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 DECEMBER 2023 AMIGOS
Dear Aspirants and Reflective Readers,
Editor
KALYAN
As we turn the pages to the final chapter of this year, our focus
in the December edition of AMIGOS IAS Magazine is to cover wide
Sub Editors
range of areas that will help you in your UPSC Journey. We have
MANJUNATH
recently celebrated the Constitution Day still fresh in our collective
SAI KISHORE
memory, this edition of AMIGOs IAS Magazine takes a moment to
LOKESH
reflect on the profound significance of this day. Celebrated on the
26th of November each year, Constitution Day, or Samvidhan Diwas,
is not just a date to remember but a beacon that illuminates the
Dtp & Design
democratic ethos and constitutional values of our great nation. It
Sandeep Veligeti
marks the day in 1949 when the Constituent Assembly adopted the
Constitution, which subsequently came into force on the 26th of
Address : January 1950, charting a new course forIndia.
Beside Subregistrar Office, Ashok We begin with a reflection on the words of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar,
Nagar, Hyderabad the principal architect of the Indian Constitution. He famously stated,
"Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment. It has to be cultivated.
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We must realize that our people have yet to learn it." These words echo
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Email :
the continual process of democratic evolution and the imperative of
Amigosias1@gmail.com
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nurturing constitutional values among citizens.

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Constitution Day, is not just a date on the calendar; it is a

website :
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celebration of the ideals, principles, and values that form the bedrock of
www.amigosias.com our great nation. It marks the adoption of the Indian Constitution by the
Constituent Assembly in 1949, a pivotal moment that transformed India
into a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic.
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As you navigate through this edition, let the spirit of Samvidhan
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Diwas guide your understanding and appreciation of the diverse topics
we present. Remember, as future civil servants, your role extends beyond
Social Media administrative functions; you are the torchbearers of constitutional values
AMIGOS IAS and democratic principles in every aspect of governance and policy-
making.
We hope this edition not only aids in your preparation but also
inspires a deeper appreciation for the complexities and responsibilities
Monthly Magazine Operations: that come with serving our nation. May the ethos of the Constitution
Vijay Prasad and the spirit of informed, ethical governance be your guiding lights.
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Warm Regards,
AMIGOS Editorial team,
Jai Hind!

AMIGOS IAS 1
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in the Magazine, neither the Publisher, Editor, nor any of its employees does not accept any claim for
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misplaced, or erroneously inserted.

AMIGOS IAS 2
 INDEX

COVER STORIES « AAINA Dashboard for Cities’ Portal 31

« Sub-Categorization of Scheduled Castes (SCs) 32
« Deep Fake Technology 7
« Draft National Pharmaceuticals Policy 2023 33
« Electoral Bonds 11
« Bhutan China Relations 15
INTERNATIONAL
« Inaction of Governor over the Bills 19
RELATIONS
« Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 34
POLITY & GOVERNANCE « Tripura-Bangladesh Railway Link 35
« Reforming the International Monetary Fund
« DNA and Face Matching
(IMF) 36
Systems in Police Stations 22
« Telangana’s “Preventive Detention Law”
ECONOMY
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Under Scanner 23
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« SC struck down 2023 amendment to « Farmer Producers’ Organizations (FPOs) 38

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Surrogacy Rules 24 « Purple Economy: Understanding theCare

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« One Nation, One Student ID Initiative 25 Economy 39

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« Ethics and Parliamentary Conduct 26 « US Bond Yield Reaches 16-Year

« National Medical Register (NMR): One Nation High SEBI orders on Finfluencers 40
One Registration Platform for Doctors 27
« SEBI orders on Finfluencers 41
« Kavach System 28
« EU Report on 2% Global Wealth Tax
« Advocate-on-Record (AoR) System 29
on Billionaires 42
« Encore 29
« Worker Productivity and the Evolution
« Appointment of the Chief Information
of Economic Prosperity 42
Commissioner (CIC) 30
« India to be a $30 trillion economy by 2047 43
« Extension of Pradhan Mantri Garib
« Organic Farming Mission of the Kerala
Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) 30
Government 45
« Chief Commissioner of Persons
with Disabilities 30 « Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) 46

« Model Prisons and Correctional Services « India Finance Report 2023 46

Act, 2023 31

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 INDEX

SCIENCE AND « Green Energy Corridor (GEC) 63

TECHNOLOGY « WHO’s Framework for Climate-Resilient and

Low-Carbon Health Systems 64
« Reference Fuels 47
« South Asia : A Global Pollution Hotspot 65
« Embedded-SIM (eSIM) 47
« OECD Report: Towards Eliminating Plastic
« NexCAR19 Therapy 48
Pollution by 2040 65
« Bletchley Declaration on AI 49
« India Exempted from CITES RST for
« Carbon Nanoflorets: A Breakthrough
Red Sanders 67
by IIT Bombay Researchers 50
« Haemoglobin Beyond Red Blood « Nationally Determined Contributions under

Cells: A New Discovery 50 the Paris Agreement Synthesis Report 2023 67

« Genetically Engineered (GE) Insects 51 « Greenhouse Gas Bulletin 68

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« NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) « Ecological Threat Report (ETR), 2023 69
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Satellite 53 « WMO Report on Climate Services for 2023 69

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« Euclid Space Telescope 53 « Production Gap Report 2023 70

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« White Hydrogen 55 « Irreversible Ice Melt in West Antarctica:

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« CO2 to CO Conversion Technology 55 New Study 70

« eDNA (Environmental DNA) 71

ENVIRONMENT AND INTERNAL SECURITY

BIODIVERSITY
« Bharat National Cyber Security Exercise
« Marine Cloud Brightening (MCB) 56
(NCX) 2023 72
« Amazon Rainforest Crisis 57
« Exercise Harimau Shakti 2023 72
« 100 MHA of Arable Land Lost Yearly
« Operation Chakra II 73
to Degradation: UNCCD Data 58
« Apple’s ‘State-Sponsored Attackers’ Alert 73
« Carbon Credit and Trading Scheme
« Project UDBHAV 74
for Indian Carbon Market 60
« India’s National Security Strategy 74
« World Energy Outlook-2023 Report by IEA 61
« Breach of Personal Data of Indians 75
« Global Declaration of RiverDolphins by 2030 62

AMIGOS IAS 4
 INDEX

SOCIETY AND SOCIAL CULTURE AND HISTORY

JUSTICE « Vajra Mushti Kalaga 87

« International Migration Outlook 2023 77 « Revival of Dogra Architecture in Maharaj

« 25 by 25 Target 78 Gunj, Srinagar 87

« PM Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) 78 « Ram Leela and Indian Diaspora in Trinidad
« Food Labels to Have QR Code 79 and Tobago 87

« Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhuyday « UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network (UCCN) 88

Yojana (PM-AJAY) 79 « PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan) 90

« Guide on Interventions for National

Action Plans on AMR (Antimicrobial MISCELLANEOUS
Resistance) 80
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« India’s First Namo Bharat Train 92

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« Niemann-Pick Disease 81
« Recognition for Dhordo Village by UNWTO 92
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« Report on Learnings for Large-Scale

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« LEAP AHEAD Initiative 93

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Transformation in School Education 81

« Operation ‘Nanhe Faristey’ 93
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« Approval of the First Chikungunya Vaccine 82

« Jal Diwali-Women for Water, Water for
« GPS Tracker on a Person 82
Women Campaign 93

GEOGRAPHY AND « Kasturi Cotton Bharat 94

DISASTER MANAGEMENT « Rohini Nayyar Prize 94

« British Academy Book Prize 2023 95
« Interconnected Disaster Risks Report 2023 83
« GI Tag for Uttarakhand Products 95
« Cyclone Tej 84

« Little Ice Age (LIA) Study in Western Ghats 85

« Groundwater Depletion in India 85

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 COVER STORY

Deep Fake Technology

Why is it in the news?
Ø A deepfake of actor Rashmika Mandanna went viral
on social media platforms. It has been used in
recent years to make a synthetic substitute of Elon
Musk that shilled a cryptocurrency scam, to
digitally “disrobe” more than 100,000 women on
Telegram and to steal millions of dollars from
companies by mimicking their executives’ voices
on the phone.
Ø During the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war,
cybercriminals hacked a Ukrainian television

channel and showed the Ukranian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, surrendering. The fake video was created
using deep fake hacking technology.
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Ø A few years ago, a deep fake video was reportedly created with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Manoj
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Tiwari speaking in Haryanvi, Hindi and English. The video was circulated via various WhatsApp groups ahead
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of the Legislative Assembly elections in Delhi in 2020. The most recent Indiana Jones movie shows actor
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Harrison Ford de-aged by 40-plus years. The movie makers used artificial intelligence to comb through all of
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the decades-old footage of the actor and create a younger Ford.

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Ø These are just few of the examples regarding the deepfakes and their uses.
What are deepfakes?
Ø Deepfakes are highly realistic video, audio, or image forgeries or replicas generated using AI. The technologies
that create deepfakes include Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and machine learning (ML). ML is a
subset of AI that enables systems to learn and improve from experience in the form of the data it collects.
Ø GANs are a type of machine learning algorithm that use two neural networks—a generator and a
discriminator—to learn and create data that looks real or human rather than AI-generated.
Ø The generator produces fake data, such as images or video frames, while the discriminator distinguishes
between real and fake data—a feedback loop called deep synthesis. Over time, the generator gets better at
creating fake data, and the discriminator also gets better at detecting it in an iterative process that results in
highly convincing fakes.
Ø Algorithms work on massive data sets —fairly convincing deepfake can be done with as few as 300 images—
belongs to the source person to create deepfakes. Today, even one single photo of a source is enough to
create deepfake contents.
Benefits of Deepfake Technology
Accessibility for Disabled Individuals :
Ø Voice Cloning: Companies like Lyrebird offer voice synthesis to help those with conditions such as ALS to
communicate, using deepfake technology to clone their voices, enabling them to maintain their unique vocal
identity.

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Ø Innovations in Entertainment:
« Enhanced Special Effects: Deepfakes provide
more lifelike and cost-effective special effects
in filmmaking.
« Posthumous Performances: Enables the
respectful use of an actor’s likeness to complete
or create new performances after their demise.
« Multilingual Representation: Platforms like
Synthesia allow personalities like David
Beckham to spread malaria awareness in nine
different languages.
Ø Interactive and Engaging Education:
« Simulation-Based Learning: Creates
immersive educational experiences, making
academic content more engaging.
« Medical Training: Allows for realistic surgical
simulations, giving medical trainees exposure
to near-real-life scenarios without the risk to
patients.
Ø Enhancement in Journalism and Awareness:
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« Historical Recreations: Can bring historical
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events to life, aiding in educational and
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documentary storytelling.
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« Empathy Generation: Projects like Deep
Empathy by UNICEF and MIT use deepfakes to
help people empathize with the conditions in
conflict zones by showing familiar cities in similar
straits.
Ø Further Advantages Across Industries:
« Engaging Educational Content: Facilitates the
creation of dynamic and interactive video
content for education, making lessons more
compelling for students.
« Media Accessibility : Can greatly enhance the
accessibility of video content for non-native
speakers and the hearing impaired by
generating accurate dubbed audio and
synchronized subtitles.
Issues with Deepfakes :
Using deepfake technology, several crimes can
be committed, which can have serious repercussions
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for individuals and society. Some of these offenses
and their legal implications under Indian law are:
Ø Identity Theft and Virtual Forgery:Deepfakes can
be used to steal someone’s identity or create false
representations, damaging their reputation and
spreading misinformation. These acts can be
prosecuted under Sections 66 (computer-related
offenses) and 66-C (punishment for identity theft)
of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Additionally, Sections 420 (cheating) and 468
(forgery for the purpose of cheating) of the Indian
Penal Code, 1860, can also be applied.
Ø Misinformation Against Governments:Spreading
misinformation using deepfakes to subvert the
government, incite hatred, or undermine public
trust. Can attract charges under Section 66-F (cyber
terrorism) of the IT Act, 2000. Also, Sections 121
(waging war against the Government of India) and
124-A (sedition) of the Penal Code, 1860, may be
invoked
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Ø Hate Speech and Online Defamation:Deepfakes
contributing to hate speech or defamatory content
can be prosecuted under the Information
Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital
Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2022. Penal
provisions like Sections 153-A and 153-B (promoting
enmity between different groups) and Section 499
(defamation) of the Penal Code, 1860, could also
be used
Ø Practices Affecting Elections:The use of deepfakes
to manipulate public opinion during elections could
be challenged under. Section 66-D (punishment for
cheating by personation using a computer
resource) and Section 66-F (cyber terrorism) of the
IT Act, 2000.
Ø V iolation of Privacy, Obscenity, and
Pornography:Deepfakes can violate privacy or be
used to create and distribute obscene or
pornographic material. Under the IT Act, 2000,
Sections 66-E (violation of privacy), 67 (obscenity
in electronic form), 67-A (sexually explicit material),
and 67-B (child pornography) provide for
prosecution. The Penal Code, 1860, has
corresponding sections 292 and 294 for the sale of
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 obscene materials, and the Protection of Children
from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO) has
provisions to protect the rights of women and
children from such offenses
Ø A recent interim order passed by the Delhi High
Court, while affirming the personality rights of
actor Anil Kapoor, held for the first time that
employing technological dark patterns, including
deepfakes, to mislead consumers for commercial
purposes is violative of personality rightsand goes
beyond the right to freedom of speech and
expression.
Ø In addition to these legal provisions, in January ,
2023, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
issued an advisory to media organisations to
exercise caution while airing content that could
be manipulated or tampered with. The Ministry
also advised media to clearly label any manipulated
content as “manipulated” or “modified” to ensure
that viewers are aware that the content has been
altered.
Ø In February, the IT ministry issued advisories to the
chief compliance officers of various social media
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platforms after it received reports regarding the
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potential use of AI-generated deepfakes that were
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manipulating people by generating doctored
content.
Learning from others :
Ø In the USA, the Deepfakes Accountability
Act (passed in 2019), mandated deepfakes to be
watermarked for the purpose of identification.
Regulation of Deep Synthesis Technology in
China :
Ø China’s new regulations, called Deep Synthesis
Provisions, govern deep synthesis (or deepfake)
technology and services, including text, images,
audio, and video produced using AI-based models.
Ø Two categories of entities need to abide by the
provisions: the platform providers that provide
content generation services and end-users who
use such services. Under these new Chinese
regulations, any content that was created using
an AI system must be clearly labeled with a
AMIGOS IAS
watermark i.e., text or image visually
superimposed on the video indicating that the
content had been edited.
Regulatory challenges and considerations for
deepfakes:
Ø Navigating Regulatory Guardrails: Regulators are
tasked with balancing the interests of various
stakeholders while creating rules for the
responsible use of deepfake technology as it
becomes more widespread.
Ø Enforcement Hurdles: The anonymous and agile
nature of malicious deepfake creators, combined
with the borderless realm of online platforms,
presents significant enforcement challenges.
Ø Free Speech Concerns: Deepfakes pose risks to
free speech, especially in the political arena, where
they can be used to disseminate false or misleading
information.
Ø Legal Recourse and Research: Current legal
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mechanisms like takedown notices and lawsuits
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tackle issues around copyright and defamation, but
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further research is necessary to gauge their
effectiveness and develop best practices.
Ø Standards Development: Organizations such as
WIPO are working on creating guidelines, like the
recommendation for a remuneration system for
victims of deepfake misuse and copyright concerns
regarding deepfakes.
Ø Consumer Law and Advocacy: Consumer
protection laws may be applicable in instances of
deception or fraud involving deepfakes, and groups
like the Electronic Frontier Foundation advocate
using existing legal frameworks and public
education to regulate deepfake technology.
Ø Legal Gaps and Human Rights: Regulators are
examining existing laws for inadequacies and
exploring new ways to safeguard human rights,
privacy, personal data, and intellectual property
in the face of deepfake technology.
Ø ‘Seeing is believing’ is an old saying, but with
deepfakes, one can no longer believe what they
are viewing.
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 « Unusual body positions or movements that seem
Identifying ‘Deepfake’ Videos
implausible or awkward could be evidence of a
« Deepfakes may show irregular eye movements or
deepfake video.
gaze patterns that do not align with the overall
« Use a screenshot of the video and run a reverse
body language or spoken words.
image search (e.g., via Google Images) to find the
« Look for inconsistencies in color tones and lighting
source or verify the original content.
on the subject’s face compared to the environment
which could indicate manipulation. Way Forward :
« Compare the audio with visual elements; AI-
Ø Right now, deepfake technology is in its infancy,
generated audio might contain subtle flaws that
and it can be easily recognized as fake. However,
reveal it is not authentic.
deepfake technology is quickly maturing and
« Distorted or unnatural body movements, or
increasingly becoming more difficult to detect.
incorrect limb proportions, can be a sign of a
Ø Recognizing these complex issues, there is a clear
deepfake.
necessity for the careful regulation of deepfakes.
« Watch for facial expressions that are exaggerated,
Countries like China are pioneering in this realm,
poorly synced with speech, or otherwise out of
having enacted legislation that requires the clear
context.
labeling of deepfake-enhanced media content. The
« Distortions or misplacements of facial features
overarching goal is to foster robust AI risk
might signal the video has been altered.
management practices to curb the negative
repercussions that may arise from the misuse of
this potent technology.
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 COVER STORY

Electoral Bonds
A five-judge Constitution Bench of the
Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice of India D Y
Chandrachud, is set to hear petitions challenging the
Finance Ministry’s Electoral Bonds Scheme 2018. The
key contention is the ‘principle of anonymity’ in the
scheme, which is argued to infringe upon the citizens’
‘right to know’ under Article 19’s ‘right to information.’
The Attorney General, however, contends that the right
to know can be subject to reasonable restrictions, setting
the stage for a significant legal debate surrounding the
Electoral Bonds Scheme.
Electoral Bonds Scheme :
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Definition: Electoral bonds are interest-free “bearer

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Ø
instruments,” similar to promissory notes, payable to the bearer on demand. Introduced with the Finance
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Bill 2017 and notified on January 29, 2018.

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Ø Eligibility: Citizens of India or entities incorporated or established in India can purchase electoral bonds.
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Citizens can buy electoral bonds singly or jointly with others. Political parties eligible to receive electoral
bonds are those registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, with a
minimum of 1% of votes in the last general election.
Ø Functioning : State Bank of India (SBI) issues electoral bonds in January, April, July, and October. Available in
denominations from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1 crore. Donors buy electoral bonds and transfer them to political parties
as donations while keeping their identity confidential. Political parties create verified accounts approved by
the Election Commission (ECI) to encash electoral bonds. Bonds are valid for 15 days, and political parties
must encash them within this period.
Significance
Ø Transparency in Political Funding: Electoral bonds provide a transparent route for fund collection, sold only
through SBI to KYC-validated individuals.
Ø Reduced Misuse: Limited window and short maturity period (15 days) make misuse difficult.
Ø Anonymity for Donors: Provides anonymity to donors, protecting them from post-poll intimidation.
Ø Political Accountability: Parties must submit details of contributions received through electoral bonds to the
Election Commission.
Ø Reduced Use of Black Money: Limits cash acceptance to Rs 2,000, reducing anonymous sources.
Challenges/Drawbacks :
Ø Transparency and the Right to Know: Electoral bonds conceal the identities of donors and recipients,
thereby compromising the citizen’s ‘Right to Know,’ a fundamental aspect of the right to freedom of expression

AMIGOS IAS 11
 under Article 19 of the Constitution. Previously,
political parties were required to disclose details
of donors contributing more than Rs. 20,000,
ensuring greater transparency.
Ø Information Asymmetry: The principle of
anonymity does not extend to the government,
which can access donor details from the State
Bank of India (SBI). This raises concerns of
potential threats against donors supporting
opposition parties.
Ø Transparency Gaps in Corporate Donations:
Removal of the Companies Act 2013 clause has
created transparency loopholes, as companies
were previously only allowed to make political
contributions if their net average profit of the
past three financial years exceeded 7.5%.
Ø Anomalies in Donor Anonymity Argument:
Corporations have historically donated to various
Indian political parties, sometimes even
contributing to rival parties. Instances of ruling
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parties targeting donors who support opposition
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parties are rare.
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Ø Crony Capitalism and Shell Companies:
Electoral bonds might offer a convenient channel
for businesses to route cash from tax havens to
political parties in exchange for favours,
potentially leading to crony capitalism.
Ø Dominance of Large Corporate Donations:
Despite the intention to encourage contributions
from the common people, more than 90% of the
issued bonds have been in the highest
denomination (Rs. 1 crore).
Ø Controversial Passage as a Money Bill: The
controversial passage of the Electoral Bonds
scheme as a money bill bypassed the scrutiny of
the Rajya Sabha, raising questions about the
legislative process.
Ø Foreign Funds and Retroactive Amendment:
Existing laws prohibit political parties from
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accepting contributions from foreign sources. A
retroactive amendment effectively shields foreign
financing of Indian elections from scrutiny, raising
concerns about external influence.
Ø Undermining the Basic Structure of Democracy:
Free and fair elections, considered an integral part
of the basic structure of the constitution, are
jeopardized by electoral bonds due to their
potential to compromise transparency in political
funding and undermine the democratic process.
The legal framework to
introduce the electoral bonds
scheme
Finance Act, 2016 :
« Amended Section 2(1)(j)(vi) of the Foreign
Contribution Regulation Act, 2010 (FCRA).
« Allowed foreign companies with a majority share
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in Indian companies to donate to political parties.
« Reversed the previous prohibition on foreign
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companies from donating to political parties under
FCRA and the Foreign Exchange Management Act,
1999.
Finance Act, 2017:
« Amended multiple laws, including the
Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RoPA),
the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, the Income
Tax Act, 1961, and the Companies Act, 2013.
« Section 11 of this act amended Section 13A of the
Income Tax Act, exempting political parties from
maintaining detailed records of contributions
received through electoral bonds.
« Section 135 amended Section 31 of the RBI Act,
allowing the Union government to authorize
scheduled banks to issue electoral bonds.
« Section 137 introduced a proviso to Section 29C of
RoPA, exempting political parties from publishing
contributions received through electoral bonds in
“Contribution Reports” for contributions exceeding
Rs. 20,000 from companies and individuals.
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 « Section 154 amended Section 182 of the
Companies Act, 2013, removing the previous
upper limit on corporate donations to political
parties, which was set at 7.5 percent of the
company’s net profits over three years.
Election Commission’s Concerns
« Electoral bonds would undermine transparency
in political funding, making it difficult to trace the
source of donations. The scheme could open the
door for foreign corporate entities to influence
Indian politics, potentially impacting national
sovereignty.
« Possibility of shell companies being established
solely for the purpose of making donations to
political parties, without any genuine business
activities or profit distribution.
« Amendments effectively rendered Election
Commission guidelines from August 29, 2014,
redundant, which mandated political parties to
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report contributions received, submit audited
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annual accounts, and provide election
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expenditure statements.
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Reserve Bank of India’s Objections
« Electoral bonds are described as ‘opaque
financial instruments’ by the RBI.
« The bonds’ transferability, similar to currency,
allows for anonymity, which can be exploited for
money laundering.
« Potential risks include increased circulation of
black money, money laundering, cross-border
counterfeiting, and forgery associated with
electoral bonds.
Way Forward :
Ø Partial State Funding of Elections: The Indrajit
Gupta Committee on State Funding of Elections
supports partial state funding for recognized
political parties. This approach has been effective
in countries like Germany, Japan, Canada, Sweden,
and others.
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Ø National Electoral Fund Alternative: Explore the
creation of a National Electoral Fund as an
alternative to electoral bonds. All donors can
contribute to this fund, and the allocation of funds
to political parties can be based on the proportion
of votes they receive. This approach protects the
anonymity of donors and helps eliminate black
money from political funding.
Ø Capping Anonymous Donations: The Law
Commission of India, in its 255th Report,
recommends capping anonymous donations to
political parties. Suggested limits include capping
the entire donation received through anonymous
sources at Rs. 20 crores or 20% of a political party’s
total funding.
Ø Complete Ban on Cash Donations: Implement a
comprehensive ban on cash donations by individuals
or companies to political parties. Currently,
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political parties can accept cash donations below
Rs. 2000.
Ø Audit of Political Party Accounts: The
Venkatachaliah Committee Report (2002)
recommends the establishment of strict regulatory
frameworks for auditing and disclosing party
income and expenditure.
Ø Adoption of Global Best Practices: France’s ban
on all forms of corporate funding in 1995. It capped
individual donations at 6,000 Euros. Brazil and
Chile’s bans on corporate donations following
corruption scandals related to corporate funding.
Concerns put before Supreme Court by
Petitioners :
« The scheme might violate the Citizen’s
Fundamental Right to Information under Article
19 (1) (a) regarding political parties.
« It could enable backdoor lobbying and quid pro quo.
Further, it may pave the way for shell companies.
« The funds from the scheme can be used for
purposes other than elections.
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 66% OF PARTY FUNDING ‘UNKNOWN’
Total income of 8 national parties in 2021-22 : Rs. 3,289 Cr
Known Sources Other Known Sources* Unknown Sources**

781 cr 336 cr 2,172 cr

(*Other known Sources include sale of ** Unknown sources include electoral bonds
assets, membership fees, bank interest, (EBs) & anonymous donors who gave below
sale of publications, party levy etc) Rs.20,000. Currently, mostly EBs

Party Total Income Unknown Total Income From EBs From

(Cr) Sources (%) 2017-18 to 2021-22 (Cr)
BJP 1,917 61 BJP : 5,272 TDP : 113
TMC 546 97 Cong : 952 S Sena : 101
Cong 541 72 BJD : 622 NCP : 64
CPM 162 48 YSRCP : 330 AAP : 50

« The scheme may not reduce black money but According to Association of Democratic Reforms
reroute it. It acts like an ‘alternative white (ADR), between 2016-17 and 2021-22, the BJP
money channel’. received a significant portion of the total donation
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« Importantly, the scheme might not ensure a from electoral bonds.

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level playing field for opposition parties.

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Electoral Trusts (ET) Scheme

Ø The Electoral Trusts Scheme, 2013, was notified by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).
Ø It involves trusts set up by companies with the sole objective of distributing contributions received from
other companies and individuals to political parties. Only companies registered under Section 25 of the
Companies Act, 1956, can apply for approval as an Electoral Trust. Electoral trusts must apply for renewal
every three financial years. The provisions related to electoral trusts are governed by the Income-tax Act,
1961, and Income-tax Rules, 1962.
Ø Contributions to Electoral Trusts: Electoral trusts may receive contributions from Indian citizens, Indian
companies, firms, Hindu undivided families, associations of persons, or bodies of individuals resident in India.
They are prohibited from accepting contributions from non-Indian citizens or foreign entities, including
other electoral trusts.
Ø Distribution of Funds: Electoral trusts can allocate a maximum of 5% of the total funds collected during a
financial year for administrative expenses. The remaining 95% of the income must be distributed to eligible
political parties registered under the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Electoral trusts are required
to maintain detailed records of receipts, distribution, and lists of donors and receivers.
Ø Audit of Accounts: Each electoral trust must have its accounts audited by an accountant and submit the
audit report to the Commissioner of Income-tax or the Director of Income-tax.

AMIGOS IAS 14
 COVER STORY
Bhutan China Relations
Recently, the Bhutanese Foreign Minister paid
a visit to China, which is being seen as unprecedented
on various levels as Bhutan and China do not maintain
diplomatic relations and this visit is the first ever by a
Bhutanese Foreign minister.
Significance of Bhutan’s FM Visit to China :
Tandi Dorji’s visit to China was historic as it
marked the first visit by a Bhutanese Foreign Minister
to China. This visit signified a potential turning point
in Bhutan-China relations, which have historically been
cautious and limited. The visit concluded the 25th
round of border talks between Bhutan and China.
These discussions have been ongoing for decades, and
Tandi Dorji’s visit suggests significant progress in
O
addressing long-standing territorial disagreements.
IG
Resolving these border issues is crucial for regional
AM
stability. During the visit, Bhutan and China signed a
cooperation agreement to establish a joint technical
team responsible for demarcating disputed
boundaries. This agreement is a concrete step
AMIGOS IAS
towards addressing territorial disputes and
establishing clear border demarcations. Tandi Dorji’s
visit reflects a move towards normalizing diplomatic
relations between Bhutan and China. It signifies a shift
from the historically cautious and gradual approach
that Bhutan has taken in its engagement with
China.Bhutan’s economic engagement with China has
been growing rapidly. Chinese exports to Bhutan
increased significantly from 200 crore in 2020 to 1,500
crore in 2022. This reflects a shift in Bhutan’s economic
alliances and an increasing reliance on China as an
economic partner.
S
Reasons for Bhutan’s Changing Approach to
IA
China:
S
Ø Geopolitical Pressures: Bhutan is responding to
China’s new territorial claims and border activities,
which include intrusions and settlement promotions
in disputed areas. These actions by China have
compelled Bhutan to seek a resolution to the
longstanding border disputes.
15
Ø Economic Transitions: The substantial growth in
trade with China, from ¹ 200 crore to ¹ 1,500 crore
in just two years, has created a deeper economic
bond between the two countries. Bhutan’s
increasing imports of Chinese capital goods and
appliances highlight the economic influence that is
shaping its foreign policy.
Ø Cultural Shifts: Bhutan is facing the challenge of a
youth exodus and the need for economic reform.
In this context, Bhutan views China as a crucial
partner for development and stability. Economic
cooperation with China is seen as a means to
address these challenges.
Ø International Repositioning: Bhutan recognizes
China’s significant role in global affairs and is
realigning its diplomatic stance to match the
changing geopolitical landscape. Bhutan’s
diplomatic engagement with China reflects its
desire to have a more diverse set of diplomatic
relationships.
Impact on India :
Deliberate Restraint: India’s decision to remain
Ø
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quiet regarding Bhutan’s engagement with China
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suggests that it trusts Bhutan to respect mutual
AM
interests despite new engagements with China.
India’s approach is based on a long-standing
friendship and mutual understanding.
Ø Trade Relationships: India has substantial trade
relations with Bhutan, including importing 70% of
Bhutan’s exports. Bhutan’s increased economic ties
with China could lead to changes in trade dynamics
between India and Bhutan.
Ø Hydropower Projects: India has been involved in
Bhutan’s hydropower sector, which is critical for
both economies. Bhutan’s economic diversification
and engagement with China may impact India’s
role in this sector.
Ø Security Cooperation: India has a history of
training Bhutanese soldiers and providing security
assistance. Any shift in Bhutan’s foreign policy
towards China might require adjustments in this
longstanding security cooperation between India
and Bhutan.
AMIGOS IAS
Recent Developments in China-Bhutan
Relations:
Ø Border Dispute Resolution: China has been
pursuing efforts to resolve border disputes with
Bhutan, which has been an ongoing issue. China
and Bhutan have disputed territories in North
Bhutan, West Bhutan (Doklam Plateau), and East
Bhutan (Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary).
Ø Push for Formal Diplomatic Relations: China has
S
IA
been urging Bhutan to establish formal diplomatic
relations by opening embassies. As of now, Bhutan
S
does not have formal diplomatic relations with the
five permanent members of the UN Security
Council, including China.
Ø Enhanced Economic Cooperation: China has been
providing economic assistance to Bhutan,
particularly in infrastructure development,
agriculture, and tourism. Agreements have been
signed to establish sister city relationships between
Chinese cities and Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.
Ø Endorsement of Xi Jinping’s Vision: Bhutan has
endorsed various global initiatives proposed by
Chinese President Xi Jinping, such as the Global
Security Initiative (GSI), the Global Development
Initiative (GDI), and the Global Cultural Initiative
(GCI).
Ø People-to-People Ties: There has been an
increase in people-to-people ties between China
and Bhutan, including more Bhutanese students
studying in China and Chinese tourists visiting
Bhutan. An agreement was signed to promote
tourism cooperation.
16
Ø COVID-19 Pandemic Assistance: China has
provided medical supplies, equipment, and COVID-
19 vaccines to Bhutan to help combat the
pandemic.
India-Bhutan Relations :
Ø India and Bhutan have maintained a close and
friendly relationship since Bhutan gained
independence in 1947. This historical association
is rooted in cultural, economic, and strategic ties.
Ø India is Bhutan’s largest trading partner, and the
two countries engage in significant economic
cooperation. India provides Bhutan with economic
and technical assistance, contributing to Bhutan’s
development.
Ø Strategic Importance : Bhutan holds strategic
significance for India as a buffer state between
India and China. Bhutan shares its borders with
China, and its territory acts as a geographical
buffer, particularly for the Siliguri Corridor (often
called the “Chicken’s Neck”), which connects the
Indian mainland to the northeastern states. The
presence of Bhutan as a friendly neighbour is crucial
O
for India’s national security.
IG
Ø Cultural Ties : Bhutan has deep cultural ties with
AM
India, with its religion, language, and customs
heavily influenced by Indian culture. Additionally,
Bhutan has been a strong supporter of India’s
cultural diplomacy, fostering a sense of cultural
affinity between the two nations.
Ø Hydropower Cooperation: Mutual hydropower
cooperation is a cornerstone of the bilateral
economic relationship. Bhutan’s hydroelectric
projects provide clean power to India, contributing
to its energy security, while also generating
significant revenue for Bhutan. This collaboration
has made Bhutan the country with the highest per
capita income in South Asia.
Ø Economic Support: India is Bhutan’s largest
trading partner, and the economic support
provided by India is substantial. Trade between the
two countries has seen significant growth,
accounting for about 80 percent of Bhutan’s overall
trade.
AMIGOS IAS
Ø Security: India plays a crucial role in ensuring the
security of Bhutan. India’s military assistance helps
secure Bhutan’s borders, and it has assisted Bhutan
in countering insurgent groups, such as during the
Doklam crisis in 2017.
Ø Diplomatic Support: India has been a strong
diplomatic supporter of Bhutan, aiding Bhutan in
its international engagements and ensuring
Bhutan’s sovereignty.
Ø Socio-Economic Development: India has been
extending assistance to Bhutan’s socio-economic
development since the 1960s, including multi-
sectoral project-tied assistance, small development
projects, and direct budgetary support.
Implications of Deepening China-Bhutan
Relations on India:
Ø Strategic Implications: If Bhutan concedes to
China’s territorial claims, it could pose deep security
challenges for India. The Doklam region, in
S
IA
particular, is located near India’s vulnerable Siliguri
Corridor.
S
Ø Economic Implications: China’s growing economic
influence in Bhutan could impact India’s trade and
economic interests in the region. It might also
grant China access to Bhutan’s natural resources
like hydroelectricity, potentially challenging India’s
energy security.
Ø Diplomatic Implications: An increasingly pro-China
Bhutan could lead to Bhutan distancing itself from
India, potentially affecting India’s diplomatic
influence in the region.
Indian Response to Counter Growing Chinese
Influence in Bhutan:
Ø Strengthen Economic Ties: India should further
enhance economic cooperation with Bhutan to
counter China’s economic influence. Offering
financial assistance and trade incentives can bolster
economic relations.
Ø Long-Term Bilateral Arrangements: Developing
long-term agreements for critical commodities like
petroleum, fertilizers, and coal can ensure a
reliable supply to Bhutan. Closer collaboration in
17
 the energy sector, such as power-sharing
agreements, can be explored.
Ø Resolution of Boundary Issues: India and Bhutan
should work together to peacefully resolve their
boundary disputes, fostering trust and confidence.
Ø Address China’s Concerns: India can address some
of China’s concerns by promoting transparency and
dialogue in its engagement with Bhutan and other
regional countries.
Ø Multilateral Engagement: Utilizing multilateral
platforms like BRICS and SCO can help India engage
with China on regional issues and seek mutually
acceptable solutions.
Ø Improving Connectivity: India can aid Bhutan in
improving its connectivity through better road and
rail links, which would boost trade and tourism.
Ø Enhancing Defence Cooperation: Strengthening
defence ties through joint military exercises and
training programs can improve Bhutan’s defence
capabilities.
About Bhutan
« Landlocked country between India and China.
« Capital : Thimphu (located in eastern Bhutan).
« Democracy since 2008, with the King as the Head
of State.
« Known as the “Kingdom of Bhutan” or “Druk Gyal
Khap.”
« Manas River, a transboundary river between
southern Bhutan and India.
« Government : Parliamentary monarchy.
« Borders India and Tibet (autonomous region of
China).
S

Ø Addressing Environmental Concerns:

IA

Collaboration on environmental issues and climate

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change can be beneficial for both countries.

O
IG

Ø Promoting People-to-People Contact:

AM

Encouraging exchanges of students, academicians,

and cultural groups can strengthen the cultural
bond between India and Bhutan.

Recently, India and Bhutan agreed to discuss

new routes of Regional Connectivity, and upgrade border
and immigration posts, in order to enhance trade and
Partnership during Bhutan King’s India visit.

Bhutan’s Consideration of India’s Interests:

Ø Bhutan should take into account India’s national
security concerns when finalizing any boundary
settlement agreement with China.
Ø A border deal that addresses Bhutanese concerns
in the north while preserving India’s interests in
the west can maintain the stability of the region
and safeguard India’s strategic position.

AMIGOS IAS 18
 COVER STORY

Inaction of Governor over the Bills

The Supreme Court’s Judgment in State of
Punjab vs Principal Secretary to the Governor of
Punjab and Another, is a land mark in resolving
federal disputes impinging on the office of
Governor. The Supreme Court ruled that a Governor
cannot delay or hold back key Bills passed by a State
Legislature, especially when these Bills have been
passed with an overwhelming majority by elected
representatives.
Background : was within the ambit of Rule 16 of the Punjab
Ø Punjab Government’s Petition: The case was Vidhan Sabha Rules, and any attempt to cast
brought to the Supreme Court by the Punjab doubts on the session’s legitimacy could pose a
S
government, which complained that Governor threat to democracy.
IA

Banwarilal Purohit had not given assent to crucial Ø The Court clarified that the Governor’s role in
S

Bills related to Sikh gurdwaras, the police, and dealing with Bills is limited. The Governor can either
O

higher education, which were passed during a assent to the Bills, withhold assent and send them
IG

special sitting of the Vidhan Sabha in June 2023. back with a message to reconsider, or refer them
AM

Ø Governor’s Disputes: Governor Purohit had
questioned the validity of the Assembly session in
which the Bills were passed, claiming that it was
illegal and in breach of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha
Rules because the Speaker had adjourned the
House sine die in March without proroguing it.
What Supreme Court said :
Ø The Supreme Court emphasized that real power
in a parliamentary form of democracy resides
with the elected representatives of the people.
The Governor is considered a titular head of the
state and is expected to act on the aid and advice
of the Council of Ministers.
Ø The Court affirmed that the Speaker, as the
guardian of the privilege of the House, had the
authority to adjourn the House sine die. It stated
that the Speaker’s decisions regarding the
conduct of the House were within his jurisdiction.
Ø The Court also found that the special Assembly
sitting in June, during which the Bills were passed,
to the President. The Governor cannot sit in
judgment on whether a session was prorogued.
Ø While acknowledging the Speaker’s jurisdiction to
adjourn sine die, the Court cautioned against using
it to keep the House in a perpetual session without
proroguing it.
Related Provisions :
Ø Article 200: Allows the Governor to grant assent,
withhold it, return a bill for legislature’s
reconsideration, or reserve it for the President’s
consideration. There is no constitutional time
frame fixed to perform these functions.
Ø Governor may, as soon as possible return the Bill if
it is not a Money Bill and, when a Bill is so returned,
the House shall reconsider the Bill accordingly, and
if the Bill is passed again by the House with or
without amendment the Governor shall not
withhold assent therefrom.

AMIGOS IAS 19
 Ø Bills affecting High Court functions must be State Sovereignty and the Governor’s Role:
reserved for the President. Such bills require the Ø The framers of the Constitution believed in the

President’s assent to become law. sovereignty of states within their spheres. They
posited that, apart from explicit situations defined
in the Constitution, the Governor doesn’t have the
Constitutional Deadlock
authority to overrule decisions of the state
Ø The Supreme Court recently ruled that the
government. This establishes a foundational
Governor of Tamil Nadu does not have discretion
principle of federalism and state autonomy.
to withhold bills that have been re-passed by the
Public Interest and Constitutional Responsibility:
State Legislative Assembly.
Ø The introduction of a bill by the government usually
Ø The Bills were sent to the Governor's office
arises from a pressing need.
between January 2020 and April 2023, and the
Ø The Governor’s inaction or delay in giving assent,
Governor had withheld assent until November 13.
especially when it’s against constitutional
Ø The Tamil Nadu Assembly convened a special
provisions, directly jeopardizes the public welfare.
session on November 18 to re-pass the Bills, and
This scenario puts the very essence of democracy
once re-passed, they are treated like Money Bills,
and public interest at risk.
and the Governor cannot reject them.
Governor’s Actions and Constitutional Spirit:
Ø The Court has cautioned Governors against
Ø The Constitution doesn’t provide for the Governor
indefinitely withholding assent, as it can undermine
to indefinitely delay decisions on Bills. Any such
the federal structure and governance.
action contravenes the constitutional spirit and
The Court highlighted that Article 200 of the
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Ø
ethos.
IA

Constitution mandates the Governor to act “as

Ø It portrays the Governor as acting ultra vires,
soon as possible” when Bills passed by the State
S

beyond the scope of their constitutionally defined

O

Legislature are presented to him for assent. The

IG

powers.
Governor has the options to give assent, withhold
Judicial Interpretation:
AM

assent with suggestions for modifications, or refer

Ø The Supreme Court Verdict in Shamsher Singh v
the Bills to the President, but he cannot indefinitely
State of Punjab (1974) clarified the constitutional
sit on them.
position of the Governor.
Ø This delay according to SC, negatively affects day-
Ø The apex court confirmed that the Governor’s role
to-day governance and the welfare of the people
is largely ceremonial. They don’t possess
of the State.
independent executive powers and must primarily
act based on the advice of the council of ministers.
Critical Analysis of the Role and Discretion of the
Ø This judgment reinforces the idea that real
Governor in the Indian Constitution executive powers are vested in the democratically
Historical Context : elected government.
Ø Section 75 of the Government of India Act, 1935
Ambedkar’s Vision
explicitly mentioned the phrase ‘in his discretion’
« Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a key architect of the Indian
regarding the Governor’s assent to Bills. This
Constitution, was categorical during the
highlights that the Governor had a certain level of
Constituent Assembly debates. He emphasized
discretion during the pre-constitutional era.
that the Governor’s role is not to wield power but
Ø Notably, this specific phrase was not included when
to act according to the advice of the state’s council
the Constitution was framed. This omission
of ministers.
suggests a conscious choice by the framers to limit
the discretionary powers of the Governor.

AMIGOS IAS 20
Conclusion
Ø The Indian Constitution, in its wisdom, has vested
the Governor with the ‘discretionary power’ to
reserve a bill for the President’s consideration,
underscoring the delicate balance of federalism in
India.
Ø This mechanism serves as a constitutional
safeguard, ensuring that state laws align with the
broader framework of the nation’s constitution.
Ø However, this power should not be misconstrued
as an endorsement for the Governor to operate
autonomously or create a parallel administrative
structure, sidelining the elected council of
ministers. Such actions would defy the spirit of
cooperative federalism and democratic principles.
Ø To prevent potential misuse of this gubernatorial
discretion, it’s imperative to refine the
constitutional provisions, either through legislative
amendments or through judicial pronouncements.
This would further strengthen the democratic ethos
of India and ensure harmony between the state
and central powers.
O
Ø M.M. Punchhi commission, highlighted that the
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governor does not exercise any discretion of his
AM
own and is bound to act by the advice of the State.
Ø PDT Achary, a former Lok Sabha secretary
general, highlights that Governors do not have the
right to keep bills pending. If Governors exercise a
pocket veto by delaying or not taking action on
bills, it goes against the federal structure of India.
AMIGOS IAS
Nabam Rebia Judgment (2016):
« The Supreme Court ruled that the exercise of the
Governor’s discretion under Article 163 of the
Indian Constitution is limited.
« The Governor’s choice of action should not be
arbitrary or fanciful.
« This judgment underscores the importance of the
Governor’s actions being guided by constitutional
principles and not arbitrary decision-making.
Shamsher Singh vs State of Punjab (1974):
« The Supreme Court emphasized that the President
and Governor should exercise their formal
constitutional powers in accordance with the advice
of their Ministers.
« This principle applies in most situations, except for
a few well-known exceptional circumstances.
« It underscores the principle of parliamentary
democracy and the role of elected representatives
in the decision-making process.
S
Telangana Government’s Case:
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« In a recent case involving Telangana Government,
S
the Supreme Court mandated that Governors
should not delay over bills sent to them for assent
after they have been passed by Legislative
Assemblies.
« Bills should be returned “as soon as possible,” and
Governors should not sit on them.
The use of the expression “as soon as
possible” in this context holds significant
constitutional intent, emphasizing the need for
prompt action by constitutional authorities.
21
 1. POLITY & GOVERNANCE
DNA and Face Matching
1 Systems in Police Stations
The Government of India is set to integrate
‘DNA and Face Matching’ systems in approximately
1,300 police stations across the nation. This initiative
comes a year after the passage of the Criminal
Procedure Identification Act (CrPI), 2022 which
shows the government’s pressing need to incorporate
advanced technologies into the criminal justice
system.
About DNA and Face Matching Systems’
Technology :
Ø Face Matching System: Uses algorithm-based
O
technology to create a digital map of an individual’s
IG
face.· Identifies and maps facial features, then
AM
matches them against an accessible database. The
Automated Facial Recognition System (AFRS)
employs a vast database of photos and videos for
identification. Images of unidentified individuals,
often from CCTV footage, are compared to this
database using AI for pattern recognition and
matching.
Ø DNA Matching Systems: Also referred to as DNA
profiling or DNA fingerprinting. Its techniques
identify individuals based on their unique genetic
characteristics. Analyses specific, highly variable
regions of an individual’s DNA to form a unique
genetic profile.
Ø Commonly used in criminal investigations to link
suspects with crime scenes or victims by comparing
DNA evidence like blood, hair, or bodily fluids to
potential suspect profiles.
AMIGOS IAS
Context of DNA and Face Matching under the CrPI
Act 2022 :
Ø The Act empowers police and Central investigating
agencies to collect, store, and analyse various
physical and biological samples including retina and
iris scans from arrested individuals.
National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) :
Ø NCRB has been at the forefront, tasked with the
responsibility to roll out the Act.
Ø They are also in charge of finalizing the Standard
Operating Procedure (SOP) which the police
officials will follow while recording these new
measurements.
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IA
Ø Further, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has
constituted a Domain Committee which brings
S
together representatives from State police,
Central law enforcement agencies, and other key
stakeholders.
Operational Details
Ø Measurement Collection Unit (MCU): States have
been directed to identify suitable locations where
MCUs can be established, based on
recommendations from the NCRB.
Ø Database Repository: All data collected will be
maintained at a national level by a central body
under MHA’s supervision.
Integration with Existing Systems
Ø National Automated Fingerprint Identification
System (NAFIS): Managed by NCRB, NAFIS is
already in place at about 1,300 police stations. This
system, which holds fingerprint details of over 1
crore individuals, will be integrated with the new
procedures introduced by the Criminal Procedure
Identification Act.
22

Concerns and Safeguards:
Ø Critics have labeled the Criminal Procedure
Identification Act as an “unconstitutional” breach
of privacy.
Ø Despite its potential, practical challenges such as
training, resources, and funding loom large.
Ø Meanwhile, the NCRB underscores the critical need
for secure, sound technological tools and stringent
safeguards to ensure data integrity and prevent
misuse.
O
Telangana’s “Preventive
IG
2 Detention Law” Under
AM
Scanner
Why is it in the news?
The Supreme Court has expressed concerns
regarding Telangana’s use of its preventive detention
law in at least three different cases.
More about the news
Preventive Detention
Ø It refers to the detention of a person by the state
without trial, based solely on suspicion. This
detention can last up to a year unless extended.
Ø It’s different from pre-trial detention: preventive
detention is for someone who hasn’t necessarily
committed a crime, while pre-trial detention
involves an undertrial accused of a crime.
Ø 25 states, including Telangana, have their
preventive detention laws.
AMIGOS IAS
Ø Telangana’s law is notably exhaustive, addressing
a wide range of potential offenders, from
bootleggers to cybercrime offenders.
Ø Countries like Britain, US, and Canada generally
employ preventive detention during wartime.
« In India, the Constitution itself provides for
preventive detention. Article 22 of the Part III of
the Constitution, which addresses fundamental
rights, permits the state for suspension of these
rights for preventive detention purposes.
Procedure for Preventive Detention
Ø The state, typically via the district magistrate, can
issue a detention order to maintain “public order.”
Ø Detentions lasting more than three months require
Advisory Board approval. These boards often consist
of retired judges and officials.
Ø Detainees typically can’t have legal representation
before the Board and if approved by the Board,
S
the detention order can be challenged in court.
IA
Ø The state must promptly inform the detainee of
S
the detention grounds and allow them to challenge
the order.
Ø However, the state can withhold certain
information if it’s against the public interest.
Court’s assessing Detention Orders
Ø The grounds for judicial review are limited.
Ø The primary criterion for review is the state’s
“subjective satisfaction” in ordering the
detention, and not the fundamental rights outlined
in the Constitution.
Ø Courts usually evaluate if the Advisory Board was
thorough in its assessment and if the state had any
clear biases.
Ø Often, courts nullify detention orders based on
procedural issues like delays or miscommunication
of detention reasons.
Suggestions and Way Forward
Ø Mandate regular reviews of detention cases, both
at administrative and judicial levels, to ensure
genuine necessity and adherence to the law.
23
Ø Establish a set of standardized guidelines or best
practices at the national level, even as states
maintain their specific laws, to ensure uniformity
in application and principles.
Ø Ensure that national preventive detention laws
align with international human rights conventions
and treaties to which India is a signatory.
Preventive Detention in India
« Preventive detention involves the detention of a
person without trial, based on a reasonable
apprehension of their potential to act against public
order and security.
« Article 22(1) and 22(2) of the Constitution provide
protections against arrest and detention.
« Preventive detention is permitted under various
laws such as the Code of Criminal Procedure,
Narcotic Drug and Psychotropic Substance Act
(NDPS) 1985, and the Unlawful Activities
(Prevention) Act.
« Over 1.1 lakh people were placed under preventive
detention in 2021, the highest since 2017 (NCRB
O
IG
‘Crimes in India Report 2021’).
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Ø Section 151 of the Code of Criminal Procedure
allows police to make preventive arrests to prevent
any cognizable offence.
Historical Laws for Preventive Detention
Ø First Preventive Detention Act (1950): Passed to
prevent anti-national activities threatening
national security.
Ø Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA)
(1971-77): Used extensively during the emergency
period against political opponents. Abolished by
the 44th Amendment Act of 1978.
Ø Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling
Activities Act, 1974: Aimed to improve foreign
exchange and prevent smuggling.
Ø Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention)
Act (TADA) 1985: Considered one of the most
powerful preventive detention laws.
Ø Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) 2002: Enacted
similar to TADA with stringent provisions.
AMIGOS IAS
Supreme Court on Preventive Detention
Ø AK Gopalan Vs State of Madras (1950): Upheld
the Preventive Detention Act due to the explicit
provisions of Article 22(5).
Ø ShibbanLal v. State of Uttar Pradesh: The Court
held that the judiciary isn’t competent to inquire
into the grounds of detention.
Ø Shambhu Nath Shankar Vs State of West Bengal:
Affirmed the draconian nature of preventive
detention yet recognized its necessity for national
security.
SC struck down 2023
3 amendment to
Surrogacy Rules
Why is it in the news?
S
The Supreme Court has upheld the
IA
reproductive rights of a woman with Mayer-
S
Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, a
condition that prevents the natural ability to produce
eggs and carry a pregnancy, thereby reinforcing the
legal protections for individuals with medical barriers
to parenthood.
Petitioner Arguments
Ø Previously, a government notification amended
the law, prohibiting the use of donor gametes
and mandating that “intending couples” must
use their own gametes (sperm and egg
respectively) for surrogacy.
Ø This change was challenged in the Supreme Court,
arguing that it violated the woman’s right to
parenthood.
Ø Further, they highlighted Rule 14(a) of the
Surrogacy Rules, which lists conditions like lack
of a uterus as reasons for opting gestational
surrogacy.
Ø Further, it has emphasized that the choice for
surrogacy is the woman’s right, and past
procedures shouldn’t be affected by retrospective
amendments.
24

Donor Gametes
« Gamete and embryo donation is using eggs, sperm,
or embryos from someone else in order to help an
intended parent(s) have a child.
Government’s Stance
Ø Claimed surrogacy is valid only if the child is
“genetically related” to the intending couple,
thereby excluding donor eggs.
Court’s Ruling
Ø Agreed with the petitioner’s argument that
gestational surrogacy law is “woman-centric”.
Ø It recognized medical conditions, like absence of a
uterus, as valid reasons for surrogacy.
Ø Addressed the “genetically related” argument,
clarifying that the child would still be related to
the husband, especially when Rule 14(a) is
considered.
Ø Lastly, the Supreme Court upheld the woman’s right
to choose surrogacy, effectively striking down the
rule banning the use of donor gametes.
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O
About Surrogacy
IG
Ø Surrogacy involves a woman agreeing to carry a
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pregnancy for intended parents who are unable to
conceive due to medical reasons or for same-sex
couples. It is a form of third-party reproduction.
Ø There are two forms of surrogacy: traditional
surrogacy and gestational surrogacy.
Ø In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate mother’s
own egg is used for conception. On the other hand,
gestational surrogacy involves the transfer of
embryos created through (in-vitro fertilization) IVF,
using eggs from either the intended mother or a
donor.
No possibility
of using
own eggs
Donor eggs for surrogacy
AMIGOS IAS
About Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser
(MRKH) syndrome:
Ø Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser(MRKH)
syndrome is a disorder that mainly affects the
female reproductive system.
Ø This condition causes the vagina and uterus to be
underdeveloped or absent, although external
genitalia are normal.
One Nation, One Student
4 ID Initiative
Why is it in the news?
Ø Recently, several state governments requested
schools to seek parental consent for the creation
of a new student identity card known as the
Automated Permanent Academic Account
S
Registry (APAAR).
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Ø This is part of the ‘One nation, One Student ID’
initiative of the Union government, stemming from
the new National Education Policy of 2020.
Automated Permanent Academic Account
Registry (APAAR)
About
Ø It’s an ID system for all students in India, active for
a lifetime. Tracks academic progress from pre-
primary to higher education.
Ø Acts as a gateway to Digilocker, allowing digital
storage of academic documents.
Purpose :
Ø Reduce the need to carry physical documents.
Ø Track literacy rates, dropout rates, etc., aiding
state governments.
Ø Reduce fraud and duplicate certificates.
Functioning of APAAR ID
Ø Linked to Academic Bank Credit (ABC), a digital
storehouse of student’s academic credits.
Ø Stores certificates from both formal and informal
education.
Ø Digital certification of achievements securely
stored by authorized institutions.
25
Ø Transfers all academic data when a student
changes schools using APAAR ID, eliminating the
need for physical transfer certificates.
Registration Process
Ø Students provide basic details like name, age, date
of birth, gender, and a photo.
Ø Verification using Aadhar number.
Ø Consent form to be signed by students or parents
for minors.
Ø Sharing Aadhar and demographic information with
the Ministry of Education for APAAR ID creation is
voluntary.
Concerns with APAAR
Ø Issues of Privacy: Parents and students are
apprehensive about sharing their Aadhar details
due to potential privacy breaches.
There’s a worry that personal details might be
leaked to unauthorized parties.
Ø Concerns with UDISE+: The government claims
that the shared information will remain confidential
and won’t be shared with third parties, except
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those involved in educational activities such as with
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the Unified District Information System for
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Education Plus (UDISE+) database.
Ø However, there are no clear guidelines in place for
UDISE+ to follow to ensure data is protected
against breaches.
Ø 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 Aadhar and
Passport”. Resecurity’s investigators found that this
threat actor was willing to sell the entire Aadhaar
and Indian passport database on hand for $80,000.
Conclusion
Ø APAAR is a significant digital step in India’s
education system under the National Education
Policy.
Ø It promotes efficiency, transparency, and equal
access to education.
AMIGOS IAS
Ø Aligns with the vision of a modern, tech-driven
educational ecosystem in India.
United Information System for Education Plus
(UDISE+)
« One of the largest Management Information
Systems focused on school education.
« Initiated in the 2018-2019 academic year to
enhance data entry speed, minimize errors, and
ensure data quality and verification.
« It’s an application designed to gather details about
various factors related to schools and their
resources.
« An upgraded and refined version of UDISE,
launched in 2012-13 by the Ministry of Education.
« It has coverage over 1.49 million schools, 9.5 million
teachers and more than 265 million students.
« Evaluates educational parameters for classes 1 to
12 in both government and private schools
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throughout India.
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S
5 Ethics and Parliamentary
Conduct
Why is it in the news?
An MP from All India Trinamool Congress,
recently faced allegations of unethical conduct. It was
claimed that she took money to raise specific questions
in Parliament, benefiting a businessman. Later, the
Speaker referred the matter to the Lok Sabha Ethics
Committee for examination.
Consequences of Taking Money
« If an MP accepts money for raising questions in
Parliament, it’s seen as a breach of privilege and
contempt.
« Typically, such allegations are examined by the
Committee of Privileges and if proven guilty, an
MP could be expelled.
26
More about the news
Ø Lok Sabha Ethics Committee: It was formed in
2000 to address complaints related to unethical
conduct of MPs and formulate a code of conduct.
Ø However, the term ‘unethical conduct’ remains
undefined, giving the committee discretion in its
interpretation.
Ø Previous Verdicts by the Ethics Committee:
Impersonation Case: An MP misrepresented a
female companion as his wife during an official trip,
which led to suspension from sittings and a ban on
bringing companions.
Ø Parking Label Misuse: An MP misused a parking
label but apologized, leading to case closure.
Ø Passport Misuse: A grave misconduct where an
MP misused passport. A special inquiry
recommended expulsion.
« Historical Precedents 1951 Case: H.G. Mudgal
faced similar accusations. Although found guilty,
he resigned before potential expulsion.
« 2005 Sting Operation: 10 MPs were exposed for
taking money. All were subsequently expelled.
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IG
Ø Jurisdiction and Limitations: Unlike judicial
AM
probes, which are grounded in laws and rules,
parliamentary inquiries are less rigid.
Ø Critics argue that severe misconduct cases should
be under the Committee of Privileges or special
committees, and not the Ethics Committee.
Ø Further, the Parliament doesn’t investigate
criminal offences; that’s the domain of
investigative agencies.
Ø Beyond parliamentary actions, MPs can face legal
trials, as evidenced by the 10 MPs from the 2005
sting.
Concerns over Online Question Submission:
« Lok Sabha hasn’t set clear rules for online question
submission.
« MPs often share login details with assistants due
to their busy schedules.
« Under Article 105 of the Constitution, MPs can
source information freely for their parliamentary
tasks, without revealing their sources.
AMIGOS IAS
National Medical Register
(NMR) : One Nation One
6 Registration Platform for
Doctors
Why is it in the news?
The National Medical Commission (NMC)
is introducing a unified registration platform for
doctors in India.
More about the news
About the Platform
Ø The goal is to eliminate duplication, reduce
bureaucratic procedures, and provide public access
to information on Indian physicians.
Ø A pilot of the National Medical Register (NMR)
will be launched in the next six months.
Ø Doctors will receive a unique identification number
and can apply for a license to practice in any Indian
state.
S
IA
Ø NMC had previously released a gazette notification
titled “Registration of Medical Practitioners and
S
Licence to Practice Medicine Regulations, 2023”
regarding this initiative.
Ø Undergraduate medical students will initially
receive a masked ID on the NMR, which will be
unmasked upon course completion.
Ø The ID will be useful for updating further
qualifications. All state license registers will be
linked to this ID and easily accessible.
Public Access and Data Transfer
Ø The general public will have access to the
database.
Ø Information available includes a doctor ’s
qualifications, registration date, workplace,
specialization, graduation year, and the institution
from which they graduated.
Ø Existing regulations will remain in place until the
system update is complete.
Ø Data of about 14 lakh doctors currently registered
will be moved to the NMR.
27

Additional Provisions and Appeals
Ø NMC has outlined the procedures for adding
qualifications, renewing licenses, transferring
licenses, registration removal/restoration, and
other processes.
Ø If a license application or renewal is denied by a
State Medical Council, the applicant can appeal to
the Ethics and Medical Registration Board
(EMRB) within 30 days.
Quality Rating of Medical Institutions
« The commission has partnered with the Quality
Council of India (QCI) to rate medical institutions.
« Both government and private medical colleges will
be assessed on the quality of education they offer,
starting from the 2024-25 academic session.
Kavach System
7 Ø
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Why is it in the news?
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O
A deadly train collision occurred recently in
IG
Vizianagaram district, Andhra Pradesh has resulted
AM
in 14 deaths and 50 injuries. According to the East
Coast Railway officials, the indigenously developed
Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS) called
‘Kavach,’ was not installed on the route where the
V isakhapatnam-Palasa and V isakhapatnam-
Rayagada trains collided.
About :
Ø “Kavach” translates to “armour” or “shield” in
Hindi, indicating its protective function.
Ø Kavach serves as a Traffic Collision Avoidance
System (TCAS) for the Indian Railways.
Ø It aims to prevent train accidents caused by human
errors or signalling faults.
Key Features :
Ø Indigenous Development: Kavach was
indigenously developed over a period of about 10
years by the Indian Railways Research Designs and
Standards Organisation (RDSO).
AMIGOS IAS
Ø Cab Signalling & Anti-Collision: Essentially, Kavach
is a cab signalling train control system with anti-
collision features. It monitors and oversees the
existing signalling system.
Ø Warning System: If a locomotive driver (loco pilot)
fails to notice a red signal and is about to overshoot
it, Kavach warns the driver. If the warning is not
heeded and the train doesn’t slow down below a
specified speed (like 15 km/h), Kavach will
automatically apply the brakes to halt the train.
Ø Radio Frequency Identification (RFID): The system
uses RFID technology embedded in the tracks. This
tech employs radio waves to identify objects or
convey data.
Ø Locomotive Equipment: Locomotives (driver’s
cabins) are equipped with RFID readers, a
computer system, and brake interface equipment
to facilitate Kavach’s functions.
Radio Infrastructure: Radio towers and modems
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are set up at railway stations to facilitate
communication.
Communication: The components on the rail
Ø
tracks, locomotives, and at railway stations
communicate with each other to monitor train
movements and relay signals to the locomotives.
Ø Terrain Flexibility: Kavach’s functionality remains
unaffected by visual obstacles, be it hilly geography,
fog, or any other environmental conditions.
Ø Direct Communication: Locomotives communicate
directly with each other, exchanging information
about their location and track IDs. This ensures that
if two trains are on a collision course, they’re made
aware and can take corrective action.
« Other features : It takes 50 lakh per km for Indian
Railways to install kavach system.
« Current coverage: 1,500 km out of India’s 68,000
km railway network.
« Funding: Rs.4,000 crore allotted under the
Signalling and Telecom budget, including Rs. 2,000
crore from the Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh
(RRSK) fund. Expected installation for FY23-24 is
around 2,500 to 3,000 km.
28
Significance
Ø Prevents train collisions and accidents on rail
tracks.
Ø Automatically halts all trains within a 5-km range
for protection.
Ø Reduces the need for loco-pilots or assistant loco-
pilots to solely rely on caution signs and signals.
Ø Significantly cheaper compared to the global cost
of about Rs 2 crore per kilometre.
Ø Relays information to a central system for efficient
communication.
Ø Ensures seamless communication between train
crew and stations.
Advocate-on-Record (AoR)
8 System
Why is it in the news?
Ø The Supreme Court recently admonished an
Advocate-on Record (AoR) for filing a frivolous
case.
Ø It has emphasized that an AoR shouldn’t just be a
O
IG
“signing authority,” and urged for a reform plan
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for the AoR system in collaboration with the Bar.
Advocate-on Record (AoR)
About
Ø Only an AoR can file cases in the Supreme Court.
Ø They act as the link between the litigant and the
Supreme Court.
Ø Other lawyers, including senior counsels, can be
engaged by an AoR to argue cases.
Ø An AoR is deemed as a pool of elite Delhi-based
lawyers primarily practicing before the SC.
Qualification
Ø Advocates must pass an examination conducted
by the SC.
Pre-requisites for taking the AoR exam include:
Ø Training under a court-approved AoR for one year.
Ø A minimum of four years of legal practice.
Ø Exam subjects: Practice and Procedure, Drafting,
Professional Ethics, and Leading Cases.
Ø Passing requirement: 60% aggregate with at least
50% in each paper.
AMIGOS IAS
Successful candidates must maintain an office
Ø
within a 16-km radius of the SC and employ a
registered clerk.
Regulatory Framework
Ø As per Section 30 of the Advocates Act, advocates
registered with the Bar Council are entitled to
practice in any court.
Ø The SC’s power to regulate its own procedure and
practice is enshrined in Article 145 of the
Constitution, which includes the AoR system.
Ø The AoR practice draws from the British division
of barristers (argue in court) and solicitors
(interact with clients).
Ø In India, senior advocates, similar to barristers, do
not directly engage with clients and are briefed by
an AoR or other lawyers.
Ø Historical precedence from the SC’s inauguration
underlines the long-standing practice and
regulation of AoRs.
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IA
9 ENCORE
S
Why is it in the news?
The Election Commission of India (ECI), in
its continuous effort to enhance the integrity and
efficiency of conducting elections, has taken a
significant technological leap by developing an in-
house software system named ‘ENCORE’—short
for Enabling Communications on Real-time
Environment.
More about the news
Ø ENCORE aims to facilitate a more organized,
transparent, and expedient election management
workflow, thus reinforcing the ECI’s commitment
to uphold the democratic ethos of the nation
through the adoption of innovative technology.
Ø The ‘ENCORE Scrutiny Application’ digitizes the
scrutiny process, enabling online status updates
for nominations as Accepted, Rejected, or
Withdrawn.
29
 Facilitates real-time tracking of voter turnout,
Ø
contributing to more transparent and accountable
elections.
Ø Automates the generation of statutory reports,
significantly reducing manual work and the
possibility of human error during counting.
Ø Publicly displays detailed information regarding the
financial assets and liabilities of candidates.
Ø Enables government departments to issue ‘no
objection’ certificates digitally for political events,
ensuring timely permissions for rallies, roadshows,
and public meetings.
Appointment of the Chief
10 Information Commissioner
(CIC)
Why is it in the news?
Recently, Shri Heeralal Samariya was
appointed as the Chief Information
Commissioner.
O
IG
Chief Information Commissioner (CIC)
AM
Ø Appointment: By the President based on a
recommendation by a committee including the
Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition in the Lok
Sabha, and a Union cabinet minister.
Ø Eligibility: Eminent person with knowledge and
experience in relevant fields; not an MP, MLA, or
person connected with any office of profit, political
party, business, or profession.
Ø Term: Three years from the date of assuming office.
Ø Removal: By the President for proved misbehaviour
or incapacity.
Powers and Functions of Information
Commissions
Ø Comparable to civil courts for certain functions like
summoning, evidence collection, document
requisition, and witness examination under the
Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
Ø Authority to inspect documents, receive affidavits,
and any other prescribed matters.
AMIGOS IAS
Extension of Pradhan Mantri
11 Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana
(PMGKAY)
Why is it in the news?
Indian Prime Minister has recently
announced a five-year extension of the Pradhan
Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), a
scheme providing 5kg of free foodgrains to eligible
ration cardholders under the National Food Security
Act, 2013 (NFSA). This extension aims to continue
addressing food security needs and supporting
vulnerable populations.
PMGKAY
Ø PMGKAY was initiated in 2020 during the COVID-
19 pandemic.
Ø Initially set to expire in December 2022, it was
extended to December 2023 and now for an
additional five years.
Ø Over 1,118 lakh metric tonnes of foodgrains have
S
IA
been allocated, costing Rs 3.9 lakh crore.
S
Chief Commissioner of
12
Persons with Disabilities
Why is it in the news?
Recently, the Court of Chief Commissioner of
Persons with Disabilities (PwD) delivered following
two judgments:
1) Court mandated that any government office in the
country, operating from buildings that are not
accessible to Divyangjan (differently-abled
individuals), must relocate their services to the
ground floor or an accessible location within the
same facility.
2) The Court emphasized that all airlines operating in
the country, whether Indian or foreign, are
responsible for implementing the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 (RPwD Act).
Ø Office of Chief Commissioner of Persons with
Disabilities: The Office of Chief Commissioner of
Persons with Disabilities was established under the
30
 Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995 (PwD Act).
Ø The RPwD Act 2016 (which replaced the PwD Act,
1995) provides for the Chief Commissioner for
Persons with Disabilities and two Commissioners.
Ø The primary mandate of this office is to take steps
to safeguard the rights of Persons with Disabilities
(PwD) and to identify any program or policy
inconsistent with the RPwD Act.
Ø The Ministry responsible for overseeing the Office
of Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities
is the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
Model Prisons and
13 Correctional Services Act,
2023
Why is it in the news?
Ø The act was suggested by the central government
to implement in the states. It aims to
comprehensively address prison administration
issues. It replaces the Prisons Act (1894) and
O
incorporates relevant provisions from the Prisoners
IG
Act (1900) and Transfer of Prisoners Act (1950).
AM
Features of the Model Act
Ø High Security Prison: Establishment of
independent, self-sufficient prisons with enhanced
security systems. Includes independent court
complexes for housing gangsters and hardened
criminals.
Ø Directorate of Prisons and Correctional Services:
To implement prison policies and coordinate various
prison and correctional services.
Ø Classification of Prisoners: Broad categories
include Civil, Criminal, Convicted, Undertrial,
Detenues, Habitual Offenders, and Recidivists.
Ø Segregate Accommodation: Provides separate
facilities for various categories of prisoners.
Addresses special needs of women, transgender
individuals, and others.
Ø Staff Welfare Wing: To be established by the Head
of Prisons and Correctional Services. Aids the
government in implementing welfare measures for
prison staff.
AMIGOS IAS
Ø Use of Technology: Aims to computerize the entire
prison administration. Integrates the database
with the Interoperable Criminal Justice System.
Ø Use of Electronic Tracking Devices: Implemented
for prisoners granted leave. For instance, Jammu
and Kashmir police introduced GPS tracker anklets
for monitoring terror accused individuals out on bail.
Ø Prisoners’ Health Care: Ensures that all prisoners
have access to adequate, gender-responsive
healthcare facilities.
Governance of Prisons in India
« In India, prisons and persons detained therein are
constitutionally designated as a ‘State’ subject,
falling under the purview of individual state
governments.
« However, due to the critical role of prisons in the
overall Criminal Justice System, the Ministry of
Home Affairs has consistently offered guidance and
support to both states and union territories in
S
effectively managing and administering their prison
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systems.
S
« his collaborative approach aims to ensure the
proper functioning of prisons and the safeguarding
of prisoners’ rights and welfare across the country.
AAINA Dashboard for
14 Cities’ Portal
Why is it in the news?
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
Ø
(MoHUA) has launched the ‘AAINA Dashboard for
Cities’ portal.
Ø The portal serves as a platform for Urban Local
Bodies (ULBs) across India to voluntarily submit
key data regularly, including audited accounts and
self-reported performance metrics, by logging into
the dashboard’s portal. This data submission is
voluntary, emphasizing a participatory approach.
Information collection on five thematic areas
Ø Political and Administrative
Ø Finance Ø Planning
Ø Citizen Centric Governance
Ø Delivery of Basic Services
31
Objectives of AAINA Dashboard :
Ø Allow cities to compare their performance with
other cities. Inspire cities by identifying areas of
improvement and possibilities.
Ø Provide opportunities for learning and engagement
with leading cities. Importantly, the dashboard does
not rank Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in India :
« Local governments in Indian cities are established
under the 74th Amendment Act, which promotes
democratic decentralization in urban areas.
« State legislatures have the authority to enact taxes
and levies that support the budgets of local
governments. ULBs encompass various types,
including municipal corporations, municipalities,
notified area committees, and town area
committees, each catering to cities or towns with
specific population criteria.
Sub-Categorization of
15
Scheduled Castes (SCs)
O
Why is it in the news?
IG
Ø Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a plan
AM
to investigate sub-categorization of SCs in
Telangana to identify and assist the most backward
among them, particularly the Madiga community.
Ø Madigas are the most populous SC community in
the state and have claimed that their
representation is being overshadowed by another
SC community, the Malas.
Legal Aspects of Sub-Categorization :
Ø Several states like Punjab, Bihar, and Tamil Nadu
have attempted to introduce state-level
reservation laws to sub-categorize SCs and
determine separate reservation quotas, but these
efforts have been tied up in courts.
Ø In 2004, the Supreme Court held that states did
not have the unilateral authority to sub-categorize
SCs and STs; only Parliament and the President
could make these lists.
Ø However, a 2020 judgment suggested that states
could decide on the quantum of benefits within
AMIGOS IAS
the existing lists, leading to confusion and a referral
to a larger bench.
Government Steps :
Ø Despite the legal uncertainties, the Union
government explored the possibility of sub-
categorization after the 2004 judgment.
Ø The Attorney-General of India in 2005 opined that
sub-categorization was possible but required
“unimpeachable evidence” and a constitutional
amendment. The Union government formed a
National Commission and recommended an
amendment to Article 341 of the Constitution, but
both the National Commission for Scheduled
Castes (NCSC) and the National Commission for
Scheduled Tribes (NCST) disagreed, stating that
Article 16(4) already allowed states to create
special laws for under-represented backward
classes.
Arguments ‘For’ Sub-Categorization :
Ø Proponents argue that sub-categorization is
S
necessary due to graded inequalities among SC
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communities, where some have better access to
S
benefits than others.
Ø They suggest that sub-categorization would
provide separate reservations for the most
backward communities within the SC category.
Arguments ‘Against’ Sub-Categorization :
Ø Both the SC and ST Commissions have noted that
separate reservations within categories may not
address the root cause of the problem.
Ø The most backward SCs may still lack candidates
to fill reserved posts, given the vast disparities.
Ø The focus should be on ensuring that existing
government benefits reach these marginalized
sections before considering sub-categorization.
Way Forward :
Ø Legal experts emphasize the need for concrete
data to support sub-categorization, including
population numbers and socio-economic data of
each community and sub-community.
Ø Parliament can consider sub-categorization if
supported by reliable data, which would inform
decisions on how castes should be categorized and
the percentage of reservations to be allocated.
32
 Draft National Ø Government Initiatives: Production Linked

16 Pharmaceuticals Policy
2023 Ø
Incentive schemes.
Development of Bulk Drug Parks.
Ø Schemes like Pharmaceutical Technology
Why is it in the news? Upgradation Assistance (PTUAS), National R&D
The Department of Pharmaceuticals Policy, and the Promotion of Research and
(DoP) has recently released a draft National Innovation in Pharma-MedTech (PRIP) to support
Pharmaceuticals Policy (NPP) for 2023. The aim is sector growth.
to craft a holistic policy for the pharmaceutical Ø Challenges: Measures to ensure the safety and
sector in India. quality of drugs need improvement.
About the Policy Ø Some drugs fail quality standards, indicating a need
Ø Vision and Pillars: Designed to make India a global for better oversight.
leader in pharmaceuticals. Ø Higher production costs compared to countries like
Ø Supports self-reliance in pharmaceutical China.
manufacturing.
Ø Raw materials, electricity, and other overheads
Ø Seeks to improve health equity and access to
contribute to the cost.
medicine.
Ø Aims to streamline regulatory processes in the Ø Other Industry Challenges: Heavy reliance on
S

sector. imported Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API)

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Ø Encourages investment to enhance the sector’s and Key Starting Materials (KSMs).
S

growth. Ø Regulatory inefficiencies are prevalent.

O

Other features: The policy aligns with

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Ø Ø Skilled manpower and innovation funding are

‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’, driving
AM

limited.
towards domestic innovation and global quality
Ø Conclusion: The industry must prioritize innovation
standards.
to maintain global competitiveness.
Ø A high-level task force will oversee policy
implementation. Ø There’s a need for a renewed approach for Vision
Ø A decade-long strategy will guide timely policy and 2047, focusing on the ‘Amrit Kaal’ era.
program interventions.

« Current State of Indian Pharma Industry: It’s

the world’s 3rd largest by volume, valued at around
USD 50 Billion.
« Known for being a significant supplier of affordable
generics and vaccines.
« Exports span 200 countries, including stringent
regulatory regions.
« Bulk drug and intermediates exports amounted to
Rs 33,320 crore in 2021-22.
« Imports of Bulk Drugs/APIs are economically driven,
indicating a dependency.

AMIGOS IAS 33
 2. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Vienna Convention on
1 Diplomatic Relations
Why is it in the news?
Recently, the Canadian Foreign Minister raised
allegations against India regarding a purported
violation of diplomatic protocols.
« In response, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs
(MEA) highlighted that India’s actions align with
Article 11.1 of the V ienna Convention on
Diplomatic Relations.
Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations
Background
IA
« The convention was established to determine the
S
fundamental principles and norms governing the
O
Conclusion :
IG
treatment of diplomatic representatives between
AM
countries.
« Adopted on 14th April 1961 during the United
Nations Conference on Diplomatic Intercourse and
Immunities in Vienna, Austria.
« Its primary objective is to promote friendly relations
and ensure effective communication channels
between nations.
Other Laws Governing International Diplomatic
« Currently, 193 countries have ratified the
Relations:
convention.
« India officially ratified the Vienna Convention
through the Diplomatic Relations (V ienna
Convention) Act of 1972.
Major Provisions of the Convention:
« Diplomatic Immunity: A cornerstone of the
convention, it ensures that diplomats are exempt
from specific laws and taxes in their host countries.
This principle enables diplomats to carry out their
roles without any form of intimidation, threat, or
fear.
AMIGOS IAS
« Protection and Respect (Article 29): Diplomats
cannot be arrested or detained. The hosting nation
is obligated to provide respect to the diplomatic
agent and is responsible for protecting them
against any harm or violation of their dignity and
liberty.
« Regulation of Diplomatic Mission Size (Article
11.1): This article grants the host nation the
authority to reasonably limit the size of a foreign
diplomatic mission. Such limitations take into
account the conditions in the host country and the
specific needs of the particular diplomatic mission.
« Persona Non Grata Declaration (Article 9): The
host state can declare any member of the
diplomatic staff, including the head of the mission,
S
as persona non grata or unwelcome. Such
declarations can be made at any time without
necessitating any explanation.
« The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations
plays a pivotal role in ensuring smooth and
respectful diplomatic interactions between
nations.
« By understanding its provisions, countries can
navigate the complexities of international
diplomacy more efficiently.
« V ienna Convention on Consular Relations
(1963): Governs the establishment and conduct of
consular relations. Addresses the rights and duties
of consular officers and inviolability of consular
premises.
« Customary International Law: Comprises long-
standing practices and norms accepted by states.
Some diplomatic practices are considered
customary due to their historical prevalence.
« Bilateral and Multilateral Agreements: Bilateral
agreements outline diplomatic ties between two
34
 countries. Multilateral agreements, like the United
Nations Charter, shape diplomatic relations among Tripura-Bangladesh
«
multiple countries.
State Sovereignty: Asserts each state’s right to
2 Railway Link
conduct its affairs without external interference.
« Recognition of States: Formal recognition of a Why is it in the news?
state’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is vital
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his
for diplomatic relations.
Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina virtually
« Customary Courtesy : Diplomatic relations are
inaugurated Agartala-Akhaura railway link
expected to be conducted with mutual respect and
connecting Northeast India with Bangladesh. The
cooperation.
« International Organizations : Organizations like project is expected to boost tourism, trade, and
the United Nations play pivotal roles in diplomatic people-to-people exchanges between the two
relations, especially in conflict resolution. countries.
« Treaties and Conventions :International treaties
related to human rights, environment, and trade
can shape diplomatic interactions.
« Diplomatic Protocols : Guidelines and traditions
that dictate diplomatic practices and ceremonies.
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Diplomatic Immunity
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About :
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« Diplomatic immunity is a set of privileges and

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protections granted to foreign diplomatic About the Project :

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personnel serving abroad, facilitating international
relations and ensuring diplomat safety.
Key Aspects :
« Criminal Immunity: Diplomats are immune from
criminal prosecution in the host country.
« Civil Immunity: Diplomats are exempt from civil
lawsuits in the host country.
« Diplomatic Premises: The premises of diplomatic
missions are inviolable.
« Protection and Exemptions: Diplomats and their
families are protected from harassment, taxation,
and customs duties.
« Duty to Respect Local Laws: Diplomats must
adhere to local laws and customs, despite their
immunities.
« Termination and Waiver: Immunity can be
terminated or waived under certain conditions.
« Consular Immunity: Consular officers also enjoy
certain immunities, albeit typically lesser than full
diplomatic personnel.
« It is a 12.24-km Agartala-Akhaura railway line with
5.46 km in Tripura (India) and 6.78 km in the
Akhaura upa-zilla (Bangladesh).
« The final project cost is estimated at Rs 1255.10
crore, with Rs 862.58 crore allocated for works on
the Indian side alone.
« The Agartala-Akhaura project will cut down the
travel time between Agartala and Kolkata too,
from 31 hours to 10 hours.
« The entire project cost is being funded by India.
The Ministry for Development of North East Region
(DoNER) funded the work on the Indian side, and
the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) funded the
expense for the Bangladesh side as ‘Aid to
Bangladesh’.
Other India-Bangladesh Train Services :
« Bandhan Express: Between Kolkata (India) and
Khulna (Bangladesh); Revived an old route (Barisal
Express) closed since the 1965 war.

AMIGOS IAS 35
 « Maitree Express: Connects Kolkata (India) and
Dhaka Cantonment (Bangladesh); Started in April
2008.
« Mitali Express: Connects Siliguri (India) with Dhaka
(Bangladesh); Announced in March 2021 by PM
Modi during his visit to Dhaka.
Project’s Significance to Tripura :
« It boosts connectivity for the land-locked Tripura.
« Tripura may become the tourism gateway between
India and Bangladesh as travel between Agartala
and Kolkata reduced from 1600 km to 500 km.
Other India-Bangladesh Train Services :
« Bandhan Express: Between Kolkata (India) and
Khulna (Bangladesh); Revived an old route (Barisal
Express) closed since the 1965 war.
« Maitree Express: Connects Kolkata (India) and
Dhaka Cantonment (Bangladesh); Started in April
2008.
« Mitali Express: Connects Siliguri (India) with Dhaka
(Bangladesh); Announced in March 2021 by PM
Modi during his visit to Dhaka.
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Reforming the International
3 Monetary Fund (IMF)
Why is it in the news?
« Addressing global challenges like climate change
mitigation, pandemic response, and managing
rising debt burdens demands significant financial
resources, which the current IMF resources may
not be adequate to address.
« Current IMF practices, including lending conditions
and resource distribution, have the potential to
worsen global inequalities. Thus, there is a pressing
need for reforms that prioritize a fairer and more
equitable international financial system to address
these challenges effectively.
Need for Reforms
Quota Discrepancies
« Quotas in the IMF determine member countries’
financial contributions and voting power. However,
these quotas do not accurately reflect the current
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economic significance of member nations.
« For instance, China’s quota stands at 6.40%, which
is disproportionately small compared to its
substantial economic stature. Conversely, the U.S.
holds an outsized quota of 17.43%, granting it
significant influence within the IMF. India’s quota
is also relatively low at 2.75%.
Decision-making Power :
« Crucial decisions within the IMF require an 85%
majority, effectively granting the United States a
de facto veto power. This issue has been raised
and criticized by initiatives such as the Palais Royal
Initiative.
Special Drawing Rights (SDR) Allocation :
« The IMF issued a $650 billion SDR allocation in 2021
to member countries to alleviate financial stress
caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
« However, the distribution of SDRs was based on
member quotas, leading to wealthier nations
benefiting more from this allocation than those in
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greater need.
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Uneven Surveillance :
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« The IMF’s surveillance and oversight activities
primarily focus on countries that are seeking its
financial assistance or support, potentially leading
to less scrutiny of influential nations’ economic
policies and practices.
IMF Quota Formula
1. GDP (50%),
2. Openness (30%),
3. Economic variability (15%), and
4. International reserves (5%)
Proposed Reforms for IMF :
Fairness :
« Quotas : Reform the IMF’s quota system to ensure
that member countries’ contributions and voting
power accurately reflect their current economic
importance on the global stage. This entails
adjusting quotas to rectify existing imbalances.
« Composition of Board of Directors: Modify the
composition of the IMF’s Board of Directors to
ensure a more balanced representation of member
countries. This would help mitigate the
disproportionate influence of certain nations.
36
 « Distribution of Special Drawing Rights (SDR):
Change the distribution system for SDRs to promote
fairness. For instance, allocate a certain
percentage (e.g., 20%) of future SDR allocations
to the poorest countries, rather than relying solely
on quotas.
« In IMF Surveillance: Broaden the scope of IMF
surveillance to include countries with significant
external reserves or systemic influence. This
ensures a more even-handed approach to
monitoring economic policies globally.
Mandate :
« Surveillance of Capital Flows: Enhance the IMF’s
role in monitoring capital movements, which can
impact economic stability and financial crises.
« Role of a Global Central Bank: Expand the IMF’s
role in managing global liquidity through the use
of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), effectively
functioning as a global central bank.
« Role of Lender-of-Last-Resort: Explicitly recognize
and strengthen the IMF’s role as a lender-of-last-
resort. This would provide security and support to
countries facing fluctuations in capital flows and
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financial crises.
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Governance :
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« Strengthen the Decision-Making Role: Empower
the International Monetary and Financial
Committee (IMFC), a key decision-making body
within the IMF, for more effective and inclusive
decision-making.
« Review the G20’s Composition: Ensure that the
composition of international bodies like the G20
reflects universal and equitable representation. For
example, follow the steps taken under India’s G20
presidency to promote broader representation and
diversity.
Special Drawing Rights (SDR)
« An international reserve asset created by the IMF
to supplement the official reserves of its member
countries.
« SDR is neither a currency nor a direct claim on the
International Monetary Fund (IMF). It represents
a potential claim on the freely usable currencies
held by IMF member countries.
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« SDR serves as the unit of account for the IMF and
certain other international organizations. It is used
as a reference point for financial transactions and
calculations within these organizations.
« The value of the SDR in terms of actual currencies
is determined by summing the values, in US dollars,
of a specific basket of currencies. This calculation
is based on market exchange rates for these
currencies.
« The SDR basket of currencies includes several major
world currencies: US dollar, Euro, Japanese yen,
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Pound sterling and Chinese renminbi (added to the
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basket in 2016)
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« The currency value of the SDR is calculated on a
daily basis. This calculation occurs every business
day, except on IMF holidays or when the IMF is
closed for business.
« The composition of the SDR valuation basket is
reviewed and adjusted periodically, typically every
five years. This review ensures that the basket
reflects the importance of different currencies in
the global economy accurately.
Palais Royal Initiative :
« An initiative born out of the global financial crisis,
involving a group of experts who aimed to
understand the causes of the crisis and propose
improvements to the international monetary
system. The initiative promotes international
cooperation and provided recommendations to the
G-20 president in 2011.
« These proposed reforms aim to make the IMF a
fairer, more responsive, and equitable institution,
better equipped to address global challenges and
promote the stability of the international financial
system.
37
 3. ECONOMY
Farmer Producers’
1 Organizations (FPOs)
Why is it in the news?
There is a significant growth in vegetable
and fruit exports in Eastern UP in the past two years.
This growth is attributed to FPOs promoting cluster-
based farming, technology adoption, and market
linkage for farmers.
Uttar Pradesh (UP) Government Support for FPOs:
v Plans for 10,000 FPOs with a target of one FPO in
each of the 826 blocks annually for five years.
v Dedicated FPO cell and the FPO Shakti Portal
(Launched in UP, it offers grievance redressal and
business partnership opportunities for FPOs).
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v Financial assistance and subsidies for infrastructure
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development.
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About FPOs
Understanding FPOs
v Definition: FPOs are Voluntary organizations
controlled by farmer-members aiming to improve
their socio-economic situation.
v Objectives: Leverage economies of scale in
production and marketing to enhance sustainable
income-oriented farming.
Role of FPOs in Modernizing Indian Agriculture:
v Reducing costs and increasing income through bulk
purchases and marketing.
v Modernizing agriculture, especially for small and
marginal farmers.
v Addressing the issue of small land holdings through
collective farming.
v Enhancing bargaining power and registering local
products under Geographical Indications.
v Providing access to technology, credit, and
training.
AMIGOS IAS
v Eliminating intermediaries for better income.
v Value addition and efficient value chain
management.
v Managing price fluctuations and enabling effective
communication.
v Nutritional focus and local campaigns.
Issues Faced by FPOs
v Lack of professional management and weak
financials.
v Limited access to credit, markets, and
infrastructure.
v Absence of risk mitigation mechanisms and
technical skills awareness.
Government Initiatives to Support FPOs :
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v Scheme for 10,000 FPOs: The government has laid
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down an ambitious plan to establish 10,000 FPOs.
The aim is to collectively bring farmers under one
umbrella, ensuring they benefit from economies
of scale, better bargaining power, and improved
profitability.
v Equity Grant Fund Scheme for Enhancing
Viability: To ensure that FPOs remain sustainable
and creditworthy in the long run, the government
is bolstering them with an equity grant fund. This
financial support aims to fortify the viability and
sustainability of FPOs.
v Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme: Access to credit
is a primary concern for many farmers and FPOs.
This scheme ensures collateral-free credit
availability to FPOs, giving them the necessary
financial muscle to undertake various agricultural
activities.
v Scheme for the Creation of Backward and
Forward Linkages: To mitigate the challenges
posed by disjointed supply chains, this scheme
focuses on both the backward (raw material
38
 procurement) and forward (market linkages)
aspects. The initiative ensures that FPOs can
readily access raw materials and have proper
channels to sell their produce.
v Operation Greens (TOP to TOTAL): This initiative
broadens the scope of the agricultural value chain.
It emphasizes promoting FPOs, strengthening agri-
logistics, boosting processing facilities, and
encouraging professional management. Together,
these components are designed to uplift the
overall value chain of agriculture.
Purple Economy :
v 100% Tax Deduction for FPOs with Annual
v The Purple Economy, also known as the care
Turnover up to Rs. 100 Crores: Recognizing the
economy, embodies a revolutionary approach to
importance of FPOs in the agricultural ecosystem,
economics, placing emphasis on care work,
the government is offering a 100% tax deduction
women’s empowerment, and autonomy.
to those FPOs whose annual turnovers are within
v It stresses the crucial role these aspects play in the
Rs. 100 crores. This fiscal measure is expected to
health of economies, societal well-being, and the
bolster the operations of many FPOs. sustenance of life.
Way Forward : Components of Care Work
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v There is a need to scale and strengthen FPOs. v Care work, either paid or unpaid, can be broadly
Amend the Agricultural Produce Market categorized into:
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v
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Committee (APMC) Act for fee exemptions. v Direct Care Activities: These are personal and
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v Develop farm-level infrastructure and ensure MSP relational activities. Examples include feeding an
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procurement. infant or taking care of a sick relative.

v Encourage private investment and extend funding
schemes.
v Formulate flexible policies and conduct rural
farmer awareness programs.
Purple Economy :
2 Understanding the Care
Economy
Why is it in the news?
Shanti Raghavan, the recipient of the
Business Line Changemakers Award in 2020, leads
v Indirect Care Activities: Often referred to as
domestic work, these involve tasks like cooking,
cleaning, and other household chores.
Paid Care Work
v Paid care work comprises occupations where
professionals offer direct care or facilitate the
preconditions required for caregiving. It includes
nurses, childminders, elderly care assistants,
domestic helpers, and cooks.
v The majority of paid care workers are women, with
a notable percentage being migrants or those from
socially disadvantaged backgrounds.
Unpaid Care and Domestic Work
v This refers to care provided without a monetary

the organization EnAble India. They are working on reward, primarily within homes and communities.
creating a ‘purple economy,’ which promotes v Care tasks are performed in a myriad of

disability inclusion and job opportunities on a large environments – public and private institutions, non-
scale. profit organizations, and private residences.
v A significant portion of the global care work is

AMIGOS IAS 39
 shouldered by unpaid caregivers, predominantly
women and girls.
Challenges Confronting Care Workers
v Economic Recognition: Despite its indispensable
value, unpaid care is often sidelined by conventional
economic paradigms. It doesn’t find its due
recognition in policy frameworks or national
economic accounts.
v Gender Disparity: The costs, in terms of missed
wages and lost opportunities, disproportionately
burden women and girls, thereby perpetuating
gender inequalities.
v Pandemic Impact: The recent COVID-19 crisis has
further intensified these challenges, shedding light
on the already existing disparities and
shortcomings in recognizing and valuing care work.
Conclusion
v The Purple Economy advocates for a shift in how
we perceive and value care work, emphasizing its
indispensable role in societal wellbeing and
economic prosperity.
v Recognizing, valuing, and supporting care workers,
both paid and unpaid, is essential for creating a
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more inclusive and equitable future.
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US Bond Yield Reaches
3 16-Year High
Why is it in the news?
Recently, on October 23, US 10-year
government bond yield peaked at 5.02%, highest since
July 2007. Later that day yield dropped to 4.85%.
v Increase is attributed to anticipation of the US
Federal Reserve maintaining current high interest
rates due to inflation concerns, particularly
because of high energy prices.
v According to US Fed chair Jerome Powell,
evidence of above-trend growth or tightness in the
labor market could jeopardize inflation progress,
possibly warranting further tightening of monetary
policy and increasing bond yields.
More about the news
v Bonds are loans made by investors to borrowers
AMIGOS IAS
for fixed periods in exchange for regular interest
payments.
v Bond yield represents the annual return an investor
expects over the bond’s term to maturity.
v Bond prices in secondary markets are inversely
related to yields.
v Elevated bond yields can negatively impact
equities.
Reasons for High Yields
v US 10-year bond yield surged by nearly 400 basis
points from 1.01% in 2020.
v Causes include rising crude oil prices, inflation risks
and interest rate signals from the US Federal
Reserve. Higher government borrowing in the US
is pushing yields up.
v Robust US economic data indicates a potential
longer period of high rates.
v Concerns about the US government’s significant
borrowing plans also play a role.
v Strong US retail sales, labor market, and inflation
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data have contributed to higher yields.
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v Ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict is adding to global
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uncertainties, influencing energy prices. If inflation
rises, investors demand higher bond yields.
Implications of Rising Yields
v Bond yields in countries, including India,
historically rise with an uptrend in US yields. India’s
10-year government bond yield stands at 7.38%,
marking a rise of 24 basis points in a month.
v Cost of funds in the financial system is increasing.
v Higher bond yields mean governments pay more
to investors, raising borrowing costs.
v Such a rise exerts upward pressure on general
interest rates in the banking system.
v Rising yields might result in capital moving from
bank fixed deposits to bonds.
Impact on Bond Investors
v Rising bond yields suggest an anticipated increase
in interest rates, leading investors to sell their
current bonds.
v Increased interest rates lower existing bond prices,
causing potential capital loss if sold before maturity.
v Net asset values of debt funds might decline due
to decreased bond prices.
40
 v Corporate bonds priced higher than government vThese SEBI actions highlight a move against
bonds will also be affected. unregistered investment advisors and stricter
norms for financial influencers.
Impact on India :
Who are Financial Influencers? (Finfluencers)
v Outflow of Foreign Investments: High US bond
v They are the individuals with significant social
yields may cause foreign portfolio investors (FPIs)
media presence.
to pull out from Indian equities and redirect
v They offer financial advice, share money
investments to US bonds due to the latter’s
management experiences, and discuss investment
perceived lower risk and attractive returns.
topics. Topics include stocks, budgeting, property,
v Shift in Asset Allocation: Risk-averse investors,
cryptocurrency and other financial trends.
both foreign and domestic (including those with
v Large following influences audience financial
hybrid investment objectives), tend to move funds
decisions. Their prominence increased during the
from equities to debt, exerting selling pressure on
pandemic due to higher retail investor market
the stock market.
participation.
v Valuation Adjustments: Equity valuations are
However, the surge in finfluencers led to the
inversely related to bond yields; therefore, higher
following issues
bond yields can make equities less attractive. This
v Emergence of self-proclaimed experts with limited
has brought back the concept of value investing,
market knowledge.Concerns over qualifications
particularly in small and mid-cap companies.
and potential risks of their recommendations.
v Economic Resilience: The Indian economy’s overall
Some influencers make exaggerated claims to
health, supported by corporate earnings and
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attract subscribers and monetize their platforms.

domestic market participation, may help sustain
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v Following their advice has sometimes harmed

the market despite global pressures.
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novice investors. Some may use unethical means

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v Optimism Despite Challenges: High real rates and

to influence stock investments.
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the cost of capital present risks to equity

Regulatory Response
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valuations, especially with potentially overly

v SEBI aims to address concerns surrounding
optimistic earnings expectations for the coming
finfluencers. Their incentive structures and ties
year.
with brokerages are under scrutiny.
v Issued a consultation paper to limit the involvement

4
of SEBI-registered entities with unregistered
SEBI orders on
finfluencers.
Finfluencers
Suggested measures
v With the economy’s growth and increased
Why is it in the news? individual participation in stock markets, ensuring
Last week, SEBI barred Mohammad the availability of accurate financial information is
Nasiruddin Ansari, a financial influencer, from the crucial. However, educating investors and
securities market. Ansari was ordered to pay back Rs safeguarding their interests will be of paramount
17.2 crore for allegedly misleading clients and importance.
influencing securities deals. v To ensure the credibility and reliability of

v In May, P R Sundar, another financial influencer,
settled a case with SEBI and agreed not to buy/sell
securities for a year. Sundar’s case resulted in
payment of a settlement amount and
disgorgement of over Rs 6 crore.
finfluencers, SEBI needs to establish clear
regulatory guidelines, while finfluencers must
prioritize transparency and continuous education.
Investors, in turn, should approach finfluencer
advice with diligence, cross-checking information
from trusted financial sources.

AMIGOS IAS 41

EU Report on 2%
5 Global Wealth Tax on
Billionaires
Why is it in the news?
European Union Tax Observatory released
the ‘Global Tax Evasion Report 2024’. Proposes a
2% global wealth tax on billionaires.
Key Findings :
v Offshore tax evasion reduced by three times due
to the automatic exchange of bank information in
the last 10 years. (Note: Automatic exchange
introduced in 2017 to combat offshore tax evasion.
By 2023, over 100 countries exchanged non-
resident deposit information.)
v Billionaires globally have effective tax rates
between 0% and 0.5%.
v $1 trillion profit moved to tax havens in 2022,
equating to 35% of profits by multinationals outside
their HQ country.
v Tax revenue loss due to profit shifting is stagnant
at about 10% of corporate tax revenue.
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v Global minimum tax has weakened significantly.
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In 2021, over 140 countries agreed on a 15%
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minimum tax on multinational profits to boost
global tax revenue by 10%.
v ‘Greenwashing the global minimum tax’ trend
spotted; MNCs using ‘green’ tax credits to lower
tax rates beneath the 15% threshold.
v Rise of aggressive tax competition affects
government revenue and increases inequality.
v Green-energy subsidies may negate revenue from
the global minimum corporate tax.
Worker Productivity
6 and the Evolution of
Economic Prosperity
Why is it in the news?
Infosys founder, N.R. Narayana Murthy,
recently made a significant statement. He
encouraged young Indians to emulate the post-World
War II work ethics of Japan and Germany by putting
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in 70-hour workweeks. He believes that India’s worker
productivity is notably low and that such a
commitment could be the antidote.
An Analysis
Differentiating Worker and Labour Productivity:
v At its core, the concept of ‘productivity’ might
seem straightforward, but it’s essential to
distinguish between ‘worker ’ and ‘labour ’
productivity.
v While ‘worker’ productivity pertains primarily to
cognitive tasks, ‘labour’ productivity leans more
towards physical ones.
v The general metric to measure productivity is the
value of output per unit of time spent on the task.
v However, there’s an interesting nuance when it
comes to intellectual labour. Since the direct
output of intellectual tasks can be challenging to
measure, often, a worker’s income is used as an
indicative measure of their productivity.
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The Essence of True Productivity:
True productivity stems more from skill and
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v
expertise rather than merely the time invested.
Elements like education, health, and specialized
training can significantly bolster one’s ability to
produce quality output in less time.
v This notion debunks the myth that decreasing work
hours can hinder output value. In reality, with the
right skills, fewer work hours can still be incredibly
productive while ensuring workers maintain a good
quality of life.
Dissecting the Productivity-Economic Growth
Link:
v The relationship between individual worker
productivity and overarching economic growth isn’t
linear. For instance, while India’s GDP saw a
commendable rise from 1980 to 2015, this growth
didn’t equitably benefit all.
v Studies by economists Lucas Chancel and Thomas
Piketty unveiled that the top earners in India saw
their incomes skyrocket during this period.
However, this surge wasn’t necessarily a reflection
42
 of their productivity. Instead, factors like inherited
wealth and managerial control over remunerations
played pivotal roles.
Addressing Misconceptions about India’s
Productivity:
v It’s a common yet flawed notion to equate India’s
worker productivity with its average wage.
v Contrary to Mr. Murthy’s statement, multiple
sources, including international firms like Kronos
Incorporated, have noted that Indians rank
among the hardest workers globally. However,
despite their dedication, they also unfortunately
rank low in terms of average global wages.
The Complication of Informal Labour:
v India’s vast informal labour sector throws another
wrench into the productivity analysis. With the rise
of informal employment, even in sectors that are
traditionally considered ‘formal’, measuring true
productivity becomes a challenge.
v Furthermore, the prevalence of Micro-Small-
Medium Enterprises (MSME) further muddies the
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water, especially as many larger corporations
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outsource tasks to these smaller units.
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Revisiting the Japan and Germany Comparison:
v Mr. Murthy’s comparison of India with Japan and
Germany may seem compelling at first glance, but
upon deeper reflection, it’s clear that the countries
differ vastly in terms of labour force composition,
technological adoption, and socio-cultural
dynamics.
v India’s unique challenges and strengths necessitate
tailored approaches rather than directly imitating
other nations.
Conclusion:
v India’s path to sustainable growth lies not in merely
increasing work hours but in understanding the
nuances of productivity.
v It’s about making strategic social investments,
tapping into the vast domestic consumption
potential, and adopting a holistic, human-centric
view of development.
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India to be a $30 trillion
7 economy by 2047
India is projected to achieve a $30 trillion
economy by 2047, according to early findings from
the “Vision India@2047” document formulated by
Niti Aayog.
Overview of Vision India@2047:
Ø In December 2021, the groundwork began for the
Vision India@2047 document, aiming to provide a
roadmap for India’s future economic and societal
progression.
Ø To guide this vision, 10 groups of secretaries were
established, spanning various sectors including
rural and agriculture, infrastructure, governance,
welfare, technology, security, and foreign affairs,
among others.
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Ø The core aim is for India to transform into a
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developed economy with a net worth of $30 trillion
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by 2047, targeting a per-capita income between
$18,000 to $20,000.
Ø A roadmap will be provided, detailing India’s
anticipated statuses in both 2030 and 2047.
Ø The document will shed light on essential structural
changes and reforms.
Ø Insight will be offered regarding India’s global
engagements, touching upon aspects of trade,
investment, technology, capital, R&D.
Ø There will be an emphasis on identifying potential
Indian companies poised to be global frontrunners
and strategies to foster a conducive ecosystem for
their growth.
Ø The blueprint will also cover strategies for human
capital development, leveraging India’s vast
market size, and addressing regional disparities.
Current Overview of the Indian Economy:
« India is currently recognized as the fifth largest
economy globally, boasting a GDP of $3.7 trillion.
As early as 2022, India’s GDP surpassed those of
both the UK and France.
43
« Leading agencies, including S&P, predict a
promising trajectory for India, projecting its
nominal GDP to soar from $3.4 trillion in 2022 to
an impressive $7.3 trillion by 2030.
« These estimates further suggest that India is on
track to overtake economic giants like Japan and
Germany in the next decade.
« With this rapid economic growth, India is poised to
become the second largest economy in the Asia-
Pacific region.
Preliminary Predictions:
Ø For the envisioned progress, the economy must
register an average annual growth of 9.2% between
2030-2040, 8.8% from 2040-2047, and an aggregate
of 9% from 2030 to 2047.By 2047, the forecasted
value for India’s exports stands at $8.67 trillion, while
imports might touch $12.12 trillion.
Ø On the societal front, Niti Aayog anticipates
significant strides in average life expectancy,
projecting a rise from 67.2 in 2021 to 71.8.
Additionally, the literacy rate is expected to
increase from 77.8% in 2021 to 89.8% in the future.

Growth Path
What does the future hold? Scenario building for macroeconomic indicators
Indicator Units 2030 2040 2047
GDP at current prices trillion (Rs) 609,04 1,759.79 3,604.94
Percapita GDP at current
Prices Rs 4,02,008 10,93,037 21,84,812
Exports $ trillion 1.58 4.56 8.67
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Imports $ trillion 1.88 5.92 12.12
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Investment Rs trillion 195.5 591.1 1,273.40

Savings Rs trillion 207.8 649.4 1,339.70
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Challenges in Realizing Vision India@2047: Ø The middle-income trap refers to a situation where
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Ø Alignment of State and National Visions: The
primary challenge lies in synchronizing state-
specific vision documents with the overarching
national vision. While NITI Aayog actively assists
states like Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh in crafting
their vision documents, states such as UP, Tamil
Nadu, Goa, and Uttarakhand are charting their
trajectories independently.
The Middle-Income Trap Threat:
Ø A significant economic concern is the potential
“middle-income trap.”
Ø This phenomenon is characterized by a middle-
income country’s inability to evolve into a high-
income economy, attributed to escalating costs
and diminishing competitiveness, as outlined by the
World Bank.
Ø The strategy for Vision India@2047 incorporates
measures to avert this trap, ensuring a smooth
and sustainable economic transition.
a country’s growth rate slows down after reaching
middle-income levels, and it struggles to transition
into the high-income bracket. India, being one of
the fastest-growing economies in the world,
stands at this critical juncture. The challenges it
faces in avoiding the middle-income trap are
multifaceted, ranging from structural issues in the
economy to socio-political dynamics.
Other challenges include :
Ø Despite tripling its GDP from 1.1% in 1991 to 3.5%
in 2023, India does not house any of the world’s
top banks, contractors, or legal and consulting
firms. Maintaining consistent high growth rates is
challenging due to periodic fluctuations and
external factors.
Ø There’s a pressing need to generate quality jobs
for the expanding workforce, as mere economic
growth might not suffice.

AMIGOS IAS 44
 Ø Significant disparities exist in income distribution;
ensuring economic growth benefits reach every
Strata is crucial.
Ø Achieving a balance between swift economic
growth and environmental conservation, especially
in areas like pollution control and resource
management, is pivotal.
Middle-Income Trap
« India, a fast-growing economy, is at this (middle
income trap) critical stage.
Challenges India Faces :
Structural Economic Constraints:
« Limited industrial transformation compared to East
Asian countries.
« Manufacturing has a smaller economic share than
services. Major portion of workforce in agriculture
with low productivity.
« Small landholdings, lack of infrastructure, limited
mechanization.
Human Capital Deficiencies:
« Indian education system’s struggle to provide
quality education. Health challenges, amplified by
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the COVID-19 pandemic.
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« Low R&D spending and inadequate patent
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registrations.
Financial Sector Issues :
« SMEs have difficulty accessing finance.
« Banking sector’s high non-performing assets
(NPAs).
Demographic Dividend or Burden:
« High youth unemployment, risking the
demographic dividend.
« Regulatory and Governance Concerns:
« Bureaucratic red tape.
« Issues of corruption and transparency.
Strategies for Avoiding the Middle-Income Trap:
« Economic Reforms and Policy Consistency:
Further economic reforms, especially in labour and
land laws; and Policy consistency to retain investor
trust.
« Investment in Human Capital: Revamp the
education system for skill development; and
Strengthen healthcare infrastructure.
AMIGOS IAS
« Promote R&D and Innovation: Boost R&D
spending; Offer private sector research incentives;
and Support startups and entrepreneurs.
« Infrastructure Development: Speed up
infrastructure investment; and Smart Cities Mission
for urban solutions.
« Financial Sector Reforms: Recapitalize banks and
enhance public sector bank governance.
« Leveraging the Demographic Dividend:
Comprehensive job creation strategies; and
Emphasis on vocational training and
apprenticeships.
« Improving Governance: Streamline administrative
and regulatory processes; and implement strict
anti-corruption measures.
Organic Farming Mission of
8 the Kerala Government
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S
Why is it in the news?
The Kerala Government established the
Organic Farming Mission to promote sustainable
organic and climate-smart farming practices in the
state. In farms managed by the State Agriculture
department, at least 10% of the area will be
allocated for organic farming practices. Selected
beneficiaries/farms of organic farming schemes are
mandated to pursue organic farming for a
minimum of five years.
About the Mission
Ø The mission aims to expand organic farming to
5,000 hectares in Kerala over the next five years.
Ø It has set an annual target of converting 1,000
hectares of farmland into organic farming.
Ø Incorporating Organic Farming
Ø The mission will work on expanding the system for
certification, branding, and marketing of organic
agricultural products from Kerala.
Ø An organic farming protocol, aligned with national
and international standards, will be implemented
to enhance marketing potential.
45
Ø The mission will focus on adding value to organic
products, possibly through processing or other
means. To ensure that farmers have access to high-
quality seeds and production equipment/materials,
it will be facilitated through small-scale units,
Krishikoottam collectives, the Karshika Karma
Sena, Kudumbasree, Krishisree Centre, and Agro
Service Centres.
Ø The mission plans to formulate organic farming
schemes in collaboration with Krishikoottam
collectives and farmer producer organizations
(FPO) in every Assembly constituency in Kerala.
Ø In September 2023, the Kerala Government
created the Poshaka Samriddhi Mission to
increase the production of millets and vegetables,
indicating a broader focus on sustainable
agriculture.
9 Energy Conservation
Building Code (ECBC)
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Why is it in the news?
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The International Energy Agency (IEA)
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highlighted India as a “notable exception” among
developing economies for having energy efficiency
building codes.
About ECBC
Ø The Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC)
was first introduced by the Ministry of Power’s
Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in 2007, with
an update in 2017.
Ø Currently, 23 states in India have notified rules to
enforce ECBC compliance, while some large states
like Maharashtra and Gujarat are in the process of
drafting rules. Buildings in India account for 30%
of total electricity consumption, which is expected
to rise to 50% by 2042.ECBC sets minimum energy
standards for commercial buildings, aiming for
energy savings of 25-50% in compliant buildings.
Ø It applies to commercial buildings with a connected
load of 100 kW or more or a contract demand of
120 kVA or more.
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Ø It covers six components of building design,
including envelope, lighting systems, heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
systems, and electrical power systems.
Ø There are three compliance levels: ECBC, ECBC
Plus, and Super ECBC.
Ø The 2017 update emphasizes renewable energy
integration, ease of compliance, passive building
design, and flexibility for designers.
Ø States have the flexibility to modify the code to
suit regional needs and must draft rules to enforce
it as state laws.
India Finance Report 2023
10
Why is it in the news?
Centre for Advanced Financial Research
and Learning (CAFRAL) released its first flagship India
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Finance Report 2023. The report’s theme is
“Connecting the Last Mile: Non-Banking Financial
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Companies (NBFCs) in India.”
NBFCs are companies registered under the Companies
Act 1956 that provide bank-like financial services but
do not hold banking licenses. CAFRAL, established in
2006, operates as an independent body under the
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to advance research in
finance, macroeconomics, and public policy.
Key Highlights of the Report:
Ø Monetary Policy Transmission (MPT) through
NBFCs is strong, but there is a delay of nearly two
years to see its impact on their balance sheet.
Ø NBFCs facilitate further deepening of financial
inclusion by serving underserved subprime and
marginalized borrowers.
Ø Retail lending by NBFCs has grown significantly over
the last decade, increasing by 223.2%, primarily
through technology leverage.
Ø NBFCs are at the forefront of digital lending, with
a share of digital lending to overall lending at
60.53% for NBFCs compared to 5.53% for banks in
FY 2020. The rapid growth in the NBFC sector has
coincided with a decline in the share of bank credit.
46
 4. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1 Reference Fuels
Why is it in the news?
India has commenced the production of
‘reference’ petrol and diesel, with Indian O il
Corporation Limited introducing the nation’s first
Reference Fuel (RF). This move place India among a
few countries producing this specialized testing fuel,
previously imported by the country.
About
« Reference fuels are blends of hydrocarbons that
are specially formulated and standardized for
research and testing in the automotive and fuels
industry.
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« ‘Reference’ petrol and diesel adhere strictly to
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regulations set by the government. This includes
parameters like Cetane number, Flash point,
Viscosity, Sulphur and water content, Hydrogen
purity and Acid number.
« These specific fuels are essential for emission tests
on vehicles with spark ignition engines. They
guarantee precise and consistent evaluation of
emissions.
Significance
« Reference fuel production aligns with the
government’s four-pronged energy security
strategy:
« Diversification of energy supplies.
« Expansion of exploration and production.
« Introduction of alternative energy sources.
« Transition to a gas-based economy, green
hydrogen, and Electric Vehicles (EVs) and the
overarching goal is to achieve ‘energy-
independence’ by 2047.
AMIGOS IAS
« Octane Number: It measures the fuel’s resistance
to engine knocking. Higher octane numbers signify
better resistance to premature combustion in
gasoline.
« Cetane Number: Indicates the ignition quality of
diesel fuel. A higher cetane number signifies easier
ignition.
« Flash Point: It is the lowest temperature at which
a substance produces enough vapor to ignite
momentarily.
« V iscosity: Measures a fluid’s resistance to
flow; higher viscosity indicates thicker, less fluid-
like behaviour.
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« Acid Number: It is a measurement of the amount
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of acidic substance in the oil.
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« Sulphur: Sulphur in the fuel contributes to fine
particulate matter emissions. High sulphur content
in the fuel also leads to corrosion and wear of the
automobile engine.
Embedded-SIM
2 (eSIM)
Why is it in the news?
Recently, major manufacturers like Apple,
Google Pixel series, and Samsung have incorporated
the eSIM feature in their devices.
eSIM :
« eSIM is a digital, embedded, programmable, and
rewritable SIM, eliminating the need for a physical
nano-SIM.
« eSIM’s software is loaded onto a universal
integrated circuit card (UICC) installed within the
device during manufacturing, making it non-
removable.
47
Advantages
« Convenience: eSIM’s can store multiple profiles,
allowing users to switch between them without
repeatedly activating a SIM or changing cards.
« Security: eSIM’s provide added protection. If
someone unlawfully accesses a device, they can’t
access or duplicate the SIM application.
Disadvantages
« Emergencies: If a device malfunctions or runs out
of power, communication halts entirely with
eSIM’s.
« Data Protection Concerns: eSIM’s could, in theory,
enable network operators to track user data,
including app activity, especially in the absence of
robust data privacy regulations.
SIM Card
« SIM (subscriber identification module) is a
microchip that identifies the user within a
network.· Contains info such as its ID number, the
international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI),
v It is designed to target cancer cells that carry the
CD19 protein. This protein acts like a flag on cancer
cells, which allows CAR-T cells to recognize and
attach themselves to the cancer cells and start
the process of elimination.
v Even some developed nations don’t have their own
CAR-T therapies; they import them from the
United States or Europe. India is now one of the
first developing countries to have its indigenous
CAR-T and gene therapy platform.
About CAR-T Cell Therapy
v CAR T-cell therapies are a major breakthrough in
cancer treatment.
v Unlike chemotherapy or immunotherapy which
involve taking drugs, CAR T-cell therapies use a
patient’s own cells. They are modified in the
laboratory to activate T-cells and target tumor
cells.
v CAR T-cell therapy has been approved for
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location details, list of preferred networks,

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leukaemias (cancers arising from the cells that

emergency contacts, and possibly stored contacts
produce white blood cells) and lymphomas (arising
S

and SMS messages.

O

from the lymphatic system).

Functioning of a SIM Card
IG

v Other treatments like chemotherapy might extend

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When making a call, the phone sends data (signed

life by months or years. However, CAR-T therapy
by the SIM card) via the network to a telephone
aims for a cure and lifelong benefit.
exchange. Depending on the recipient’s location,
v CAR-T offers a one-time transformative treatment,
the call is either routed directly or directed through
the optimal route. especially beneficial for non-responsive cancer
patients.
v The therapy also results in minimal Cytokine

3 NexCAR19 Therapy
Release Syndrome (CRS), which is characterized
by inflammation and hyperinflammation in the body
due to the death of a significant number of tumor
cells, as CAR-T cells are designed to target and
Why is it in the news?
eliminate cancer cells.
NexCAR19 is India’s first indigenously-
developed CAR-T cell therapy developed by
ImmunoACT, incubated at IIT Bombay. It was recently
authorized by the Central Drugs Standard Control
Organisation (CDSCO).
About NexCAR19
v NexCar19 is a type of CAR-T and gene therapy DEATH OF CANCER CELL
CART-CELL
developed indigenously in India.

AMIGOS IAS 48
Eligibility for NexCAR19
v Targets patients with B-cell lymphomas
unresponsive to standard treatments.
v Process: Doctor’s prescription -> Blood donation -
> Genetically modification in the lab -> Reinfusion
in 7-10 days.
v Post-treatment recovery in approximately two
weeks. About 70% patients respond and 50% of
these achieve a complete response.
Child Patients :
v B-cell leukaemia is common among children.
v Paediatric trial phase is currently underway at Tata
Memorial Hospital. It is currently approved for
patients aged 15 years and older.
Advantages
v NexCAR19 exhibits a comparatively enhanced
safety record in the context of CRS (Cytokine
Release Syndrome).
v It strikes an excellent equilibrium between
effectiveness and minimal harm.
v The results from Phase I and II clinical trials suggest
an impressive 70% overall response rate.
Disadvantages
O
v It is very expensive, costing around Rs 30-40 lakh
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per patient12.It is not widely available, as it
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requires specialised facilities and trained staff12.
v It may cause serious side effects, such as infections,
bleeding, low blood pressure, and organ
damage13. It may not work for all patients, as
some cancers may be resistant or relapse after
treatment14.
v It is not effective for solid tumors, as it targets only
cancer cells that carry the CD19 protein1.
Bletchley Declaration
4 on AI
Why is it in the news?
The United K ingdom (U.K.) recently
hosted the first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Safety
Summit. It is taking place at Bletchley Park, a
renowned location that served as the home to
AMIGOS IAS
codebreakers during the Second World War. The Main
resolution was to establish shared understanding of
frontier AI opportunities and risks. “Frontier AI”
refers to powerful generative AI models with
potential risks to public safety. 28 countries including
the US, China, Japan, UK, France, and India, plus the
EU, agreed on a declaration addressing AI risks.
Bletchley Park Declaration
v A “world-first” accord to address AI safety
concerns. Focuses especially on advanced AI
models from major entities like OpenAI, Google,
and Microsoft.
v Recognizes risks from misuse or control issues,
especially in cybersecurity, biotech, and
disinformation. Emphasizes international
cooperation to address risks.
About AI
v A branch of computer science creating machines
that mimic human intelligence.
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v Further, enables machines to model or surpass
human mind capabilities.
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v Examples: self-driving cars, generative AI tools like
ChatGPT, and Google’s Bard.
Need for Regulation
v AI tools and models can be opaque, even to
experts. AI decisions can have inaccuracies,
embedded biases, and produce discriminatory
outcomes.
v Rise in AI-generated media like images, voice
alterations, and deep fakes affecting political and
social arenas.
v AI systems collect personal data, raising privacy
concerns. Concerns about AI becoming
uncontrollable or acting maliciously.
v US President Joe Biden issued an executive order
on AI safety, focusing on overseeing AI benchmarks.
v Must for AI companies to share test results of new
products with the federal government.
v Rules to introduce watermarks on AI-enabled
products and standards for biotech firms using AI.
v Federal agencies to implement AI changes, setting
industry best practices.
49
Global AI Regulatory Landscape Their distinct floret-like design grants them a high
v

v European Union (EU) proposes an AI Act based surface area.

v Given their unique properties, they find potential
on AI risk and invasiveness.
v UK adopts a light-touch approach to foster AI
use in areas like materials science, electronics, and
innovation. the vast world of nanotechnology.
v US takes a moderate stance, with Biden’s order
Performance & Capabilities :
laying groundwork for AI regulation. v Unlike many other materials, nanoflorets can

v China has its own AI regulations. absorb light across various frequencies – from
v However, notable tech leaders, including Elon infrared and visible light to ultraviolet.
Musk and Steve Wozniak, called for a six-month v Their design ensures two things – minimal light

pause in AI development due to uncontrollable AI reflection and optimal heat retention. This makes
advancements. them stand out in converting sunlight to thermal
Challenges energy.
v A mere 1-square-meter coating of nanoflorets can
v Concerns about AI include privacy, system bias, and
intellectual property rights violations. vaporize as much as 5 liters of water in just an
v Recently, OpenAI founder Sam Altman called for
hour. This surpasses even commercial solar stills in
an international AI regulatory body similar to efficiency.
nuclear non-proliferation oversight.
India’s Stance on AI
v Union Minister of state for IT, Rajeev
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Chandrasekhar emphasized AI safety, trust, and

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avoiding weaponization via social media.

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v Further, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for

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ethical AI tools and a global framework.

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v Need to move towards a risk-based, user-harm

regulatory approach.
v Proposals are made to establish a domestic
authority for AI and to differentiate between
Potential Real-world Impact :
online intermediaries.
v Eco-friendly Heating: Carbon nanoflorets can lead
the way in sustainable heating solutions.
Carbon Nanoflorets:
5 A Breakthrough by IIT
Bombay Researchers
v Diverse Utility: The sectors set to benefit range
from construction to healthcare, presenting a
promising future for these nano wonders.

Why is it in the news?

Haemoglobin Beyond
At the forefront of innovative scientific
advancements, IIT Bombay has made headlines with 6 Red Blood Cells:
A New Discovery
their latest invention: Carbon nanoflorets. These
intricate structures offer a groundbreaking way to Why is it in the news?
harness sunlight more efficiently. While traditionally, haemoglobin has been
About Carbon Nanoflorets : synonymous with red blood cells, a groundbreaking
v Nanostructures made of carbon atoms, arranged study published in Nature showcases something
to resemble the pattern of florets. extraordinary.

AMIGOS IAS 50
About Haemoglobin
v Haemoglobin is an iron-enriched protein found
primarily in red blood cells.
v It’s like a delivery service within our body, picking
up oxygen from the lungs and distributing it to
various tissues, while also collecting carbon dioxide
for a return trip to the lungs.
Key Findings of the Study
v The cells that fashion the cartilage in our body,
known as chondrocytes, also produce
haemoglobin.
v Much like a backup oxygen tank, haemoglobin
present in chondrocytes stores and releases
oxygen, depending on the cell’s requirements.
v Chondrocytes play a pivotal role in granting
cartilage its strength and flexibility, and it turns
out, they owe a part of their functionality to
haemoglobin for oxygen transport and sustenance.
About Cartilage:
v Cartilage is like the body’s cushion. It’s a bendy
connective tissue that you can find in places ranging
from your joints to the tip of your nose. It ensures
our joints move smoothly while also giving structure
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and support to body parts like ears.
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7 Genetically Engineered (GE)
Insects
Why is it in the news ?
v In India, there is a significant push towards
increasing the contribution of the Bioeconomy
to the GDP from 2.6% to 5% by the year 2030,
as outlined in the ‘Bioeconomy Report 2022’
by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
v However, the biotechnology sector in the
country faces challenges, including stagnant
funding levels, with only a minimal 0.0001%
allocation of the GDP. Despite a temporary
increase in funding during the Covid-19
pandemic, it has not returned to pre-
pandemic standards.
v Additionally, the DBT issued ‘Guidelines for
Genetically Engineered (GE) Insects’ in April
AMIGOS IAS
2023, aiming to provide procedural guidance
for those interested in creating GE insects.
Nevertheless, these guidelines are not
without their issues and concerns.
Bioeconomy
v Bioeconomics, according to the Food and
Agriculture Organisation (FAO), involves the
production, use, and conservation of
biological resources, including knowledge,
science, technology, and innovation.
v Its purpose is to provide information,
products, processes, and services across
economic sectors, with a focus on
sustainability.
v The term “bioeconomy” gained prominence
in the early 21st century.
v It was adopted by the European Union (EU)
and the Organisation for Economic Co-
operation and Development (OECD) to
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promote biotechnology’s role in developing
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new products and markets
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Examples Food Systems: Occupy the largest
v
niche in the bioeconomy, including
sustainable agriculture; sustainable fishing;
forestry and aquaculture; and food and feed
v
manufacturing.
Bio-Based Products: Includes bioplastics; and
biodegradable clothing
Key Highlights of Bioeconomy Report 2022 :
v India’s bioeconomy is growing, projected to
reach USD 150 billion by 2025 and USD 300
billion by 2030.
v 14.1% growth in 2021, reaching USD 80 billion.
v Daily contribution of USD 219 million.
v 1,128 biotech startups established in 2021.
v Over USD 1 billion invested in R&D.·
Administered 4 million Covid-19 vaccine doses
daily during the pandemic.
v Over a decade, biotech startups grew from 50
to over 5,300.
v BIRAC established 74 bio-incubation centres
across 21 states/UTs.
51
v India has the second-highest number of
USFDA-approved manufacturing plants
globally.
Issues with GE Insects Guidelines :
v Lack of Specificity in Guidelines: Guidelines
lack specificity on approved purposes in India.
Emphasis on health, agriculture, and the
environment doesn’t align with the broader
commitment to the bioeconomy.
v Uncertainty for Researchers: Guidelines are
limited to research and don’t address confined
trials or deployment. Lack of clarity on
government approval for deployment raises
concerns about community exposure without
individual choice.
v Ambiguity in ‘Beneficial’ Definition:
Ambiguity surrounds the definition of
‘beneficial’ in the context of GE insects.
Hinders funders and scientists from investing
in research.
Genetically Engineered (GE) Insects
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v Organisms with altered genetic material for
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specific traits.
v Applications include vector management, crop
pest control, health, environmental benefits,
protein production, and improving beneficial
insects.
Challenges Related to GE Insects :
v Ecological Impact: Concerns about the
potential ecological impact of releasing
genetically modified insects into the
environment. Risk of disrupting ecosystems
by affecting non-target species or altering
population balances.
v Unintended Consequences: Genetic
engineering is complex, leading to the
possibility of unintended consequences.
Changes in targeted genes could have
unexpected effects on insect behaviour,
lifespan, or interactions with other organisms.
AMIGOS IAS
v Gene Spread Beyond Intended Population:
Risk of modified genes spreading beyond the
intended population. If modified insects
breed with wild populations, engineered
genes may enter the wild gene pool, causing
unintended consequences.
v Ethical Concerns: Moral concerns about
altering the genetics of living organisms.
Particularly relevant when it involves the
release of modified organisms into the
environment.
v Regulatory Challenges: Developing regulatory
frameworks for genetically engineered insects
is challenging. Determining appropriate levels
of testing, monitoring, and oversight are
crucial for safety and effectiveness.
v Long-Term Stability: Ensuring the stability of
engineered traits over generations is crucial.
Genetic modifications must remain effective
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and not degrade or become subject to natural
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selection pressures that compromise their
intended purpose.
v Costs and Scalability: Developing and
implementing genetically engineered insect
technologies can be expensive. Ensuring cost-
effectiveness and scalability for large-scale
applications, like disease vector control,
presents ongoing challenges.
Way Forward :
v Clear policies are crucial for bioeconomy
growth.
v Multidisciplinary approach needed to address
GE Insects challenges.
v Involvement of scientists, policymakers,
ethicists, and the public is essential.
v Ongoing research and open dialogue
necessary to navigate responsibly.
52

NASA-ISRO Synthetic
8 Aperture Radar (NISAR)
Satellite
Why is it in the news?
v ISRO conducted a successful 21-day-long
thermal vacuum test in preparation for the
satellite’s launch in 2024. The test was
performed in a facility that simulates the
expected flight conditions.
About NISAR
v NISAR is a joint project developed by NASA
(National Aeronautics and Space
Administration) and ISRO (Indian Space
Research Organisation).
v It is a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) observatory
designed for Earth observation.
Mission Objectives :
v NISAR’s primary objective is to map the entire
globe in just 12 days.
v It provides consistent data for understanding
changes in Earth’s ecosystems and ice mass.
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v NISAR is equipped with both L-band and S-
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band synthetic aperture radar (SAR)
instruments.
v L-band radars are used for clear air turbulence
studies, while S-band radars are useful for
weather observation.
v The satellite features a 39-foot gold mesh
antenna reflector that focuses radar signals
from the upward-facing instrument.
Significance :
v NISAR’s large imaging area (>240km) enables
it to capture full-earth images in just 12 days.
v It offers high precision and resolution (<1cm)
due to its dual-band radar systems.
v NISAR monitors various regions, including
Indian coasts, Antarctica, and deltaic regions,
for changes in bathymetry.
v It observes disturbances in ecosystems, ice
sheet collapses, and natural hazards, providing
valuable data for Earth science and
environmental monitoring.
AMIGOS IAS
v These points highlight the mission objectives
and significance of the NISAR satellite in Earth
observation and environmental monitoring.
Applications :
v Measurement of forest cover and land usage.
v Monitoring of oil and gas exploration activities.
v Assessment of water resources, including
changes in water bodies.
v Tracking the source and epicentre of
earthquakes.
v Monitoring landslides and oil spills.
v Mapping the aftermath and impact of disasters
for effective response.
v Observing changes in permafrost conditions.
v Monitoring shifts in ice sheets and glaciers.
v Tracking Cryospheric changes for climate and
environmental research.
9 Euclid Space Telescope
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Why is it in the news?
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v The Euclid space telescope recently released
its first images.
Euclid’s Mission (led by the European Space
Agency (ESA))
v Euclid’s primary goal is to map the distribution
of dark matter and dark energy in the Universe.
It will achieve this by observing the shapes and
distribution of galaxies and galaxy clusters.
Significance :
v Understanding dark matter and dark energy is
crucial for comprehending the fundamental
properties and fate of our Universe.
v Euclid’s observations will contribute to
advancing our knowledge of these enigmatic
components of the cosmos.
Composition of the Universe:
The Universe is composed of different components:
v Normal matter, which includes the visible
matter we can observe, constitutes about 5%
of the Universe.
53
v Dark matter, an invisible substance, makes up
about 25% of the Universe.
v Dark energy accounts for approximately 70%
of the Universe’s composition.
Dark Matter :
v Unlike normal matter, dark matter does not
interact with the electromagnetic force.
v Dark matter neither absorbs, reflects, nor
emits light, making it extremely challenging
to detect
Dark Energy :
v Dark energy is a mysterious energy source
responsible for the accelerated expansion of
our Universe.
v Its nature and properties remain largely
unknown, and it’s the subject of intensive
scientific study.

Aspect Euclid Space Telescope James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)

Focus Dark energy and dark matter,
universe’s expansion
Primary Measure- Galaxy shapes and redshifts,
ments dark matter distribution and
evolution
Contribution to Cosmic structures,dark matter
Early universe, exoplanets, celestial object
origins, potential extraterrestrial life
Distant galaxies, protoplanetary disks, star
formation, galaxy evolution
distribution, star formation, galaxy evolution
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Understanding Cosmic structures, early universe, exoplanets,

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star formation, potential for extraterrestrial life

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Collaborative Impact Complementary missions, Holistic comprehension of the universe,

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holistic comprehension of comprehensive exploration of celestial

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the universe objects

Overall Contribution Fundamental insights into Insights into origins, evolution, and potential
to Science dark forces governing the life in the universe
universe
Inspirational Impact Inspires future exploration Inspires future exploration and understanding
for Future and scientific discoveries of the cosmos
Exploration

AMIGOS IAS 54

10 White Hydrogen
Why is it in the news?
Scientists in northeastern France have
recently discovered a significant deposit of “white
hydrogen,” considered as one of the largest
concentrations of this clean energy source ever
found.
White Hydrogen
Ø White hydrogen is natural hydrogen found within
the Earth’s crust.
Ø It is a clean-burning energy source.
Ø Green hydrogen: Produced from renewable
energy sources through the electrolysis of water.
Ø Grey, brown, or black hydrogen: Derived from
fossil sources.
Significance
Seen as a potentially vast and untapped clean
Ø
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energy source.
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Ø Estimated cost is approximately $1 per kilogram.
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« Green hydrogen is around $6 per kilogram, making
white hydrogen more affordable.
« White hydrogen deposits identified globally such
as US, eastern Europe, Russia, Australia, Oman,
France, and Mali.
CO2 to CO Conversion
11 Technology
Why is it in the news?
Recently, the National Centre of Excellence
in Carbon Capture and Utilisation (NCoE-CCU) at
IIT Bombay Innovation developed an energy-
efficient technology to convert CO2 to CO. It aligns
with India’s 2070 net-zero emissions target,
potentially revolutionizing the steel sector with
cleaner processes.
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CO2 to CO Conversion Technology
It utilizes an electrocatalytic reaction to convert
Ø
CO2 to CO at ambient temperatures (25-40°C),
contrasting with traditional high-temperature
methods.
Ø Can be powered by renewable sources like solar or
wind energy, enhancing sustainability and carbon
neutrality.
Ø The process operates efficiently at lower
temperatures and without the need for additional
hydrogen, marking a significant improvement over
conventional methods.
Impact on the Steel Industry
Ø Essential for converting iron ore to metallic iron in
blast furnaces, and widely used in the industry,
particularly as syn gas.
Ø Current CO production methods involving partial
oxidation of coke/coal generate substantial CO2
emissions, which this new technology could
drastically cut.
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Ø Offers the steel industry a way to recycle CO2
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emissions back into valuable CO, creating a less
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wasteful and more eco-friendly production cycle.
Electrocatalytic Process
« Involves the direct transfer of electrons between
an electrode and reactants, facilitating chemical
reactions without the need for high temperatures.
« It’s a green process due to its low environmental
impact, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency,
applicable in various sustainable energy
technologies.
About Carbon Monoxide (CO)
« Colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas, slightly less
dense than air.
« Generated as a by product of incomplete
combustion of various hydrocarbons like fossil fuels,
wood, and vehicle exhausts.
« Dangerous as it competes with oxygen for binding
with haemoglobin in blood, causing oxygen
displacement and potential poisoning.
« Has a short life in the atmosphere due to its role in
the formation of ground-level ozone, a key
component in smog.
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 5. ENVIRONMENT
AND
BIODIVERSITY
Marine Cloud Brightening
1 (MCB)
Why is it in the news?
As a tactic for addressing extreme ocean
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heat, the concept of marine cloud brightening is
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gaining prominence. Its main objectives are to reduce
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coral bleaching and ensure the protection of marine
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ecosystems.
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About Marine Cloud Brightening
Ø Historical Context: The idea of cloud brightening
traces back to 1990 and was proposed by British
cloud physicist, John Latham. His goal was to
control global warming by altering the Earth’s
energy balance and counteract the warming
resulting from a doubling of pre-industrial
atmospheric CO2 levels.
Ø Mechanism of Action: In clean maritime air, larger
droplets with lower light reflection form, primarily
because clouds originate from relatively scarce
sulphates and sea salt crystals.
Ø The main aim of MCB is to amplify the albedo or
reflectivity of marine clouds.
Ø By using specialized vessels or water cannons, fine
sea water droplets are released into the
atmosphere.
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Ø As these droplets evaporate, they leave behind salt
particles, which serve as cloud condensation nuclei,
paving the way for denser, more luminous clouds.
Ø On Cloud Composition: Warm clouds are
characterized by numerous minuscule suspended
water droplets.
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Ø These droplets form around “aerosols,” which can
either be of natural origin (like sea salt, ash, and
pollen) or result from human activities like
manufacturing and burning fossil fuels.
Interestingly, a cloud with many small droplets
Ø
appears brighter than a cloud with fewer but larger
droplets, even if the total water quantity remains
the same.
Ø Potential of MCB: MCB can strategically
decrease sea surface temperatures in selected
regions.
Ø It holds the promise of curbing the intensity and
occurrence of coral bleaching episodes.
Ø Specifically, researchers are evaluating the
potential of MCB for the Great Barrier Reef, which
has suffered from mass bleaching events recently.
Ø Human Involvement: According to the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change,
humans are already inadvertently participating in
cloud brightening.
Ø Around 30% of the greenhouse gas-induced
warming effect is offset by humanity’s unintentional
aerosol emissions.
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Ø Cloud trails known as “ship tracks” are visible
because of the potent aerosols in ship exhaust,
mainly sulphates.
Challenges & Risks of MCB :
Ø Technical: Significant altitudes require the large-
scale spraying of seawater, presenting intricate
engineering challenges in terms of design, cost,
maintenance, and operation.
Ø Environmental: MCB might lead to unintended
alterations in precipitation and cloud patterns,
which can impact the regional climate and might
cause droughts or floods.
Ø Ethical & Governance: The decision-making
processes and governance surrounding MCB
implementation are contentious, as are the ethical
ramifications of interfering with natural processes.
Ø Moral Hazard: There’s a potential risk that MCB
might reduce the urgency to cut greenhouse gas
emissions among the public and policymakers.
Conclusion :
MCB is in its developmental phase, necessitating
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Ø
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further research to ascertain its governance, risks,
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feasibility, impacts, and efficiency.
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Ø Rather than being a standalone solution, MCB is a
possible short-term respite for coral reefs
undergoing extreme heat stress.
Ø The broader strategy to combat climate change
effects on coral reefs should integrate MCB with
innovation, restoration, conservation, and
adaptation.
Coral Bleaching
Ø Coral bleaching is when vibrant corals lose their
colour, turning white, mainly due to stressors like
elevated sea temperatures.
Ø This discoloration happens when the corals expel
the symbiotic algae living in their tissues, leading
to a loss of nutrients and colour.
Ø Bleached corals are weakened and become more
susceptible to diseases. If the stressful conditions
persist, it could lead to the death of the corals.
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Ø The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC) noted that if global average temperatures
rise by 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, 70-90% of
coral reefs are expected to suffer from long-term
degradation. At 2°C, more than 99% of corals are
projected to be at risk.
Amazon Rainforest
2 Crisis
Why in News?
The “lungs of the earth”, the Amazon
Rainforest, is currently experiencing a severe and
unprecedented drought. This crisis is profoundly
affecting the Indigenous people’s lives and the entire
ecosystem.
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More about the news
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Factors Causing Drought in the Amazon
Rainforest
El Nino Phenomenon:
Ø It is a major driver of the drought.
Ø Causes abnormal warming of the Pacific Ocean’s
surface waters, impacting rainfall patterns.
Ø Leads to reduced humidity and rainfall in the
Amazon, intensifying drought.
High Water Temperatures in the Northern
Tropical Atlantic Ocean:
Ø Warm ocean waters cause heated air to rise, which
then affects the Amazon.
Ø This warm air hinders cloud formation, resulting in
a sharp decrease in rainfall.
Anthropogenic Climate Change:
Ø Deforestation, from activities like agriculture and
logging, weakens the Amazon’s ability to control
climate and retain moisture.
Ø The loss of vast vegetation areas escalates
temperatures, generating a cycle of worsening
droughts due to reduced evapotranspiration.
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Mining Activity:
Ø Unregulated mining creates land barriers, affecting
river navigation.
Ø Mining’s ecological impact releases pollutants and
greenhouse gases, influencing the climate.
Hydroelectric Dams:
Ø Particularly on the Madeira River, a major Amazon
tributary.
Ø Reservoir creation alters natural river flows and
impacts ecosystems.
Ø Decomposing organic matter in reservoirs emits
methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Transportation Infrastructure:
Ø Infrastructure, like highways, cuts through
conserved areas.
Ø Increases deforestation and climatic anomalies.
Impact on the Water Cycle :
Ø Collective disruptions from the above factors harm
the Amazon’s natural water cycle.
Ø This results in decreased river water volumes,
extended droughts, and detrimental effects on
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aquatic fauna, habitats, and dependent
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communities.
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Drought’s Consequences on the Amazon
Rainforest
Ø Water Levels: Record low levels observed in rivers,
including the significant Rio Negro.
Ø Human Impact: Many are stranded in remote
areas, facing scarcity in food, clean water,
medicine, and other essentials.
Ø Health Concerns: Outbreaks of diseases like
diarrhoea and skin infections due to contaminated
water.
Ø Biodiversity: The rainforest’s diverse wildlife,
including fish and the Amazon River dolphins (boto
or pink river dolphin), are dying, leading to polluted
water bodies.
Ø Forest Fires: The drought escalates forest fire risks,
destroying vast vegetation, emitting large CO2
volumes, and causing poor air quality in many
regions due to smoke.
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About the Amazon Rainforest
Ø Occupies the Amazon River’s drainage basin and
its tributaries in northern South America, spanning
6,000,000 square km.
Ø Supports the world’s most extensive rainforest,
contributing to over half the global rainforest
volume.
Ø Located in regions of Brazil, Peru, Guyana,
Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Suriname, French
Guiana, and Venezuela, it forms the world’s largest
drainage system.
Ø Bordered by the Guiana Highlands, Andes
Mountains, Brazilian Central Plateau, and the
Atlantic Ocean.
Ø These tropical forests lie within 28 degrees of the
equator, receiving over 200 cm of rainfall annually,
with temperatures ranging between 20°C and
35°C.
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100 MHA of Arable
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Land Lost Yearly to
3
Degradation: UNCCD
Data
Why is it in the news?
The United Nations Convention to
Combat Desertification (UNCCD) data suggests a
significant environmental challenge. From 2015-
2019, the world witnessed a loss of around 100 million
hectares of productive land annually. Such losses not
only affect food production but also disrupt ecological
balance and local economies.
UNCCD’s Data Dashboard:
Ø The dashboard paints a grim picture of the
accelerating rate of land degradation.
Ø The data, collected from 126 countries, provides a
comprehensive view, emphasizing the universality
of the issue.
More about the news
Ø Regions Affected: Eastern & Central Asia, Latin
America, and the Caribbean are particularly hard-
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 hit, with degradation affecting a significant 20%
of their total land. This means reduced agricultural
outputs and potential economic challenges.
Ø Positive Outcomes: Despite widespread
degradation, there are success stories. For
instance, Botswana has made strides in halting
degradation, cutting its affected land almost by
half. The Dominican Republic’s efforts in land
restoration are commendable, showing a
significant decline in degradation. Uzbekistan’s
proactive measures against the Aral Sea’s drying,
a monumental ecological disaster, demonstrate
national commitment to environmental
restoration.
Ø Future Projections: The challenge ahead is vast.
To meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals,
the world will have to embark on an ambitious
journey to restore 1.5 billion hectares by 2030.
Causes of Land Degradation :
Ø Deforestation: The excessive cutting down of trees
for various reasons has stripped the land of its
protective cover, increasing vulnerability to erosion.
Ø Unsustainable agricultural practices: Practices
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like monoculture and overuse of chemicals not only
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deplete the soil of its nutrients but also make it
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susceptible to erosion.
Ø Salinization: An accumulation of salts in the soil
reduces its fertility and can be caused by natural
processes or poor irrigation practices.
Ø Rapid urbanization: As cities expand, land is
stripped of its natural vegetation, making it prone
to degradation.
Ø Industrial pollution: Harmful chemicals and waste
from industries contaminate the soil, making it unfit
for cultivation.
Ø Changing climate patterns: Fluctuating climate
patterns intensify land degradation by causing
prolonged droughts, shifts in vegetation zones, and
increased desertification.
Impact of Land Degradation:
Ø Desertification: One of the most visible and
devastating effects, where fertile lands transform
into deserts, displacing communities and causing
resource scarcity.
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Biodiversity loss: Degraded lands can’t support
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diverse life forms, leading to reduced biodiversity.
This has a cascading effect, potentially leading to
the extinction of various species.
Ø Reduced carbon sequestration: Healthy soils are
vital in the fight against climate change as they
absorb carbon dioxide. Degraded soils lack this
capability.
Ø Increased vulnerability to natural disasters:
Erosion-prone lands can trigger natural disasters
like landslides, posing a risk to neighbouring
communities.
Ø Impact on Indigenous communities: Land
degradation directly affects Indigenous populations
who rely heavily on their lands for sustenance,
cultural, and economic reasons.
Measures for Controlling Land Degradation:
Ø Afforestation and reforestation: Planting trees
can help restore the ecological balance and
protect against erosion.
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Ø Soil conservation: Techniques like contour farming
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and terracing can reduce runoff and prevent soil
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erosion.
Ø Policies for land conservation: Enacting and
enforcing policies can promote sustainable land use
and conservation.
Ø Adoption of a watershed approach: Using spatial
data for micro-watershed planning can rejuvenate
degraded lands.
Ø Sustainable water management practices: Proper
practices can help counter soil salinization and
waterlogging.
Ø Encouraging judicious use of chemical fertilizers
and pesticides: Over-reliance on chemicals harms
the soil. Proper usage can prevent contamination
and nutrient depletion.
Ø Promoting organic farming: Organic farming
replenishes the soil and prevents degradation.
Measures Taken by the Indian Government:
Ø National level land degradation mapping: ISRO’s
initiative will provide comprehensive data on
degraded lands, aiding targeted restoration.
Ø Commitment to Land Degradation Neutrality
(LDN): India’s commitment to restoring 26 million
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 ha by 2030 reflects its dedication to sustainable
land use.
Ø Bonn Challenge: By pledging to restore 21 million
hectares by 2030, India showcases its commitment
on the international stage.
Ø Government Initiatives: Schemes like the Soil
Health Card and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee
Yojana aim to promote sustainable farming and
protect lands.
Ø National Afforestation Programme: This initiative
by the Environment Ministry promotes the
reforestation of degraded forest lands.
Way Forward:
Ø Tackling land degradation is a marathon, not a
sprint. It demands the collective effort of
governments, communities, and individuals.
Ø Implementing region-specific sustainable land
management practices is crucial. The shared vision
should be land degradation neutrality.
Carbon Credit and Trading
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Scheme for Indian
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Carbon Market
Why is it in the news?
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) plans
to introduce changes to the Carbon Credit and Trading
Scheme (CCTS) specifically designed for the Indian
Carbon Market (ICM).
Overview of the Bureau’s Plans:
Ø BEE has provided insights into the future direction
of India’s efforts towards decarbonization through
the ICM. The main focus has been the compliance
mechanism of the ICM and the accreditation
process for carbon verification agencies.
Ø The intent is to model the CCTS based on the
existing Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT)
framework, which already encompasses
fundamental elements for greenhouse gas (GHG)
emission reduction.
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PAT Scheme :
Ø It is a flagship program under the National
Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE).
Ø It is implemented by the Bureau of Energy
Efficiency (BEE) under the aegis of the Ministry of
Power.
Ø PAT scheme aims at reducing Specific Energy
Consumption (SEC) i.e., energy use per unit of
production for Designated Consumers (DCs) in
energy-intensive sectors, with an associated
market mechanism to enhance the cost-
effectiveness through certification of excess energy
savings, which can be traded.
More about the news :
Origins of the Carbon Credit and Trading Scheme
(CCTS)
Ø It was established by the Union Government as
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per the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
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Ø Purpose is to form India’s inaugural domestic
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carbon market.
BEE has been designated as the overseer, with the
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vision of creating the National Steering Committee
for Indian Carbon Market (NSCICM) for governance
and direct management of the ICM.
Ø The committee is to be headed by the Secretary
(Ministry of Power) and co-chaired by the Secretary
(Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate
Change). As the ICM’s administrator, BEE will
define the GHG emissions trajectory and the
targets for obligated entities.
History of Carbon Credits :
Ø The concept of carbon credits emerged post the
Kyoto Protocol, established under the UN
Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC).
Indian Carbon Market (ICM) Features
Ø Established to address GHG emissions from India’s
industrial sector, responsible for approximately 20%
of the total GHG emissions.
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Ø ICM will not use a cap-and-trade mechanism. Ø Presently, targets are being set for industries like
Instead, it will employ the baseline-and-credit cement, iron and steel, and pulp and paper.
system, where baseline emissions are fixed per
tonne of product, and any deviations result in credit
trading.
Differences between PAT and CCTS

Feature PAT Scheme CCTS

Basis of Measurement Energy efficiency measured in Reductions measured per tonne of
reductions per tonne of oil equivalent GHG emissions
Target Cycle Three-year target cycle Annual targets
Role of Auditors Utilizes Accredited Energy Auditors (AEAs) Transitions AEAs to Accredited Carbon
Verifiers (ACVs) with additional
training on carbon verification

Challenges with CCTS

World Energy Outlook-2023
Ø Decarbonization of Intensive Industries: Difficult
to reduce emissions from energy-intensive sectors.
5
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Report by IEA
Ø Target Rigor: The PAT scheme had lenient targets,
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so CCTS needs to ensure robustness in its objectives.

Why is it in the news?
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Ø GHG Coverage: CCTS primarily focuses on carbon

The International Energy Agency (IEA), an
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dioxide and perfluorocarbons, neglecting others

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intergovernmental organization, is the authoritative

like methane and nitrous oxide.
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source for global energy statistics and policy

Ø Lack of Focus on Voluntary Market: The current
recommendations. It monitors the global energy
notifications do not mention the voluntary carbon
transition and provides data to its member countries.
market or credit exports.
Ø It focuses on Global energy outlook and
Ø Monitoring Issues: Effective monitoring,
recommendations for sustainable transitions.
reporting, and verification are vital for the scheme’s
Ø This report provides insights into the current energy
successful implementation.
consumption patterns, forecasts for future energy
Way Forward
demand, and actionable recommendations to
Ø Carbon credit trading is pivotal for countering steer the world towards sustainable energy
climate change. While the Union Ministry of Power practices.
plans to regulate CCTS, there’s a belief that the
More about the news
Union Ministry of Environment and Forest is more
Ø Fossil Fuel Dependence: Currently, around 80%
suited for this role.
of global energy supply. Despite advancements in
Ø Policymakers should prioritize transparency,
renewables, fossil fuels (like coal, oil, and natural
encourage broader consultations, and avoid
gas) remain dominant in the global energy mix.
conflicts of interest in finalizing the framework.
Ø Projection by 2030: Expected to decrease to 73%.
This projection indicates a positive, albeit slow,
transition towards more sustainable energy
sources.

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Ø Implication: CO2 emissions from energy-related
activities predicted to peak by 2025.
India’s Energy Landscape:
Ø Growth: India expected to have the highest energy
demand growth over the next 30 years.
Ø Consumption: By 2050, power usage for
household air conditioners projected to increase
nine-fold.
Ø Emissions: By 2030, Industrial emissions will be
reduced by 30%. This underscores India’s
commitment to a greener industrial transition.
Further, CO2 emissions from passenger cars will
decrease by 25% per kilometre which signifies an
expected shift to more efficient vehicles and
possibly, a larger EV uptake.
India’s Energy Strategy:
Ø Aims for long-term net-zero emissions by 2070.
Ø Aligns with global efforts to achieve a balance
between the amount of greenhouse gas emissions
produced and the amount removed from the
atmosphere.
Improved regulatory methods indicating India’s
Ø
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evolution in refining and implementing energy-
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related policies. Clean energy deployment and
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establishing domestic clean energy tech supply
chains.
Recommendations:
Ø Clean Energy Transition: Shift towards sustainable
energy sources, like solar, wind, and hydro.
Ø Renewable Energy Investment: Increase funding
in infrastructure for solar and wind projects.
Ø Transportation Electrification: Promote the
growth of electric vehicles (EVs) and develop
charging infrastructures.
Ø Carbon Pricing: Implement mechanisms like
carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems.
Ø International Collaboration: Engage in
partnerships to access technology, know-how, and
funding for sustainable energy projects.
Ø Addressing Air Pollution: Introduce stricter
emissions standards for both vehicles and
industries; and reducing air pollutants like PM2.5
and NOx.
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India’s Carbon Emission Reduction Initiatives:
Ø International Solar Alliance (ISA): Aims to harness
solar energy in countries lying between the Tropic
of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.
Ø One Sun, One World, One Grid Project:
Establishes inter-regional energy grids to globally
share solar energy.
Ø Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid
&) Electric Vehicles (FAME): Promoting the use of
EVs to reduce the carbon footprint of
transportation.
Ø Mission LiFE: Aims for individual and collective
actions for environmental protection.
Ø Leadership Group for Industry Transition
(LeadIT): Encourage businesses to adopt low-
carbon practices and technologies.
Ø Reports published by IEA: World Energy Outlook,
World Energy Balances, Energy Technology Per-
spectives, World Energy Statistics and Net Zero by
2050.
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Global Declaration of
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River Dolphins by 2030
Why is it in the news?
Recently, 11 Countries Signed first-of-its-
kind Global Declaration of River Dolphins by 2030.
The Eleven River dolphin range states are
Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Colombia,
Ecuador, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Peru, and
Venezuela.
More about the news
Primary Aim of the Declaration:
Ø Reverse Decline: Halt and reverse the decline of
all river dolphin species in both Asia and South
America.
Ø Effort Scaling: Boost collective actions to protect
remaining river dolphin species. This includes
funding and developing measures to tackle threats
like gillnets and pollution, expanding research, and
increasing protected areas.
Ø River Health: Focus on enhancing the health of
rivers vital for many communities, economies, and
critical ecosystems.
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Eight Pillars of the Declaration: Tucuxi Dolphin:
1) Protected Areas: Establish a network of protected Ø Habitat: Amazon River system in countries like
areas for dolphins. Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
2) River Dolphin Site Management: Enhance the Ø IUCN Status: Endangered.
management of these sites. Yangtze Finless Porpoise:
3) Research and Monitoring: Expand research Ø Habitat: Exclusively in the Yangtze River, Asia’s
activities and monitor dolphin populations. longest river.
4) Community Engagement: Involve local Ø IUCN Status: Critically Endangered.
communities and Indigenous Peoples in
conservation efforts. Which one of the following is the national aquatic
5) Sustainable Fishing: Eradicate harmful fishing animal of India? (2015)
practices. a) Saltwater crocodile b) Olive ridley turtle
6) Water Quality & Quantity: Improve the water c) Gangetic dolphin d) Gharial
quality and ensure adequate quantity. Answer (c)
7) Awareness: Celebrate World River Dolphin Day to
spread awareness.
Green Energy Corridor
8) Resources and Partnerships: Increase resource
allocation and foster partnerships for conservation.
Significance of River Dolphins
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7 (GEC)

River dolphins are apex predators in prominent

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Ø
Why is it in the news?
river systems and serve as indicators of river health.
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Approval for the GEC Phase-II – Inter-State

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Since the 1980s, their populations have declined

Transmission System (ISTS) for a 13 GW Renewable
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by 73%.
Energy Project in Ladakh by the Cabinet Committee
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on Economic Affairs.
Surviving River Dolphin Species:
About Green Energy Corridor (GEC):
Amazon Dolphin (Boto): Ø To integrate and evacuate renewable energy into
Ø Habitat: Exclusively freshwater. India’s power grid, ensuring sustainable growth and
Ø IUCN Status: Endangered. improved energy security.
Ganges Dolphin (Susu): Ø Two phases with Power Grid Corporation of India
Ø Habitat: Primarily in the Ganges and Brahmaputra Limited (POWERGRID) as implementation agency.
River systems in India and Bangladesh. GEC Phase-1:
Ø IUCN Status: Endangered. Ø Under implementation.

Indus Dolphin (Bhulan): Ø Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Himachal

Ø Habitat: Pakistan and River Beas in Punjab, a Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil
tributary of the Indus River. Nadu, and Rajasthan.Integrate and evacuate
24GW of Renewable Energy.
Ø IUCN Status: Endangered.
GEC Phase-2:
Irrawaddy Dolphin:
Ø Duration: FY 2021-22 to 2025-26.
Ø Habitat: Coastal areas of South and Southeast
Ø Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala,
Asia, and rivers like Ayeyarwady, Mahakam,
Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.
Mekong, and Chilika lake.
Ø Goal: Grid integration and power evacuation of
Ø IUCN Status: Endangered.
approx. 20 GW of RE projects.

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Objectives:
Ø Synchronize renewable energy sources (like wind
and solar) with traditional power sources.
Ø Reach a 500 GW electricity capacity from non-fossil
fuels by 2030.
Ø Evacuate 20,000 MW of large-scale renewable
power.
Significance:
Ø Ensuring long-term energy security for India.
Ø Promoting environmentally-friendly growth by
minimizing carbon emissions.
Ø Generating employment opportunities for various
skill levels.
understanding of their contributions to
climate resilience and low-carbon health
systems.
Ø Components of the Framework: The
framework proposes interventions around 10
key components, which are not specified but
are integral to building climate-resilient and
low-carbon health systems.

WHO’s Framework for

8 Climate-Resilient and Low-
Carbon Health Systems
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Why is it in the news?

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has

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Ø
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introduced a framework designed to enhance

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the resilience of health systems while

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simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas

(GHG) emissions, with the aim of safeguarding
the health of communities globally.
Key Objectives: Alignment with ATACH:

Ø Guiding Health Sector Professionals: The
framework serves as a guide for health sector
professionals to collaborate effectively in
addressing climate-related challenges.
Ø Developing Comprehensive Strategies and
Plans: It supports the development of
comprehensive and practical strategies, such
as national climate change and health
strategies, and plans, including the health
component of National Adaptation Plans
(HNAP).
Ø Defining Roles and Responsibilities: The
framework outlines roles and responsibilities
for health decision-makers, ensuring a clear
Ø The framework is crucial for the
implementation of the Alliance for
Transformative Action on Climate and Health
(ATACH) goals.
Ø ATACH, established by WHO in 2022, is an
informal voluntary network that works to
realize the ambition set at COP26 to build
climate-resilient and sustainable health
systems.
Importance of Sustainable Health Systems:
Ø Sustainable health systems play a vital role in
addressing climate change and its impacts on
health.
Ø The health sector itself is responsible for
approximately 5% of the global GHG
emissions.

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Ø By reducing GHG emissions, sustainable health
systems contribute to environmental
protection and mitigate climate change.
Ø Additionally, sustainable health systems help
reduce the generation of environmentally
harmful healthcare waste, with around 15%
of healthcare waste being considered
hazardous material.
Ø The adoption of sustainable practices can lead
to cost savings, making healthcare more
accessible and affordable for communities.
South Asia : A Global
9 Pollution Hotspot
Suggested measures :
Why is it in the news?
Ø Toxic air pollution is a recurring issue in South
Asia, particularly during the winter months
when cold, heavy air traps pollution in a thick
layer of smog.
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Ø South Asia is recognized as a global hotspot
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for air pollution, with four of the world’s most
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polluted countries and nine of the top 10 most
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polluted cities located in the region.
Factors Contributing to Pollution in South Asia:
Ø Industrialization and Economic Growth: Rapid
industrialization, economic development, and
population growth in South Asian countries
over the past two decades have led to
increased demand for energy and fossil fuels.
Ø Unique Contributors: Some pollution sources
are unique to South Asia, including solid fuel
combustion for cooking and heating, human
cremation, and burning of agricultural waste.
Ø Stubble Burning: For example, in New Delhi,
38% of pollution in a given year has been
caused by stubble burning, a practice to clear
fields after rice harvest, in neighbouring states
Why is it in the news?
like Punjab and Haryana.
Ø Increase in Vehicles: The region has seen a
significant increase in the number of vehicles
on the roads, with countries like India and
Pakistan experiencing a four-fold increase in
vehicle numbers since the early 2000s.
AMIGOS IAS
Challenges in Pollution Control :
Ø Lack of Coordination: Despite efforts to curb
pollution, there is a lack of coordination on
pollution control measures between South
Asian countries.
Ø Cross-Border Impact: Dust particles and
pollutants can travel long distances, crossing
national boundaries and impacting
neighbouring countries. For example, about
30% of pollution in Bangladesh’s largest cities
originates in India.
Ø Limited Effectiveness: Country-wide or city-
wide measures have limited effectiveness in
curbing transboundary pollution.
Ø Regional Coordination: South Asian countries
need to coordinate their efforts to tackle the
pollution problem effectively. Collaborative
initiatives should focus on enhancing
monitoring and making policy decisions.
S
Ø Localized Solutions: Solutions should be
tailored to local conditions where needed,
recognizing the diversity of environmental
challenges across the region.
Ø Expansion of Focus: Efforts to reduce pollution
should extend beyond traditional areas to
include sectors like agriculture and waste
management.
Ø Subsidies and Incentives: Governments can
offer subsidies on better harvesting machines
to curb practices like stubble burning, but
factors like high purchase cost and long waiting
times for machine rental need to be
addressed.
OECD Report: Towards
10 Eliminating Plastic
Pollution by 2040
Ø The OECD has issued an interim report titled
“Towards Eliminating Plastic Pollution by 2040:
A Policy Scenario Analysis,” highlighting the
urgency of addressing plastic pollution and
65
 outlining policy scenarios to achieve a plastic
pollution-free world by 2040.
Key Findings of OECD Interim Report
Ø The report was presented in the 3rd session
of the Intergovernmental Negotiating
Committee on Plastic Pollution.
Ø The committee aims to establish an
international binding agreement on plastic
pollution. The full report with detailed
analysis and policy guidance is expected in the
first half of 2024.
Ø According to the report, in 2022, 21 million
tonnes of plastics leaked into the environment
globally.
Detrimental Consequences of Continued Plastic
Use and Waste Volumes :
Ø Environmental Impact: Accumulation of plastic
in oceans, harming marine life.
Ø Climate Impact: Greenhouse gas emissions
from plastic production. Energy-intensive
processes required for plastic recycling.
Ø Health Impact: Microplastics enter the food
chain (bioaccumulation) and affect human
O
health. Further, respiratory issues occur due
IG
to the burning of plastic waste.
AM
Ø Economic Impact: Costs associated with
cleaning up plastic pollution. Loss of tourism
revenue in areas affected by plastic debris.
Ø Wildlife Impact: Ingestion of plastic by
animals, leading to fatalities.
Ø Resource Depletion: Depletion of fossil fuels
for plastic production.
Recommendations Proposed in the Report :
Ø Curb Production and Demand: Implement
targeted taxes and regulations on avoidable
plastics.
Ø Design for Circularity: Improve the plastic
production process through eco-design
criteria. Establish product standards that
promote reuse.
Ø Enhance Recycling: Strengthen material loops
by improving separate collection, sorting, and
recycling of plastic waste. Implement
measures like extended producer
responsibility.
AMIGOS IAS
Ø Close Leakage Pathways: Decrease
environmental losses by implementing
effective waste collection and disposal
methods.
Initiatives Taken to Tackle Microplastics :
Global Initiatives:
Ø Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPML)
Ø GloLitter Partnerships Project
Ø London Convention, 1972
India-Specific Initiatives
Ø Elimination of single-use plastic
Ø Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016
Ø Un-Plastic Collective
Ø Kerala: Beat Plastic Pollution Initiative
How Other Countries Are Dealing with Single-
Use Plastic :
Ø 124 countries, including India, signed a
resolution to address the full life of plastics,
making it legally binding to end plastic
pollution.
S
Ø 68 countries have plastic bag bans with varying
IA
degrees of enforcement.
S
Ø Bangladesh, banned thin plastic bags in 2002,
China with a phased ban on plastic bags in
2020, and the EU with bans on certain single-
use plastics with available alternatives.
Q) Bisphenol A (BPA), a cause of concern, is a
structural/key component in the manufacture
of which of the following kinds of plastics?
(UPSC 2021)
(A) Low-density polyethylene
(B) Polycarbonate
(C) Polyethylene terephthalate
(D) Polyvinyl chloride
Answer: B
BPA stands for bisphenol A, an industrial
chemical that has been used to make certain
plastics and resins since the 1950s. BPA is
found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy
resins. Polycarbonate plastics are often used
in containers that store food and beverages,
such as water bottles.
66
 India Exempted from
11 CITES RST for Red Sanders
Why is it in the news?
Ø India has been granted an exemption from the
CITES Review of Significant Trade (RST) for Red
Sanders.
CITES Review of Significant Trade (RST)
Ø The CITES Review of Significant Trade (RST)
Management System focuses on cases where
trade may threaten a specific species from a
specific country.
Ø It allows disciplinary actions, such as trade
suspensions, against countries not meeting
their obligations under CITES.
Reasons for India’s Exemption from CITES RST :
Ø India had been under the CITES RST process
for Red Sanders since 2004.
Ø The exemption is a result of a 2022
O
amendment to the Wildlife (Protection) Act,
IG
aligning it with CITES provisions under the
AM
CITES National Legislation Programme (NLP).
Ø This exemption now permits farmers in India
to engage in legitimate trade involving Red
Sanders.
Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus)
Ø Red Sanders is a plant species endemic to the
tropical dry deciduous forests in the Eastern
Ghats region of Andhra Pradesh, India.
Ø It is known locally as Yerra Chandanam and
Rakta Chandanam.
Ø This species has a slow growth rate and
typically reaches maturity after 25 to 40 years.
Ø It is fire-resistant and can withstand drought
conditions.
Ø Red Sanders is classified as an ‘endangered
species’ on the International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
Ø It is also listed under Schedule IV of The
Wildlife Protection Act in India.
AMIGOS IAS
Nationally Determined
12 Contributions under the
Paris Agreement Synthesis
Report 2023
Why is it in the news?
Ø The UNFCCC secretariat has issued the
“Nationally Determined Contributions under
the Paris Agreement Synthesis Report 2023,”
providing an analysis of climate pledges from
195 Parties, revealing the global status of
efforts to combat climate change.
Key Highlights of the Report
World Off-Track to Paris Agreement Goals:
Ø Implementing the latest NDCs will result in
an increase in emissions by approximately
8.8% by 2030, compared to 2010 levels.
Ø The Paris Agreement goal, as outlined in the
S
IPCC report of 2018, requires a 45% reduction
IA
in emissions by 2030, compared to 2010 levels,
S
to limit global warming.
Involvement of Indigenous People and Local
Communities:
Ø 40% of Parties included provisions in their
NDCs that recognize the roles of local
communities and the rights of Indigenous
Peoples in the adaptation components of their
climate action plans.
Ø This recognition involves addressing the
specific vulnerabilities of Indigenous Peoples
and leveraging Indigenous knowledge to
enhance climate efforts.
Gender-Sensitive Approach:
Ø Parties are increasingly acknowledging the
importance of gender integration as a means
to enhance the ambition and effectiveness of
their climate action.
Ø A gender-sensitive approach in climate
policies ensures that the perspectives and
needs of all genders are considered in climate
action planning.
67
Recommendations for Achieving Emission
Peaking Before 2030:
Ø Enhanced access to financial resources to
support climate initiatives.
Ø Technology transfer to facilitate the adoption
of sustainable and climate-friendly
technologies.
Ø Availability of market-based mechanisms that
incentivize emissions reduction and
sustainable practices.
About UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement:
Ø The UNFCCC secretariat, also known as UN
Climate Change, is responsible for supporting
the global response to the threat of climate
change.
Ø The United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change (UNFCCC) was adopted in 1992
and serves as the parent treaty of the Paris
Agreement.
Ø The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015 by all
196 Parties, is a legally binding international
treaty with the goal of limiting global warming
to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels,
O
with efforts to keep it below 1.5°C.
IG
Ø NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions)
AM
are climate pledges made by countries under
the Paris Agreement to reduce their national
emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate
change.
Ø NDCs are required to be updated every five
years, with a focus on increasing ambition in
each iteration
Greenhouse Gas
13 Bulletin
Why is it in the news?
Ø Greenhouse Gas Bulletin was recently
released by the World Meteorological
Organization (WMO).
Ø The Greenhouse Gas Bulletin is based on data
from the WMO Global Atmosphere Watch
(GAW) Programme.
AMIGOS IAS
Ø GAW provides information on atmospheric
composition through a global network of
observation stations and scientific infrastructure.
Major Highlights
Greenhouse Gas Levels
Ø Global average CO2 concentrations reached
417.9 ppm (parts per million) in 2022. This
represents a 150% increase from pre-industrial
levels (before the year 1750).
Ø Methane (CH4) concentrations increased by
264%, and Nitrous Oxide (N2O) concentrations
increased by 124% from pre-industrial levels
in 2022.
Radiative Forcing Changes :
Ø Radiative forcing by long-lived greenhouse
gases (LLGHGs) like CO2, CH4, and CFCs
increased by 49% from 1990 to 2022. CO2
accounted for about 78% of this increase in
radiative forcing.
S
Challenges in Addressing GHGs :
IA
Ø Feedback Mechanism: Climate change is
S
influenced by feedback loops, including
increased carbon emissions from soils and
reduced carbon uptake by oceans and forests.
Ø Tipping Points: Climate may reach tipping
points, triggering self-accelerating and
potentially irreversible changes.
Ø Natural Variability: CO2, CH4, and N2O levels
vary due to natural processes such as El Niño.
Ø Radiative Forcing by Long-Lived GHGs:
Radiative forcing measures the impact of these
gases on the Earth’s energy balance.
Greenhouse gases trap heat, preventing it
from escaping into space and causing the
planet to warm up.
About WMO (World Meteorological Organization)
Ø WMO is a specialized agency of the United
Nations (UN).
Ø Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
Ø Established in 1950.
Ø It has 187 Member States, including India, and
6 Member Territories.
68

Ecological Threat Report
14 (ETR), 2023
The Institute for Economics & Peace
(IEP) released the Ecological Threat Report (ETR)
for 2023, highlighting various ecological threats
and their links to conflict.
About the Report
Ø The ETR categorizes threats into four main areas:
Food Insecurity, Natural Disasters, Demographic
Pressure, and Water Risk.
Ø Food Insecurity: 42 countries are experiencing
severe food insecurity, with over 65% of their
populations unable to afford food in the past year.
Ø Natural Disasters: There is a significant risk of a
devastating natural disaster affecting more than
5% of a population.
Ø Demographic Pressure: Predictions indicate more
than a 70% population increase by 2050, placing
additional strain on resources and societal
resilience.
O
Ø Water Risk: Over 20% of the world’s population
IG
lacks access to clean drinking water.
AM
The report finds a direct correlation between
ecological threats and conflict:
Ø A 25% worsening in food insecurity is linked to a
36% increased risk of conflict.
Ø Natural disasters can exacerbate resource scarcity,
leading to increased food and water insecurity and
fuelling conflicts, especially in regions with lower
levels of peacefulness, high climatic variability, high
poverty, and weak governance, like the Sahel.
Sahel
« The Sahel is a semi-arid region of Africa, serving
as a transitional zone between the Sahara Desert
to the north and the Sudanian savanna to the south.
« It extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to
the Red Sea in the east, encompassing parts of
Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Algeria,
Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon, Central African
Republic, Chad, Sudan, South Sudan, Eritrea, and
Ethiopia.
AMIGOS IAS
Recommendations (ETR 2023) :
Ø Strengthening resilience through robust institutions
and infrastructure.
Ø Empowering local communities to achieve greater
sustainability.
Ø Implementing innovative programs to enhance
water resilience, such as sand dams and engineered
wetlands. Promoting Farmer Managed Natural
Regeneration to restore degraded lands.
WMO Report on Climate
15 Services for 2023
Why is it in the news?
The WMO report underscores that the
health sector is inadequately prepared to cope with
the consequences of heatwaves and extreme
weather events.
S
Key findings
IA
Ø Climate change poses a significant threat to global
S
health progress.
Ø Less than 25% of Global Health Ministries use
climate information to monitor climate-related
health risks.
Ø Air pollution, ranked as the fourth-largest health
risk factor, receives only 2% of international climate
finance to address it. Climate finance has doubled,
averaging $1.3 trillion annually in 2021 and 2022.
Recommendations
Ø Emphasize collaboration between health and
climate agencies to address the climate-health
nexus, particularly in vulnerable regions like Africa.
Ø Develop in-country capacities to improve local
knowledge and response to climate-related health
risks.
Ø Implement policy mandates for health and
meteorological actors to collaborate effectively.
About WMO
« The World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
is an intergovernmental organization and
specialized agency of the United Nations (UN).
69
 « It focuses on international cooperation and
coordination related to the Earth’s atmosphere,
weather, climate, and distribution of water
resources.
« WMO has 193 member countries, including India.
Headquarters: Geneva
Founded in 1950.
Production Gap Report
16
2023
Why is it in the news?
The 2023 Production Gap Report, titled
“Phasing down or phasing up,” has been unveiled.
About the Report :
Ø First released in 2019.
Ø Produced by organizations including the
Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), Climate
Analytics, E3G, International Institute for
Sustainable Development (IISD), and the UN
Environment Programme (UNEP).
O
Key Findings of the Report
IG
Ø Production Gap: If global carbon dioxide (CO2)
AM
emissions continue at the current pace, the world
could exceed the remaining emissions budget
compatible with a 50% chance of limiting long-term
warming to 1.5°C by 2030.
Ø Governments planning to produce 110% more
fossil fuels in 2030 than aligned with 1.5°C limit.
Ø Conflicts between Commitments: Major producer
countries aim for net-zero emissions but not
reducing coal, oil, and gas production to meet 1.5°C
targets.
Ø Increase in Fossil Fuel Production: Government
plans foresee growth in global coal production until
2030 and oil and gas production until at least 2050.
Ø India’s Nationally Determined Contribution
(NDC): India aims to reduce emissions intensity of
GDP by 45% by 2030, increase non-fossil power
capacity to 50% by 2030, and achieve net-zero
emissions by 2070.
Ø Lack of policies for a managed wind-down of fossil
fuel production in India.
AMIGOS IAS
Suggestions from the Report
Ø Transparency: Governments should be more
transparent in their plans and support for fossil fuel
production, aligning them with climate goals.
Ø Reduction Targets: Governments should adopt
short- and long-term reduction targets for fossil
fuel production to complement climate mitigation
goals.
Ø Equitable Transition: Recognize differentiated
responsibilities and capabilities among countries.
Ø Countries with greater capacity should pursue
ambitious reductions and support transition
financing in less-capable countries.
Irreversible Ice Melt in West
17 Antarctica: New Study
Why is it in the news?
According to a new study, the rapid melting
S
of West Antarctica’s ice sheet is now inevitable due
IA
to warm waters surrounding it. This melting will
S
continue even if global carbon emissions are
significantly reduced.
About the Study and its Key findings
Ø The study titled ‘Unavoidable future increase in
West Antarctic ice-shelf melting over the twenty-
first century’ was published in the journal Nature.
It was conducted by researchers from the British
Antarctic Survey and Northumbria University.
Ø The study particularly examines the Amundsen
Sea region in West Antarctica, where ice shelves
have been depleting, glaciers flowing faster
towards the ocean, and the ice sheet shrinking.
Ø The analysis utilized a high-resolution computer
model to simulate different scenarios of ocean
warming and ice-shelf melting in the Amundsen
Sea throughout the 21st century. The findings
indicate that significant warming and ice-shelf
melting are expected, regardless of emissions
scenarios, at least until 2045.
Ø Even in a best-case scenario of limiting global
warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial
70
 levels, the waters around West Antarctica are
projected to warm three times faster than in the
20th century, leading to increased ice sheet
melting.
Ø If West Antarctica’s ice sheet completely melts, it
could raise global mean sea levels by 5.3 meters
(17.4 feet). This poses a severe threat to coastal
cities worldwide, including those in India.
Ø Further, vulnerable communities may face
displacement or become refugees if they cannot
defend against sea-level rise.
Ø Ice sheets, like the one in West Antarctica, cover
vast areas and contain a significant portion of
Earth’s freshwater. They play a crucial role in
influencing global sea levels.
Ø Ice shelves, which are the edges of ice sheets that
float on the ocean, play a role in stabilizing land-
based glaciers. When warm ocean waters melt ice
shelves, it can lead to the acceleration of glaciers
and contribute to rising sea levels.
O
IG
AM
AMIGOS IAS
18 eDNA (Environmental DNA)
Why is it in the news?
Researchers at the Laboratory for the
Conservation of Endangered Species (LaCONES)
developed a new method for assessing total
biodiversity. LaCONES is a laboratory under the CSIR-
Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB).
More about the news :
Ø The method involves sequencing eDNA
(Environmental DNA) from samples like water, soil,
or air.
Ø This method allows for non-destructive and non-
invasive biological monitoring to assess biodiversity.
Ø It provides a way to analyse the genetic material
present in environmental samples to understand
the diversity of species in an ecosystem without
S
direct observation or sampling of organisms.
IA
S
« eDNA consists of DNA shed by all organisms into
their surroundings naturally during their lifetime
or after death.
71
 6. INTERNAL SECURITY
Bharat National Cyber
1 Security Exercise
(NCX) 2023
2 Exercise Harimau
Shakti 2023

Why is it in the news?

Why is it in the news?
Joint bilateral training exercise initiated
It was organized by National Security
between Indian and Malaysian Armies in Umroi
Council Secretariat (NSCS), Govt. of India in strategic
Cantonment, Meghalaya. Focus on improving
partnership with Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU).
military capability for multi-domain operations in sub-
Aimed at boosting India’s cybersecurity preparedness.
conventional scenarios. Boost defence cooperation
About Cybersecurity
between Indian and Malaysian Armies and strengthen
S

v Practice of safeguarding systems, networks, and bilateral relations.

IA

programs from digital/cyber- attacks.

India-Malaysia Defence Cooperation
S

v Goals: Protect sensitive information, prevent

O

v MoU on Defence Cooperation (1993): Establishes

IG

money extortion, ensure uninterrupted business

the foundation for defence ties between both
AM

processes.
countries.
v Challenges: Increasing number of devices and
v Naval and Delegation Exchanges: Both nations
innovative attack techniques.
participate in LIMA, DSA (in Malaysia), and MILAN,
v Protection Measures: Next-gen firewalls,
DEFEXPO, AEROINDIA (in India) biannual regional
malware protection, antivirus software, and email
events.
security solutions.
v Cooperative Mechanism: India is part of the
Cooperative Mechanism on the Straits of Malacca
and Singapore (SOMS). India has also contributed
to two of the six International Maritime
Organization (IMO) Projects focusing on
navigational safety and environmental protection
in the Straits.

About Cyber Resilience

v It is an organization’s capacity to swiftly identify,
address, and recover from IT security incidents.
v To develop a risk-focused plan, assuming potential
breaches or attacks in the future.

AMIGOS IAS 72
 are or what they do, and advises them on how to

3 Operation Chakra II protect themselves, including activating the

‘Lockdown Mode’ feature on their iPhones.
v Apple has been sending out these notifications
since late 2021, whenever it suspects some activity
Why is it in the news?
resembles a state-sponsored attack. It has so far
The CBI has recently launched Operation
notified individuals in 150 countries.
Chakra-II.
More about the news
About Operation Chakra II:
Identity of “State-Sponsored Attackers”
v Aimed at combating transnational organised
v These attackers are sophisticated, well-funded,
cyber-enabled financial crimes in India.
and their tactics evolve. They might target based
v Collaboration between CBI, Microsoft, and
on identity or activities.
Amazon.
v They are different from regular cybercriminals who
v Partnerships also established with: FBI (United
typically target masses for money.
States); Cyber Crime Directorate and IFCACC of
v Further, such attacks often exploit undisclosed
INTERPOL; National Crime Agency (UK); Singapore
vulnerabilities and aim for undetectability.
Police Force; and BKA of Germany.
Reason for Involvement of Microsoft and Amazon:
v About Lockdown Mode : Upon activation, many
v Criminals run illegal call centres, impersonating
regular functions are restricted or disabled.·
Microsoft and Amazon customer support.
Restricts sending/receiving of certain types of
v Over 2,000 customers targeted in countries like
S

messages to safeguard personal information.

IA

US, Canada, Germany, Australia, Spain, and the

UK.
S

Recommendations to avoid such attacks

O

v Companies believe such partnerships are pivotal in

v Update to latest software.
IG

shielding consumers from impersonation scams.

v Implement a passcode and two-factor
AM

v Amazon and Microsoft to enhance tech defences

against online threats.
Chakra-1
v Chakra-1 was conducted about a year prior,
coordinated by CBI, INTERPOL, FBI, and various
global police forces.
v The operation included searches at 115 locations
in collaboration with state police forces.
About Pegasus Spyware
Apple’s ‘State-Sponsored
4 Attackers’ Alert
Why is it in the news?
Several top opposition leaders and a few
journalists have recently reported about receiving a
notification from Apple about “state-sponsored
attackers who are remotely trying to compromise”
their iPhones.
v The notification says the attackers are likely
targeting these individuals because of who they
authentication.
v Use robust passwords for Apple ID.
v Only download apps from the App Store.
v Avoid unknown links/attachments.
v Utilize unique passwords for online accounts.
v Engage Lockdown Mode for heightened
protection.
v Pegasus is malware categorized as spyware.
v It infiltrates devices, collects sensitive data, and
sends it back to the deploying entities.
v Developed by the Israeli firm NSO Group in 2010.
v Detected in 2016, the initial version spread via
spear-phishing.
v Later versions used “zero-click” attacks that don’t
require user interaction. These attacks exploit
“zero-day” vulnerabilities in operating systems.
v Targets globally including human rights activists,
journalists, and lawyers.

AMIGOS IAS 73
Pegasus Spyware Case (July 2021)
v A global collaborative investigative project
revealed potential misuse of Pegasus spyware by
NSO Group to target individuals’ phones in several
countries, including India.
v In India, targets encompass ministers, government
officials, and opposition leaders.
v The central government denied the allegations,
condemned the opposition, but never directly
denied the use of Pegasus.
v In October 27, 2021, a three-judge Bench of the
Supreme Court appointed an Expert Committee
led by Justice R V Raveendran to investigate the
Pegasus allegations.
v However, in August, 2022, no conclusive evidence
of Pegasus was foud in the examined phones.
5 Project UDBHAV
Recently, the project UDBHAV was
launched by the Defence Minister during the Indian
O
IG
Military Heritage Festival’s inauguration.
AM
About :
Ø UDBHAV translates to ‘origin’ or ‘genesis’.
Ø It is a Collaboration between the Indian Army and
the United Service Institution of India (USI).
Ø Its focus is to delve into India’s ancient military
thoughts based on vintage scriptures and writings
from the country’s rich history.
Ø These ancient texts provide profound knowledge
potentially beneficial to shaping modern military
strategies.
Key Objectives
Ø Synthesize ancient wisdom with modern military
practices.
Ø Develop a holistic approach to tackle current
security challenges.
Ø Merge age-old wisdom with modern military
teachings through interdisciplinary research,
workshops, and leadership seminars.
Ø Deepen the understanding of India’s knowledge
systems and philosophies.
AMIGOS IAS
Rationale Behind Project UDBHAV
Arthashastra of Chanakya: Highlights the
Ø
significance of strategic partnerships, diplomacy,
and alliances. Echoes modern military practices like
international collaboration and soft power
projection. Studied globally for insights into
statecraft and warfare.
Ø Thirukkural of Thiruvalluvar: Promotes ethical
conduct in all areas, including warfare. Resonates
with modern military codes of ethics, just war
principles, and the Geneva Convention guidelines.
Ø Study of Historical Military Campaigns: Insights
can be gained from examining leaders and
campaigns like Chandragupta Maurya, Ashoka,
Cholas.
Example from History :
Ø The Naval Battle of Saraighat, 1671: Led by Lachit
Borphukan, this battle showcases diplomatic
negotiations, psychological warfare, military
intelligence, and exploiting strategic weaknesses,
S
specifically against the Mughals.
IA
Way Forward
S
Ø In essence, Project UDBHAV seeks to blend India’s
rich military heritage and wisdom with current
military practices to shape a more informed,
ethical, and strategic defence approach.
« Ancient Indian Knowledge System: Based on a
5,000-year-old civilisational legacy. Values
knowledge deeply, evident from intellectual texts,
vast manuscript collections, various thinkers, and
multiple schools of thought.
India’s National Security
9 Strategy
Why is it in the news?
India has recently initiated the process of
creating a National Security Strategy with the
National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS)
collating inputs from various Central ministries and
departments for the strategy’s draft. This is India’s
first attempt at formalizing such a strategy.
74
 Though, discussed multiple times in military circles
but never formalized.
National Security Strategy :
Ø Outlines the country’s security objectives and
methods to achieve them.
Ø Provides a holistic view of national security, threats,
and ways to address them.
Ø Updated periodically and defines both traditional
and non-traditional threats.
Ø Will include challenges like financial security, food
and energy security, information warfare, and
vulnerabilities in India’s infrastructure.
Issues in India’s National Security :
Ø Inconsistent security responses, for instance,
calling National Security Guard (NSG) in
Pathankot even when local army personnel,
familiar with the terrain, were present.
Ø In the Mumbai attacks, despite the NSG being in
the city, there was a delay in action.
Ø Ignored or unacted upon intelligence inputs.
Ø High casualties due to lack of coordination among
security agencies.
Ø Absence of accountability post agency failures.
O
IG
Need for India :
AM
Ø Given rising geopolitical tensions and a mix of
traditional and non-traditional threats, there’s an
increased urgency.
Ø Major military reforms should ideally be based on
a national security strategy. Without a clear
strategy, reforms might be misguided or
inefficient.
Ø Ensure prompt, relevant, and consistent security
responses during insurgencies.
Ø Responses would be based on the national security
strategy outlined in the doctrine.
Ø Foster better coordination among security
agencies at both central and federal levels.
Ø This could prevent attacks, especially when there
are prior intelligence inputs.
Ø Increase accountability within the security
establishment.
Ø Ensure swift and effective handling of threats for
the country’s peace, progress, and development.
Ø Former Army Chief General NC Vij mentioned
outdated political direction to the Armed Forces.
AMIGOS IAS
Ø Former National Security Adviser Shivshankar
Menon emphasized the need for a national
security strategy.
Ø Last year, former Army chief General MM
Naravane stressed its importance before further
theaterization.
Theaterisation
Ø It refers to the Integrated or Joint Theatre
Commands (JTCs) where all the manpower and
assets of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force will
be under single operational control in a
geographical region.
Ø Its main purpose is to achieve ‘Jointness’, i.e., to
increase cooperation and integration between
different branches of the military.
Hesitation at the political level.
Ø
Ø Government possibly not wanting to publicly
disclose its national security objectives.
Ø Lack of a cohesive, whole-of-government effort.
Ø Potential accountability in defence management.
S
IA
Countries with National Security Strategy
S
Ø Developed nations like the US, UK, and Russia have
their own national security strategies.
Ø China’s strategy is named the Comprehensive
National Security and is tied to its governance.
Ø Pakistan has a National Security Policy for 2022-
2026.
Breach of Personal Data
10 of Indians
Why is it in the news?
The news of an American cybersecurity
company, Resecurity, uncovering the sale of
personally identifiable information (PII) of 815
million Indian citizens on the dark web, including
sensitive data like Aadhaar numbers and
passport details, raises significant alarms.
However, the specifics on how threat actors like
pwn0001 and Lucius accessed this sensitive data
remain undisclosed. The stolen PII can be exploited
for various cybercrimes, including online-banking
theft and tax fraud.
75
 Way Forward :
Past Incidences of Data Breach:
Ø Reports of Aadhaar data leaks surfaced in 2018,
2019, and 2022.
Ø Data from the PM Kisan website concerning
farmers was disclosed on the dark web.
Ø A Telegram bot compromised personal data from
the CoWIN portal.
Understanding Personally Identifiable
Information (PII):
Ø PII is essential for identifying an individual,
comprising data such as social security numbers,
full names, or email addresses.
Ø Direct identifiers (e.g., passport information) and
indirect identifiers (e.g., race, place of birth) are
the two types of PII, with the former being unique
to an individual and the latter requiring a
combination to identify a person.
The Magnitude of Threats (India)
Ø India ranked fourth globally in malware
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detections in the first half of 2023.
S
Ø A substantial percentage of Indian businesses and
O
governmental organizations reported a significant
IG
rise in disruptive cyberattacks.
AM
Challenges Associated with PII :
Ø The variances in data protection regulations
globally create a complex environment for
organizations.
Ø The European Union’s General Data Protection
Regulation (GDPR) sets a broad definition of
personal data, complicating compliance for
multinational corporations. Further, the
organizational affiliations and political opinions are
protected as PII under GDPR, whereas other
jurisdictions might not classify these as sensitive.
Ø Other issues include Privacy, Data Management,
and Safety Concerns.
Cyber Laws of India :
Ø In India, cybercrime is addressed through both the
Indian Penal Code and the Information
Technology Act, 2000, which cover a range of
activities where computers can be both the tool
and the target.
AMIGOS IAS
Ø Creating Data Privacy Frameworks: Organizations
are encouraged to develop frameworks that
outline how PII is handled, protected, and when
necessary, securely disposed of. This involves
identifying PII, categorizing it based on sensitivity,
and applying appropriate protections.
Ø Minimizing PII Collection and Usage: The principle
of data minimization calls for limiting PII collection
and retention to what is strictly necessary,
disposing of it responsibly when no longer needed.
Ø Tailoring Controls to Sensitivity Levels: It’s
advised to apply stringent controls to sensitive data
while balancing security and convenience for less
sensitive data to avoid operational inefficiencies.
Ø Adhering to Best Practices: Organizations and
individuals should follow best practices in areas
such as web application security, email security,
wireless security, and awareness of phishing
attacks.
S
Indian Govt Initiatives to cope
with cyber crimes
Ø Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C): A
National Centre for coordinating efforts against
cyber-crimes.
Ø National Cyber Forensic Laboratory: Offers cyber
forensic assistance to police across India.·
Ø CyTrain Portal: Online platform providing courses
on cyber-crime investigation and forensics.
Ø National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal: Public
service for reporting cyber-crimes, focusing on
offenses against women and children.
Ø Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and
Management System: A toll-free helpline for
reporting and managing financial cyber frauds.
Ø Cybercrime Prevention against Women and
Children (CCPWC) Scheme: Financial aid to States/
UTs for improving investigation of cyber-crimes.
Ø Joint Cyber Coordination Teams: Teams to improve
coordination among Law Enforcement Agencies on
cyber-crimes with multi-jurisdictional aspects.
Ø Central Assistance for Modernization of Police:
Funds for States/UTs to update police with modern
equipment for cyber policing.
76
 Society and
Social Justice
Global Migration Dynamics
International Migration
1 Outlook 2023
Ø India has the largest diaspora with 18 million
Indians abroad.
Ø India leads in receiving remittances, crossing the
Why is it in the news? $100-billion mark.
The Organization for Economic Co- Ø Major destinations for Indian emigrants are Gulf
operation and Development (OECD) has recently countries, the USA, Canada, and the UK.
released International Migration Outlook 2023. Ø The Russia-Ukraine war led to millions of Ukrainian
About the Migration Report refugees in OECD countries.
Key Findings Internal Migration in India
Ø India emerged as the top country of origin for new
Ø 37% (45 crore) of India’s population are migrants.
citizens in OECD countries in 2021, with 400,000
Ministry of Statistics and Programme
S
Ø
new migrants (excluding students).
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Ø Permanent-type migration to OECD countries

Implementation (MOSPI) 2021 report indicates
S

reached a record of 6 million in 2022, driven by states like UP, Bihar, and Jharkhand experience net
O

out-migration.
IG

family migration, managed labour migration, and

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free mobility. Ø Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka are primary

Ø Germany, Poland, and the U.S. have the highest
number of refugees from Ukraine in absolute
terms.
Ø Immigrant Mothers’ face significant
disadvantages compared to immigrant women
without children and their native-born
counterparts.
Ø Migrant women tend to have more children than
native-born women in OECD countries, but their
total fertility rate is mostly below the replacement
rate (2.1 children per woman). (Note:
Replacement level fertility is the level of fertility
at which a population exactly replaces itself from
one generation to the next)
Ø 20% gap in employment rates between immigrant
mothers and native-born mothers.
Ø Individual preferences, cultural factors, and
childcare responsibilities are major barriers for
migrant mothers seeking employment.
recipients of rural migrants.
Drivers of Global Migration
Ø Employment opportunities: e.g., Migration to
Gulf countries from India.
Ø Climate crisis: Migration due to extreme weather
events.
Ø Wars: As seen in Russia-Ukraine and Israel-
Palestine conflicts.
Ø Internal disturbances: e.g., Afghanistan crisis.
Ø Skilled labor demand in the West, notably from
India and China.
Impacts of Migration on Labor Markets and
Economic Growth:
Ø Positive Impacts: Labor markets benefit from
migrants filling niches.
Ø Young migrants are generally more educated.

AMIGOS IAS 77
Ø Migrants enhance labor-market flexibility,
especially in Europe.
Ø Fiscal contributions: Migrants contribute more in
taxes than they consume in benefits.
Ø Economic growth factors include boosting working-
age population, skills contribution, and
technological progress.
Negative Impacts:
Ø Racial tension and discrimination, e.g., policies in
Australia and USA.
Ø Gender imbalance with predominant male
migration.
Ø Increased pressure on natural resources leading
to housing and environmental issues.
Ø Exploitation of Workers, e.g., the Kafala system in
the Gulf.
2
25 by 25 Target
O
Why is it in the news?
IG
According to an analysis by Indian Council
AM
of Medical Research, India will likely miss reaching
the 25 by 25 target.
About 25 by 25 Target :
Ø It was set by World Health Organization (WHO)
and United Nations in 2013.
Ø Its goal is to achieve a 25% reduction in premature
mortality from four major Non-Communicable
Diseases (NCDs) by 2025 (compared to 2010 levels).
Four Major NCDs Targeted
Ø Cancer
Ø Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
Ø Chronic Respiratory Diseases (CRD)
Ø Diabetes
Current Status (based on ICMR analysis)
Ø Expected reduction in premature mortality for
these NCDs in India: 13.9% from 2010 to 2025
(instead of the targeted 25%).
AMIGOS IAS
India’s initiatives in reducing NCDs
Ø National Programme for Prevention and Control
of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and
Stroke (NPCDCS) is operational under the National
Health Mission for the prevention and control of
cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and
stroke.
Ø The Central Government’s strengthening of
tertiary care cancer facilities scheme aids in
establishing State Cancer Institutes (SCI) and
Tertiary Care Cancer Centres (TCCC) across India.
Ø New AIIMS and several institutions upgraded
under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha
Yojana (PMSSY) place a strong emphasis on
oncology.
Ø Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for
Treatment (AMRIT) Deendayal outlets have been
set up in more than 159 institutions/hospitals to
provide drugs and implants for cancer and
S
cardiovascular diseases at subsidized rates.
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Ø Jan Aushadhi Stores, initiated by the Department
S
of Pharmaceuticals, offer generic medicines to the
public at lower prices.
3 PM Schools for Rising
India (PM SHRI)
Why is it in the news?
Recently, the Union Minister for Education inaugurated
ICT labs for PM SHRI schools in Rohtak, Haryana.
PM SHRI Scheme
About
Ø Aim: Transform existing government schools into
model institutions to deliver high-quality
education. The focus is on equity, inclusivity, and
catering to diverse student needs and backgrounds.
Ø Funding: Centrally sponsored scheme with a
budget of ¹ 27,360 crore spanning 2022-23 to 2026-
27. The goal is to transform approximately 14,500
schools nationwide.
78
Ø Purpose: Embody principles of the National
Education Policy 2020, serve as benchmark schools,
and mentor neighbouring schools.
Ø Evaluation: A ‘School Quality Assessment
Framework’ is in the works to monitor these
schools’ performance and progress.
Key Features
Ø Green Schools: Institutions will adopt eco-friendly
measures like solar panels, LED lights, nutrition
gardens, and systems for waste management,
water conservation, and harvesting.
Ø Modern Amenities: The inclusion of ICT tools,
smart classrooms, libraries, digital resources,
science and vocational labs. Schools will also
receive kits for science and math, as well as annual
grants for sports or libraries.
Ø Language Inclusivity: Encouragement of
education in the mother tongue and other local
languages.
Accreditation of the Schools App and Mobile
Application (NIPUN)
O
Ø School Accreditation Simplification: An app for
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accrediting schools will be introduced, streamlining
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the process and ensuring quality standards are met.
Ø Skill Development: The NIPUN Mobile Application
will be launched as a tool for students to develop
various skills and gain knowledge.
Food Labels to Have
4 QR Code
Why is it in the news?
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of
India (FSSAI) has advocated for QR codes on food
products to assist visually impaired individuals.
About
Ø The introduction aims to ensure safe food access
for everyone, including those with special needs.
Ø Emphasizes that providing inclusive access to
information is a basic right of all citizens.
Ø Aligns with The Rights of Persons with Disabilities
AMIGOS IAS
Act, 2016, which promotes accessibility and health
for persons with disabilities.
Information to be Included
Ø Under the Food Safety and Standards (Labeling and
Display) Regulations, 2020, FSSAI specifies that
food product labels should contain Product name,
Shelf life, Nutrition facts, Vegetarian/non-
vegetarian logos, Ingredient lists, Allergen warnings
and Other specific product labeling requirements.
Pradhan Mantri
5 Anusuchit Jaati
Abhuyday Yojana
(PM-AJAY)
Why is it in the news?
Ø Schemes like Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana
(PMAGY), Special Central Assistance to Scheduled
Castes Sub Plan (SCA to SCSP) and Babu Jagjivan
S
IA
Ram Chhatrawas Yojana (BJRCY) are merged into
S
the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhuyday
Yojana (PM- AJAY).
More about the news
Objective
Ø Alleviate poverty among Scheduled Caste
communities.
Ø Create employment via skill development and
income-generating schemes.
Ø Improve socio-economic developmental indicators
in SC-dominated villages.
Components
Ø Adarsh Gram: Infrastructure and basic services
development in SC-dominated villages.
Grants-in-aid
Ø Funding for projects under Adarsh Gram
component.
Ø Construction of Hostels/Residential schools.
Ø Comprehensive Livelihood Projects to increase
income and improve socio-economic indicators.
Ø Construction/Repair of Hostels: Encouraging SC
students to pursue quality education.
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Eligibility
Ø SC individuals below poverty line.
Ø Villages with 50% or more SC population for
infrastructure grants.
Scheme Coverage
Ø All over India with exceptions: Excluded States:
Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya, &
Mizoram and excluded UTs: A & N Islands, Dadra
Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Ladakh &
Lakshadweep.
Special Provisions
Ø Up to 15% grants for economic schemes for SC
women.
Ø Up to 30% grants for infrastructure development.
Ø Minimum 10% funds reserved for skill development.
Ø Promotion of SC Women Cooperatives for
production and marketing.
Guide on Interventions
for National Action Plans
6
on AMR (Antimicrobial
Resistance)
O
IG
Why is it in the news?
AM
Assists countries in formulating, implementing,
and monitoring national AMR action plans.
Ø Approach: People-centred, shifting from solely
viewing AMR as a biological phenomenon (drug
resistance).
Foundational Steps for Addressing AMR:
Effective Governance, Awareness, and Education:
Ø Implement strong regulatory frameworks.
Ø Educate the public and stakeholders about AMR.
Strategic Information through Surveillance and
Research:
Ø Monitor AMR trends.
Ø Conduct research to understand and combat AMR
effectively.
Four Pillars of Interventions:
1) Prevention of Infections: Advocate and
implement rigorous hygiene and sanitation
practices across communities to reduce the spread
of infections.
AMIGOS IAS
2) Access to Essential Health Services: Expand
healthcare coverage and ensure that essential
health services are accessible to people from all
socioeconomic backgrounds.
3) Timely and Accurate Diagnosis: Allocate funds
for advanced diagnostic tools and laboratory
facilities to enable rapid and accurate detection of
resistant infections.
4) Appropriate and Quality-assured Treatment:
Establish strict regulatory frameworks to
guarantee that all drugs and treatments meet high
quality standards.
Understanding AMR:
Ø AMR happens when microbes (like bacteria, fungi,
parasites, and viruses) mutate, making drugs
ineffective against them.
Ø Impact: Resistant infections spread more widely;
and Treatments become challenging, prolonged,
and often less effective.
Ø “Superbugs”: Microorganisms that have
S
developed resistance and pose significant health
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threats.
S
Challenges in Controlling AMR:
Ø System Challenges: Limited laboratory capacities
hinder detection and research.
Ø Weak regulations, especially over-the-counter
(OTC) medications, lead to misuse.
People’s Challenges:
Ø Inappropriate self-medication increases
resistance.
Ø High out-of-pocket expenditure affects appropriate
healthcare access and adherence.
Key Initiatives (India and WHO):
India’s Initiatives:
Ø National Action Plan (2017): Focuses on a “One
Health” approach, emphasizing collaboration
across sectors.
Ø NARS-Net: National AMR surveillance network
consisting of state medical college labs. Aims to
produce quality AMR data.
WHO’s Initiative:
Ø Global Action Plan on AMR (2015): Adopted by
the World Health Assembly. A comprehensive
strategy to tackle AMR globally.
80

7 Niemann-Pick Disease
Why is it in the news?
Parents of children suffering from Niemann-
Pick disease, a rare genetic disorder affecting fat
metabolism, are urging the Indian government to
include it in the National Policy for Rare Diseases.
More about the news
Ø An inherited metabolic disorder resulting in
abnormal lipid accumulation in the brain, spleen,
liver, lungs, and bone marrow.
Ø Symptoms: Enlarged liver and spleen,
coordination difficulties, frequent respiratory
infections, slurred speech, etc.
Ø Causes: Inherited in an autosomal recessive
pattern. Both gene copies need to be faulty for
the disease to manifest.
Ø Occurrences: Affects 1 in 250,000 individuals.
Treatment is expensive.
National Policy for Rare Diseases:
Ø A government initiative aimed at supporting
O
individuals with rare and uncommon medical
IG
conditions.
AM
Significance of Inclusion:
Ø The Drug Controller General of India has approved
the import and marketing of Xenpozyme after
receiving US FDA approval.
Ø Financial support for eligible patients.
Ø Access to expensive enzyme replacement therapy,
specifically Xenpozyme.
Report on Learnings for
8 Large-Scale Transforma
tion in School Education
Why is it in the news?
Ø NITI Aayog has released the Report on
Learnings for Large-Scale Transformation in
School Education.
Ø The report is an outcome report on the SATH-
E project implementation in the states of
Jharkhand, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh.
AMIGOS IAS
SATH Project (Sustainable Action for
Transforming Human Capital)
Ø
Ø
Launched by NITI Aayog in 2017.
Aims to provide sustainable action for
transforming human capital in collaboration
with state governments. Seeks to identify
and build three future ‘role model’ states in
the education and health sectors.
Ø The SATH-E Project specifically focuses on
ensuring the quality of school education and
making the education growth process socially
inclusive, regionally balanced, and sustainable.
Key Findings :
Ø Despite similar enrollment, India has
significantly more schools than China, with
over five times the number.
Ø Many Indian states have over 50% of primary
schools enrolling fewer than 60 students.
Ø There is an estimated 2-5 lakhs untrained
teachers in primary and upper primary levels,
S
which fails to meet the Right to Education
IA
requirements.
S
Suggested Areas for Education Transformation:
Ø Addressing sub-scale schools and inadequately
resourced schools with political support.
Ø Solving teacher vacancies through
restructuring and recruitment, such as through
Cadre restructuring.
Ø Re-thinking teacher education for quality
improvement. Enforcing learning outcome
accountability through competency-based
assessment reforms.
Ø Focusing on Early Childhood Education and
multilingual education.
Ø Strengthening governance in education
departments for self-improvement.
Other Recommendations :
Ø Merging small and low-enrollment schools
with nearby ones to optimize resources.
Ø Considering the decentralization of powers to
principals, district, and block officers, among
other administrative changes.
81

Approval of the First
9 Chikungunya Vaccine
Why is it in the news?
Ø The world’s first vaccine for chikungunya was
approved by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) recently.
More about the Vaccine Development :
Ø Developed by Valneva, a European vaccine
manufacturer, the vaccine is marketed under
the brand name Ixchiq. Ixchiq is administered
as a single-dose injection into the muscle.
Ø It contains a live, weakened version of the
chikungunya virus and may cause similar
symptoms to the disease.
Ø It is approved for individuals aged 18 and older
who are at increased risk of exposure to the
chikungunya virus.
Ø The vaccine was granted approval through the
Accelerated Approval pathway.
About Chikungunya :
Ø Chikungunya is a viral infection characterized
O
by severe joint pain, fever, impaired mobility,
IG
and other symptoms.
AM
Ø It is primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti
and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.
Ø Chikungunya is considered an emerging global
health threat, prevalent in Africa, Asia, and
the Americas.
Ø Since 2004, outbreaks of CHIKV have become
more frequent and widespread due to viral
adaptations. Symptoms include joint pain,
swelling, muscle pain, headache, nausea,
fatigue, and rash. Severe symptoms and
deaths are rare, but the disease is often
misdiagnosed as dengue or Zika.
Significance of the Vaccine :
Ø The FDA’s approval addresses an unmet
medical need and represents an important
advancement in preventing this debilitating
disease. It may help countries where
chikungunya is more prevalent, such as Brazil,
Paraguay, India (with a high number of
suspected cases), and parts of western Africa.
AMIGOS IAS
Ø It is expected to have a positive impact on
public health by reducing the risk and spread
of chikungunya.
10 GPS Tracker on a Person
Why is it in the news?
Ø A prisoner in Jammu and Kashmir was released
on bail with a GPS tracking device attached to
monitor his movements, a first in India.
About GPS Tracker
Ø GPS trackers are small, wearable devices used
to monitor an individual’s location in real time.
Ø They are tamper-proof, and any attempt to
tamper with them triggers an alarm. Removal
without authorization damages the device.
Ø GPS trackers can be attached to the ankle or
S
arm, resulting in GPS anklets or GPS bracelets.
IA
Reasons for employing GPS Trackers :
S
Ø GPS trackers could help curb activities like
narco-smuggling and terrorism by monitoring
interactions with active terrorists, collecting
narco-assignments, or terror funds.
Ø GPS trackers as a bail precondition are common
in several countries, including the United States,
the United Kingdom, and Malaysia.
Legal Position and Human Rights Concerns :
Ø Though the use of GPS anklets on above
prisoner was sanctioned by a court, but there
are no specific legal provisions allowing this
in India. Human rights activists raise concerns
about standards, ethics, and privacy. They
argue that tracking individuals violates their
fundamental right to privacy and cite the right
to life and human dignity.
Ø Hence, proper informed consent procedures
and mechanisms to address unethical and
illegal practices are required in cases of
electronic monitoring and surveillance.
82
 Geography and
Disaster Management
« Similarly, in India’s Punjab, 78% of the wells face
Interconnected Disaster
1 Risks Report 2023
overexploitation, predicting a dire situation by 2025
with alarmingly reduced groundwater levels.
« Melting Mountain Glaciers: The data is
concerning as glaciers have shed 267 gigatons of
Why is it in the news?
ice every year from 2000-2019. This trajectory
The United Nations University — Institute
suggests that even under moderate global warming
for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS)
scenarios, by 2100, we stand to lose half of the
recently presented a comprehensive report titled
existing glaciers.
“Interconnected Disaster Risks Report 2023.”
« This trend spells disaster for the regions of Hindu
S

« This document emphasizes the world’s vulnerability

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to several impending global tipping points, Kush, Karakoram, and the Himalayas, as over 870
million people rely on these glaciers for their water
S

thereby accentuating the consequences of

O

intertwined global systems and the disasters they needs.

IG

can potentiate.
AM

Key Findings of the Report

« Disasters and Human Actions: The report doesn’t
just list disasters; it elaborates on how they are
interconnected with human actions. For instance,
deforestation might lead to landslides after heavy
rainfall.
« Risk Tipping Points: These are critical junctures
when our socio-ecological systems become too
overwhelmed to absorb or buffer risks, thus
escalating the possibility of widespread « Unbearable Heat (Wet-Bulb Temperature): The
catastrophic results. report identifies a crucial tipping point related to
Approaching Environmental Tipping Points: heat and humidity, termed as the “wet-bulb
« Groundwater Depletion: Groundwater, stored in temperature.” When this metric exceeds 35°C for
aquifers, sustains over 2 billion people worldwide. prolonged periods, humans face the risks of serious
A staggering 70% of this resource irrigates our health repercussions, including potential organ
crops. failure.
« In areas like Saudi Arabia, excessive extraction has
« In India, the 2023 heatwave witnessed wet-bulb
drained over 80% of its aquifers, compelling them
temperatures nearing this threshold at 34°C.
to depend on imported crops for sustenance.

AMIGOS IAS 83
« Accelerating Species Extinctions: Human
activities have expedited species extinction rates,
which are now multiple times higher than natural
background rates. The cascading effect of one
species’ extinction can trigger a domino effect,
destabilizing ecosystems.
« The past century alone has seen the demise of over
400 vertebrate species. Alarmingly, a million more
species teeter on the brink of extinction.
« Space Debris: The increasing commercial and
scientific activities in space have cluttered Earth’s
orbit. Of the 34,260 objects in space, a mere 25%
are functional satellites. The remainder constitutes
potential hazards, including defunct satellites and
rocket fragments.
« These debris pose collision threats to operational
satellites, jeopardizing global communication,
navigation, and scientific operations.
« Uninsurable Future: The financial implications of
worsening weather patterns have become evident
since the 1970s. In 2022 alone, severe weather
led to damages amounting to USD 313 billion.
O
IG
« The escalating risks have prompted insurance firms
AM
to hike their premiums, marking an increase of up
to 57% since 2015. Such trends suggest that
regions, like parts of Australia, might face insurance
unavailability due to high-risk categorizations.
Major Drivers of Increasing Disaster Risks:
« Rapid Urbanization: Urban sprawls often lack
adequate infrastructure and planning, making
them more susceptible to disasters.
« Insufficient Infrastructure: Poorly designed and
maintained infrastructure, like bridges and roads,
can result in colossal monetary and human losses
during disasters.
« Environmental Degradation: Activities such as
pollution, deforestation, and soil erosion degrade
natural ecosystems, making them less resilient to
disasters.
« Inadequate Land Use Planning: Settlements in
high-risk areas, like floodplains or wildfire-prone
zones, heighten disaster susceptibility.
AMIGOS IAS
« Issues with Water Management: Poor water
management exacerbates flooding, droughts, and
shortages.
« Global Interconnectedness: A calamity in one
part of the world can ripple across, thanks to our
global interdependence, magnifying economic and
social repercussions.
Recommendations to Mitigate Disaster Risk:
The report proposes a four-category framework:
« Avoid Delay: Implement immediate measures
using existing techniques to prevent disasters. E.g.,
strict building codes.
« Avoid Transform: Introduce foundational changes
to prevent disasters. E.g., shifting to renewable
energy to counter climate change risks.
« Adapt Delay: Implement measures to buy time
during impending disasters. E.g., early warning
systems.
« Adapt Transform: Overhaul traditional methods
to prepare for the future. E.g., restoring coastal
S
ecosystems to buffer against sea-level rise.
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Way forward:
S
« The report underscores the urgency for proactive
interventions, transformative actions, and
international collaboration.
« These are imperative for averting or mitigating
the potential impacts of identified risk tipping
points, ensuring a sustainable future for all.
2 Cyclone Tej
Why is it in the news?
The India Meteorological Department
(IMD) predicted that Cyclone Tej, a depression
gathering force in the Arabian Sea, intensified into
an ‘extremely severe cyclonic storm’ near the coasts
of Oman and Yemen.
Increase in Frequency of Arabian Sea Cyclones:
« Changing Ocean and Atmosphere Patterns:
Alterations in warming patterns lead to more
frequent and severe tropical cyclones in the Eastern
Arabian Sea.
84
« Indian Ocean Dipole’s (IOD) Role: Positive phase
of IOD results in warmer sea surface temperatures.
Increased rainfall in the western Indian Ocean
region.
« Human-Induced Impact: Recent surge in severe
post-monsoon cyclonic storms in the Arabian Sea
attributed to anthropogenic factors.
« Shift observed from natural variability to human-
induced factors.
« Human-induced climate change amplifies
frequency and intensity of cyclones in the Arabian
Sea.
« IOD: The IOD, akin to the El Niño, involves
temperature differences in the Indian Ocean. A
positive IOD arises when the western Indian Ocean
(near Somalia) warms more than the eastern side.
In contrast, a negative IOD occurs when the
western side is cooler than the eastern.
Little Ice Age (LIA) Study
3
O
in Western Ghats
IG
AM
Why is it in the news?
A New study challenges traditional views of
the Little Ice Age (LIA), a global climatic event
spanning from 1671-1942. Climate history of the
Western Ghats from 1219 to 1942 reconstructed using
pollen-based vegetation data.
Key Findings:
« Contrary to belief, the LIA was not uniformly cold
and dry. Significant variations in rainfall patterns
observed during LIA.
« Northeast winter monsoon (NEM) resulted in a
“moist” or “wet” LIA in the Western Ghats.
Factors Influencing Climate Changes:
« Northward shift of the Inter Tropical Convergence
Zone (ITCZ).
« Positive temperature anomalies.
« Increase in sunspot numbers.
« High solar activity.
AMIGOS IAS
Implications:
« Paleoclimatic Models: The study’s findings can help
in developing models for predicting future climates.
« Policy Planning: Beneficial for strategizing
climate-related policies.
« Understanding Monsoons: Provides insights into
the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) and its
variations during the Holocene.
LIA Cause:
« Cooling effect due to volcanic aerosols contributed
to LIA.
« Lower surface temperatures during LIA were also
a result of low solar activity.
Groundwater Depletion
4 in India
Why is it in the news?
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A recent United Nations University report
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has sounded an alarming bell, highlighting that 27
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out of 31 aquifers in India are experiencing rapid
depletion due to over-extraction of groundwater.
Understanding Aquifers :
« Aquifers are subterranean layers of rock or
sediment with the capacity to store and channel
groundwater.
« Essentially acting as natural reservoirs, they are
vital for supplying freshwater to wells, springs, and
other water sources.
Groundwater (GW) Status in India
« India is the foremost user of Groundwater,
constituting about a quarter of the global
withdrawal.
« A staggering 87% of the groundwater is directed
towards irrigation.
« At present, 67% of groundwater units in India are
categorized as safe (where extraction is less than
70% of recharge). However, 14% are
overexploited, and another 4% are teetering on
the brink, being labelled as critical.
85
Initiatives extraction regulations and mandates prior
« International: UN-Water Summit on authorization for the same.
Groundwater 2022: Convened to spotlight « Polluter Pays Principle: A mechanism where the
groundwater preservation. 2022’s UN-Water offender is held financially accountable for
campaign titled “Groundwater: Making the groundwater pollution.
invisible visible”.
Initiatives
« National: Aquifer Mapping and Management
International:
Programme. Jal Shakti Abhiyan (2019): Targeted
« UN-Water Summit on Groundwater 2022:
at 256 parched districts to ameliorate groundwater
Convened to spotlight groundwater preservation.
status.
« 2022’s UN-Water campaign titled “Groundwater:
« Atal Bhujal Yojana: Introduced in 2019, this
Making the invisible visible”.
scheme prioritizes groundwater management.
National:
« The states of Haryana, Punjab (where 78% of wells
« Aquifer Mapping and Management Programme.
are overexploited), and Rajasthan are the prime
« Jal Shakti Abhiyan (2019): Targeted at 256
culprits in excessive groundwater extraction.
parched districts to ameliorate groundwater
« Climate concerns further compound the issue. In
status.
southwest India, rising temperatures could
« Atal Bhujal Yojana: Introduced in 2019, this
impede the natural replenishment of groundwater.
scheme prioritizes groundwater management.
Regulatory Landscape
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« Article 21: Enshrines the basic right to clean water Way Forward
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within the right to life. « Endorse crops like millet which are less thirsty.
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« Central Ground Water Authority: Formed under « Promote irrigation methods that curtail water
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the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, it is tasked wastage.

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with drafting policies and programs concerning « Deploy monitoring tools for borewells to foster
groundwater. judicious usage.
« Supreme Court (2004): It validated the ‘public « Disseminate real-time borewell statuses to
trust doctrine,’ affirming groundwater as a underscore the urgency of conservation.
communal asset, not a private property. « Forge innovative strategies for sustainable water
« Government Initiatives: Includes the Atal Bhujal resource management.
Yojana, Jal Shakti Abhiyan, and the Aquifer « Delve into the nexus between power subsidies and
Mapping and Management Programme, all rampant groundwater extraction, particularly in
dedicated to prudent groundwater management. states like Punjab.
« Indian Easement Act, 1882: Groundwater rights
are traditionally tied to land ownership.
« Central Ground Water Board: Founded in 1970, it
too plays a role in shaping groundwater policies.
« Model Groundwater Bills: Undergoing multiple
revisions, these bills empower state boards to draft
laws for water resources’ stewardship.
« National Green Tribunal: It instructs the Central
Ground Water Authority on groundwater

AMIGOS IAS 86
 Culture and History
Dogra Architecture Highlights:
1 Vajra Mushti Kalaga
Ø A distinct form of wrestling that deviates from
traditional grappling techniques.
Ø Fighters are known as “jettys.”
Ø Wrestler’s use “Vajramushti,” which are knuckle-
dusters embellished with diamonds.
Ø The first to draw blood from the opponent’s head
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is proclaimed the winner.
Celebrated on the ninth day of Navaratri at the
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Ø
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Mysuru Palace in Mysore, Karnataka.
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Ø First cited in “Manasollasa,” a warfare manual
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from the reign of King Someshwara III of the
Chalukya dynasty (1124–1138).
Ø The Portuguese traveller, Fernano Nuniz,
documented witnessing this unique wrestling form
during his visit to the Vijayanagar empire.
Revival of Dogra Architecture
2 in Maharaj Gunj, Srinagar
Why is it in the news?
Revival of the historical Maharaj Gunj
market in Srinagar, affected previously by
encroachments and deviations. Srinagar Smart City Why is it in the news?
Ltd. and the Kashmir chapter of the Indian National
Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) are
collaborating to conserve vernacular elements of
Kashmiri architecture, particularly those introduced
by Dogra Hindu kings between 1846 and 1947.
AMIGOS IAS
About:
Ø Dogra’s are considered to be of Indo-Aryan origin,
migrating to Jammu from Punjab in ancient times.
Key Characteristics:
Ø Emphasizes the use of regional stone, wood, and
bricks.
Ø Features symmetrical designs with ornate
detailing.
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Ø Distinct use of intricately carved wooden balconies.
Ø Sloped designs to manage snowfall, complemented
by overhanging eaves.
Ø Central courtyards incorporated for lighting and
ventilation.
Ø Blend of Hindu and Tibetan architectural styles.
Notable Examples:
Ø Mubarak Mandi: Once the centre of Dogra culture
until 1947.
Ø Jharokha Balcony: A unique style of balcony seen
in Dogra architecture.
Ø Amar Mahal Palace: A testament to Dogra
architectural splendour.
Ram Leela and Indian
3 Diaspora in Trinidad and
Tobago
Ram Leela is still performed by the Indian
Diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago. The tradition was
brought by Indian indentured laborers who migrated
to the island.
87
Indentured Labourers: An Overview
Ø Laborers recruited by the British to work in
plantations across their colonies.
Ø Reason for Recruitment: Abolition of the Slave
trade in 1834 within the British Empire.
Ø Often called “Girimityas”.
Ø Origins in India: Primarily from Uttar Pradesh,
Bihar, and Tamil Nadu.
Ø Settlement: Colonies like Fiji, Mauritius, Sri Lanka,
Trinidad, Guyana, Malaysia, Uganda, Kenya, and
South Africa.
Abolition of Indentured Labour System
Ø Madan Mohan Malviya moved a resolution in 1916
in the Indian Legislative Council against the system.
Ø The British government officially ended the system
in 1917.
Ø South Africa’s Settlement: Under the Smuts Gandhi
Settlement (1914), Gandhi achieved a poll-tax
About Kozhikode’s Literary:
Ø Home to many of Kerala’s notable literary figures.
Houses numerous publishing banners and libraries.
Ø The first Malayalam novel, “Kundalatha”, was
penned in Kozhikode in 1887 by Appu Nedungadi.
Ø Birthplace and home to renowned writers like S K
Pottekkatt, Vaikom Muhammad Basheer,
Uroob, and more.
Ø Has contributed significantly to film and theatre
over the past 50 years.
About UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) :
Ø Established in 2004.
Ø Aims to foster cooperation among cities prioritizing
creativity for sustainable development.
Ø Currently has 350 cities from over 100 countries.
Ø Focuses on promoting cultural diversity, resilience
against threats like climate change and rapid
urbanization, and encourages creativity in urban
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solutions.
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waiver for the indentured laborers.

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Significance of Indentured Labourers

Indian Cities in the UCCN
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Ø They played a pivotal role in spreading Indian culture

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Ø Kozhikode (Literature)
worldwide, evidenced by temple constructions and
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Ø Gwalior (Music)
Indian festival celebrations.
Ø Varanasi (Music)
Ø Many laborers transitioned into small planters and
Ø Srinagar (Crafts and Folk Arts)
became significant figures in political and economic Ø Chennai (Music)
spheres, marking the beginning of the Indian Ø Mumbai (Film)
diaspora in various societies. Ø Hyderabad (Gastronomy)

UNESCO’s Creative Cities Cities in the network represent seven creative

4 Network (UCCN) fields
Ø Crafts and Folk Arts
Ø Design
Why is it in the news?
Ø Film
Kozhikode in Kerala was recently added to
Ø Gastronomy
UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network (UCCN). Further,
Ø Literature
Gwalior from Madhya Pradesh also joins the network,
Ø Media Arts
bringing the total new additions to 55 cities.
Ø Music
Kozhikode is recognized for literature; Gwalior for
Objectives of the UCCN
music.
Ø Recognize creativity as crucial for urban
development.

AMIGOS IAS 88
Ø Facilitate partnerships between public and private
sectors, along with civil society.
Ø Aims to nurture hubs of creativity and innovation
and expand opportunities for cultural professionals.
Ø Aligns with the UN’s agenda for sustainable
development.
Areas of Action for the UCCN
Ø Implementation at both city and international
levels.
Ø Sharing of experiences, knowledge, and best
practices among cities.
Ø Professional and artistic exchange programs.
Ø Research and evaluations on the experiences of
the member cities.
Gwalior’s Musical Legacy
Ø Gwalior has a rich musical heritage, with a notable
contribution to Indian classical music.
Ø The Gwalior gharana, the oldest musical gharana
in India, flourished under Raja Man Singh Tomar in
the 15th century.
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Ø Dungarendra Singh Tomar, a musician, played a
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significant role in the revival of Indian classical
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music.
Ø Man Singh Tomar, known for inventing ‘dhrupad’,
also contributed to the popularization of Indian
music in Hindi.
Gwalior Gharana’s Significance
Ø Gwalior gharana is considered the first proper
gharana of music, evolving under Mughal rule.
Ø It played a pivotal role in the development of khayal
singing, incorporating elements of qawwali.
Ø Ustad Naththan Pir Baksh was instrumental in
creating khayal, a structured system of
presenting ragas.
Ø Persian words were integrated into musical
compositions, and concepts like “bandish ki
thumri” were introduced.
Ø Gwalior gharana’s techniques and nuances
continue to influence students of Hindustani
classical music today.
AMIGOS IAS
Mian Tansen, Gwalior’s Crown Musician
Ø Mian Tansen, born as Ramatanu, trained under
Swami Haridas and was influenced by Sufi saint
Mohommad Ghous.
Ø He was the court musician for King Ram Chandra
Singh of Rewa and later joined Akbar’s court.
Ø Akbar’s admiration for Tansen is well-documented,
and Tansen’s contributions are celebrated in Indian
culture.
Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan and the Bangash Gharana
Ø Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan, a prominent musician from
Gwalior, trained under Ustad Wazir Khan of
Rampur, a descendant of Mian Tansen.
Ø He was a court musician in Gwalior and became a
sought-after artist during music conferences in the
early 20th century.
Ø Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan trained several significant
musicians, including his son Ustad Amjad Ali Khan
and Pt. Bhimsen Joshi.
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Gharana
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Ø A Gharana serves as a crucial component in the
guru-shishya parampara, where disciples learn
under the guidance of a specific guru, inheriting
not only musical knowledge but also a distinctive
musical style.
Ø This lineage-based system fosters a deep
connection between the guru and shishya, ensuring
the preservation and transmission of intricate
musical traditions and techniques.
Ø It functions as a living legacy, with each generation
of disciples adding their own nuances while staying
true to the core principles of the gharana, thereby
enriching and evolving the musical heritage over
time.
Hindustani Music
Ø Hindustani Music is one of the two distinct schools
of Indian Classical Music practiced mainly in North
India. The other school of Indian Classical Music
is Carnatic music which is practiced mainly in
Southern India.
89

4 PM Janjati Adivasi
Nyaya Maha Abhiyan)
Why is it in the news?
Ø On the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, the
Prime Minister has unveiled the PM Janjati
Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan, a significant
initiative aimed at addressing the needs and
ensuring justice for vulnerable tribal groups.
Ø Aimed at ensuring last-mile welfare scheme
delivery and protection for Particularly
Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
Ø Part of the Visksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, a
nationwide program to reach out to all villages
and include eligible beneficiaries in central
schemes.
Janjatiya Gaurav Divas :
Ø Declared on 15th November by the
Government of India. Dedicated to the
memory of brave tribal freedom fighters.
Commemorates the birth anniversary of Sri
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Birsa Munda, revered as Bhagwan by tribal
communities.
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Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) :
Ø Originally categorized as Primitive Tribal
Groups (PTGs) by the Dhebar Commission in
1973.
Ø In 1975, 52 tribal groups were identified as PTGs,
and in 1993, 23 more groups were added to the
list, which later became PVTGs.
Ø PVTGs are a more vulnerable subgroup among
India’s tribal groups.
Ø Characteristics include primitive traits,
geographical isolation, low literacy, zero to
negative population growth, and backwardness.
Ø Often rely on hunting for food and have a pre-
agricultural level of technology.
Ø Need for directing more development funds
towards PVTGs due to the advantage taken by
more developed tribal groups.
Ø Odisha has the largest population of PVTGs,
followed by Madhya Pradesh, according to the
2011 Census.
AMIGOS IAS
PM PVTG Development Mission :
Ø Aims to provide basic facilities such as road
and telecom connectivity, electricity, housing,
clean drinking water, sanitation, education,
health, nutrition, and sustainable livelihood
opportunities to areas inhabited by PVTGs.
Ø Involves the coordination of several ministries
to implement development projects.
Bhagwan Birsa Munda :
Early Life
Ø Indian freedom fighter, religious leader, and
folk hero from the Munda Tribe.
Ø Born on November 15, 1875, in Ulihatu, which
is now in the Khunti district of Jharkhand.
Founder of New Religion (Birsait)
Ø Established a new religion promoting belief
in One God and a return to original tribal
religious beliefs. Attracted followers from the
Munda and Oraon communities, challenging
British conversion efforts.
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Ø Revered as ‘Dharti Abba’ or ‘Father of Earth’
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by his followers.
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Munda Rebellion (Ulgulan)
Ø Tribal movement led by Birsa Munda against
British oppression. Aimed to establish Munda
Raj (self-governance). Used traditional symbols
and language to mobilize people and urged
them to resist “dikus” (outsiders, including the
British, moneylenders, and traders).
Ø Attacked symbols of outsiders, such as police
stations and churches, and raided the property
of moneylenders and zamindars.
Arrest and Death :
Ø Birsa Munda was arrested by the British in
March 1900 while he was with his tribal
guerrilla army in the Jamkopai forest in
Chakradharpur (Jharkhand).
Ø He died of cholera in jail at the age of 25.
Outcomes of the Rebellion :
Ø The British introduced the Chotanagpur
Tenancy Act in 1908, prohibiting the transfer
of tribal land to non-tribals (Dikus).
Ø The British adopted a more lenient attitude
toward the religious beliefs and practices of
India’s tribal communities.
90
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 Miscellaneous

India’s First Namo abiding by Transit Oriented Development (TOD)

1 Bharat Train
Ø
principles.
Enhanced Safety: RRTS prioritizes safety with
contemporary signalling systems, barriers, and
Why is it in the news?
safety regulations to decrease accidents.
Recently, PM Modi inaugurated the first
Namo Bharat train, establishing the Delhi-Ghaziabad-
Meerut RRTS Corridor. Recognition for Dhordo
About Namo Bharat Train & RRTS Corridor
Ø India’s debut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS)
2 Village by UNWTO
titled “Namo Bharat train.”
Why is it in the news?
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Ø Links Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut, ensuring a travel time

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Dhordo village in Gujarat has been

under an hour via Ghaziabad, Muradnagar, and
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recognized as one of the Best Tourism Villages in 2023

Modinagar urban centres.
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by UNWTO. Dhordo is situated in the Great Rann of

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Ø An initiative of the National Capital Region Transport

Kutch. The village is renowned for the Rann Utsav, an
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Corporation (NCRTC).
annual festival celebrating the local culture, arts,
Ø Achieves a peak speed of 180 km/h.
music, and crafts.
Ø Managed and overseen by Deutsche Bahn, a German
railway entity. UNWTO’s Village Recognition Program

Ø High-speed intercity commuter trains every 15 Ø Recognizes villages contributing to rural

minutes, adaptable to as frequent as every 5 minutes
if required.
Benefits :
Ø Reduced Travel Time: Enables swifter travel,
enhancing productivity and curtailing traffic
congestion time.
Ø Decongestion of Roads: Furnishes an efficient car
travel substitute, lessening NCR region congestion,
facilitating smooth traffic and minimizing air
contamination.
development and preserving cultural diversity,
landscapes, and culinary traditions.
Ø Criteria: V illages that stand out in areas like
cultural/natural resources, sustainability, and
tourism development.
Ø The “Best Tourism Villages” initiative was launched
by UNWTO in 2021. Aiming to promote rural
development, combat rural depopulation, and
support sustainable tourism practices.
About United Nations World Tourism

Ø Environmental Advantages: Electricity-operated Organization (UNWTO)

RRTS curtails greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. Ø A specialized UN agency that promotes
Ø Improved Accessibility: RRTS stations are well- responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible
integrated with other public transport systems, tourism.

AMIGOS IAS 92

Ø Located in Madrid, Spain.
Ø Sees tourism as a key driver of economic growth,
inclusive development, and environmental
sustainability.
their parents, often due to family issues or in search
of a better life.
Ø Children rescued under this program are promptly
reunited with their families after being transferred
to the relevant authorities.

Other Railways Initiatives

3 LEAP AHEAD Initiative

Operation Name
Operation AAHT
Objective
Combat human trafficking on
railways.
Operation Jeevan Save the lives of passengers in
Why is it in the news?
Raksha vulnerable situations.
The LEAP AHEAD initiative, launched by the Meri Saheli Initiative Ensure the security of women
Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology passengers.
(MeitY), is a collaborative effort involving the Operation Uplabdh Crack down on black
Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and The marketing of tickets.
Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) Delhi-NCR. Its primary Operation NARCOS Combat drug-related crimes
objective is to bolster the growth of tech startups in on railways.
India by offering financial support of up to 1 Crore, Rail Madad Portal Facilitate a swift response to
mentorship, and facilitating global connections, security-related passenger
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complaints.
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thereby fostering innovation and entrepreneurship

in the tech sector. Operation Yatri Protect passengers from
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Suraksha offenses through collaboration

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About the Startup and its Status in India

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with GRP/Police.
Ø Startups are early-stage companies founded by
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Operation Sanraksha Ensure passenger safety by

entrepreneurs to offer innovative products or
services.
Ø India is the 3rd largest startup ecosystem
globally, after the US and China.
Ø India is home to approximately 75,000 startups.
Operation ‘Nanhe
4 Faristey’
In October 2023, the Railway Protection
Force successfully brought together more than 601
lost or at-risk children with their families through the
‘Nanhe Faristey’ operation on Indian Railways.
About Nanhe Faristey :
Ø To rescue and safeguard children in need of care
and protection who are encountered by the railway
system. Trained personnel rescue children who
have come to railway stations without informing
addressing incidents of stone
pelting on trains.
Operation Seva Provide assistance to elderly,
sick, or injured passengers.
Operation Satark Curb illegal transportation of
goods on railways.
5 Jal Diwali-Women for Water,
Water for Women Campaign
Why is it in the news?
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
(MoHUA) launched Jal Diwali-Women for Water,
Water for Women Campaign. It was implemented
under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban
Transformation (AMRUT) in partnership with the
National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM). Phase I
involves participation from all States/UTs except for

AMIGOS IAS 93
 Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan,
and Telangana.
More about the Campaign
Ø Objectives include providing knowledge about
water treatment processes through visits to Water
Treatment Plants, insight into water quality testing
protocols, and ensuring quality water delivery.
Ø Aims to instil a sense of ownership and belonging
among women towards water infrastructure.
Ø Recognizes the role of women in water
governance, including collecting and managing
Corporation of India, Trade Bodies & Industry.
Ø Aim is to operate on the principle of self-regulation,
overseeing branding, traceability, and certification
of Indian Cotton.
Ø This initiative intends to boost its global
competitiveness and cultivate a sustainable
environment for all associated stakeholders.
7 Rohini Nayyar Prize

water for domestic purposes, ensuring hygiene and

Why is it in the news?
sanitary conditions, and utilizing traditional
Deenanath Rajput has recently been
knowledge about water resources.
awarded with Rohini Nayyar Prize for outstanding
Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban
contribution to Rural Development. This is the second
Transformation (AMRUT)
edition of the Rohini Nayyar Prize, created in honour
Ø Launched by MoHUA in 2015.
Ø Focuses on developing basic infrastructure in water
of the economist and administrator, Rohini Nayyar,
supply, stormwater drainage, green spaces, and who passed away in 2021.
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parks in 500 cities and towns.

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Ø AMRUT 2.0 (2021-22 to 2025-26) aims to provide

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universal coverage of water supply with functional

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taps in all households.

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Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- National Urban

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Livelihood Mission (DAY-NULM)

Ø A centrally sponsored scheme launched by MoHUA
in 2013.
Ø Aims to reduce poverty and vulnerability among
urban poor households.
Ø Enables them to access gainful self-employment
and skilled wage employment opportunities.
About Deenanath Rajput
Ø Deenanath Rajput, a social worker from Bastar,
transformed the lives of over 6,000 tribal women
in Chhattisgarh.
Ø He founded Farmer Producer Organization (FPO)

6 Kasturi Cotton Bharat in 2018, starting with 337 women from Jagdalpur
in Bastar, an area known for Naxalite activities.
The FPO now boasts over 6,000 members spread
Union Textiles Minister launched the Kasturi
across four districts.
Cotton Bharat website for information and updates.
Ø The organization aids women farmers by offering
More about news
agricultural extension services, creating cold
Ø Kasturi Cotton Brand: Introduced by the Ministry
storage infrastructure, linking them to national
of Textiles on World Cotton Day (7th October 2020)
and international markets, and assisting in the
to elevate the reputation of Indian cotton globally.
diversification to higher value-added products and
Ø Kasturi Cotton Bharat: A collaborative effort
services.
involving the Ministry of Textiles, the Cotton

AMIGOS IAS 94
 British Academy Book
8 Prize 2023
Why is it in the news?
India-born author Nandini Das wins the 2023 British
Academy Book Prize for Global Cultural
Understanding for her book ‘Courting India:
England, Mughal India and the Origins of Empire’.
More about the news
About the Book
Ø Depiction: True origin story of Britain and India
during England’s first diplomatic mission to the
Mughal courts.
Ø Focus: Arrival of the first English ambassador in
India, Sir Thomas Roe, in the early 17th century.
Ø Unique approach: Uses sources from both Indian
and British figures, capturing the early encounters
and the associated misunderstandings.
Ø Main Themes: Emergence of mutual
understanding despite challenges; contrast
between Britain and the Mughal Empire.
British Academy Book Prize Details
Ø Formerly known as Nayef Al-Rodhan Prize.
Ø Established in 2013.
Ø Aim is to celebrate the best non-fiction works
emphasizing global cultural understanding.

9 GI Tag for Uttarakhand Products

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Why is it in the news?

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Over 15 products from Uttarakhand have been granted Geographical Indications (GI) tags by the
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Geographical Indications Registry.

About the Products
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Product Description
Berinag Tea « Made from wild Himalayan plant leaves, compressed into a solid mass; popular
among London tea houses.
Bichhu Buti Fabrics « Crafted from Himalayan nettle fibers, known for unique insulating properties
suitable for all seasons.
Mandua (Finger Millet) « A staple in the state’s diet, finger millet grown in Garhwal and Kumaon regions.
Jhangora (Local Millet) « Another local millet commonly cultivated in the rain-fed areas of the Himalayas
in Uttarakhand.
Gahat « An important pulse with traditional medicinal uses, grown in dry regions of the
state.
Uttarakhand Lal « Organically grown red rice from the
Chawal (Red Rice) « Purola region, known for its unique characteristics.
Kala Bhat (Black Soybean) « A specific variety of black soybean cultivated in Uttarakhand.
Malta Fruit « A type of citrus fruit with distinctive flavour and nutritional value.
Chaulai (Ramdana) « A grain used during fasting days, significant in religious and cultural practices.
Buransh Juice « Extracted from the red flowers of Rhododendron arboreum, known for its taste
and medicinal properties.

AMIGOS IAS 95
 Pahari Toor Dal
Wood Carvings (Likhai)
Nainital Mombatti(Candles) «
Rangwali Pichhoda of
Kumaon
Ramnagar Nainital Litchis «
Ramgarh Nainital Peaches «
Chamoli Wooden Ramman «
Masks
Almora Lakhori Mirchis
(Chilli Variant)
« A variety of pigeon pea (toor dal) cultivated in the hilly regions of Uttarakhand.
« Intricate wood carvings reflecting the region’s cultural heritage.
Candles produced in the Nainital region, possibly featuring specific designs or
scents.
« Traditional fabric with colourful designs, representing Kumaon’s artistic heritage.
Litchi fruits grown in the Ramnagar area of Nainital, known for their sweetness
and flavour.
Peaches cultivated in the Ramgarh region of Nainital, valued for their taste and
quality.
Wooden masks crafted in Chamoli, possibly used in traditional rituals and
performances.
« A distinct variant of chili peppers grown in Almora, known for its unique flavour
and spiciness.

Geographical Indication (GI)

Ø It is a distinctive indication used to designate goods with unique qualities originating from a specific
geographical area. The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, is
enacted to facilitate the registration and enhanced protection of such geographical indications associated
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with products in India.

This legal framework safeguards the reputation and authenticity of region-specific goods, promoting their
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Ø
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cultural and economic significance.

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AM

AMIGOS IAS 96