Deloitte consultancy, private investments in the Other succesful Spacetech Startups in India:
Space sector increased by 77 percent between 2021 and 2022 • Agnikul Cosmos, a private Indian company set up India’s first
with Opening of 190 Indian space start-ups,.It was twice as many launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.
as a year earlier. • Bellatrix Aerospace, another Indian space startup, is
engaged in advanced in-space propulsion systems and rocket
More on News:
propulsion technologies.
• According to Tracxn, the Indian SpaceTech sector has received
$62 million in 2023, rising by 60% from the same period last
year.
• Skyroot, which launched India’s first privately manufactured rocket, Vikram-S, promises to transform satellite launches.
• Policy Directions: The Space Policy 2023 formally laid down the regulations of privatizing space missions in India, denoting
guidelines for NewSpace India Limited (NSIL,ISRO’s commercial arm) and Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization
Centre (IN-SPACe).
• Opportunities for Startups: They can provide satellite communication services, operate on-ground mission control centres,
launch their own satellites, and “engage in the commercial recovery of an asteroid resource or a space resource.”
Status of Space-Tech Sector:
• As per SpaceTech Analytics, India is the sixth-largest player in
the industry internationally having 3.6% of the world’s space-
tech companies (as of 2021). The U.S. holds the leader’s spot
housing 56.4% of all companies in the space-tech ecosystem.
{{ Other major players include the U.K. (6.5%), Canada (5.3%),
China (4.7%) and Germany (4.1%).
• According to the Economic Survey of India, there have been
over 100 active space companies since 2012.
Reasons for Privitisation of Space Sector:
• ISRO’s Focus on Core Competencies: India’s space industry
comprises a significant number of small and medium-sized
enterprises that supply components for satellite and launch
vehicle manufacturing.
{{ Encouraging private participation could free up ISRO to
focus on science, research and development, interplanetary
exploration, and strategic launches.
• Future Prospect: As per IN-SPACe’s projection, India’s space
economy has the potential to reach ₹35,200 crore ($44 billion)
by 2033 with about 8% of the global share.
• Socio-Economic Impact of Space Applications: Empowering the private sector amplifies the socio-economic impact of
space applications.
{{ For Example: Companies like Pixxel have introduced technologies for earth observation, while Dhruva Space and
Bellatrix Aerospace are contributing to the sector through their unique offerings.
• Emerging Opportunities in the Global Space Sector: Future opportunities in fascinating areas like space tourism and

87
 commercial recovery of space resources are coming up, Curious case of Antrix-Devas deal:
promising enormous scope of growth in the sector. Antrix-Devas Case: In 2005, Antrix, a commercial and marketing
{{ Blue Origin, a private spaceflight company founded by arm of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) had signed a
satellite deal with Devas Multimedia.
Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, is developing a reusable rocket
What went Wrong? The Indian Government in 2011 terminated
system that could be used for Space tourism. the contract after allegations emerged that the deal included
• Accelerated Innovation and Technology Development: Private “quid pro quo” between Antrix officials and Devas.
players are expected to bring fresh perspectives, innovation, • The company approached the International Chamber of
Commerce (ICC) and in 2015, an arbitral tribunal found that
and a competitive spirit to the space sector, leading to the
the termination of the contract was wrong.
development of cutting-edge technologies and solutions.
• Verdict of Supreme Court: The apex court dismissed Devas’
• For Example, companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, Virgin appeal against a tribunal’s 2021 order that it should wind up
Galactic, and Arianespace have revolutionized the space operations on grounds of fraud.
sector by reducing costs and turnaround time, with innovation
and advanced technology.
• Transfer Of Technology: MOUs for transfer of technologies have been signed between ISRO centers and several private
sector companies.
{{ To capture the small satellite launching market ISRO has developed a Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) with a view
to transfer the technology to the industry.
• Investment in Space Sector: Ranking 7th globally in terms of funding, the Indian space startup sector has seen significant
funding growth, from Rs 28 million in 2020 to Rs 112 million in 2022.
Challenges to Privatisation of Space Sector:
• Regulation: Time taken for regulatory clearances and unstable political institutions can cause delays and hurdles in decision
making of investors.
• Spacecraft emissions: The participation of the private sector in the aerospace industry has led to an enormous increase
in the number of launches that will likely continue to grow in spacecraft emissions.For Instance, Atmospheric scientists,
Martin Ross and Darin Toohey (2019), explained that particulate emissions from rockets may have a significant impact on
the global climate.
• Growing number of collisions and Orbital debris: NASA researchers suggest that satellite constellations and the increase of
launches due to private sector participation are leading to a growing number of collisions and orbital debris.
{{ Orbital debris pose a serious threat to both satellites and manned space exploration, such as the inhabitants of the
International Space Station.
• Lack of Access to Capital: In terms of lack of financing, private capital is still not flowing freely to space-based enterprises
like it is with internet-, digital media- and hardware-related technology businesses.
• Lack of Access to Insurance: There also is a lack of adequate and secured insurance, which is because of the inability of
insurers to see and test the reliability of space-based

Way Forward:
• Enable and promote Non-Governmental Entities (NGE): Providing a level playing field for players within the Indian private
sector, allowing them to become independent actors in the space sector instead of being solely vendors or suppliers to the
government program.
• Open up ISRO Infrastructure and Facilities: National space infrastructure can be made available for use by the private
industry through a business-friendly mechanism.
{{ Facilities pertaining to testing, tracking and telemetry, launch-pads, and laboratories, created by ISRO, would also
enable the private space industry to climb the value chain.
• Demand-driven approach for the development of Space Assets: Optimizing the utilization of space assets such as satellites
and launch capacity by determining accountability amongst various stakeholders.
• Upskilling the human power: Department of Space and the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE)
conducted ISRO Technical Training Programme (ITTP) at various National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) across the country.

88
 {{ It aims to upskill/reskill 4000 Technicians / Technical / Scientific Assistants of ISRO in four to five years in phased
manner to give a boost to private sector participation in space sector.
Conclusion:
• With a robust regulatory framework, more schemes to promote ease of doing business for spacetech businesses and a
pathway for private sector investment, the country’s space sector holds the potential to become a trailblazer in the global
space market.

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Prelims:
5.4. Aditya L1 Mission Captured First High-Energy
Solar Flare
Context:
The Aditya L1 solar probe mission by ISRO has captured its first
high-energy solar flare in X-ray.
Key Points:
• The High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer (HEL1OS)
on board Aditya-L1 recorded the impulsive phase of solar
flares.
• HEL1OS Instrument:
{{ HEL1OS is the hard X-ray spectrometer on the Aditya
L1 mission.
{{ It operates in the wide X-ray energy band between 10
and 150 keV, enabling the study of solar flare activities
on the Sun.
What are solar flares?
• A solar flare is a tremendous explosion on the Sun that
happens when energy stored in ‘twisted’ magnetic fields
(usually above sunspots) is suddenly released.
• Impact:
{{ Solar flares produce high energy particles and
radiation that are dangerous to living organisms.
{{ The most dangerous emissions from flares are energetic
charged particles (primarily high-energy protons) and
electromagnetic radiation (primarily x-rays).
{{ To read more about Aditya L1 Mission, refer to
embedded link Aditya L1 Mission.
5.5. World Health Organization (WHO) 2023 Global
TB report
Context:
India accounted for the highest number of tuberculosis (TB)
cases in the world in 2022, as revealed by the new World
Health Organization (WHO) 2023 Global TB report.
Key Findings:
• India’s Alarming TB Burden:
{{ India accounts for 27% of the world’s TB burden.
{{ Recorded 2.8 million TB cases with a 12% case fatality
ratio, estimating 342,000 TB-related deaths.
{{ MDR-TB Crisis: India recorded 1.1 lakh cases of
multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) in 2022.
„„ Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR TB) is caused by an
organism that is resistant to at least isoniazid and
rifampin, the two most potent TB drugs.
90
„„ These drugs are used to treat all persons with TB
disease.
About Tuberculosis (TB):
• Causal Agent: Mycobacterium tuberculosis
• Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is given to babies
or small children to prevent TB.
• Transmission: Airborne infection, spreads through close
contact in poorly ventilated, crowded spaces.
• Symptoms of Active Lung TB:
○ Cough with sputum, sometimes containing
blood, Chest pains, Weakness, Weight loss,
Fever and Night sweats
• India’s Initiatives to Eliminate TB:
{{ Under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan,
India aims to eliminate TB from the country by 2025
(5 years earlier than the global target of 2030).
{{ The national strategic plan 2017-2025 sets the target
of India reporting no more than 44 new TB cases or 65
total cases per lakh population by 2025.
{{ An online Ni-kshay portal has been set up to track the
notified TB cases.
5.6. Senegal Hosts WHO GONE initiative
Context:
More than 150 partners, including health officials, experts, and
organisations, gathered in Senegal in November 2023 for the
inaugural meeting of GONE.
About GONE - Global Onchocerciasis Elimination Network:
• GONE is a country-driven initiative supported by WHO,
emphasizing being pragmatic, flexible and solutions-
oriented to meet the needs of national programs.
• Launch: Launched in January 2023 by WHO, Member
States, and partners.
• Goal: Empower countries to accelerate progress towards
onchocerciasis elimination targets.
• Key Focus Areas
{{ Strengthening Communication and Partnerships
{{ Empowering Countries to Achieve Onchocerciasis
Targets for 2030
• Global Prevalence: Affects at least 244 million people in
31 countries, with Africa bearing 99% of the burden, and
1% in the border area between Brazil and Venezuela.
{{ Four countries have been verified by the World Health
Organization (WHO) for eliminating transmission of the
disease: Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala and Mexico.
Onchocerciasis (River Blindness):
• Second leading infectious cause of worldwide blindness.
Classified as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) by WHO.
• Affects people in isolated and underserved rural
communities.
{{ Concentrated in some of the world’s poorest regions.
• Caused by the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus.
• Symptoms: Severe skin irritation, itching, and irreversible
blindness.
5.7. First Vaccine for Chikungunya Approved
Context:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S. granted
approval to the world’s first chikungunya vaccine on November 9.
About the Vaccine:
• Manufacturer: Valneva (European)
• Vaccine Name: Ixchiq
• Eligibility: Individuals aged 18 or older at an increased risk
of chikungunya exposure.
• Vaccine Administration:
{{ Dosage: Single-dose injection into the muscle.
{{ Composition: Live, weakened chikungunya virus.
About Chikungunya Disease:
• Chikungunya is characterized by severe joint pain and
impaired mobility, and comes with fever.
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• Treatment: As of now, there is no cure, only symptomatic
relief, with analgesics to relieve the pain.
• Prevention: It includes mosquito control activities.
• Prevalence of Chikungunya: Brazil, Paraguay, India (as per
the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control,
India had 93,455 suspected chikungunya cases until
September in 2023), and parts of western Africa.
5.8. Production of Drugs to Counter Rare Diseases
Context:
Indian pharmaceutical firms have initiated the production of
medications for 4 rare diseases, significantly reducing costs
of drugs.
Key Points:
• The manufacturing started for at least four conditions
including Tyrosinemia Type 1, Gaucher’s Disease, Wilson’s
Disease and Dravet-Lennox Gastaut Syndrome.They are
likely to become available in early 2024.
About Rare Disease:
• World Health Organisation (WHO) defines rare disease as
a lifelong disease or disorder with a prevalence of 1 or
less, per 1000 population.
• Common Rare Diseases: They include Haemophilia,
Thalassemia, Sickle-cell Anaemia and Primary
Immuno Deficiency in children, auto-immune diseases,
Hirschsprung disease, and certain forms of muscular
dystrophies.
• Rare Disease in India: Around 6% to 8% of the Indian
population is estimated to have a rare disease.
• Rare Disease Policy: Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare has formulated a National Policy for Treatment
of Rare Diseases (NPTRD) in July, 2017.
• The policy aims at lowering the incidence and prevalence
of rare diseases based on an integrated and comprehensive
preventive strategy.
5.9. Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease
Context:
Recently, The UK drug regulator approved a gene therapy
(Casgevy) to cure sickle cell disease and thalassemia, a
landmark breakthrough.
About Casgevy Therapy:
• This is the first licensed therapy in the world based on
gene editing technology CRISPR-Cas9.
• It is a one-time therapy that edits the faulty gene that
leads to these blood disorders, potentially curing the
person for life.

Gene Editing:
• Gene editing is a technique of making specific changes to
the DNA at a specific sequence.
• For this DNA is inserted, deleted, modified or replaced in
the genome.
• For this CRISPR CAS9 (Genetic Scissor) is used.
• It involves cutting specific DNA sequences with ‘engineered
nucleases’ enzymes.
CRISPR-Cas9:
• CRISPR stands for ‘Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short
Palindromic Repeats’.
• Cas9 stands for CRISPR-associated protein 9, & is the
nuclease part that cuts the DNA.
• CRISPR is the DNA-targeting part of the system which
consists of an RNA molecule, or ‘guide’, designed to bind to
specific DNA bases through complementary base-pairing.
• The CRISPR-Cas9 system was originally discovered in
bacteria that use this system to destroy invasions.
• It is the most common, cheap & efficient system used for
genome editing.
About Sickle Cell Disease:
• Genetic Disorder: The genetic error in sickle cell disease
leads to red blood cells assuming a crescent shape.
• Unlike the disc-shaped normal cells, the sickle-like cells
cannot move around easily in the vessels, resulting in
blocked blood flow.
• Effects: severe pain, life-threatening infections, anemia, or
a stroke.
• Prelevance in India: An estimated 30,000-40,000 children
in India are born with the disorder every year.
• Symptoms: The symptoms manifest in people who inherit
a pair of damaged genes from both parents. Those who
carry only one copy of the gene from one parent can lead
a normal life.
Thalassaemia:
• Thalassemia is an inherited (i.e., passed from parents
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to children through genes) blood disorder caused
when the body doesn’t make enough of a protein called
haemoglobin.
• Thalassaemia leads to low levels of haemoglobin and
shows symptoms like fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath,
and irregular heartbeats.
• People with the condition need blood transfusions
throughout their life. The transfusions also lead to excess
iron accumulation in the body, which needs chelation.
5.10. NASA Spacecraft Fired A Laser At Earth
Context:
NASA’s Psyche spacecraft fired a communication
laser to Earth from about 16 million kilometres away,
demonstrating an important technology DSOC (Deep Space
Optical Communications) that could define the future of
communication in space.
Key Points:
• High-bandwidth optical communications: The Psyche
Spacecraft is the first to carry a DSOC transceiver and will
test high-bandwidth optical communications to Earth.
{{ NASA’s Psyche Mission: To study a metal-rich asteroid
with the same name, located in the main asteroid belt
between Mars and Jupiter.
• Lunar Laser Communications: In 2013, NASA’s Lunar Laser
Communications Demonstration tested record-breaking
uplink and downlink data rates between Earth and the
Moon using similar technology.
• Communications into Deep space: DSOC, however, is
taking optical communications into deep space, paving
the way for high-bandwidth communications far beyond
the Moon and over 1,000 times farther than any optical
communications test.
NASA’s Revolutionary New Technology:
• The DSOC is a new laser communication technology that
encodes data in photons at near-infrared wavelengths to
communicate between a probe in deep space and Earth.
• This allows the spacecraft to communicate more data in a
given amount of time.
{{ DSOC will allow data rates at least ten times higher
than radio telecommunications systems of comparable
size and power.
• Benefits: DSOC can send scientific information, high-
definition imagery, and streaming video to support
humanity’s next giant leap: sending humans to Mars.
5.11. Rise in illnesses, and Pneumonia Clusters in
China
Context:
The World Health Organization has made an official request
to China for information about a potentially worrying spike in
respiratory illnesses and clusters of pneumonia in children.
Pneumonia
• Pneumonia is a general medical term used to describe an
infection and inflammation of the lungs.
• It can be caused by many different viruses, bacteria or
fungi.
• Symptoms tend to include chest pain, coughing, fever
and fatigue.
• Available Vaccine:
{{ Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine: It was introduced
by Govt. of India in 2017 in a phased manner across
the most affected five states of India viz., Bihar,
Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and
Uttar Pradesh.
„„ Thereafter, the PCV under the Universal
Immunization Programme (UIP) has been
expanded throughout the country.
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• Disease Burden: Pneumonia accounts for 14% of all
deaths of children under 5 years old.
• Initiatives Related to Pneumonia:
{{ Social Awareness and Action to Neutralize Pneumonia
Successfully (SAANS)
{{ Integrated Action Plan for Prevention and Control of
Pneumonia and Diarrhoea (IAPPD)’
• WHO and UNICEF had launched Global Action Plan for
Pneumonia and Diarrhoea (GAPPD)
5.12. 25th Year of International Space Station
Context:
With more than 1,40,000 Earth orbits, the International Space
Station (ISS) has recently completed 25 years.
About International Space Station:
• It is a multi-nation construction project and its main
construction was completed between 1998 and 2011.
{{ According to the European Space Agency (ESA), it is
a co-operative programme between Europe, United
States, Russia, Canada and Japan, .
• Orbit: The space station orbits in low Earth orbit (LEO)
at an altitude of approximately 430 kilometers, with its
orbital path taking it over 90% of the Earth’s population.
• Average Speed: The ISS circles Earth every 90 minutes at a
speed of 8 kilometers per second.
• Launch: The first segment of the ISS viz. Zarya Control
Module was Russian and launched November 20, 1998.
The ISS was completed over the course of 42 assembly
flights.
• Scientific Discoveries on the ISS: There have been
discoveries to benefit drug development, new water
purification systems, methods to mitigate muscle and
bone atrophy and those that have led innovations in food
production.
• Uncertainty in Future Operation: Plans for the future
operation of the ISS became uncertain with the start of
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022.
• Deorbiting ISS: The ISS is scheduled to end its lifetime
in 2030. NASA, Canadian Space Agency, and European
Space Agency have committed to operating the space
station till 2030.
{{ Russian space agency Roscosmos has committed to
the space station only till 2028.
{{ NASA has requested ideas from the US aerospace
industry to build the “US Deorbit Vehicle” (USDV)
focused on the final deorbit activity.
• Further Reading: Gaganyan Mission, Tiangong Space
Station
SHORT NEWS:
‘Go Red’ Campaign for Dyslexia
NASA’s INFUSE Mission
Cell Broadcast Alert System (CBAS)
Thallium as A Murder Weapon
Recently, Rashtrapati Bhawan and several other historical monuments and buildings
were lighted in red color in order to raise awareness About dyslexia.
• Dyslexia: It is a learning disability in reading. People with dyslexia have trouble
reading at a good pace and without mistakes.
• Go Red Campaign for 2023: Every year International Dyslexia Awareness Month
is observed in October.
• Goal: Eliminate discrimination, raise public awareness, and eradicate the stigma
attached to dyslexia and other learning disorders.
NASA launched a new sounding rocket mission named Integral Field Ultraviolet
Spectroscopy Experiment (INFUSE) to study a stellar event in the Cygnus Loop.
• Cygnus Loop: It is the remnant of a star that was once 20 times the size of
our Sun. Some 20,000 years ago, that star collapsed under its own gravity and
erupted into a supernova.
{{ Cygnus is about 2,600 light years away from the Earth.
• Sounding Rockets: They carry scientific instruments into space along a parabolic
trajectory at lower vehicle speeds for a well-placed scientific experiment.
• Supernovae: A supernova is the colossal explosion of a star.
Context:
Despite recent testing, the Cell Broadcast Alert System (CBAS) of the National
Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) failed to disseminate mass alerts during
natural disasters as intended.
Cell Broadcast Alert System (CBAS)
• About: It is an emergency alert system designed to provide real-time disaster
alerts to citizens.
• Aim: It aims to enhance public safety and provide timely alerts during emergencies.
• Technology: It allows mobile operators to send text messages to all phones in a
specific area, regardless of the mobile network that the phone is on.
• Common applications of CBAS: It includes delivering emergency alerts such as
severe weather warnings (eg, Tsunamis, Flash Floods, Earthquakes), public safety
messages, evacuation notices, and other critical information.
Recently, in Maharashtra two women allegedly killed five family members by lacing
their food with Thallium.
About Thallium:
• Thallium is a chemical element with
the symbol Tl and atomic number 81.
• It is a a soft, heavy, inelastic, gray
post-transition metal that is not
found free in nature.
• Characteristics: Thallium is tasteless
and odourless and has been used by murder as it is difficult to detect.
• Application: It is used in the manufacture of electronics, low temperature
thermometers, Optical lenses, and imitation precious jewels. It also has use in
some chemical reactions and medical procedures.
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 6. Perspective-Deepfake Technology
Context:
A controversial video circulating online shows actress Rashmika Mandanna entering an elevator, but it’s actually a ‘deep fake.’
• The original video features Zara Patel, a British Indian girl, with Mandanna’s face digitally inserted. This has sparked a major
internet controversy.
More on News:
• A recent survey on deep fake content reveals that
adult content makes up 98 per cent of all deepfake
videos online.
• 99 percent of realistic looking pornography features
female subjects.
• India ranks 6th among the nations most susceptible
to deep fake adult content.
What is Deepfake Technology?
• Deep Fakes are a compilation of artificial images and
audio put together with machine-learning algorithms
to spread misinformation and replace a real person’s
appearance, voice, or both with similar artificial
likenesses or voices.
• Origin of the Term: The term deep fake originated in
2017, when an anonymous Reddit user called himself
“Deepfakes.”
{{ This user manipulated Google’s open-source,
deep-learning technology to create and post
pornographic videos.
• The application of a technology called Generative
Adversarial Networks (GAN), which uses two AI
algorithms — where one generates the fake content and the other grades its efforts, teaching the system to be better —
has helped come up with more accurate deepfakes.
• A Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) is a deep
Spotting Deepfakes:
learning architecture that consists of two neural networks
• Unnatural Eye Movements: Look for irregular eye
competingagainst each other in a zero-sum game framework. movements, as genuine videos have smoother eye
coordination with speech and actions.
Types of Deepfake Technology:
• Deepfake Videos and Images: Involves altering or fabricating • Mismatches in Color and Lighting: Check for inconsistencies
in lighting on the subject’s face and surroundings.
content to display behavior or information different from the
original source. • Compare Audio Quality: Deepfake audio may have
imperfections, so compare it with the video’s visual content.
• Deepfake Audio: Poses a threat to voice-based authentication • Strange Body Shape or Movement: Watch for unnatural
systems, especially for individuals with widely available voice body proportions or movements, especially during physical
samples like celebrities and politicians. activities.
{{ Textual Deepfakes: Refers to written content that appears • Artificial Facial Movements: Identify exaggerated or
to be authored by a real person. unsynchronized facial expressions that don’t match the
video’s context.
• Notable Impersonations: Deepfake technology has been
• Unnatural Positioning of Facial Features: Look for distortions
used to impersonate prominent figures, including former U.S. or misalignments in facial features.
Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump, India’s Prime
• Awkward Posture or Physique: Pay attention to awkward
Minister Narendra Modi, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and body positions, proportions, or movements that seem
Hollywood actor Tom Cruise, among others. implausible.

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• Prevalence of Deepfake (Refer Image):
Impact of Deepfake Technology:
• Victims of Deep Fake Pornography: The primary victims of malicious
deepfake technology are women. This type of content threatens,
intimidates, and psychologically harms individuals.
{{ As of September 2019, 96 per cent of deepfake videos online
were pornographic, primarily categorised as “revenge porn”,
according to the report of a company called Sensity.
• Character Assassination: Deepfakes can portray individuals
engaging in antisocial behaviors and saying false things they never
did. Even if victims can prove their innocence, the damage is often
already done.
{{ In 2018, A video of former US president Barack Obama was
posted on the internet verbally abusing Donald Trump.
• Erosion of Trust in Media: Deepfakes contribute to a decline in trust in
traditional media. This erosion can lead to a culture
• of factual relativism, damaging civil society.
{{ For example: In 2022, a Ukrainian television news outlet, Ukraine
24, claimed that its live broadcast and website were hacked, and
during the hack, a chyron falsely stating that Ukraine surrendered
was displayed.
{{ Additionally, a deep fake video of Ukrainian President Volodymyr
Zelensky appeared to be circulating online, in which he seemingly
urged Ukrainians to surrender
• National Security Threat: Malicious nation-states can use deepfakes to
undermine public safety, create chaos, and sow uncertainty in target
countries. This technology can also undermine trust in institutions and
diplomacy.
{{ On May 22, a deepfake image purporting to show a towering column
of dark smoke rising from the Pentagon received sober coverage from a few Indian television news channels.
• Non-State Actors: Insurgent groups and terrorist organizations can use deepfakes to manipulate and spread inflammatory
{{ speeches or provocative actions to incite anti-state sentiments among the public.
{{ For instance, a terrorist organisation can easily create a deepfake video showing western soldiers dishonouring a
religious place to flame existing anti-West emotions and cause further.
• Liar’s Dividend: The existence of deepfakes can lead to the dismissal of genuine information as fake news. Leaders may use
{{ deepfakes and alternative facts to discredit actual media and truths.
• Scams and Hoaxes: These fakes can be used to impersonate individuals for fraudulent activities.
{{ According to one of Speechify’s blog posts, back in 2020, a manager from a bank in the U.A.E., received a phone call
from someone he believed was a company director. The manager recognised the voice and authorised a transfer of $35
million.
What is India’s Stand on Dealing with Deepfakes?
• In India, however, there are no legal rules against using deepfake technology.
• However, specific laws can be addressed for misusing the tech, which include Copyright Violation, Defamation and cyber
felonies.

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Global Initiatives to Combat Deepfake Technology:
• China: China has implemented a policy that requires deepfake content
to be labeled and traceable to its source. Users need consent to edit
someone’s image or voice, and news from deepfake technology must
come from government-approved outlets.
• European Union (EU): The EU has updated its Code of Practice to combat
the spread of disinformation through deepfakes.
{{ Tech giants like Google, Meta (formerly Facebook), and Twitter are
required to take measures to counter deepfakes and fake accounts
on their platforms.
{{ Non-compliance can result in fines of up to 6% of their annual global
turnover.
{{ The Code of Practice, introduced in 2018, aims to bring together
industry players to combat disinformation.
• United States: The U.S. introduced the bipartisan Deepfake Task Force
Act to assist the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to counter
deepfake technology.
{{ The U.S. established a Deepfake Task Force Act to counter deepfake
technology, requiring annual studies and countermeasure
development.
Solutions to Combat Deepfakes:
• Enhanced Media Literacy: Media literacy efforts must be enhanced to
cultivate a discerning public. Media literacy for consumers is the most
effective tool to combat disinformation and deepfakes.
• Regulations: Implement meaningful regulations through collaborative
discussions involving the technology industry, civil society, and
policymakers.
{{ These regulations should disincentivize the creation and distribution of malicious deepfakes.
• Social Media Platform Policies: Encourage social media platforms to take action against deepfakes. Many platforms have
already established policies or acceptable terms of use for deepfakes.
{{ These platforms should act to add dissemination controls or differential promotional tactics like limited sharing or
downranking to stop the spread of deepfakes on their networks.
{{ Example: Labelling content is another effective tool, which should be deployed objectively and transparently, without
any political bias or business model considerations.
• Technology Solutions: Develop accessible and user-friendly technology solutions to detect deepfakes, authenticate media,
and promote authoritative sources.
• Individual Responsibility: Every individual should take responsibility for being critical consumers of online media. Before
sharing content on social media, pause and think about its authenticity. Contributing to a solution to combat the “infodemic”
by practicing responsible online behavior is essential.
• Establish a Research and Development Wing: India can consider establishing a dedicated research and development entity
similar to DARPA, which has been at the forefront of deepfake detection technologies.
{{ The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), a pioneer research and development wing of the US
Department of Defense (DoD), invested heavily in detection technologies through two overlapping programmes: Media
Forensics (MediFor), which ended in 2021, and Semantic Forensics (SemaFor).
{{ These programmes aimed to develop advanced technologies for detecting deepfake media, including images and
videos.

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 7. DEFENCE AND SECURITY
7.1. Aadhaar Data Breach
Context:
A report from the US-based cybersecurity firm Resecurity reveals that the
personal data of 815 million Indians is currently being sold on the dark web.
• The term dark web refers to encrypted online content that is not indexed by
conventional search engines.
More on News:
• According to the Resecurity website, an individual using the alias “pwn0001”
shared a post on BreachForums (a darknet crime forum) offering access to
815 million records containing information on “Indian Citizen Aadhaar and
Passport”.
• Resecurity investigators found that this threat actor was willing to sell the
entire Aadhaar and Indian passport database on hand for $80,000.
About Aadhaar:
• The Aadhaar number is a 12-digit random number issued by the Unique
Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to the residents of India after
satisfying the verification process laid down by the Authority. Any individual,
irrespective of age and gender, who is a resident of India, may voluntarily
enroll to obtain an Aadhaar number.
• The Aadhaar number is unique for each individual and will remain valid Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)
• The UIDAI is a statutory authority established in
for life time. 2016.
• Virtual ID: VID is a temporary, revocable 16-digit random number mapped • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and
with the Aadhaar number. VID can be used in lieu of Aadhaar number Information Technology,
whenever authentication or e-KYC services are performed. • Mandate: To assign a 12-digit unique
identification (UID) number (Aadhaar) to all the
Concerns: residents of India.
• Right to Privacy: As the Supreme Court held that Aadhaar could be
used for welfare, it recognised a fundamental right to privacy (K.S. Aadhaar-enabled Payment Services (AePS)
Puttaswamy and Anr. vs. Union of India) and struck down Section 57 • AePS is a bank-led model which allows online
of the Aadhaar Act which specifically enabled private entities to use financial transactions at Point-of-Sale (PoS) and
Aadhaar numbers to establish identity for delivering services. Micro ATMs through the business correspondent
of any bank using Aadhaar authentication.
• Data Breaches: Many private entities in the country insist on an Aadhaar
card, and users often share the details. There’s no clarity on how these UIDAI Measures to Secure Aadhar Data:
entities keep these data private and secure. • Central Identities Data Repository (CIDR): Data
{{ For Example: Data breaches in Aadhaar have been reported in 2018, of all Aadhaar holders is safe and secure in the
CIDR of UIDAI.
2019, and 2022.
{{ It is a centralized database in one or more
• Security concerns: Several studies and news reports have highlighted locations containing all Aadhaar numbers.
how using AePS, money from workers’ accounts have been withdrawn • Collaborative Approach: UIDAI works closely
or that they have been signed up for government insurance programmes with all user agencies to enhance data security
without their knowledge. measures when it comes to sensitive user details
{{ The ₹10 crore scholarship scam in Jharkhand from 2020 exemplifies like Aadhaar.
this. • Advanced security technologies: UIDAI uses
advanced security technologies to keep data
• Excessive Aadhaar imposition: In its September 2018 judgment, safe and keeps upgrading them to meet emerging
the Supreme Court ruled that Aadhaar authentication can be made security threats and challenges.
mandatory only for benefits paid from the Consolidated Fund of India
and that alternative means of identity verification must always be provided when Aadhaar fails.

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 {{ Instead, Aadhaar continues to be routinely demanded from children for basic rights such as anganwadi services or
school enrolment.
• Unreliable demographic details: The demographic details on an Aadhaar card are often unverified and unreliable, particularly
the person’s age (date of birth).
{{ Yet, Aadhaar-based age is frequently used to check eligibility for old-age pensions or school admission, and even to
assign children to a particular grade.
• Challenges in Aadhaar Authentication Process in Rural Areas: In many rural areas, people have to make multiple trips to
ration shops to authenticate, with no guarantee that the authentication will work.
{{ Lack of reliable internet, fading fingerprints among daily wage workers, lack of phone connectivity to get an OTP etc.
lead to denials of benefits of welfare schemes.
Way Forward:
• Masked Aadhaar: The UIDAI, recommended that “a masked Aadhaar, which displays only the last four digits of your Aadhaar
number,” should be used.
• Reinstating Independent Oversight in the Aadhaar Act for Accountability: The draft of the Aadhaar Act included an entire
chapter aimed at ensuring independent oversight of the Unique Identification Authority of India by a high-powered “Identity
Review Committee”.
{{ This chapter, however, was dropped in the final version of the Aadhaar Act. Ideally, the Act should be amended to
reinstate provisions for independent oversight of the Unique Identification Authority of India.
• Alternative to Aadhaar authentication: The government must abide by and enforce Supreme Court directions, including-
restriction of mandatory Aadhaar to permissible purposes, provision of an alternative whenever Aadhaar authentication
fails.
• Locking Aadhar Information: Users should lock their Aadhaar information by visiting the UIDAI website or using the mobile
app to ensure that their biometric information, even if compromised, cannot be used to initiate financial transactions.
• Multipronged Approach: Adopting measures like encryption, multifactor authentication and access controls are vital
to protect data. Regular security audits and updates are also components of a cybersecurity strategy that can adapt to
emerging threats effectively.

7.2. India Plans to Bring National Security Strategy

Context:
India has started a process to bring out a National Security Strategy after years of discourse and deliberations within the military
and the strategic community.
More on News:
• Collaborative Drafting Process: The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) is in the process of collating inputs from
several Central ministries and departments to stitch together the draft of the strategy before seeking the final cabinet
approval for it.
• Comprehensive Nature of the Strategy: The exact contours of the strategy being drafted are not known. Still, it will likely
include the entire range of newer challenges and modern threats facing India, including non-traditional ones such as
financial and economic security, food and energy security, and information warfare.
About National Security Strategy (NSS):
• Defining Scope and Purpose: A National Security Strategy, lays down the security objectives of a country, defines its internal
and external challenges and provides guidance on how to achieve its national objectives.
{{ It defines traditional, non-traditional threats and opportunities while introducing accountability of agencies tasked with
implementing such responsibilities.
• Role: In a nutshell, a national security strategy would guide the military as well as critical defense and security reforms with
strategic implications, providing a holistic view of the overall national security, the threats and the roadmap to address them.

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Need for National Security Strategy:
• Need for Formal Security Policies and Frameworks: Not having formal policies
increases the risk of making mistakes in our handling of security-related
incidents and provides space for an adversary like Pakistan to exploit apparent
gaps in our security framework in the misperception that it is unlikely to face
due punishment.
{{ For Example: Concept of Jointness in Indian Military: The Concept of
Jointness in Indian Military was universally supported, but each one seems
to have a different idea of what it should mean.
„„ Some use it as only meaning integration of the uniformed services,
others also include jointness between civilians and uniformed
personnel. Both are essential and lacking in our present arrangements.
• Important for Military Modernization: India needs an NSS to ramp up the pace
of military modernization and bring theater commands.
{{ Defense reforms are not taking off because India does not have a National
Security Strategy and therefore, no guidance.
• Addressing Two-Front Threat: Historically, ever since the late 1960s, from the
time China and Pakistan started developing a politico-economic-military
relationship with anti-India overtones, there has been a national Security
Strategy to tackle the threat.
• Fluid Neighborhood: Afghanistan’ Taliban regime, Pakistan’s gradual slide
towards becoming a ‘failed state’, Sri Lanka’s continued involvement in the vicious Tamilian insurgency and the Myanmar
peoples’ nascent movement for democracy, are all symptomatic of an unstable and uncertain security environment in the
Southern Asian region.
• National Security Strategy: A Comprehensive Framework for Diplomacy, Strategy, and Deterrence: NSS is the starting point
to deal with all security-related matters across diplomacy, strategy, and foreign policy. It not only allows you to see future
threats but also to send a message to other nations and deter aggression.
• Information Warfare and the Need for an Integrated Approach: Information
warfare is another emerging threat through which, nation-states, non-state • Jointness is a term that was coined by the U.S.
actors, individual terrorists and even disgruntled elements within a state can military and is defined as “the integration of the
play havoc with a nation’s telecom, banking, stock exchanges, power grids, strengths of at least two limbs of the military in
a coordinated effort to achieve a common goal
besides military communications and networks.
{{ The prevention of large-scale damage through a complex cyber-security system requires a National Security Strategy.
Challenges:
• Balancing Transparency, Deterrence, and Flexibility: According to Rajesh Rajagopalan, professor of international relations
at Jawaharlal Nehru University, India’s hesitancy to release a National Security Strategy document would cause trouble with
potential adversaries by revealing India’s position, and with partners by hurting strategic flexibility.
{{ It will signal to both friends and foes where India stands on particular issues.
• Revealing India’s Strategic Ambiguity: India shied from defining an NSS as the government wanted to “avoid having to
respond in a specific manner.
• Impacting Bilateral Ties: If India were to state that it aimed to reduce its dependence on military imports from Russia as part
of NSS, this would hurt New Delhi’s relationship with long-time ally Moscow.
• Accountability: In addition, the Centre may fear the accountability this could bring since a national security strategy would
identify the red lines, which, if breached, would necessitate action by the government.
{{ For Example, amid the India-China military stand-off in 2020 along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh, that a military
response would become unavoidable if an aggressor violates the limits of a scenario defined in the national security
strategy.

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 {{ If the strategy is defined, the government would be forced to act accordingly when a security contingency arises, which
it may not be able to.
• Differing Views: Besides, framing a security doctrine may also be difficult considering the differing views held by various
government departments.
Way Forward:
• National Security Strategy Guidance: For Military-Related External Threats
{{ Maintain credible military deterrence against potential adversaries.
{{ Defend our national and territorial interests on land, sea, air, space and cyberspace.
{{ Physical guarding and/or surveillance of land, air and maritime borders, island territories, off-shore assets and trade
routes, especially disputed borders, for early detection of intrusions or any threats.
{{ Maintain a tri-service rapid response capability to respond to security challenges during war and peace.
{{ Ensure a fool-proof and well coordinated intelligence mechanism to provide early warning of threats, both external
and internal.
{{ Prevent attacks in the cyber and information domains against own defense and civilian networks and capabilities.
• National Security Strategy Guidance: For Internal Security Threats
{{ Maintain close surveillance and monitoring of the internal security situation in areas of heightened threat.
{{ Neutralize anti-Indian efforts/propaganda by potential adversaries/ inimical elements. Promote/protect diaspora
interests in the region and the world.
{{ Protect national interests against internal threats like terrorism (including nuclear terrorism), insurgency and militancy
to negate secessionist and related destabilizing efforts.
• Use of Previous National Security Reports: Past Initiatives like the Kargil Review Committee report (2000), the Report of the
Naresh Chandra Task Force on Security (2012) could serve as useful reference material for the National Security Strategy.
Conclusion:
• India’s national security strategy stands at a critical crossroads, defined by the intricate interplay of a complex geopolitical
landscape and an array of multifaceted challenges.
• In this dynamic environment, the nation’s security architecture requires careful deliberation and strategic foresight.
• Drawing lessons from global powers like the United States, UK, Japan, Iran, and China offers valuable insights and red flags
that can guide the formulation of India’s own national security strategy.

7.3. Navy Chief Flags Fragile Situation in South China Sea

Context:
The “Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2023” (IPRD-2023), the three-day annual apex-level regional strategic dialogue of the Indian
Navy recently commenced in New Delhi.
More about the news:
• Concerns over stability: At the IPRD, the Indian Navy Chief reiterated that the fragile situation in South China Sea along
with violations of code of conduct(CoC) poses a danger to order and discipline at sea.
• Due to the increased presence of multinational forces, and differing
About IPRD-2023:
interpretations of international laws, the region’s global commons’ can • It was organized by the Indian Navy in association
change to contested seas’. with the National Maritime Foundation(NMF).
{{ This contestation at sea can have adverse physical, social as well as • Theme: Geopolitical Impacts upon Indo-Pacific
economic consequences for security. Maritime Trade and Connectivity.
About NMF:
About South China Sea: • The NMF is one of India’s maritime think-tank
• Geographical extent: It encompasses a portion of the Pacific Ocean that concentrates its research upon issues
stretching roughly from Singapore and the Strait of Malacca in the relevant to India’s maritime interests.

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 southwest, to the Strait of Taiwan (between Taiwan and mainland China) in the
northeast.
• Features: There are two major clusters of land features in the Sea.
{{ Paracels: These consist mainly of islands and reefs. Reefs are chains of rocks or
coral at or near the surface of the water.
{{ Spratlys: They have some islands but are mostly reefs and rocks that may not
even appear above water at high tide.
Strategic importance of the South China Sea for India:
• Economic Significance:
{{ Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs): Nearly 55% of India’s trade transits through
the South China Sea, making it a crucial lifeline for the country’s economy.
{{ Energy Resources: India seeks to explore and potentially exploit vast reserves of
oil and natural gas to meet its growing energy demands.
{{ Maritime Connectivity: The SCS is a key link in India’s Act East Policy, which aims
to strengthen economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asia.
• Security Significance:
{{ Freedom of Navigation: China’s militarization of the region and its expansive maritime claims pose a challenge to
freedom of navigation.
• Geopolitical Significance:
{{ Emerging as a Regional Power: India’s proactive engagement in the South China Sea signals its growing stature as a
regional power with a vested interest in shaping the Indo-Pacific order.
{{ Strengthening Alliances: India has forged closer ties with the US, Japan, Australia, and ASEAN countries, forming a
network of partners that share common concerns about China’s actions in the South China Sea.
{{ Promoting a Rules-Based Order: India advocates for a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, where international law and
norms govern maritime interactions.
„„ This approach aligns with India’s interests in a stable and predictable regional environment.
Other Recent developments in the region:
• 10-dash line: China recently published a new standard map for 2023, often referred to as the 10-dash line,’ which extends
its territorial claims far beyond its recognized EEZ.
• Building artificial islands: China continues the world’s largest island-building campaign, in complete disregard of
international law.
• Gray zone activities: These are a form of slow intensity conflict employed by China to assert its territorial claims in the SCS.
Ex- A Chinese coast guard vessel(CGV) recently fired a water cannon at a Philippine supply boat.
{{ Vietnam and the Philippines are frequently the targets of such activities.
Concerns with the China’s expansion/Challenges in the SCS region:
• Fishing Ban: It has been arbitrarily imposed by China since 1999
under the pretext of promoting sustainable fishing and improving
marine ecology.
{{ The ban includes waters 12 degrees north of the equator, and
includes parts of Vietnam’s 200-mile EEZ and the Paracel Islands.
• Legal Actions: Article 22 of the Coast Guard Law promulgated in
January 2021 in China enables the China Coast Guard (CCG) to use
weapons against foreign organizations and individuals that infringe
on China’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction at sea.

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• Raising Questions on Maritime Diplomacy: The publication of China’s ’10-dash line’ map has raised questions about China’s
adherence to international law and diplomacy.
• Tracking Militia Vessels: China’s militia vessels usually turn off or manipulate their automatic identification system (AIS)
which makes it hard to locate them.
• Managing China-US Military and Paramilitary Competition: With China’s expansion in the region, US military involvement
in the area has largely increased leading to militarisation of the region.
{{ The US has been Increasing frequency and intensity of its ‘freedom of navigation operations’ (FONOPs).
Way Forward:
• Diplomatic Engagement and Dialogue: ASEAN is the key for India to secure its geopolitical interests in South East Asia.
• India should consistently uphold ASEAN’s centrality in the SCS and support its efforts to maintain a rules-based order in the
region.
• Code of conduct: India should actively participate in negotiations for a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea that
is legally binding, comprehensive, and effective. It will help create a rules-based order in the region.
• Maritime Cooperation: The Southeast Asian nations with SCS claims vulnerable to China’s coercive actions should develop
their minimal deterrence capabilities.
{{ Capacity Building: India should assist ASEAN countries in enhancing their maritime security capabilities through training,
joint exercises, and equipment provision.
• Defence Cooperation:
{{ India can increase its bilateral defence ties by offering indigenously designed, manufactured, and modified equipment.
{{ This will help India to cater to the needs of its neighbour by replacing China and its supply of defence equipment.
{{ Indigenously manufactured/modified weapons will give India a chance to train the officials of the country at the receiving
end about its usage and benefits.
• Economic cooperation:
{{ Free Trade Agreements(FTA): India should explore the possibility of negotiating FTA with ASEAN countries to deepen
economic ties and promote mutual prosperity. Indo-Pacific Economic Framework would be key in this regard.
{{ Investment Opportunities: India should encourage Indian businesses to invest in infrastructure and development
projects in countries bordering the SCS, creating economic opportunities and strengthening partnerships.

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Prelims:
7.4. FATF Report on Terrorist Financing • The FATF leads global action to tackle money laundering,
terrorist and proliferation financing.
Context:
Recently ‘FATF’ released a report titled, ‘Crowdfunding • India became the 34th country member of FATF in 2010.
for Terrorism Financing’. It stated that ’Violent extremist • The 39-member body sets international standards to
organizations’ in India collected funds through well-structured ensure national authorities can effectively go after illicit
networks. funds linked to drugs trafficking, the illicit arms trade,
Key Findings of Report: cyber fraud and other serious crimes.
• According to the report’s finding, over 3,000 bank
7.5. 10th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting - Plus
accounts and informal value transfer systems were used
(ADMM-Plus)
by the Popular Front of India (PFI).
Context:
• Crowd-funding for Terror Financing: “The possibility of
Recently, the Defence Minister attended the 10th ASEAN
quickly and easily reaching a global audience can make
Defence Ministers’ Meeting - Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Jakarta,
crowdfunding an attractive method of fundraising for
Indonesia.
Terror Financing”.
• The FATF report notes four main ways in which
crowdfunding platforms can be abused for terrorist
financing purposes:

{{ Abuse of Humanitarian, Charitable Or Non-Profit

Causes.
{{ Use Of Dedicated Crowdfunding Platforms Or
Websites.
{{ Use Of Social Media Platforms And Messaging Apps.
{{ Interaction Of Crowdfunding With Virtual Assets
(Cryptocurrency).
• For Example: The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant
(ISIL), Al-Qaeda and ethnically or racially motivated
terrorist (EoRMT) individuals and groups have exploited it
to raise money for terrorist financing purposes.
• In 2022, there were over 6 million crowdfunding
campaigns around the world, some estimates have valued
the global crowdfunding market at $17.2 billion in 2020
and it is expected to reach $34.6 billion by 2026.
About Financial Action Task Force:
• It is an inter-governmental body established in 1989
during the G7 Summit in Paris.
About ASEAN:
• ASEAN is an intergovernmental organisation aimed at
promoting economic growth and regional stability among
its members.
• It was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand,
with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok
Declaration).
About ADMM-Plus:
• It is a platform for ASEAN (The Association of Southeast
Asian Nations) and its eight Dialogue Partners to
strengthen security and defence cooperation for peace,
stability, and development in the region.
• Composition: 10 ASEAN nations and eight dialogue
partners, including India, China, Australia, Japan, New
Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia and the United States.

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• India become the Dialogue partner since 1992. • Testing: Indian Navy in association with Defence Research
and Development Organisation successfully tested the
7.6. Naval Anti-Ship Missile missile from a Sea king 42B helicopter.
Context:
India’s ASM Tests:
Recently, the Indian Navy successfully undertook Guided
• Short-Range ASM: In May 2022, India tested its first
Flight Trials of the first indigenously developed Naval Anti-
indigenously built ASM falling in the short-range category
Ship Missile (ASM).
weighing around 380 kilograms with a range of 55
About Anti-Ship Missile (ASM): kilometres.
• Anti-ship missiles are guided missiles that are designed
{{ Named as ‘Naval Anti-ship Missile-short range’
for use against ships and large boats.
(NASM-SR), they can be launched from attack
• Launch Platform: Many anti-ship missiles can be launched helicopters.
from a variety of weapons systems including surface
• Long-Range ASM (LRASM): DRDO is set to test the LRASM
warships, submarines, bombers, fighter planes, patrol
which would enhance the Navy’s capabilities in the realm
planes, helicopters, etc.
of ship-based missile systems with extended range.

SHORT NEWS

Interpol’s Red Interpol has issued a Red Notice for Yogesh Kadian, wanted in multiple states for various charges,
Notice including criminal conspiracy, attempted murder and worked for the Bambiha syndicate.
• Interpol: The International Criminal Police Organization is an inter-governmental organization with
195 member countries.
{{ Goal: Help police in all member countries to work together to make the world a safer place.
{{ Function: It enables members to share and access data on crimes and criminals, and offers a
range of technical and operational support.
{{ Headquarters: Lyon, France.
• India and Interpol: India joined Interpol in 1949 is one of its oldest members.
• Red Notice (Wanted Persons): A Red Notice is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate
and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action.
Other Notices by Interpol:
• Yellow: Missing persons, Blue: Additional information, Black Notice: Unidentified bodies, Green
Notice: Warnings and intelligence, Orange notice: Imminent threat and Purple Notice: Modus
operandi
Apple Joins CERT- Apple is collaborating with CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team) in the investigation of
In Probe alleged iPhone hacking attempts on Opposition leaders.
• The controversy arose when some leaders who use Apple phones received warnings of “state-
sponsored attacks” on their devices from the company.
About CERT-In:
• CERT-In is the national nodal agency for responding to computer security incidents as and when
they occur.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
• Mandate: Collection, analysis and dissemination of information on cyber incidents, Forecast and
alerts of cyber security incidents and Emergency measures for handling cyber security incidents

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 8. ART AND CULTURE
8.1. Jehovah’s Witness
Context:
Two individuals were killed and many injured in an explosion at a Jehovah’s Witnesses prayer convention near Kochi, Kerala.
Who Are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
• Religious Beliefs:
{{ Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian sect with distinctive beliefs.
{{ They reject the Holy Trinity and believe in Jehovah as the “the one true and Almighty God, the Creator”, who is “the
God of Abraham, Moses, and Jesus”.
{{ They see Jesus as the King of God’s Kingdom in heaven, but not as the Almighty God.
{{ They base their faith solely on the Bible and avoid celebrating holidays like Christmas and Easter due to their pagan
origins.
• Evangelical Activities:
{{ Jehovah’s Witnesses are known for their door-to-door evangelism to spread their message.
„„ Evangelism: The spreading of the Christian gospel by public preaching or personal witness.
{{ They believe the end of the world is near, and God’s Kingdom will replace human governments.
{{ The denomination has millions of followers worldwide.
• Origin: The sect originated in the 1870s with American pastor Charles Taze Russell.
Jehovah’s Witnesses in India:
• Presence and History:
{{ Jehovah’s Witnesses have been in India since 1905.
{{ They established an office in 1926 in Bombay (now Mumbai) and obtained legal registration in 1978.
• Legal Status: They enjoy legal protection under India’s constitution, which upholds the right to practice, profess, and
propagate one’s faith.

8.2. Indira Gandhi Peace Prize

Context:
The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development 2022 was jointly awarded to the Indian Medical Association
and the Trained Nurses Association of India as representatives of the COVID-19 warriors in the country.
About Indira Gandhi Peace Prize:
• The Indira Gandhi Peace Prize is an annual prestigious award. It has been named after former Prime Minister Smt. Indira
Gandhi.
• It has been conferred every year since 1986 by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust. It consists of a monetary award of `25 lakh
along with a citation.
Indian Medical Association (IMA)
• IMA is the largest represented organization of doctors of modern system of medicine in India which looks after the interests
of doctors as well as the wellbeing of the community at large.
Trained Nurses’ Association of India (TNAI):
• Trained Nurses’ Association of India (TNAI) is a national organization of nurse professionals at different levels.

8.3. 2024 Grammy Awards

Context:
The song ‘Abundance in Millets’, featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sung by Falguni Shah and her husband Gaurav Shah,

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has been nominated in the best global music performance category at the 2024 Grammy Awards.
Key Points:
• Abundance in Millets” was created to raise awareness of the super-grain as another potential key to minimizing world
hunger.
• The song is inspired by PM Narendra Modi’s proposition to the UN to declare 2023 as the International Year of Millets.
About Grammy Awards:
• They are a series of awards presented annually in the United States by the National Academy of Recording Arts &
Sciences(NARAS; commonly called the Recording Academy) or the Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (LARAS;
commonly called the Latin Recording Academy) to recognize achievement in the music industry.
• The honorees receive a golden statuette of a gramophone.

8.4. Rohini Nayyar Prize

Context:
The Second Rohini Nayyar Prize for outstanding contribution to rural development was presented to Deenanath Rajput for his
work on empowering tribal women in Bastar, Chattisgarh.
About Rohini Nayyar Prize:
• The prize awarded was in memory of the late economist-administrator Rohini Nayyar who contributed various academic
journals on rural development and served as principal advisor in the Planning Commission. It came with a trophy, a citation
and cash prize of Rs 10 lakh.
Work of Deenanath Rajput
• He set up the Farmers Producers Organization (FPO), in 2018 with an initial membership of 337 women from Jagdalpur in
Bastar, a district known to be a hub of Naxalite activities.
• It helps women farmers by providing them with agricultural extension services, building cold storage infrastructure,
connecting them with national and international markets for their products.

8.5. UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)

Context:
On World Cities Day (October 31) designated by the United Nation, 55 cities joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).
Key Points:
• The UCCN was created in 2004 to promote cooperation with and among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic
factor for sustainable urban development.
• The Network covers seven creative fields: Crafts and Folk Art, Media Arts, Film, Design, Gastronomy, Literature and Music.
• From India, Gwalior was recognized in the ‘Music’ category, while Kozhikode in the ‘Literature’ category.
• Other Indian cities included in UCCN:
{{ Jaipur:- Crafts and Folk Arts (2015).
{{ Varanasi:- Creative City of Music (2015).
{{ Chennai:- Creative City of Music (2017).
{{ Mumbai:- Film (2019).
{{ Hyderabad:- Gastronomy (2019).
{{ Srinagar:- Crafts and Folk Arts (2021).

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 9. SOCIETY
9.1. Sub-categorisation of Scheduled Caste
Context:
Recently, the Prime Minister of India promised to look into the sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes (SCs), to identify and
help the most backward among them.
More on News:
• In Telangana, the Madiga Reservation Porata Samiti (MRPS) is demanding internal reclassification of Scheduled Caste
reservations.
• Of the nearly 17% SC population in Telangana, Madigas account for nearly 50% and they have claimed that their share of
representation was being taken up by another SC community, the Malas.
What are Caste and Sub-Caste?
• Caste System in India: It is a social hierarchy that has existed About Madiga Community:
for centuries, traditionally dividing people into different • Madigas are listed in the scheduled castes , traditionally
groups based on their occupations and social roles namely- they were leather workers.
Brahmins Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras) • Location: Madigas are found primarily in the southern Indian
states.
• Sub-Castes: There are numerous sub-castes and sub-groups
• Population: According to the 2011 census, the total Madiga
within each of these main categories. These sub-castes often
population is around 67,02,609 persons which is at least 50%
originated from regional, occupational, or social distinctions. of the total Scheduled Castes in Telangana.
About Sub-categorisation of Caste:
• It refers to further classifying broader caste groups into sub-groups based on various criteria.
• Demand for Sub-Categorisation of Caste: Sub-categorization attempts to address the diversity within larger caste groups
and provide targeted benefits to specific sub-groups that may be perceived as socially and economically disadvantaged.
Need for Sub-categorisation within Caste:
• To Address Inequalities among SC Communities: There have
been graded inequalities among SC communities and even
among the marginalized, some communities have less access
to basic facilities.
• Disproportionate Share in Opportunities: In Tamil
Nadu, a 3% quota within the SC quota is accorded to the
Arundhatiyar caste, after Justice M S Janarthanam report
stated that despite being 16% of the SC population in the
state, they held only 0-5% of the jobs.
• Overcoming Hierarchy Practiced within SCs: The SC
category is not homogenous and comprises a wide range
of communities with distinct cultural, social, and economic
characteristics.
• Promote Social Mobility: The reservation policy is ineffective
in providing benefits to every sub-caste group at a uniform
level which resulted in competition and conflict between
various sub-caste groups of SC.
• Ensuring Social Justice: Sub-categorization allows for a more
targeted approach in addressing the specific vulnerabilities
and needs of particular SC sub-groups.
• Ensuring Equitable Distribution of Resources: Sub-categorization could help avoid the concentration of benefits in certain
communities while others remain underserved.

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Challenges Associated with the Sub-categorisation within Caste:
• Issue of Federalism: The Supreme Court held in 2004 that the State
did not have the power to unilaterally sub-categorise communities in
the list of SCs. The Constitution has provided that these lists can only
be made by Parliament and notified by the President.
• Identification and Criteria: Determining the criteria for sub-
categorization can be challenging. Parameters such as socio-economic
status, educational attainment, or regional factors may be considered,
but reaching a consensus on these criteria can be difficult.
{{ In a 1976 case, State of Kerala v N M Thomas, the Supreme Court
laid down that “Scheduled Castes are not castes, they are class.”
• Data Accuracy and Availability: Obtaining accurate and up-to-date
data on the socio-economic status of different SC communities is a
challenge.
• Potential for Intra-group Disputes: Sub-categorization may lead to
internal divisions and disputes among SC communities. Some groups
may feel marginalized from the benefits, leading to social tensions within
the broader SC category.
Way Forward:
• Exploring Alternatives to Introduce Sub-Categorisation: The Union
government needs to explore legal options for the same.
{{ For instance, the Attorney General of India (AGI) had opined that
a constitutional amendment could be brought in to facilitate this.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Ensuring comprehensive and accurate
data collection on the socio-economic conditions of different SC communities.
{{ For instance, a caste-based census could provide more accurate and up-to-date data on the social and economic status
of various caste groups, helping formulate and evaluate affirmative action policies and welfare programs.
• Concept of Creamy-Layer: The “creamy layer” concept puts an income ceiling on those eligible for reservation. While this
concept applies to Other Backward Castes, it was applied to promotions of Scheduled Castes for the first time in 2018.
• Criteria Development: Develop transparent and inclusive criteria for sub-categorization, considering factors such as socio-
economic status, educational attainment, and regional disparities.
{{ The Andhra Pradesh government in 1996 formed a Commission of Justice Ramachandra Raju, which recommended
sub-categorisation of SCs in the State based on evidence that some communities were more backward and had less
representation than others.

9.2. Women In Indian Armed Forces

Context:
Recently, the Supreme Court said that the Army’s approach of denying women officers empanelment as colonel was “arbitrary”,
and directed the authorities to reconvene the special selection board within a fortnight for their promotion.
More on News:
• The SC rejected the argument of inadequate vacancies, noting that 108 out of 150 available vacancies had been filled.
• This decision is part of an ongoing battle for gender equality, following the court’s 2020 verdict granting women officers
permanent commission in the Indian Army and Navy.
Status of Women in Armed Forces:
• Indian Air Force (as on July 01, 2023):
{{ At present, women are serving in Officer’s cadre in the Indian Air Force (IAF).There are 1,654 women officers in the IAF,
excluding Medical and Dental branches.

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 {{ Women officers hold key positions, including Commanding Officers in Combat
Units, with gender-neutral rules for appointments.
• Indian Navy (as on July 26, 2023):
{{ Women officers are employed in officer ranks in the Indian Navy.
{{ There are 580 women officers in the Indian Navy, excluding Medical and Dental
officers.
{{ Indian Army (as on January 01, 2023): The Army, being the largest of the three
services, has the largest number of women officers at 1,733.
{{ Commission granted to Women Officers.
{{ Gender-neutral Career Progression policy implemented on 23.11.2021,
ensuring equal opportunities for women officers in the Arms/Services.
Challenges for Women in the Armed Forces Include:
• Navigating a traditionally male-dominated environment for equal opportunities.
{{ Colonel DS Randhawa undertook a research project titled ‘Women Officers and
Work Environment: Indian Perspective’.
{{ Key Findings: Married women officers with five to eight years of service
experience found the presence of single women among male soldiers to be
unsettling and perceived it
as out of context.
• Motherhood and Childcare:
Balancing military service with
the demands of pregnancy,
motherhood, and childcare.
• Psychological Limitations:
Overcoming psychological
challenges that may arise due
to the dual roles of a military
officer and a mother.
• Separation and Transfers: Coping with frequent separations and transfers, which
can impact children’s education and career opportunities for the spouse.
Challenges for Indian Forces:
• Gender Quotas vs. Open Merit: Balancing gender quotas with open merit at
the entry stage presents a challenge. The need for administrative reasons and
infrastructure development may require the initial use of quotas.
{{ Example: The US military, which follows a merit-driven entry service in all arms
including fighting arms and services, has 15-16 per cent women serving across
all ranks.
• Addressing Sexual Assault and Harassment: The armed forces will face the challenge of addressing sexual assault and
harassment of women within their ranks.The “warrior culture”
and close proximity of men and women in the military can • Permanent Commission: A Permanent Commission means a
exacerbate this problem. career in the Army till you retire.
{{ For example: Despite Sweden’s reputation for promoting • Short Service Commission: Joins the Army and serves as
gender equality, an in-depth study of Swedish women a Commissioned Officer for 10/14 years. At the end 10 yrs,
choose Permamnent Commission, opt out, or extend for 4
officers found that many were subjected to intimidation,
years.
harassment and threats from male officers.

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• Infrastructure Development: Creating necessary gender-based infrastructure, especially in field areas, to accommodate
mixed units/sub-units is a practical challenge.
• Physical Fitness Standards: The issue of setting appropriate physical fitness standards for women is a grey area, and it affects
operational efficiency and career progression.
Way Forward:
• Education and Awareness: The armed forces should focus on
education and awareness at all ranks to foster acceptance of Status of Women Armed Forces in Other Countries:
• Major countries like the United States, United Kingdom,
gender integration and promote a culture of equality.
Russia, allow women to serve in command positions in their
{{ Opportunities for a career in IAF are widely publicized. national armed forces.
An opening has also been provided through NCC Special
Entry for flying SSC (Women) from July 2017 onwards.
{{ ‘DISHA’ cell at Airforce HQ conducts various Induction Publicity programmes across the country related to induction/
career of Officer Cadre in the IAF.
• Policy Framework: A comprehensive study should be conducted to frame a policy for entry, training, terms/conditions,
and management of women in the armed forces, drawing from the experiences and best practices of modern militaries.In
Indian Navy gender-neutral policies are present including spouse co-location, re-settlement postings, and compassionate
grounds postings.
{{ For example: Opening key staff assignments in higher
headquarters for women officers is crucial. Gaining Prominent Women in Indian Armed Forces:
experience in these roles will equip them to handle the • Gunjan Saxena: First woman to fly in a combat zone during
challenges associated with unit command. This expertise the 1999 Kargil War.
is essential for preparing women officers for senior ranks. • Padmavathy Bandopadhyay: First woman Air Marshal in the
Indian Air Force (2004).
• Gradual Transition: The armed forces should gradually
• Bhawana Kanth: First woman in the fighter stream of the
transition towards a gender-neutral and merit-driven entry Indian Air Force (2016).
system, starting with gender quotas for administrative reasons
• Tania Shergill: First woman Parade Adjutant for the Republic
and progressively increasing the proportion of women.
Day parade, leading an all-male contingent (2020).
• Detailed Study on Sexual Assault: As women’s numbers in the
armed forces increase, a detailed study should be conducted to address sexual assault and harassment issues. This should
inform the development of policies, rules, regulations, and laws.
{{ Drawing inspiration from the United States: One of the first actions of US President Joe Biden was to order a “90-Day
Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military”. The Commission, chaired by Lynn Rosenthal, was
charged with conducting “an independent, impartial assessment” of the military’s current treatment of sexual assault
and sexual harassment.
• Review of Physical Fitness Standards: The armed forces should undertake a scientific study to review and potentially revise
physical fitness standards for both men and women, ensuring operational efficiency and inclusivity.
• Utilizing Israel’s IDF as a Learning Experience:
{{ The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is among the only armies in the world that conscript women into its ranks under a
mandatory military draft law. As of 2021, women make up about 40% of the IDF’s conscript soldiers and about 25% of
the officer corps.

9.3 India Needs New Tools to Measure Inequality

Context:
Current inequality estimates do not tell us much about the country’s
wealth concentration process, and how that varies across regions.
More On News:
• Shifting Narrative on Inequality: Over the past two decades,
the narrative on inequality has shifted considerably as new
The India Human Development Survey (IHDS):
• It is a nationally representative, multi-topic panel survey
of 41,554 households in 1503 villages and 971 urban
neighborhoods across India.
• Unlike single-topic surveys, the IHDS collects data on
different dimensions of human development like education,
caste, gender relations and infrastructure.

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 data sets and innovative estimation techniques have forced
a re-appraisal of economic inequality in the country.
• India Human Development Survey (IHDS): The two IHDS
rounds conducted in 2004-05 and 2011-12 provided
nationally representative income distribution estimates.
{{ They showed that consumption inequality was in line
with the official estimates, but income inequality in India
was higher than in most parts of the world.
About Inequality:
• Inequality is the uneven distribution of resources or
opportunities among individuals or groups.
• It can be measured in several ways, including income
inequality, wealth inequality, and inequality of access to
education, healthcare, and other essential services.
Measurement of Inequality in India:
Status of Inequality in India: • Lorenz Curve: It plots the cumulative percentage of income
• According to Oxfam India’s report titled, “Survival of the against the cumulative percentage of the population.
Richest: The India story” on inequality in India”:
{{ Economic Inequality: It finds that 5 percent of Indians
own more than 60 percent of the country’s wealth. In
comparison, the bottom 50 percent of the population
possess only 3 percent of the wealth.
{{ Income Inequality: In India 40 percent of the wealth
created has gone to just 1 percent of the population
and only a mere 3 percent of the wealth has gone to
the bottom 50 percent, adding that the total number of {{ The Lorenz curve would coincide with the 45-degree
billionaires in India increased from 102 in 2020 to 166 line if income were perfectly equal. The further the
billionaires in 2022. Lorenz curve deviates from the line, the greater the
inequality.
{{ Wealth Concentration: The combined wealth of India’s
• Gini Coefficient: The Gini coefficient is a numerical measure
100 richest has touched $660 billion (Rs 54.12 lakh crore) of income inequality based on the Lorenz curve. It ranges
— an amount that could fund the entire Union Budget for from 0 (perfect equality) to 1 (perfect inequality). A higher
more than 18 months. Gini coefficient indicates a higher level of income inequality.
• Census: The Census of India is a decennial nationwide
Problems in Measuring Inequality in India: survey that collects data on various demographic, social, and
• Challenges with Measuring Economic Inequality: economic indicators, including income and expenditure. The
{{ Lack of Comprehensive Income data: India does not have Census is a valuable source of information on inequality in
India, but its data is not as detailed or timely as other sources.
a comprehensive income distribution survey, making it
difficult to assess income inequality levels accurately. • All-India Household Consumer Expenditure Survey: It is
conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO) and is
{{ The data on household consumption expenditure designed to collect information on the consumption spending
collected by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) patterns of households across the country, both urban and rural.
held by the government citing quality issues in June 2019.
{{ Informal Economy: India has a large informal economy,
Government Measures to Reduce Inequality in India
where many people work without formal employment
• Women Reservation Act-2023: Reserve 1/3rd seats in
contracts or records. This makes it difficult to measure Loksabha and legislative assembly.
income levels in the informal sector accurately.
• Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee
• Challenges with Measuring Social Inequality: Act (MGNREGA)
{{ Sensitivity of Caste Data: The public discourse on the caste • National Food Security Act, (NFSA) 2013
census has focused largely on its electoral implications
and there is a reluctance to provide accurate caste information in surveys.

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 „„ Also, the 2011 socioeconomic caste census failed to produce jati-wise details
because of inadequate preparatory work.
{{ Resistance to Caste-Based Census: Forward castes fear that the ambit of caste
quotas may be enlarged.
{{ Measuring Intersectionality: Social inequality often intersects with other factors
such as gender, religion, and ethnicity. Measuring these complex interactions can
be challenging.
• Challenges with Measuring Political Inequality:
{{ Subjective Assessments: Assessing political influence and power can be subjective,
making it difficult to quantify political inequality accurately.
{{ Changing Dynamics: The political landscape in India is constantly evolving, making
it challenging to track changes in political inequality over time.
Way Forward:
• The Multidimensional Inequality Concept: A multidimensional understanding is
important to measure the degree of inequality in terms of the lack of basic necessities,
such as infrastructure, quality education and healthcare, which can improve living
standards (The State of Inequality in India Report-2022).
• A New Income and Wealth Database: Officials from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Reserve
Bank of India and the income tax department must work together to create a new income and wealth distribution database.
• Socio-economic Caste Census: Integrating the census with statistical functions will improve its quality and policymaking.
{{ Detailed case studies and representative state-wise surveys of caste groups can uncover facets of the caste system.
• Wealth Tax: In 2020, the Economist S Subramanian estimated that a tax of just 4 percent on the estimated wealth of the
top 953 richest families (based on the Hurun India wealth list for 2019) would yield the equivalent 1 percent of GDP.
• Property Tax:
{{ Currently, India barely relies on property taxes, with a property tax to gross domestic product (GDP) ratio of 0.2%. By
comparison, the average property tax to GDP ratio for OECD countries is almost 2%.
• Welfare Schemes: Raising minimum income, introducing a universal basic income scheme, and an urban equivalent of the
MGNREGS, allocating a higher percentage of expenditure towards social services, and creating more jobs with long-term
growth will help to bridge inequality gaps.
Conclusion:
Measuring inequality accurately and comprehensively is essential for designing effective policies and interventions to address it.
The emphasis on the interaction between social and economic aspects of inequality helps us comprehensive drive policy action
through social security frameworks.
9.4. Rethinking India’s Exam-Centric Education System
Context:
Board examinations are among the key problems of Indian education. Recently, the National Curriculum Framework for School
Education 2023 (NCF) confronted this matter and suggested ways to overcome it.
More on News:
• The National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023 (NCF) addresses the issues by acknowledging current
challenges being faced by the examination in India.
Challenges with Board Exams in India:
• Flawed Test Design: Most test instruments are poorly designed, which focus on facts and memorization, rather than on
real learning and curricular goals.
{{ It ends up undermining all aspects of education, from teaching and classroom or school practices to textbooks.

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• Misguiding Education: The majority of board exams fail to fulfill their intended
objectives by misdirecting education in schools.
{{ These tests are meant to certify competencies attained by students at the
end of grades 10 and 12.
{{ Rather, most of them primarily test memorization of a huge range of
facts displaying a partial picture of student learning results.
• Social Perception: As Exam marks are seen socially as a measure of ‘intrinsic
worth’ having life-altering effects.
{{ The results of these examinations are used for college admissions or
sometimes even for jobs.
• Mental Stress: The pressure to perform well, meet parental expectations, and
secure a spot in a competitive university creates an environment of immense
stress.
{{ According to NCRB Data, share of students among suicide victims in india
grew 70% over past decade.
• Shortage of Higher Education Institutions (HEI): There is intense competition among the students chasing the limited
number of HEI seats. This makes admission at that level a process of selection through elimination.
• Promote Culture of Commercial Coaching and Tutoring: Commercial interests create artificial competitive pressures so as
to make money from coaching and tuition.
• Lack of Adaptive Thinking: The rote learning based education faces challenges in dealing with evolving exam patterns that
focus on application-based questions.
{{ It becomes a challenge for students to think critically and solve
real-world problems for which adaptability and innovative
thinking skills are needed.
Measures to Address the Concerns as per NCF:
• Modification of Exam: Adjustments should relate to learning
standards, content, textbooks, pedagogical techniques.
• Relieving the Burden: Exams can be made “lighter and easier,” with
a focus on competencies rather than reciting facts.
{{ The amount of content required for each subject would be
greatly decreased.
{{ Every board exam will be available at least twice a year, allowing
students to retake and get better on the test. The mark sheet will
only display the highest score.
• Switching to “on-demand” Tests: These may be given whenever the student is prepared.
{{ This action will greatly lessen stress as the students won’t be held accountable for their performance on a given day.
• Shifting the Focus to Real Learning and Competency: Board examinations would assess the competencies for the secondary
stage, as stated in the Curriculum which will include:
{{ Improvement in the test development process.
{{ Periodic review of the efficacy, validity and reliability of the redesigned exams.
{{ Rigorous selection of test developers and evaluators, and their appropriate training;
Way Forward:
• Shift from Rote Learning to Real Learning: Changes need to be made to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
which allows a shift from testing memorisation to testing understanding. It should provide better distinguishing learning
levels across the entire continuum of student levels. For this,

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 {{ The CBSE should generate questions that test conceptual National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT): It
understanding rather than textbook memorisation. is an autonomous organisation setup in 1961 to assist and advise
{{ It should gradually increase the share of these new the Central and State Governments on policies and programmes
for qualitative improvement in school education.
questions in exam papers so that students and teachers
National Board of Accreditation (NBA): It is an autonomous
have time to adjust to the change. body with the objective of assurance of quality and relevance of
{{ The NCERT and others should create and share sample questions technical education through accreditation of programs.
to help students become familiar with the new question type. University Grants Commission (UGC): It is a statutory Organization
under the UGC Act 1956 for the coordination,determination and
• Flexibility to Use Scores: At the board level, the UGC should maintenance of standards of teaching, examination and research
grant universities flexibility in how they use board scores in in university education.
admissions.
{{ Ex, scores from the Tamil Nadu state board as equivalent to scores from the Haryana state board.
{{ If (and only if) successful, the Centre should push other states to adopt similar changes to their own boards.
• Expansion of the Number of High-Quality HEIs: As per the report titled ‘Beyond the Top 200 - Effective International
Collaboration for Indian Higher Education’, by 2030, India will have a college-going population of a staggering 140 million.
{{ To meet this demand, India will need at least another 1,500 institutions by 2030.
• Accreditation of Institutions: The accreditation of HEIs needs to be at core of the regulatory arrangement in higher education.
{{ Quality assurance agencies should guarantee basic minimum standards of technical education to meet the industry
demand for quality manpower.
{{ The National Board of Accreditation should act as a catalyst towards quality enhancement and quality assurance of
higher technical education.
{{ Credit rating agencies, reputed industry associations, media houses and professional bodies should be encouraged to
carry forward the process of rating of Indian universities and institutions.
• Regular Updation of Curriculum: The development of a more flexible and modern curriculum should be encouraged that
focuses on practical skills and competencies rather than just theoretical knowledge.
{{ The curriculum should be updated regularly to ensure that it is relevant to the changing needs of society and the job
market.

9.5. ILO Report on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)

Context:
The ‘23rd World Congress on Safety and Health at Work’ has Silkyara Bend-Barkot Tunnel in Uttarkhand:
started from 27 November 2023 in Sydney, Australia. The theme • Silkyara Tunnel: It is around 4.5 Km long two lane Bi-
“Shaping Change- collaborating for a healthier and safer world Directional tunnel with escape passage on Dharasu –
of work,” Yamunotri.
More on News: • Significance: This tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity
to Yamunotri, encouraging regional socio-economic
• India’s Representation: The Director General of the
development, trade and tourism within the country.
Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), is representing
India at the conference.
• Key Collaborators of Event: United Nations International Labour Organisation, the International Social Security Association,
and SafeWork NSW.
• The ILO report, titled ‘A Call for Safer and Healthier Working Environments’, will be discussed at this event.
• Global Safety Congress Coincides with Local Tragedy: Tunnel Collapse in Uttarkashi.
{{ Several laborers were trapped after a portion of an under-construction tunnel collapsed in Uttarkashi district of
Uttarakhand.
{{ The tunnel is located on the Yamunotri National Highway near Silkyara and was being constructed under the Chardham
Highway Project.

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What is Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)?
• Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) deals with all aspects of
health and safety in the workplace and has a strong focus on
primary prevention of hazards.
• “Welfare of Labour including conditions of work” is a subject
listed in the concurrent list of the constitution.
• Nodal Agency: The Ministry of Labour & Employment (MoL&E),
and Labour Departments of the State Governments and Union
Territories are responsible for Occupational Safety and Health of
workers.
Key Learnings from the ILO Report:
• Work-Related Health Hazards: Exposure to long working hours,
with almost 7.45 lakh people dying of it in 2016, followed by
exposure to occupational particulate matter, gases, and fumes
(4.5 lakh deaths) and occupational injuries (3.63 lakh deaths).
• Rising Diseases: The rate of non-melanoma skin cancer
increased by over 37% between 2000 and 2020.
• Non-Compliance of ILO conventions: As per ILO report, 79 out
of the 187 member countries have ratified the ILO Occupational
Safety and Health Convention (No. 155), while 62 countries
have ratified the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187).
{{ India has not ratified both the conventions, however after the Uttarkashi tunnel incident, Central Trade Unions asked
the Union government to sign these treaties.
Issues Related to Worker’s Safety:
• Predominance of the Unorganized and Informal Sectors: Around 80% of India’s workers are employed in the unorganized
sector, and more than 90% in informal jobs.
• Uncovered Sectors in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Regulations: OSH-related legislations to cover the other sectors
such as agriculture sector, service sector, transport sector, etc., are not available leaving a huge gap.
• Lack of Defined Budget: For effective implementation of National Policy on Safety, Health and Environment at Workplace(2009),
there has been no specific financial budget and scheme.
• Challenges in Managing Occupational Safety and Health Risks: The changing job patterns and working relationships,
outsourcing of work, pose problems to management of occupational safety and health risks at workplaces.
• Economic Unpredictability: Economic uncertainty induced by covid lockdowns has made it difficult for organizations to
make concrete decisions that transform the organization’s safety culture.
Laws & Regulations on Occupational Safety and Health:
• Constitutional Framework:
{{ Article 39: It ensure that the citizens of India are provided with adequate means of livelihood, fair distribution of
wealth, equal pay for equal work, protection of children and labor
{{ Article 42: Just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief are provided.
• National Policy on Safety, Health and Environment at Workplace(2009): It recognizes a safe and healthy working
environment as a fundamental human right.
• Legislative Framework: The Government of India has enacted four main legislations relating to Occupational Safety and
Health (OSH) at workplaces:
{{ The Factories Act, 1948,
{{ The Mines Act, 1952 and Mines Rules, 1955,

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 {{ The Dock Workers (Safety, Health and Welfare) Act,
{{ The Building & Other Construction Workers (Regulations of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996
• OSH Code (Occupational, Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code) - 2020:
{{ National database to be created for the InterState 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.
Way Forward:
• Implementation of the Recommendation of ILO Report:
{{ The report recommended five categories of “Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work” for ensuring safety and
health at work. These are:
„„ Freedom of association;
„„ Effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining,
„„ Elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour, abolition of child labour,
„„ Elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation, and
„„ A safe and healthy working environment.
• Role of Social Dialogue and Participation: A sound and resilient national occupational safety and health (OSH) framework,
built on social dialogue and participation, is essential for the realization of the fundamental right to a safe and healthy
working environment.
• Upskilling Employees in Workplace Ergonomics: According to the American authority on OSH, 34% of workplace injuries are
ergonomics-related, costing organizations nearly USD 50 billion per year.
• Integrating Ministries and Allocating Resources for OSH Awareness and Prevention: At the national level, the government
must involve all relevant ministries to prioritize workers’ safety and health by allocating ample resources to enhance
awareness of occupational safety and health (OSH) and preventive measures.
• Establishing a dedicated research institution for workplace safety, health, and the environment is crucial for dealing with
safety, health and environment at the workplace.
Conclusion:
There is a need to develop close involvement of social partners to meet the challenges ahead in the assessment and control
of workplace risks by mobilizing local resources and extending protection to such working populations and vulnerable groups
where social protection is not adequate.

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Prelims:
9.6. Prime Minister Launched PM-PVTG Mission Janjatiya Gaurav Divas in 2021 dedicated to the memory
of brave tribal freedom fighters.
Context:
India’s Prime Minister (PM) launched the PM-PVTG • The date is the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda who
Development Mission, Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra and Janjati fought against the exploitative system of the British
Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (JANMAN) on Janjatiya Gaurav colonial system and spearheaded movement against
Diwas. British oppression giving a call for ‘Ulgulan’ (Revolution).
• This struggle compelled the British Raj to introduce the
About PM-PVTG Development Mission:
‘Chhota Nagpur Tenancy Act of 1908’ which restricted the
• Aim: Overall development of around 28 lakh people from
transfer of tribal land to non-tribals.
Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG).
{{ To bring critical infrastructure like power, water, road 9.7. UNICEF Report Highlights Water Stress Impact
connectivity, housing, education, and healthcare to on Children
the PVTG communities living in remote villages.
Context:
{{ The government had allocated ₹24,000 crore for the Recently, UNICEF released “The Climate Changed Child”
scheme. report throws a spotlight on the threat to children due to
water vulnerability.
Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra:
• There will be concerted efforts in the PVTG villages
to ensure saturation of schemes like PM-Jan Arogya
Yojana, Sickle-Cell Elimination Campaign, TB elimination
campaign, 100% immunisation, PM Surakshit Matritva
Yojana, PM Matru Vandana Yojana, PM Poshan, PM Jan
Dhan Yojana and others.
PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (JANMAN):
• Objective: Preserving and cultivating tribal communities
on the cusp of extinction.
• Significance: It focuses on the welfare and development
of these vulnerable groups, many of whom inhabit remote
jungles.
• The PM-Janman has identified 75 tribal communities
and primitive tribes, underlining the extensiveness of the
operation.
About PVTGs: PVTGs are more vulnerable among the tribal
groups.
• In 1973, the Dhebar Commission created Primitive Key Findings of the Report:
Tribal Groups (PTGs) as a separate category, who are • Global Water Stress Exposure: Approximately half of the
less developed among the tribal groups. In 2006, the world’s children (953 million) faced high or extremely
high water stress in 2022.
Government of India renamed the PTGs as Particularly
Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). • Vulnerability Breakdown:
• Criteria for identification of PVTGs: {{ In 2022, 739 million children experienced high or
extremely high water scarcity.
{{ Pre-agricultural level of technology
{{ 436 million children lived in areas with high or
{{ Low level of literacy extremely high water vulnerability.
{{ Economic backwardness • High Heatwave Frequency:
{{ A declining or stagnant population. {{ Building on the Children’s Climate Risk Index (CCRI)
released in 2021, the authors found that 559 million
About ‘Bhagwan’ Birsa Munda children are currently exposed to high heatwave
• Government of India has declared 15th November as frequency.

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 {{ This can impact all the 2.02 billion children globally by states and Union Territories.
2050, the new report added
Key Findings:
• Around 470 million children encountered high or
extremely high drought risk.

9.8. SATHEE (Self Assessment Test and Help for

Entrance Exams) Portal
Context:
According to the Ministry of Education (MoE), all States need
to encourage aspirants to utilise the newly launched SATHEE
portal for Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) exam preparation.
About SATHEE (Self Assessment Test and Help for Entrance
Exams) Portal:
• It is an initiative by the Ministry of Education in association
with IIT Kanpur.
• Objective: SATHEE has been launched to give students a
free learning and assessment platform.
• Utilises Artificial Intelligence (AI): The portal uses AI to
interact with students, and can be customised to each
student’s pace of learning.
• SATHEE’s integrated AI chatbot helps students align their
learning needs.
• National Education Policy (NEP): It is in line with the
National Education Policy, with the goal to provide
inclusive, high quality education even to remote parts of
the country.
• Languages: Currently in four languages viz. English, Hindi,
Odia, and Telugu and plans to extend it to 13 languages.
• SATHEE Mitras: SATHEE mitras (friends) are aimed at
increasing rural coverage of students appearing for
entrance tests, including the JEE and NEET.
9.9. State Food Safety Index (SFSI) 2023
Context:
Recently Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
published its fifth consecutive State Food Safety Index.
About State Food Safety Index (SFSI):
• Development: Formulated by FSSAI as a comprehensive
measure of state performance in food safety.
• Parameters (5): Compliance, Human Resources and
Institutional Data, Food Testing Infrastructure and
Surveillance, Training & Capacity Building, Measures
initiatives empowering consumers.
• New Addition (2023): “Improvement in SFSI Rank”
introduced as a dynamic parameter.
• Objective Framework: SFSI serves as a dynamic
benchmarking model, offering both quantitative and
qualitative insights into food safety performance across all
• Food Testing Infrastructure: Over five years, it recorded
the worst drop in the average score in all large states
which dropped to 7 points out of 17 in 2023 from 13 points
out of 20 in 2019.
{{ Both Gujarat and Kerala were the best performers
in 2023 with 13.5 points out of 17 while Andhra
Pradesh performed the worst.
• Compliance:
{{ It was given the highest weightage of 28 per cent in
2023 (30 per cent in previous years).
{{ In 2023, Jharkhand received 4 points out of 28, the
lowest score for compliance, whereas Punjab and
Himachal Pradesh received 18 points each, the
highest score.
{{ The 2023 average compliance score for all large states
stood at 11 points out of 28 compared to 16 points
out of 30 in 2019.
• Consumer Empowerment:
{{ The top performer for this parameter in 2023 was
Tamil Nadu with 17 points out of 19, followed by
Kerala and Madhya Pradesh with 16 points each.
• Human Resources and Institutional Data:
{{ Top performers in 2019 like Tamil Nadu and Uttar
Pradesh, with each receiving 17 points out of 20, got
merely 10.5 and 9.5 points respectively in 2023.
About Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI):
• It is an autonomous statutory body established under the
Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act).
• Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India
is the administrative Ministry of FSSAI.

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 10. ETHICS
10.1. Ethical Perspective: 70 Hours a Week
Context:
Recently, NR Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys said Indians need to work harder (70 hours a week) if the nation is to
achieve the kind of progress China, Japan and Germany did after World War II.
• After a few days, the Founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates, argued that “job is not everything” and backed a 3-day work week.
Arguments In Favor of a 70-Hour Work Week:
• Economic Growth: Experts argue that working 70 hours a week can significantly contribute to economic growth.
{{ Consider the case of South Korea, which experienced remarkable economic growth in the latter half of the 20th century.
A culture of long working hours, known as “Korean work ethic,” was a contributing factor.
• Increased Productivity, Innovation, and Efficiency can be achieved when individuals dedicate more time to their work,
fostering a competitive edge in the global market.
{{ India’s productivity is among the lowest in the world.
{{ India ranks in the bottom third of the International
Labour Organization’s (ILO) labor productivity rankings,
based on GDP (in constant dollars) per hour worked.
• National Competitiveness: In a globally competitive world,
supporters claim that putting in longer hours is necessary
to maintain a competitive advantage. Nations that have
achieved rapid progress, as cited by NR Narayana Murthy,
often attribute their success to a strong work ethic that
includes extended hours.
{{ The success of companies like Apple and Google is
attributed, in part, to a culture that values sustained
effort and dedication.
• Personal Development: A 70-hour work week provides
individuals with ample opportunities for skill development
and career advancement.
{{ Japan’s salarymen culture exemplifies the idea of personal development through long working hours. This commitment
is seen as a pathway to skill mastery and career progression.
Arguments Against a 70-Hour Work Week:
• Health and Well-being: Extended working hours are associated with increased stress, fatigue, and a higher risk of burnout.
{{ From an ethical standpoint, putting health at risk for economic gains raises questions about the prioritization of human
welfare.
• Work-Life Balance: Critics argue that a 70-hour work week undermines the concept of work-life balance, a crucial component
of a fulfilling and meaningful life.
{{ Ethically, there is a concern that excessive work hours can strain personal relationships, limit leisure time, and hinder
overall life satisfaction.
{{ Danish workers, on average, put in fewer hours, yet Denmark consistently ranks high in happiness and quality of life
indices. This suggests that a balanced approach to work can lead to a more satisfied and content society.
• Equality and Inclusivity: Advocates for a more balanced work schedule emphasize the ethical importance of creating an
inclusive workplace.
• Gender Disparity and Discrimination: A 70-hour work week might disproportionately affect certain demographics especially
Women, potentially limiting equal opportunities for those with caregiving responsibilities, disabilities, or other personal
commitments.

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 {{ Gender disparities often emerge in workplaces where long hours are the norm.
• Labor Rights Perspective:
{{ A 70-hour workweek raises concerns about labor rights and worker exploitation. Labor laws typically establish maximum
work hours and overtime regulations to protect workers from excessive workloads and ensure their health and safety.
A 70-hour workweek could violate these protections.
• Technological Advancement:
{{ The revolution in digital and communication technology has brought about significant efficiencies in the workplace,
allowing employees to accomplish more in less time.
{{ This suggests that a 70-hour workweek may not be necessary to achieve desired productivity levels.
{{ In addition, new technologies have made it possible for employees to work remotely and flexibly (Work from Home)
which can help to improve work-life balance.
• Hard Work vs Smart Work
{{ According to a ManpowerGroup survey, Indian millennials spend 52 hours at work per week, compared to 48 in China,
46 in Japan, and just 41 in Australia.
„„ Indians are working harder, longer, and for less money than their counterparts in most countries in the world.
{{ The reasons this labor does not translate into higher productivity are manifold – from poor infrastructure to poor skills
to lack of capital and technology to poor deployment of resources.
{{ Though, India’s productivity is low. But for this to go up, India needs to work smarter, not harder.
{{ While working hard emphasizes putting in hours, smart work aims to find better and more efficient ways to tackle
different tasks.
{{ “Hard work is the key to success only if done smartly.”
Apart from that, inculcating work ethics and improving work culture also
played important roles in enhancing Productivity.
Work Ethics:
• A work ethic is a personal set of values that determines how any
employee approaches their work.
• Employees with strong work ethics are highly motivated and produce
consistently high-quality results.
• It is the commitment to fulfill the official responsibilities with dedication,
involvement and sincerity. It implies that work is appreciated and not
taken as a burden.
Characteristics of Ethical Work
• Values: like the blood nourishes the body, values nourish the organization (refer to Image)
• Effective leadership: leaders set the tone that permeates the organization’s culture.
• Balancing of stakeholders: so that mutual tension is resolved.
• The integrity of the process: where all the organization’s processes are aligned with its values, like recruiting, hiring,
promoting, marketing, sales, etc.
• Long-term perspective: where the leadership is dedicated to strategic planning for the long term.
• A good work ethic can be taught as long as more productive behaviors are demonstrated to your employees.
Work Culture:
• It is regarded as a set of practices, values and shared beliefs within an organization and in its employees. It decides the way
employees interact with each other and how the organization functions.
• It is the product of the organization’s history, traditions, values and vision.

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Characteristics of Healthy Work Culture:
• There is respect for fellow workers.
• Conflicts are minimal and are resolved after considering the underlying cause.
• Impartiality in the treatment of employees.
• An employee is judged only by his work and nothing else.
• Employee participation in the decision-making process is improved.
• The existing skills of the employees are enhanced through workshops, seminars, etc.
Conclusion:
Now, India is aspiring to be a world leader. The mantra of Vivekananda ‘’Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached.” is
as relevant and inspiring today as it was earlier for youth.
• The ethical perspective on a 70-hour work week involves a nuanced evaluation of its potential benefits and drawbacks.
• Striking a balance that considers both individual well-being and economic progress is crucial for fostering a work culture that
is not only productive but also ethically sound.

10.2. The Ethics of War: Proportionality and Nationalism

Context:
Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war and the Hamas-Israel conflict, there has been considerable debate about the
importance of proportionality.
Proportionality as a Myth in War:
• The intense bloodshed in the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel has evoked strong emotional responses from people
across the world.
• Ex- The Prime Minister of Norway stated that Israel’s About the Principle of Proportionality:
use of military force against Hamas in Gaza is “beyond • Attack Prohibition: It prohibits attacks against military
proportionality.” objectives which are “expected to cause incidental loss of
civilian life, injury to civilians, damage to civilian objects, or
International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and Principle of Propor- a combination thereof, which would be excessive in relation
tionality: to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated”.
• Restriction on Using Force: It places restrictions on the use of • Limiting Damages: It seeks to limit damage caused by
force, especially against civilians. military operations by requiring that the effects of the means
• Principle of Jus in Bello: IHL applicable to armed conflicts ( jus and methods of warfare used must not be disproportionate
in bello ), it uses the principle of proportionality to limit the to the military advantage sought.
damages caused by military operations on civilian populations
and objects.
{{ Once a State has resorted to the use of armed force, jus in bello kicks in to regulate and restrain the use of force in times
of armed conflict.
{{ It obliges to balance the military advantages sought and the damage and civilian losses related to it.
• Differentiating Civilian Objects and Military Objectives: IHL provides that parties to the conflict must distinguish between
civilian objects and military objectives by using specific methods of warfare.
Why is Proportionality a Myth during the War?
• Voluntary Nature of IHL: IHL is voluntary and non-binding on sovereign states.
{{ Adherence and compliance with international law rely on “good faith” as there is no entity to enforce it.
• Myth of war without public mobilization: The belief that wars can occur without public support is a misconception.
• War as a collision of nationalism: Wars fundamentally involve clashes of nationalisms or collective human wills, necessitating
the mobilization of populations.
{{ Both Israel’s response and Hamas’ actions are rooted in civilian support.
• Constraints in warfare: They are influenced by various factors including the:
{{ Relative capabilities of adversaries, Level of enemy strength, Tactics and operational strategies employed, Terrain of
combat, Objectives pursued by the belligerents and Relative positions of adversaries, allies, and partners.

122
 11. PLACES IN NEWS
11.1. Klyuchevskoy Volcano
Context:
The Klyuchevskoy volcano, one of the highest active stratovolcanoes volcanoes in the world erupts in Russia’s northern
Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia.
About Stratovolcanoes:
• The 4,650-meter (15,255-foot) volcano has
been active in recent years and released
lava in June 2023.
• The characteristics of a stratovolcano are
as follows:
{{ The eruptions are very violent and
explosive, hurling volcanic bombs due
to gas building up in the viscous magma.
{{ The lava builds up around the vent,
forming a volcano with steep sides as
high as 7,000 feet, and the shape is a
symmetrical cone.
{{ It consists of alternating layers of lava and ash.
• Kamchatka Peninsula:
{{ It lies between the Bering Sea and the Pacific Ocean, and the Sea of Okhotsk.
{{ It is part of the Kamchatka Krai. Kamchatka, also known as a land of fire and ice, sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and is
home to over 150 volcanoes.

11.2. Horn of Africa

Context:
The Horn of Africa is facing deadly floods due to El Nino-linked ‘above average’ rains
heavy rainfall is predicted to affect the region with varying intensity for the next three
months.
About The Horn of Africa (HoA):
• It is a large peninsula and geopolitical region in East Africa.
• Located on the easternmost part of the African mainland, it is the fourth-largest
peninsula in the world.
• It comprises Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia and Djibouti broader definitions also
include parts or all of Kenya, Sudan, South Sudan, and Uganda.
• It is separated from the Arabian Peninsula by the Bab el-Mandeb Strait (the strait
connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden)

11.3. Red Sea

Context:
Recently, an India-bound cargo ship was seized by the Houthis in the Red Sea.
About Red Sea:
• Geography: Semi-enclosed, inlet (or extension) of the Indian Ocean between the continents of Africa from Asia. It is the
world’s northernmost tropical sea.
• Connectivity and Waterways: Connected to the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean to the south through the Gulf of Aden
and the narrow strait of Bab el Mandeb.

123
 {{ The northern portion of the Red Sea is bifurcated by the Sinai Peninsula into the Gulf of Aqaba and the Gulf of Suez,
where it is connected to the Mediterranean Sea via the famous Suez Canal.
• Bordering Countries: Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, and Djibouti.
• Distinct Features: Due to seasonal blooms of a red-colored cyanobacteria alga -Trichodesmium erythraeum the sea is a
reddish-brown color.
{{ Islands: Farasan Islands, Dahlak Archipelago
{{ Houthis: Large clan belonging to the Zaidi Shia sect, with roots in Yemen’s northwestern Sa’dah province.

11.4. Rapid Ice Melt in West Antarctica

Context:
The rapid melting of West Antarctica’s ice sheet due to warm waters around
it is now unavoidable, according to a new study.
Key Points:
• To conduct the analysis, the scientists have used a high-resolution
computer model of the Amundsen Sea to provide the most
comprehensive assessment of warming in West Antarctica to date.
About Amundsen Sea:
• Amundsen Sea is an arm of the Southern Ocean, the Amundsen Sea lies
off the coast of Western Antarctica’s Marie Byrd Land.
• The eastern and western extent of the Amundsen Sea are marked by
the Cape Flying Fish and Cape Dart, respectively.
• The Thwaites Ice Tongue extends into this sea which remains ice-
covered in most parts.

11.5. Ben Gurion Canal: An Alternative to the Suez Canal

Context:
Israel’s interest in controlling the Gaza Strip is speculated to be linked to a long-discussed economic opportunity of the Ben
Gurion Canal Project.
About Ben Gurion Canal Project:
• It was first envisioned in the 1960s to create an alternative
route to the Suez Canal, potentially enhancing economic
prospects in the region.
• Named after Israel’s founder, David Ben-Gurion.
• Estimated cost may exceed $100 billion.
• The idea is to cut a canal through the Israeli-controlled
Negev Desert from the tip of the Gulf of Aqaba —
the eastern arm of the Red Sea that juts into Israel’s
southern tip and south-western Jordan — to the Eastern
Mediterranean coast.

124
12. PERSONALITY IN NEWS
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad(1888 - 1958)
Jawaharlal Nehru
525th Birth Anniversary of Saint Meera Bai
The Prime Minister remembered Maulana Azad on his birth anniversary.
• Early Life: Born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
• Azad was inspired by the modernist writings of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan.
Role in India’s Independence Movement:
• Active participant in the Khilafat Movement (1920-24), held the post of
the president of the All-India Khilafat Committee.
• President of the Indian National Congress on two occasions – in 1923
and in 1940.
• Participated in civil disobedience initiatives namely the Dandi March
(1930) and the Quit India Movement (1942).
Later Contributions
• After independence, he was appointed as the Education Minister.
• 11 November is observed as National Education Day every year since 2008.
Key Writings: An Autobiographical Narrative. Other important books include
Gubar-e-Khatir, Azad on Pakistan, and Tazkirah.
The Prime Minister paid tributes to former Prime Minister, Shri Jawaharlal
Nehru on his birth anniversary.
About Jawaharlal Nehru:
• Birth: November 14, 1889, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh
• Bharat Ratna: 1954, he was conferred with Bharat Ratna
• Death: 27th May 1964
Contributions:
• Literary Work: The Discovery of India, Glimpses of World History, and his
autobiography Toward Freedom, Letters from a Father to His Daughter.
• Industrial Development: He established heavy industries including Iron
and Steel plants in Durgapur, Rourkela.
• Foreign Policy: He initiated the non-aligned movement.
{{ In 1954, Nehru signed with China the Five Principles of Peaceful
Coexistence, known as the Panchsheel.
Prime Minister participated in ‘Sant Mirabai Janmotsav’ – a programme being
organized to celebrate the 525th Birth Anniversary of Sant Mirabai in Mathura.
• The PM released a commemorative stamp and a coin in the honor of
Saint Mira Bai.
• Birth: Born into a royal family in Kudki, now Pali district of Rajasthan
in 1498 CE.
• She is one of the famous Hindu mystic poetess of the 16th century and
a great devotee of lord Krishna.
• Biography: Bhaktmal, a poetry collection that describes the biography
of Meera Bai, was written by Guru Nabha Dass ji in 1585 CE in Braja
language.
• Contribution to Music: The songs Meera Bai sang in Braja language.
{{ These include Raag Govind, Narsi Ji Ka Mayara, Geet Govind ki
Tika, Meera Bai ki Malhar, Raag Vihaag and Garba Geet.
• Death: She died in 1548 CE at the age of 50 in Dwarka, Gujarat.
125
 Guru Teg Bahadur
Lachit Diwas
National Unity Day 2023: Sardar Patel
Every year 24 November is observed as Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Martyrdom
Day (Shaheedi Diwas).  
Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621-1675):
• Birth: Born in Amritsar on April 21, 1621 to Mata Nanki and Guru
Hargobind, the sixth Sikh guru.
• He is considered as the ninth guru of Sikhism.
• He laid the foundation of Sri Anandpur Sahib in 1664 A.D.
• Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb persecuted him on 24 November 1675 for
protesting against the forcible conversion of people to Islam.
Lachit Diwas honors the military brilliance and leadership of Lachit
Borphukan celebrated every year on November 24th.
• He was the Assamese general and folk hero led his troops to victory in
the Battle of Saraighat in 1671.
• He was a military commander who was chosen as one of the five
councillors of the Ahom kingdom by king Chakradhwaja Singha, and
given administrative, judicial, and military responsibilities.
{{ He preferred guerrilla tactics which provided an edge to the smaller,
but fast moving and capable forces.
• Born: November 24, 1622, in Assam, India
• Role: Commander and viceroy in the Ahom kingdom, present day
located in Assam.
• Notable Achievement: Led the Ahom forces in the 1671 Battle of
Saraighat, defeating the Mughal army sent by Emperor Aurangzeb to
conquer Assam
• Commemoration: Birth anniversary observed as Lachit Divas on
November 24 every year across the state
National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwasis) celebrated annually on October
31 in India to honor Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary.
About Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (October 31, 1875—December 15, 1950):
• Role during Independence: Indian barrister and key leader of the Indian
National Congress during the struggle for independence.
• Leadership Roles: Served as the first Indian municipal commissioner of
Ahmedabad (1917–1924) and elected municipal president (1924–1928).
• Bardoli Campaign: Successfully led the resistance against increased
taxes, earning the title ‘Sardar’ (leader).
• Political Positions: Held various positions, including deputy prime
minister, minister of home affairs, minister of information, and minister
of states.
• Civil Services: Revered as the “Patron saint of India’s civil servants” for
establishing the modern all-India services system.
• Iron Man of India: Known for uniting 562 princely states to form the
Republic of India.
• Statue of Unity: The world’s tallest statue, dedicated on October 31,
2018, standing at approximately 182 m (597 ft), commemorating Sardar
Vallabhbhai Patel’s legacy.
126
13. SCHEMES IN NEWS
Ayushman Bharat- The National Health Authority (NHA) reports that over 59 million hospital admissions have
Pradhan Mantri Jan been authorized under the AB-PMJAY scheme since launch of scheme five years ago.
Aarogya Yojana (AB- About About ABPM-JAY:
PMJAY) • It is the world’s largest health assurance scheme (launched in 2018 by MoH&FW).
• It provides medical insurance of Rs 5 Lakh to over 10 Cr marginalized families (identified
through SECC 2011 data) for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
• Centrally sponsored scheme: Funding: 60:40 & 90:10 (NE states and three Himalayan states-
J&K, Himachal and Uttarakhand)
• No limit on family size covered or age of members.
• It covers pre-existing diseases
• Implementation by National Health Authority
Vibrant Village Recently, the Home Minister addressed the 62nd Raising Day parade of the Indo-Tibetan Border
Programme (VVP) Police (ITBP) in Dehradun.
• He highlighted the Vibrant Village Programme (VVP) as instrumental in delivering essential
facilities and infrastructure to these area
About Vibrant Village Programme (VVP):
• It was announced in the Finance Minister’s Budget Speech 2022.
• Aim: To enhance the infrastructure in the villages near the northern border (Arunachal
Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Ladakh)
of India.
• Under this centrally sponsored scheme, 2,967 villages in 46 blocks of 19 districts have been
identified for comprehensive development.
PM SHRI Schools Recently, the Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship launched
37 PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalayas (KV) and 26 PM SHRI Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS) in
Odisha.
About PM SHRI Schools (PM Schools for Rising India) scheme:
• It was approved by the Union Cabinet in 2022.
• Centrally Sponsored aims to uplift over 14,500 schools nationwide.
• Showcase the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020 and emerge as
exemplar schools over a period of time, and also offer leadership to other schools in the
neighborhood.
• Financial Outlay: The scheme’s total project cost is Rs. 27,360 crore, with a central share of
Rs. 18,128 crore over five years (2022-23 to 2026-27).
Bharat Atta Scheme Centre has recently launched Bharat Atta scheme wherein wheat flour will be sold at a
subsidized rate.
• Aim: It is launched across the country to provide relief to consumers from high prices.
• 2.5 lakh tonnes of wheat will be allocated from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) at ₹21.50
per kg to Kendriya Bhandar, National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of
India Ltd (NAFED), and National Cooperative Consumers Federation of India Ltd (NCCF).
{{ They will convert it into wheat flour and sell it at ₹27.50 per kg under the brand ‘Bharat Atta’

127
Pradhan Mantri Matru Recently, the National Event on Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) was held in
Vandana Yojana Mumbai.
About PMMVY:
• It is a Maternity Benefit Programme being implemented as per provisions under Section 4
of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.
• Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India is nodal ministry.
• Target beneficiaries:
{{ All Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers, (excluding PW&LM who are in regular
employment with the Central Government or the State Governments or PSUs)
{{ Eligible to receive benefits under the scheme only once.
• Benefits under PMMVY
{{ Cash incentive of Rs 5000 in three installments.
{{ 1st installment of Rs 1000 on early registration of pregnancy.
{{ 2nd installment of Rs 2000 after six months of pregnancy on receiving at least one ante-
natal check-up (ANC).
{{ 3rd installment of Rs 2000 after childbirth is registered and the child has received the
first cycle of BCG, OPV, DPT, and Hepatitis B, or its equivalent/substitute.
Extension of Pradhan Recently, the PM extended Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) for five more
Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna years.
Yojana (PMGKAY) About Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana
(PMGKAY):
• Introduced in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Finance
• Provides 5 kg of free foodgrains to eligible ration
card holders under the National Food Security Act,
2013 (NFSA).
• Merge with NFSA
{{ In January,2023, PMGKAY was merged with
the NFSA, providing free ration for AAY and
PHH families, eliminating additional provisions
introduced during the pandemic.

128
 TEST YOURSELF
Polity & Governance 2. India is not a Member of it.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. Consider the following statements regarding Governor: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
1. Governor can summon or prorogue the state legisla- (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
ture and dissolve the state legislative assembly. 2. Which of the following states share their boundary with
2. Governor nominates one-fifth of the members of the Bhutan?
state legislative council from amongst persons having 1. Sikkim
special knowledge or practical experience in litera- 2. West Bengal
ture, science, art, cooperative movement and social 3. Assam
service. 4. Arunachal Pradesh.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (a) 1 and 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
2. With reference to ‘Central Bureau Of Commission(CBI)’, (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
consider the following statements:
1. The CBI was established based on the recommenda- 3. The term ‘Global South’ often seen in news is related to
tion of Santhanam Committee. which of the following?
2. The CBI is not a statutory body It derives its powers (a) Highly developed countries
from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, of (b) Asian tiger economies
1946. (c) Countries with Zero Covid cases
3. The CBI acts as the “National Central Bureau” of Inter- (d) None of the above
pol in India.
How many statements given above is/are correct? 4. Consider the following countries :
(a) One only (b) Two only 1. India
(c) All three (d) None 2. Russia
3. United States
3. With reference to ‘Central Information
4. Japan
Commission’,consider the following statements:
5. China
1. Chief Information Commissioner is not eligible for re-
How many of the above countries are members of the
appointment.
Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity?
2. The Chief Information Commissioner(CIC) and Infor-
mation Commissioner(ICs) will hold office for a term (a) Only two (b) Only three
of five years. (c) Only four (d) All five
3. It is a statutory body constituted under the provision
of Section-12 of RTI Act 2005. 5. Consider the following countries:
How many of the statements given above is/are not 1. Kuwait
correct? 2. Russia
(a) Only one (b) Only two 3. United Arab Emirates
(c) All three (d) None 4. Saudi Arabia
Answer key: 1 - (a) , 2- (c), 3- (a) 5. Venezuela
How many of the above countries are the founding
International Relations members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting
1. With reference to ‘Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Countries?
(APEC) Forum’,consider the following statements: (a) Only two
1. It operates based on non-binding commitments with (b) Only three
decisions reached by consensus and commitments (b) Only four
undertaken voluntarily. (d) All five
Answer key: 1 -(c), 2 - (d) , 3 - (d), 4 - (b), 5 - (b) Which of the statements given above are incorrect?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
Economy (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
1. Consider the following statements regarding Card
tokenization: 2. Consider the following statements regarding the Emissions
1. A tokenized card will be issued by the Reserve Bank of Gap Report:
India (RBI). 1. Emissions Gap Report is released by the World Bank.
2. RBI defines tokenization as the replacement of actu 2. The report analyzes the future trends in greenhouse
al card details with an alternate code called the ‘to- gas emissions and provides potential solutions to the
ken’, which is a unique combination of card, token re- challenge of global warming.
questor, and a device. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
3. Card tokenization promotes interoperability across (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
payment platforms. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
4. The token increases need for compliance with the
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI 3. Adaptation Gap Report is an flagship publication of:
DSS) guidelines. (a) United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
How many statements given above is/are correct? (b) World Bank
(a) One only (b) Two only (c) Greenpeace India
(c) Three only (d) All four (d) Global Environment Facility

2. With reference to ‘Geographical Indication Tag’,consider
the following statements:
1. Geographical Indications are covered as a component
of intellectual property rights (IPRs) under the Paris
Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
2. The first product in India to be accoWrded with GI tag
was Darjeeling tea.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
4. Which of the following statements is/are correct about
‘Cheetah’?
1. National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), a stat-
utory body under the Ministry of Environment, is the
implementing agency of Project Cheetah.
2. Asiatic Cheetah is Critically Endangered whereas Afri-
can cheetah is Vulnerable.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

3. Consider the following statements:
1. Members of cooperative banks are also the customers
of the bank.
2. They are registered under the Banking Regulations
Act, 1949.
3. They form the largest source of agricultural credit in
India.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) All of the above
Answer Key: 1 - (b), 2 - (c), 3 - (a) , 4 - (d), 5 - (C)
Environment and Geography
1. With reference to the COP28 climate summit, consider the
following statements:
1. In COP28, the Global Stocktake is happening for the
first time since the Paris Agreement.
2. COP28 will host the first-ever Health Day, and cli-
mate-health ministerial, which will be co-hosted by
UNESCO.
5. This river originates in the Rakas lake near Mansarovar in
Tibet. It flows almost parallel to the Indus before entering
India, and comes out of a gorge at Rupar. It passes
through the Shipki La on the Himalayan ranges and enters
the Punjab plains. It is an antecedent river. It is a very
important tributary of Indus and it feeds the canal system
of the Bhakra Nangal project.
Which of the following river is explained in the above
scenario?
(a) Jhelum (b) Chenab
(c) Sutlej (d) Beas
Answer Key: 1 - (b), 2 - (b), 3 - (a) , 4 - (c), 5 - (c)
Science and Technology
1. Which of the following is the objective of ‘INFUSE Mission’?
(a) To study the Cygnus Loop, a supernova remnant.
(b) To study the asteroid bennu.
(c) To study the corona of the sun.
(d) None of the above
2. Which of the following is the objective of the ‘Go Red’ Which of the above given pairs is/are correctly matched?
Campaign often seen in the news? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 only
(a) It aims to raise awareness about dyslexia. (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) None of the above
(b) It enables members of Interpol to share and access
data on crimes and criminals, and offers a range of 2. Which of the following countries border the South China sea?
technical and operational support. 1. Brunei
(c) It aims to commuters switch off the engines of their 2. China
vehicles while waiting at traffic signals. 3. Indonesia
(d) None of the above 4. Malaysia
5. Philippines
3. Consider the following statements regarding the Casgevy Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Therapy: (a) 1 ,3 and 4 only (b) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only
1. It is the first licensed therapy in the world based on (c) 1, 4 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
gene editing technology CRISPR-Cas9.
2. It uses the patient’s own blood stem cells. 3. With reference to ‘Financial Action Task Force (FATF)’,
3. The therapy uses the body’s mechanisms to produce consider the following statements:
more foetal haemoglobin. 1. FATF is an inter-governmental body established in
Which of the statement/s given above is/are correct? 1989 during the G7 Summit.
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only 2. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an observer
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) All of the above to FATF.
3. India is also a member of its regional partners, the
4. Consider the following statements regarding Ixchiq : Asia Pacific Group (APG)
1. Ixchiq is approved by the FDA as the world’s first chi- Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
kungunya vaccine. (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
2. It is administered as a single-dose by injection into the (c) 1 and 3 only (d) All of the above
muscle. Answer Key: 1 - (b), 2 - (d), 3 - (d)
3. It contains a live, weakened version of the virus.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Society and Social Justice
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
1. Which of the following International Labour Organization
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) All of the above
(ILO) conventions has been ratified by India?
5. Consider the following statements regarding International 1. ‘Forced Labour Convention (No. 29)
Space Station(ISS): 2. Abolition of Forced Labour Convention (No.105)
1. ISS is a collaborative programme between Europe, 3. Equal Remuneration Convention (No.100)
United States, Russia, Canada and India. 4. Discrimination (Employment Occupation) Convention
2. The space station orbits in Polar orbit at an altitude (No.111)
of approximately 430 kilometers, with its orbital path 5. Minimum Age Convention (No.138)
taking it over 90% of the Earth’s population. 6. Worst forms of Child Labour Convention (No.182)
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Which of the statements given above is/are not correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) 1, 5 and 6 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer Key: 1 - (a), 2 - (a), 3 - (d) , 4 - (d) 5-(c) 2. Consider the following statements regarding Particularly
Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India:
Defense & Security
1. The Dhebar Commission created PVTGs as a separate
1. Consider the following pairs: category in 1993.
Interpol’s Notice Mandate 2. Asurs, Birjia and Parhaiyas are included in the list of
PVTGs.
1. Yellow Missing Persons Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
2. Black Notice Imminent Threat (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
3. Orange notice Unidentified bodies Answer Key: 1 - (d), 2 - (b)
Personality in News Schemes in News
1. Consider the following statements regarding Lachit Bor- 1. Vibrant Village Programme (VVP) deals with which of the
phukan: following states?
1. He was chosen as Borphukans of the Ahom kingdom 1. Arunachal Pradesh
by king Chakradhwaja Singha. 2. Sikkim
2. Borphukan was councillors in the Ahom kingdom who 3. Uttarakhand
preferred battles in the open ground with their mas- 4. Himachal Pradesh
sive armies. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 4 only
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Answer Key: 1 - (d)
Answer Key: 1 - (a)
126