VisionIAS Monthly Current Affairs October 2023 October 2023

October
Table of Contents
1. POLITY AND GOVERNANCE ________________4 3.5.5. Reserve Bank of India (Treatment of Wilful
1.1. Capacity Building of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) 4 Defaulters and Large Defaulters) Directions, 2023
1.2. Criminalization of Politics _________________ 6 released_____________________________________ 47
3.5.6. Card-on-File Tokenization (CoFT) ____________ 48
1.3. Parliamentary Privileges of Lawmakers ______ 8
3.5.7. 52nd Goods and Services Tax Council (GST) Council
1.4. Inter-State Water Dispute ________________ 10 Meeting held _________________________________ 48
1.5. Role of Technology in Public Services Delivery 13 3.5.8. National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF)
1.6. Consumer Protection in India _____________ 14 ___________________________________________ 48
1.7. Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest 3.5.9. IRDAI issued Bima Vahak guidelines (BHG) ____ 48
Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 16 3.5.10. Critical and Strategic Minerals _____________ 49
1.8. News in Shorts _________________________ 18 3.5.11. India Smart Cities Awards Contest (ISCAC) 2022
1.8.1. 'Unlawful Association' under UAPA, 1967 _____ 18 ___________________________________________ 49
1.8.2. Online Registration of First Information Reports 3.5.12. Goa Roadmap for Tourism ________________ 49
(FIR) _______________________________________ 18 3.5.13. Scheme for Remission of Duties and Taxes on
1.8.3. Centre claims Aadhaar as the most trusted digital Exported Products (RoDTEP) ____________________ 49
ID in the world _______________________________ 19 3.5.14. Automatic ‘Status Holder’ Certificates _______ 49
1.8.4. Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 3.5.15. Project Mariana ________________________ 50
___________________________________________ 19 3.5.16. Global Innovation Index (GII) 2023__________ 50
1.8.5. Sarna Code _____________________________ 20 3.5.17. Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) _____ 50
2. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS ______________21 3.5.18. Emerging-Market Bond Index (EMBI)________ 51
2.1. Israel-Hamas War ______________________ 21 4. SECURITY _____________________________ 52
2.1.1. Yom Kippur War _________________________ 23 4.1. Separatism ____________________________ 52
2.2. India Canada Relations __________________ 25 4.2. India’s Anti-Terrorism Approach ___________ 53
2.3. India South Korea ______________________ 26 4.2.1. National Investigation Agency (NIA)__________ 54
2.4. India Maldives _________________________ 28 4.3. News in Shorts _________________________ 55
2.5. United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) 4.3.1. New Indian Air Force (IAF) Ensign ___________ 55
_________________________________________ 31 4.3.2. Sonobuoys______________________________ 56
4.3.3. SIMBEX Exercise _________________________ 56
2.6. South China Sea ________________________ 33
2.7. Nagorno-Karabakh Region _______________ 34 5. ENVIRONMENT ________________________ 57
2.8. News in Shorts _________________________ 35 5.1. Global Infrastructure Resilience ___________ 57
2.8.1. India UAE sign RuPay Domestic Card Scheme (DCS) 5.2. Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) _________ 59
Agreement __________________________________ 35 5.3. News in Shorts _________________________ 61
2.8.2. International Criminal Court (ICC) ___________ 36 5.3.1. Coral Reef Breakthrough __________________ 61
2.8.3. Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) 36 5.3.2. Sustainable Finance ______________________ 61
2.8.4. United Nations Convention against Transnational 5.3.3. Net Zero Roadmap _______________________ 62
Organised Crimes (UNTOC) _____________________ 36 5.3.4. Climate Impact, loss & damage in Sundarbans _ 62
2.8.5. Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development 5.3.5. Cutting Methane from Fossil Fuels ___________ 62
___________________________________________ 37 5.3.6. Decarbonisation of the Cement Industry ______ 63
2.8.6. Indian Ocean Rim Association’s (IORA) _______ 37 5.3.7. India running out of Phosphorus ____________ 63
2.8.7. Inter-Parliamentary Forum (IPU) ____________ 37 5.3.8. Conocarpus Trees ________________________ 64
3. ECONOMY _____________________________39 5.3.9. Amazon River Basin ______________________ 64
5.3.10. Petroleum Coke or Pet Coke ______________ 64
3.1. Contributions of M S Swaminathan ________ 39
5.3.11. Unified Registration Portal for GOBARdhan___ 64
3.2. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) 40 5.3.12. Polyethylene Terephthalate degrading enzyme
3.3. National Turmeric Board _________________ 42 (PET46) _____________________________________ 64
3.4. Nobel Prizes 2023 ______________________ 43 5.3.13. Manis Mysteria (newly discovered species of
3.4.1. Nobel Prize In Economics: Women in Labour Force Pangolin) ____________________________________ 65
___________________________________________ 43 5.3.14. Damselfly species _______________________ 65
3.5. News in Shorts _________________________ 45 5.3.15. Fish Mint ______________________________ 65
3.5.1. Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Report 2022- 5.3.16. Dancing Frogs __________________________ 65
2023 _______________________________________ 45 5.3.17. Pink Bollworm __________________________ 66
3.5.2. Bond Yield _____________________________ 46 5.3.18. Kamlang Tiger Reserve ___________________ 66
3.5.3. Trade and Development Report 2023 ________ 46 5.3.19. 15-minute cities ________________________ 66
3.5.4. Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) Framework ___ 47 6. SOCIAL ISSUES _________________________ 67
6.1. Supreme Court Judgment on LGBTQIA+ rights 67
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6.2. Caste Census __________________________ 69 7.7.3. Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) becomes
6.3. Youth-Led Development _________________ 70 a member of Pharmacopoeial Discussion Group (PDG)
6.4. Ageing Population ______________________ 72 __________________________________________ 100
6.5. Nobel Peace Prize 2023: Women Rights _____ 74 7.7.4. Monoclonal Antibody ____________________ 100
7.7.5. R21/Matrix-M (Malaria vaccine) ___________ 101
6.6. Pro-Life vs. Pro-Choice ___________________ 76
7.7.6. Packaging of food products _______________ 101
6.7. Age of Consent _________________________ 78 7.7.7. Protein Binders _________________________ 101
6.8. Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) _______ 79 7.7.8. National Mission on Inter-disciplinary Cyber
6.9. Children’s Prolonged Usage of Social Media _ 81 Physical System (NM-ICPS) _____________________ 101
6.10. Circular Migration _____________________ 83 7.7.9. Gravity battery _________________________ 101
6.11. Global Hunger Index (GHI) ______________ 84 7.7.10. Neanderthals _________________________ 101
6.12. Sports in India ________________________ 85 7.7.11. Green Ammonia _______________________ 102
6.13. News in Shorts ________________________ 87 8. CULTURE ____________________________ 103
6.13.1. Draft Guidelines for Schools to Prevent Suicide 87 8.1. Rural Tourism _________________________ 103
6.13.2. SHRESHTA Scheme ______________________ 88 8.2. Military Systems in Ancient India _________ 105
6.13.3. Identification and Management of Malnutrition in 8.3. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan ___________________ 106
Children ____________________________________ 88 8.4. Rani Durgavati ________________________ 107
6.13.4. SPECS2030 Initiative ____________________ 88
8.5. News in Shorts ________________________ 108
6.13.5. Hakki Pikki Tribe ________________________ 89
8.5.1. Nobel Prize in Literature for 2023 __________ 108
7. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ______________90 8.5.2. Toto Language _________________________ 109
7.1. Nobel Prize in Physics 2023 _______________ 90 8.5.3. Arunachal Yak Churpi ____________________ 109
7.2. Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2023 ____________ 91 8.5.4. Maa Danteshwari Temple (Chhattisgarh) ____ 109
7.3. Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2023 _ 93 8.5.5. Mewar School of Painting_________________ 109
7.4. Net Neutrality _________________________ 95 8.5.6. 53rd Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement
7.5. Unlocking India’s Spacetech Potential ______ 96 Award _____________________________________ 110
7.6. Asteroids _____________________________ 98 9. ETHICS ______________________________ 111
7.7. News in Shorts _________________________ 99 9.1. Ethics of Lawmakers ____________________ 111
7.7.1. Traditional Medicine on World Health 9.2. AI and Human Rights ___________________ 113
Organisation’s List ____________________________ 99 10. SCHEMES IN NEWS ___________________ 116
7.7.2. Ayushman Bhav Campaign _______________ 100 10.1. Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar
Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) Scheme ________________ 116
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1. POLITY AND GOVERNANCE
1.1. CAPACITY BUILDING OF URBAN LOCAL BODIES (ULBS)
Why in the news?
Recently, the Capacity Building Commission (CBC) in collaboration with MoHUA organized a National Workshop on
Capacity Building of ULBs to foster a unified approach to capacity building ULBs across India.
More on news
• The Workshop marked the launch of three key initiatives, i.e.,
o Annual Capacity Building Plan (ACBP) to enhance the capabilities of MoHUA.
o ACBP for 6 pilot ULBs i.e. Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar, Mysuru, Rajkot, Nagpur, and Pune.
o Comprehensive Toolkit for preparing Capacity Building Plans for ULBs for providing valuable resources to
facilitate the growth and development of ULBs.

About Urban Local Bodies
• ULBs are small local bodies that administer or govern a city
or a town of a specified population.
o Urban governance (Local Government) is part of the
state list (Entry number 5) under the Constitution. Thus,
the administrative framework and regulation of ULBs
varies across states.
• Constitution (74th Amendment) Act, 1992, formally
recognised urban local governments as the third tier of
government.
o The Act provided for the establishment of three types of
ULBs:
✓ Nagar panchayats for a ‘transitional area’
✓ Municipal councils for a ‘smaller urban area’ and
✓ Municipal corporations for a ‘larger urban area’.
o It empowered state governments to devolve certain
functions, authority, and power to collect revenue from
these bodies and made periodic elections for them
compulsory.
o Functions of ULBs include urban planning including town
planning, regulation of land use and construction of
buildings, roads and bridges, urban poverty alleviation
etc.
Measures taken for capacity building of ULBs
• Capacity Building Scheme for Urban Local Bodies (CBULB): It aims to strengthen urban local governments through capacity
building for better governance and financial management as articulated in the 11th Five Year Plan.
• World Bank-assisted Capacity Building for Urban Development (CBUD) Project: Its objective is to build the capacity of select
ULBs, which are centres of economic growth, improve their skills for better urban management and reduce urban poverty.
• National Urban Digital Mission: Launched in 2021 by MoHUA, it focuses on citizen-centric digital revolution in ULBs in India.
It aims to create a shared digital infrastructure working across three pillars of ‘People, Processes and Platform’ to provide a
framework for digital governance in the country.
o National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) has been appointed to anchor this mission.
o Established in 1976, NIUA is a premier institute for research, training and information dissemination in urban
development and management.
• Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM): Focuses on efficiency in urban infrastructure and service
delivery mechanisms, community participation, and accountability of ULBs/ Parastatal agencies towards citizens.
• Municipal Bonds: These are financial instruments that municipal corporations and other associated bodies in India issue to
raise funds.
Challenges associated with Capacity Building of Urban Local Bodies
• Lack of skills: The personnel engaged in managing urban affairs and municipal services lacks specific skills, especially
in areas like socio-economic planning, sustainable urban planning, financial management, and e-governance.
• Training Curricula: Capacity gaps in municipal employees are augmented by capacity-building deficits in the training
institutions. Training curricula are programme-centric or event-based, limiting their utility and further hampering the
development of specific skills.
o Also, States’ training institutes focus more on general and rural administration rather than on urban governance.
• Lack of awareness and participation: The disconnect between citizens and ULBs hampers effective communication.
This cuts the feedback channel from the citizens, which could act as a key motivator for capacity building.
• Partial Devolution: The 73rd and 74th Amendment Act enlists the function of local governance bodies. However, in
practice, there is a lack of devolution of financial authority resulting in local authorities having greater responsibilities
without financial means to fulfil it.

o For instance, poor finances of Bihar’s ULBs are due to delays in the release of grants, inadequate devolution of
funds, and delays in the revision of tax rates and assessments of landholdings.
Way forward
• Training: Quality training material
offering a mix of classroom-based
training and on-field training ought to
be designed.
o Engaging private, academic and
non-governmental training and
research organisations can further
bridge the shortage of capacity-
building institutions.
• Professionalism: Developing a cadre
system and provide specific training to
create a strong and efficient workforce
in municipal departments e.g.
engineering disciplines.
o Also, lateral hiring of professionals
with special skills can be explored
into the municipal cadre, especially
the larger ULBs for fostering
greater municipal professionalism.
• Awareness generation: Steps should be taken to mobilize citizens, ensure active participation and generate
awareness among the public by organising campaigns, engaging academic institutions, NGOs etc.
• Fiscal Decentralisation: The concept of financial decentralisation is a necessary aspect of effective functioning of
Local Governance. The focus should be on providing autonomy in matters of expenditures along with resource
mobilisation as far as possible.
o This will enhance local institutions' ability to allocate funds for training, and carry out developmental tasks
effectively.
• Convergence: Institutionalising structures of local bodies to enhance coordination among local governance bodies
and bring synergy. This will indirectly increase the institutional as well as human resource capacity of the ULBs.
1.2. CRIMINALIZATION OF POLITICS

Why in the News?
Recently released a report titled ‘Analysis of Sitting MPs from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha of India 2023’ was released.
More about News
• It was released by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and National Election Watch.
• Key Findings
o Sitting MPs with criminal cases: 40% of Sitting MPs have declared criminal cases against themselves.
o Sitting MPs with serious criminal cases: 25% of Sitting MPs have declared serious criminal cases including cases
related to murder, attempt to murder, etc.
o State with Highest Percentage of Sitting MPs with Criminal Cases: Highest Percentage of Sitting MPs with
Criminal Cases in State/UTs: Lakshadweep>Kerala>Bihar>Maharashtra.
• ADR was established in 1999 by a group of professors from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad.
o Its goal is to improve governance and strengthen democracy by continuous work in the area of Electoral and
Political Reforms.

Impact of Criminalization
of Politics
• Institutionalized
corruption and trust
erosion: Corruption
thrives when the rule
of law is disregarded
and paired with the
criminality of politics.
o India ranked 85th
out of 180
countries,
according to the
2022 Corruption
Perceptions Index
reported by
Transparency
International.
o Also, when
politicians with
criminal
backgrounds hold
public office, it can
erode public trust
in the political system.
• Criminalization of Political Parties: This is because the criminal elements can gain control of political parties and
using them for their benefit. Inner-party democracy also gets adversely impacted.
• Affects working of investigation and prosecution agencies: Nexus between criminal-politician has the tendency to
influence the working of agencies.
o The Supreme Court in 2017 termed Central Bureau of Investigation as a “caged parrot” and “its master’s voice”.
• Decline in conviction rate: As per SC amicus curiae report (2022)- 5,097 cases are pending against lawmakers across
the country.
• Affect conducting of free and fair elections: Due to the use of money and muscle power in elections by criminals the
elections are not conducted in a free and a fair manner.
o The Centre for Media Studies reported that around $8 billion was spent during 2019 Lok Sabha general elections.
Measures to check Criminalization of Politics
• Legislative Measures: Section 8(3) of the Representation of People Act, 1951 says any lawmaker sentenced to at
least two years in jail remains disqualified for six years upon their release.
o Such a disqualification is enabled by Article 102 (1) of the Constitution of India, which says a lawmaker can be
disqualified under any law enacted by the Parliament.
o Similar provision exists for the states under Article
191(1). Various Commission/committees Electoral reforms:
• Judicial Pronouncements • N.N. Vohra Committee Report (1993) on Criminalization
o Union of India vs. Association for Democratic of Politics stated that the nexus between the criminal
gangs, police, bureaucracy and politicians has come out
Reforms (2002): SC stated that electors have a
clearly in various parts of the country.
fundamental right to know the antecedents of • Other Commissions: National Commission to Review
candidates. It states ‘right to be informed’ as a right the Working of the Constitution (2001), Second
flowing from freedom of speech and expression. Administrative Reforms Commission (2008), etc.
o Peoples Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) v Union of
India (2004): SC declared Section 33B of Representation of Peoples Act 1951 as unconstitutional and void.
✓ The section allowed candidates to furnish information only under the Act.
o Lily Thomas v Union of India (2013): SC ruled that Section 8(4) of the Representation of People Act (1951) as
unconstitutional.
✓ Section 8(4) of the RP Act earlier allowed convicted MPs, MLAs and MLCs to continue in their posts, provided
they appealed against their conviction/sentence in higher courts within three months of the date of
judgment by the trial court.
o Public Interest Foundation v. Union of India (2018): SC ordered political parties to publish the criminal records
of their candidates on their websites, social media handles, and newspapers.
o Rambabu Singh Thakur v Sunil Arora (2020): SC re-iterated the Court’s 2018 directions and directed the Election
Commission to report to the Supreme Court any non-compliance by political parties.
Way forward
• Lifetime ban for convicts from polls: Election Commission of India had mentioned it in the electoral reforms
proposals published by it in 2004 and 2016.
• Hybrid electoral System: As suggested by 170th Law Commission Report on the hybrid system i.e., 75% through first
past the post (FPTP) and 25% through proportional system.
o As per experts, FPTP encourages candidates to spend humongous amount in every election.
• Punishment for filing of false affidavits: The Law Commission in its 244th Report titled ‘Electoral Disqualification’,
suggested punishment should be enhanced to a minimum 2 years imprisonment and such an offence must also be
made a ground for disqualification.
• Internal democracy for political parties: The National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution
(NCRWC) Report suggested a dedicated legislation for inner-party democracy.
• Amending the Representation of The People Act, 1950: To debar the persons from contesting elections against whom
heinous nature crimes are pending.
• Other Reforms: Right to recall, State funding of elections, Fast tracking judicial process, etc. for improving the election
ecosystem of India.
Related News
Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and National Election Watch also released report ‘Analysis of Sitting MPs/MLAs with
Declared Cases Related to Hate Speech’.
• Key highlights: A total of 107 Current MPs (33) and MLAs (74) have declared cases related to hate speech.
About Hate Speech
• The Law Commission Report no. 267 of March 2017 on Hate Speech states that “Hate Speech” has not been defined in any
law in India.
o However, legal provisions in certain legislations (like Section 153A, 153B, 295A of IPC) prohibit select forms of speech as
an exception to freedom of speech.
1.3. PARLIAMENTARY PRIVILEGES OF LAWMAKERS

Why in the news?
Recently, the Supreme Court set up a seven-judge bench headed by the Chief Justice of India for reconsideration of its
1998 five-judge Constitution bench judgement in the P V Narasimha Rao case.
More on the news
• The 1998 judgement of the P V Narasimha Rao vs. State case came in the backdrop of the 1993 JMM (Jharkhand
Mukti Morcha) bribery case.
• As per the judgement, legal immunity granted to legislators under Articles 105(2) and 194(2) of the Constitution
protects them against criminal prosecution on bribery charges for any speech or vote in Parliament.
o SC has now decided to reconsider this precedent.
About Parliamentary Privileges
• Parliamentary privileges are a legal immunity enjoyed by members of legislatures, in which legislators are granted
protection against civil or criminal liability for certain actions done or statements made in the course of their
legislative duties.
• So far, neither Parliament nor any Breach of privilege
State legislature has enacted any • If an individual or authority disregards or undermines a parliamentary
legislation that defines the powers, privilege of a member or the House, it is called a ‘Breach of privilege’.
privileges and immunities of the Contempt of the House
Houses, or that of its members and • Breach of privilege is different from Contempt of the House.
committees. • It defined as “any act or omission which-
o It should be noted here that the o obstructs or impedes either House of Parliament in the performance of
Parliament, till now, has not its functions, or
o which obstructs or impedes any member or officer of such House in the
made any special law to
discharge of his duty, or
exhaustively codify all the
o which has a tendency directly or indirectly, to produce such results”.
privileges. They are based on five Punishment for a Breach of privilege or Contempt of the house
sources, namely, • A person found guilty of breach of privileges or contempt can be
✓ Constitutional provisions, reprimanded, warned or sent to prison.
✓ Various laws made by • The period for which the House can commit an offender to custody or prison
Parliament, for contempt is limited to the duration of the session of the House.
✓ Rules of both the Houses, • In case its member is found guilty, the MP can be suspended from the House
✓ Parliamentary conventions, or face expulsion.
and
✓ Judicial interpretations.
• Parliament is the sole authority to ascertain if there
has been a breach or contempt of the House— no
court is entrusted with this power.
o A member of the House can raise a question
involving a breach of privilege with the consent
of the Chairman or Speaker.
What are the provisions that grant legislators immunity
from prosecution?
• Article 105 deals with the powers and privileges of
both Houses of Parliament and its members and
committees.
o Similarly, Article 194 outlines the corresponding
powers, privileges and immunities of State
legislatures and their members and committees.
• Right to Prohibit Publication of Proceedings: Article
105(2) stipulates that no person shall be liable in
respect of the publication by or under the authority
of either House of Parliament of any report, paper, votes or proceedings”.
o A similar provision exists for Members of the Legislature of a State under Article 194(2).
• Freedom of Speech in Parliament: Freedom of speech available to the members on the floor of the House is different
from that available to the citizens under Article 19(2).
o Article 105(2) states that “No member is liable to any proceedings in any court for anything said or any vote
given by him in Parliament or its committees”. This freedom is subject to the provisions of the Constitution and
to the rules and procedures of the parliament, as stated under Article 118 of the Constitution.
o However, Article 121 restricts members from discussing the conduct of judges of the Supreme Court and High
Court.
• Freedom from Arrest: Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 provides that members can enjoy freedom from arrest in any
civil case 40 days before and after the adjournment of the house and also when the house is in session.
o However, this privilege is limited to civil cases. An MP doesn’t enjoy any immunity against action in a criminal
case, during the session or otherwise.

• Privileges based on Rules of Procedure and precedents: Parliament reserves the right to receive immediate
information of the arrest, detention, conviction, imprisonment, and release of a member on a criminal charge or for
a criminal offence.
• Right to Exclude Strangers: Members of the house have the power and right to exclude strangers who are not
members of the house from the proceedings. This right is essential for securing free and fair discussion in the house.
o Also, as per the provisions of Article 122, the validity of any proceeding of Parliament can’t be inquired into by a
court on the grounds of alleged irregularity of procedure.
Need for reform in Parliamentary Privileges
• Applicability: The scope and limitations of parliamentary privilege are yet to be ascertained. In some instances,
privileges shield lawmakers from prosecution as civil cases cannot be initiated when the House is in session.
• Misuse: There have been instances of misuse of powers and rights by the members of the Parliament and Legislative
Assembly resulting in violation of fundamental rights of citizens.
• Lack of oversight: Absence of a clear mechanism to prevent members of the house from using privileges for personal
or official gains/interest.
• Lack of procedure: Parliament has yet to lay down a set of procedures to deal with instances of breach of privilege
and is solely guided by exigencies.
o For example, lack of clarity on whether a hearing must be given to the accused or whether he/she must be given
a right of legal representation etc.
• Against Natural justice: Breach of privilege laws allows politicians to judge their own cases. It leads to a conflict of
interest, violates the principle of separation of Power under Article 50 and goes against the tenants of a fair trial.
• Violates constitutionalism: The absence of codified privileges gives unlimited power to the house to decide when
and how a breach of privilege occurs.
Way Forward
Providing immunity to parliamentarians is essential. However, urgent steps are required to ensure constitutionalism such
as codifying privileges, establishing standard operating procedures in case of breach of privilege etc. Also, Parliament
can establish clear boundaries by enacting specific legislation to monitor the misuse of parliamentary privileges by its
members.
1.4. INTER-STATE WATER DISPUTE

Why in the news?
Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the terms of reference to Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II (KWDT-II) under the
Inter-State River Water Disputes (ISRWD) Act, 1956.
More on news
About SYL canal and the associated issue
• KWDT-II will distribute the Krishna water, • SYL is a 214-km long canal for sharing waters of Ravi and Beas rivers
allocated to 'undivided’ Andhra Pradesh, between Haryana and Punjab, of which 122 km was to be in Punjab and
between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. 92 km in Haryana.
o Krishna is an east-flowing river that o It was planned in 1966 after Haryana was carved out of Punjab.
originates at Mahabaleshwar in • Haryana completed its stretch of SYL Canal in 1980, while Punjab kept
Maharashtra and merges with the citing Riparian Principles and non-availability of its water.
o Riparian Principles states that owner of land adjacent to a water
Bay of Bengal, flowing through
body has the right to use water.
Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana
• Punjab argues that many areas in state may go dry after 2029 due to
and Andhra Pradesh. over-exploitation of groundwater.
• Also, the Supreme Court criticised the • Haryana argues that its southern parts of state are facing water
Punjab government for its slow progress problem due to depleted groundwater. It claims that it has been denied
in constructing the Sutlej-Yamuna Link its rightful share in water.
(SYL) canal and asked the Centre to
conduct a survey of the land designated for the canal to assess the work’s status.

About Krishna Water Dispute
• In 1969, Krishna Water
Disputes Tribunal-I
(KWDT) was set up under
the ISRWD Act, 1956. It
divided 2060 TMC
(Thousand Million Cubic
feet) of Krishna water
at 75% dependability.
o 75% dependability of a
catchment implies that
2060 TMC of water
can be reliably
extracted from a
catchment area 75%
of the time,
considering the natural
variability in water
availability due to
factors such as
precipitation,
evaporation, and
infiltration.
• KWDT-II, instituted in
2004, made allocations of
Krishna water at 65%
dependability and for
surplus flows.
• In 2014 after the creation
of Telangana as a separate
state, Andhra Pradesh
asked to include
Telangana as a separate
party at KWDT and that the allocation of Krishna waters be reworked among four states, instead of three.
o However, Maharashtra and Karnataka are now arguing that Telangana was created following bifurcation of
Andhra Pradesh. Therefore, the allocation of water should be from Andhra Pradesh’s share which was approved
by the tribunal.
Factors responsible for Inter-State Water Dispute
• Asymmetrical access to river water: When a river flows across a boundary between the states, the upstream state is
usually at an advantage. Creating an asymmetry between upstream and downstream states.
• Rising Water Demand: The total water demand in India is projected to increase by 22% and 32% in 2025 and 2050
respectively. The rising demand has put stress on limited water reserves further aggravating the Inter-State water
dispute.
• Lack of clarity on Water usage Rights: Under Schedule VII of the Indian Constitution, the power to use water for
storage, electricity, irrigation etc. is mentioned under the State list and ‘interstate water’ under the Union list.
o However, these powers are interconnected and usage by one State affects usage by other States, thus creating
ambiguity on water usage rights.
• Lack of an integrated approach: Water governance architecture in India is based on a fragmented piecemeal
approach. It relies on numerical measures such as arithmetic hydrology, surplus, deficit etc. ignoring the social,
ecological, and cultural processes associated with water.
• Other issues:
o MSPs of rice and wheat led to a manifold increase in water demand, thereby resulting in interstate water
conflicts (e.g. Krishna, Cauvery, Teesta basins or SYL between Punjab and Haryana).
o Boundaries of states in India have continued to alter, based on cultural and political factors.
Mechanism to deal with Inter-State Water Dispute
• Under Seventh Schedule of Constitution,
o Entry 17 of State List reads "Water, that is to say water supplies, irrigation and canals, drainage and
embankments, water storage and water power subject to the provisions of entry 56 of List I (Union List)".
o Entry 56 of List I provide that "Regulation and development of inter-State rivers and river valleys to the extent
to which such regulation and development under the control of the Union is declared by Parliament by law to be
expedient in the public interest".
• Article 262: It says that Parliament by law may provide for the adjudication of any dispute or complaint with respect
to the use, distribution or control over the waters of, or in, any inter-state river or river valley. In the exercise of the
power conferred by Article 262 of the Constitution, Parliament has enacted two laws:
o Inter-State Water Disputes (ISWD) Act, 1956: Under it, a State Government which has a water dispute with
another State Government may request the Central Government to refer the dispute to a tribunal for
adjudication.
o River Boards Act, 1956: It was made for the setting up of River Boards by the central government for the
regulation and development of inter-state rivers and river valleys.
• National Water Policy 2012: It seeks to address issues such as scarcity of water, inequities in its distribution and the
lack of a unified perspective in planning, management and use of water resources.
Challenges associated with resolving Inter-State Water Dispute
• Delayed Resolution: There are prolonged proceedings and delays in the disposal of river water disputes. For
example, it took 11 years for the Godavari water dispute tribunal to give its decision.
• Ambiguity: Article 262 deters the Supreme Court from adjudicating interstate river water disputes. However, Article
136 empowers the SC to hear appeals against the tribunal’s orders, further causing ambiguity in the implementation
of tribunal orders.
• Politicisation of disputes: Some political parties are using interstate water disputes as avenues for pursuing political
goals.
• Lack of Multidisciplinary approach: Tribunals in India primarily consists of members from the judiciary thus lack inputs
from specialist such as ecologists hampering the quality of orders.
Way forward
• Enabling Cooperation: Fundamental strategic shift, away from the current reliance on conflict resolution is required.
Also, there is a need for deeper integration of states in deliberative processes, and strengthening cooperative
federalism.
• Basin Approach: Focus on ecological restoration, conservation of river ecosystem, balancing of water supply and
demand for human use and regional approach for effective management of river water.
• Multi-Disciplinary Approach: Institutional structure of Water Management Board should include experts from
multiple disciplines such as environmentalists, geographers etc. This will enhance the efficacy of water boards in
providing ecological and environmentally friendly solutions.
• Water Policy: To resolve water disputes on reasonable and equitable lines, certain parameters must be made part of
the water policy.
o These parameters include the extent of the river basin drainage area in each State; Contribution of water to the
river basin by each State; Climate and dependent population in the river basin; Extent of arid and semi-arid areas
in each State etc.

1.5. ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY IN PUBLIC SERVICES DELIVERY
Why in the News?
The Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG) of India has emphasized on the need for increased use of IT systems and
technology in service delivery to the citizens.
Technology and Linkage with public service delivery
• Digital government services
(also called e-government)
are defined as service
delivery within government
— as well as between
government and the public —
using information and
communication
technologies.
• Traditionally, government
services have been delivered
in person, by individual
departments in different
locations, and often using
paper forms.
• With digital services,
government can deliver
information and services to
citizens anytime, anywhere,
and on any platform or device.
Significance of Technology in Services delivery
• Saves time and money for the Citizens as they need not travel to different government offices and stand in queues
to get their work done
o e-Hastakshar service facilitates instant e-signing of documents online by citizens in a legally acceptable form
without having to visit government offices
• Increases the efficiency of Government departments as the digital records can be shared easily and maintained for
later references
o Vehicles Data from different State Registers are collected and processed in VAHAN platform of the Ministry of
Road Transport and Highways
• Eliminates the Ghost beneficiaries and leakages to a larger extent as the digital records can be updated dynamically
and the leakages can be traced back easily
o The linking the Aadhar cards to the respective job cards of MGNREGA, lakhs of Ghost beneficiaries were
identified and removed
• Increases the accountability and reduces corruption, as the origin or initiator of a particular transaction can be traced
back to the system from where it began.
o The detailed information available to the citizens in the platforms, enables them to understand rules and
regulations better and even raise complaints on erring officers
• The combination of data harnessed from various sources, can be mined to design better public policies
o The linking of the PAN card and Aadhar card helps the exchequer to collect data on persons earning above a
threshold income for reducing black money and increasing the tax collection.
Technological challenges in service delivery
• Digital divide among the people, where a majority of them are yet to get accustomed to digital world and its
applications.
• Lack of skilled workforce within the government, which makes it difficult for them to adapt technology at a major
scale.
• Cyber security threat, is a major concern as these services are also to handle important data of government and
public.
• Lack of sufficient digital infrastructure in the government establishments across the country.
• Lack of interoperability in most services makes them work in isolation rather than as a collective network.
Way forward
• Enhancing the digital literacy among the population and highlighting its advantage in the society.
• Creating a skilled workforce through various skilling programs in order to meet the demand.
• Legal framework to enhance the data protection within the country.
• Enhancing the Cyber security infrastructure in the country.
• Improving the digital infrastructure and enhancing the interoperability of the services to widen the scope of the
services.
1.6. CONSUMER PROTECTION IN INDIA

Why in the news?
Recent finding suggests that the
pendency in the consumer
commissions has shown a
declining trend (from 5.55 lakhs
in December 2022 to 5.45 lakhs in
September 2023).
Who is a Consumer?
• Under the Consumer
Protection Act (CPA) 2019, a
consumer is a person who
buys any goods or avails
services for a consideration,
which has been paid or
promised, or partly paid and
partly promised, or under any
scheme of deferred payment.
o It applies to both offline
and online transactions through electronic means or by teleshopping or direct selling or multilevel marketing.
• However, any person who obtains goods or avails services for resale or commercial purposes is not treated as a
consumer and is outside the scope of CPA 2019.
Need for Consumer Protection in India
• Informed Choice: There has been an increase in the supply of duplicate/defective products in the market. CPA
through its compliance mechanisms and rules encourages information dissemination about the products.
• Checking Malpractices: Prevent and combat unfair trade practices such as black marketing and hoarding and keep
a check on practices that manipulate market prices.

o For instance, some drug manufacturers charge high premiums on essential medicines, negatively affecting the
consumer. Also, some pharmaceutical companies misuse their patent rights to exploit consumers.
• Misleading advertising: Many businesses purposefully deceive consumers by presenting deceptive/false
advertisements giving consumers an incorrect or partial understanding of a product or service. Thus, violating the
consumers ‘right to know’ about what they are buying.
• Grievance Redressal: To provide effective redressal mechanisms for consumers and address complaints in cases such
as the sale of adulterated products etc. and simultaneously hold the businesses accountable.
• Economic growth and competitiveness: Consumer protection contributes to dynamic and effective markets for
businesses to grow.
o The resultant consumer demand in turn drives innovation and economic development as businesses are
required to maintain fair prices and good quality of their products and services.
Measures Taken for Consumer Protection in India
• Consumer Protection Act (CPA) 2019: It provides for the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to regulate
matters relating to violation of the rights of consumers, unfair trade practices etc.
• Consumer Protection (Jurisdiction of District Commission, State Commission and National Commission) Rules,
2021: To provide simple, speedy, and inexpensive redressal of consumer disputes, CPA 2019 envisages 3-tier quasi-
judicial machinery at National, State and District levels.
• ConfoNet Project: It stands for Computerization and Computer Networking of Consumer Fora in the country. It was
implemented in the backdrop of CPA, 1986.
o It aims to improve operational efficiency, coordination, accessibility, and speed in judicial administration and to
set Information Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure at Consumer Redressal commissions all over
India.
• Integrated Grievance Address Mechanism (INGRAM) portal: It was developed under the aegis of the Department of
Consumer Affairs to create awareness, advise, and redress consumer grievances and act as a central registry for
lodging consumer grievances.
• E-Daakhil Portal: It provides a hassle-free, speedy and inexpensive facility to consumers around the country to
conveniently approach the relevant consumer forum, dispensing the need to travel and be physically present.
• Certification markers: To protect and sensitize consumers regarding quality standards.
Different certification marks in India
Certification marks on a commercial product are usually
called a mark of validity or an assurance of the fact that
the manufacturer has tested the product and has
ensured that it meets the given quality standard.
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), which comes under
the aegis of the International Organisation for
Standardisation (ISO standards), govern all industrial
standardization and industrial product certifications in
India.

Challenges associated with Consumer Protection in India
• Pendency in cases: Despite the decreasing trend, the absolute number of pending cases at both state and national
levels is huge. This results in long waiting periods and delays in dispute resolution.
• Vacancies in institutions: There is a lack of infrastructure and manpower in consumer forums (e.g., Pune, Delhi etc.),
leading to inefficiency in addressing consumer complaints.
• Issue of clarity vis-à-vis roles and powers: There is a lack of clarity regarding Central Consumer Protection Authority
(CCPA) roles related to investigations and inquiries and search and seizure function.
o Also, the scope of CCPA powers in matters of investigation leading to product recall or penalisation of
manufacturers is unclear.
• Rights vs Duties: The realisation of consumer responsibility towards ensuring the protection of their own interest
along with the development of conscious consumerism is the essence of consumer protection. However, the CPA
does not lay down consumer duties/ responsibilities exclusively.
Way Forward
• Advertisements: Governments should collaborate with manufacturers, distributors and consumer organizations, to
develop advertising codes and standards for regulating information provided in advertisements.
• Safety and Quality: National standards and regulations for product safety and quality should be reviewed regularly
to ensure conformity with international standards.
• Awareness: For safeguarding the well-being and interests of consumers through education, mobilization and
representation.
o The government in collaboration with NGOs should publish periodicals to impart knowledge about consumer
problems, legal reporting and redressal measures and organise awareness campaigns. E.g. JagoGrahakJago.
• Roles and Responsibilities: CCPA’s roles concerning investigations and inquiries and search and seizure operations
should be clearly outlined in matters such as product recalls, appeals, etc.
• Enlisting Duties: Regulations can explicitly mention consumer duties to guide to ensure a responsible consumption
ecosystem.
o For example, the Jamaican Government recognises both rights and duties of the consumer and publishes these
on their official website.
1.7. SCHEDULED TRIBES AND OTHER TRADITIONAL FOREST DWELLERS

(RECOGNITION OF FOREST RIGHTS) ACT, 2006
Why in the News?
Recently it has been reported that the states have rejected nearly 40% of
the land claims under Forest Right Act.
About Forest Right Act (FRA), 2006
Before the enactment of this act, earlier acts did not recognize the symbiotic
relationship of the STs with the forests and their dependence on the forest.
• Section 3(1)(a) of the FRA recognizes the right of the forest dwelling
tribal communities (FDSTs) and other traditional forest dwellers
(OTFDs) to hold and live in the forest land for habitation or for self-
cultivation for livelihood.
• Types of Rights under Section 3 of FRA Act
o Individual Forest Rights (IFR): Right to hold and live in the forest
land under the individual or common occupation for habitation or
for self-cultivation for livelihood.
o Community Forest Rights (CFR): Seeks to restore all customary and
traditional usufruct rights of forest-dwelling communities.

✓ It will be within the traditional or customary boundaries of the village, irrespective of the ownership,
classification, and size of forests.
o Community forest resource management rights: Right of ownership, access to collect, use, and dispose of minor
forest produce which has been traditionally collected within or outside village boundaries.
• Nodal Agency: As per Act, the responsibility for implementation of the Act lies with State Governments/UT
Administrations.
• Role of Gram Sabha: The Gram Sabha is the authority to initiate the
process for determining the nature and extent of individual or
community forest rights or both.
• Land titles: Act recognises the rights of an individual or family or
community on the land however claim should not exceed more
than four hectares.
o Land title given under the FRA is a legal title.
o Land Rights conferred by the Act were heritable (Section 4(4) of
FRA), but not transferable or alienable.
• Diversion of forest land for local development rights: Establishment
of schools, dispensaries, or hospitals, Anganwadi centres, etc.
Three-tier approval process:
• Gram sabha is the primary authority for initiating the whole process
by receiving and verifying the claims.
• Aggrieved person from the resolution of the Gram Sabha may file a petition to the Sub-division-level committee
(SDLC)
• Any person aggrieved by the decision of the SDLC may file a petition to the District-level committee (DLC).
o Decision of the DLC on the record of forest rights shall be final and binding.
• Scheduled Areas: In act means the Scheduled Areas referred to in article 244 of the constitution.
• Protected Areas: FRA is applicable in National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Tiger Reserves.
Concerns related to the Act
• Land Claims Related
o Document of Proof: Many IFR claims were rejected because applicants did not provide adequate documentary
evidence of this use of the land.
✓ For e.g. According to Section 2(c) of FRA, to qualify as FDST.
▪ Must be a Scheduled Tribe in the area where the right is claimed; and
▪ Primarily resided in forest or forests land prior to 13-12-2005; and
▪ Depend on the forest or forests land for bonafide livelihood needs
o Inconsistency in acreage claimed and acreage allocated: For e.g As per World Bank report, in Narmada District
(Gujarat) around 70 % claimants reported that the IFR claim was approved for lesser acreage.
o Low awareness: The Gram Sabha, which initiates the verification of FDSTs /OTFDs claims, are low on awareness
about how to deal with them.
✓ An analysis of FRA implementation in Jammu & Kashmir between September 2021 and May 2023 highlighted
that more than 92.57 % of the rejected claims have been declined by Gram Sabha only.
✓ Also, the locals being illiterate and living in remote areas, FDSTs /OTFDs do not know the appropriate
procedure for filing claims.
• Other Concerns with the Act
o Forest land encroachment: Misuse of Gram sabha for approval for ineligible claimants and regularizing
encroachments made after 13.12.2005 (Cut-off date of recognition).
✓ When the applications get rejected, applicants file an appeal and the case drags on for years and remains
encroached.
o Violation of FRA Provisions: Earlier titles were randomly issued in the name of JFM committees or panchayat
bodies.

✓ For e.g., CFR titles were issued to 10 villages in Deori taluk of Gondia district of Maharashtra showed that the
DLC had issued titles in the name of the panchayat instead of the gram sabha.
o Lack of Coordination: As per the act- SLC, DLC and the State Level Monitoring Committee shall consist of officers
of the departments of Revenue, Forest and Tribal Affairs of the State Government.
✓ However, they lack coordination to full fill the objectives of the act.
o Destruction of forests and wildlife: Environmental Conservationists raised concern that FRA act due to its land
rights and minor forest produce use, might affect the biodiversity of the forest.
✓ In several cases, trees on the forest land are chopped and claims are made under the FRA.
Way forward
• Issuing Directives to states: Under the FRA Act, the Centre can issue directives to states to ensure a review exercise
in line with the law in case of such a high rejection rate of claims.
• Learning from State Government: Odisha government’s Mo Jungle Jami Yojana (MJJY), implementation of the
scheme will provide ownership of land and access to forest resources to the beneficiaries.
• Awareness Generation: Awareness generation among gram sabhas, forest rights committees (FRCs), and IFR/CFR
claimants about FRA and its rules and regulations need to be improved.
• Capacity building of Gram Sabha: As Gram sabha is the primary authority of approval, there is a need to improve
capacity through training and effective use of local bureaucracy.
• Others: Involving marginal sections like women; increasing role of Civil Society, etc.
1.8. NEWS IN SHORTS

1.8.1. 'UNLAWFUL ASSOCIATION' UNDER ▪ Tribunal consists of one person (a Judge of
a High Court).
UAPA, 1967
✓ Other powers to centre
• Ministry Of Home Affairs declared the ‘Jammu and ▪ To prohibit the use of funds of an
Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party’ as an 'Unlawful unlawful association
Association' under the Unlawful Activities ▪ To notify places used for the purpose of an
(Prevention) Act (UAPA) 1967. unlawful association.
• UAPA was enacted for effective prevention of certain o Terrorist act:
unlawful activities of individuals and associations, for ✓ Definition: It includes any act intended to
dealing with terrorist activities, and for matters threaten the unity, integrity, security or
connected therewith. sovereignty of India or strike terror people in
• Key provisions India or in any foreign country among others.
o Offences are cognizable (arrest could be made ✓ Forfeiture of proceeds of terrorism: By the
without a warrant). Investigating officer with the prior approval of
o Penalty: Death or imprisonment for life, and shall the designated authority.
also be liable to a fine if such act has resulted in the
death of any person 1.8.2. ONLINE REGISTRATION OF FIRST
o Unlawful Association INFORMATION REPORTS (FIR)
✓ Declaration of an association unlawful: By the • 282nd report titled ‘Amendment in Section 154 of the
Centre through an official gazette notification, Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 for Enabling Online
by specifying the grounds. Registration of FIR’ submitted by 22nd Law Commission
✓ Reference to Tribunal: On the declaration of to the Ministry of Law & Justice.
being unlawful, the notification should be
referred to Tribunal within 30 days.

o Section 154 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, o Parliament has laid down robust privacy
1973 governs how the first information about the protections in the law governing the Aadhaar
commission of a cognizable offence is recorded. system through robust arrangements.
• Recommendations ✓ Section 32(3) of the Aadhaar Act 2016
o e-FIR be enabled in a phased manner prohibits UIDAI from controlling, collecting or
✓ Registration of e-FIR is to be permitted for all maintaining any information about the
cognizable offences where the accused is not purpose of any authentication.
known or attracting punishment up to 3 years o The authentication systems are certified as per
where the accused is known. international security and privacy standards (ISO
o States have the power to expand the list of 27001:2013 for Information Security Management
offences. System and ISO 27701:2019 for Privacy
o Privacy of the parties to be ensured. Information Management System).
o Verification of Informant/Complainant and
Punishment for False Information
o e-Complaint to be allowed for all Non-Cognizable
Offences.
✓ Complaint means any allegation made orally or
in writing to a Magistrate, with a view to his
taking action under this Code.
o Capacity Building to be given importance
• Significance
o Citizens can report crimes conveniently and
efficiently.
o Complainants can also check the timely status of
their complaints online.
o It helped in reducing the footfall at the Police
Station.
1.8.3. CENTRE CLAIMS AADHAAR AS THE

MOST TRUSTED DIGITAL ID IN THE
WORLD
• Refuting the claims made by an investor servicing
agency, the centre has claimed that Aadhar is
foolproof.
• Aadhaar is a 12-digit individual identification number
issued by Unique Identification Authority of India
(UIDAI)
o The collected data is secured in the Central
Identities Data Repository (CIDR) of UIDAI.
1.8.4. CABLE TELEVISION NETWORKS
• Key Features of Aadhaar
o Uniqueness: The biometric de-duplication avoids
(REGULATION) ACT, 1995
multiple cards issue for same information. • The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has
o Random number: The generated number is notified amendments in the Cable Television Networks
random and devoid of any details like caste, Rules, 1994
religion, income, etc o It provides the operational mechanism for
o Architecture: Is open and scalable, the current implementation of the decriminalized provisions
authentication service can handle 100 million of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act,
authentications a day. 1995.
• Measures taken to ensure safety of Aadhaar • Aim: to make the Cable Television Networks
o UIDAI has introduced a two-layered security (Regulation) Act, of 1995 more business-friendly and to
mechanism for Aadhaar-based fingerprint boost investor confidence and ease of doing business.
authentication to secure Aadhaar.

• Sections of the act were re-examined and were 1.8.5. SARNA CODE
decriminalized through the Jan Vishwas (Amendment
of Provision) Act, 2023. • Jharkhand Government is seeking recognition of Sarna
• The imprisonment provisions have been now replaced religious code for tribals.
with monetary penalties and other non-monetary • Sarna followers are nature worshippers who do not
measures like Advisory, Warning, etc. consider themselves Hindus and have been fighting
for a separate religious identity for decades.
o So far, the census surveys have included them as
“others” in the religion column.
o Believers of Sarna faith do not practice idol
worship, nor do they adhere to the concept of the
Varna system, heaven-hell, etc.
o Holy grail of Sarna faith is “Jal (water), Jungle
(forest), Zameen (land)” and its followers pray to
trees and hills.

2. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
2.1. ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR
Why in the news?
Israel declared war on Hamas militants following their unprecedented attack under "Operation Toofan Al-Aqsa (Al-Aqsa
Flood)."
More about the news
• Operation Toofan Al-Aqsa coincided with Sabbath which is the Jewish day of worship and rest.
• Hamas fired 5,000 rockets in just 20 minutes, overwhelming the Iron Dome Defense System's interception
capabilities.
o Operational since 2011, the 'Iron Dome' is a short-range air defense system of Israel.
o With a 70-kilometer range, it can detect, and intercept incoming missiles, rockets, and UAVs mid-air based on
radar data.
• In response, Israel has launched 'Operation Iron Swords’ against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.
• Amidst the war, India launched Operation Ajay to evacuate its citizens stranded in Israel.
About Hamas Other players in Palestine
• Fatah: It is a secular nationalist organisation formed in Kuwait in the
• Hamas or Islamic Resistance Movement was
late 1950s after the 1948 Israeli-Arab War. The key founder was
founded in 1987 after the First Intifada to Yasser Arafat. Its objective was to liberate Palestine through an
resist Israeli occupation of Gaza, the West armed struggle against Israel.
Bank and East Jerusalem. • Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO): PLO was conceived in 1964
• It has been the de facto authority in Gaza at an Arab League summit in Cairo, Egypt, with the sole aim of
shortly after Israel withdrew from the liberating Palestine with the help of an armed struggle to achieve its
territory in 2005. goals.
• It refuses to recognise Israel and is o PLO was officially recognised by the Arab League and the
committed to armed resistance against United Nations General Assembly as the “sole legitimate
representative of the Palestinian people”.
Israel and the creation of an Islamic
o Under Yasser Arafat, and after the 1967 Arab Israeli War, Fatah
Palestinian state in Israel's place.
became the dominant party in the PLO.
• The US, the EU, Israel, etc. have declared o In the early 1990s, it gave up its armed struggle against Israel
Hamas a terrorist organisation. and endorsed a two-state solution to the conflict with Israel.
Background of Israel-Palestine Conflict This gave rise to Hamas.
• Palestinian Authority (PA): The PA was founded in July 1994 by the
• The root of the latest war predates the Oslo Accords as an interim body to govern parts of Gaza and the
establishment of the state of Israel 75 years West Bank (except East Jerusalem) till an agreed solution to the
ago on territory which is also claimed by Israel-Palestine conflict.
Palestinian Arabs as their homeland. o The Oslo Accords between the PLO and the Government of Israel
since 1993 aimed at ending decades of conflict through the
• Palestinians (Arabs) and Israelis (Jews) alike
implementation of the two-State solution.
consider the territory between the Jordan
o The PA functions as an agency of the PLO, which represents
River and the Mediterranean Sea as their Palestinians at international bodies.
own. o It is led by a directly elected president, who appoints a prime
o Central to this conflict is the city of minister and government which must have the support of the
Jerusalem which hold immense elected Legislative Council
significance for Judaism, Islam, and • Currently, the PA controls parts of the West Bank and is headed by
Christianity the three major Abrahamic Mahmoud Abbas, who is also the chief of PLO and Fatah.
religion. The City harbours
✓ Al-Aqsa Mosque (the 3rd holiest Islamic site, believed to be the place from where the Prophet Muhammad
ascended to Heaven).
✓ Western Wall (holiest Jewish Site, located adjacent to the sacred compound known to Jews as Temple
Mount)
✓ Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Central to Christian beliefs, the church marks the place where many Christians
believe Jesus was crucified, entombed, and resurrected).
Possible impacts of the
current war
• Centrality to the
Palestinian cause:
As many Arab
countries
increasingly move
to normalise ties
with Israel, with the
signing of the
Abraham Accord,
many saw the
Palestinian cause
take a back seat in
the Arab-Israeli
conflict.
o The recent
conflict has
reaffirmed that
addressing the
Palestinian
cause vital for
ensuring peace
and stability in
the region.
• Israel-Palestine
relations
o Peace
negotiation: The current conflict may unintentionally strengthen Hamas and weaken Palestinian Authority’s
position in the West Bank. This could negatively impact peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestine.
o Involvement of Israel in Gaza: Back in 2005, the Israelis had chosen to voluntarily leave Gaza in accordance with
a disengagement plan.
✓ However, now the Israeli Prime Minister has said that Israel will have an ‘overall security’ role in Gaza
indefinitely.
• Regional instability: Saudi Arabia suspended talks on potentially normalising ties with Israel.
o Bahrain has also recalled its ambassador from Israel whereas Bolivia officially severed its ties with Israel.
o The added strain on Israel's ties with Egypt and Jordan and Arab countries could impact the prospects of ending
the war early, the release of hostages and prisoners of war.
• Economic: The aftermath of the conflict could impact global and regional economies, already grappling with
Ukraine's war and pandemic stimulus-induced inflation.
o Global Commodity Markets: Escalation could impact oil prices (since OPEC countries contribute to around 32%
of global oil production), disrupting commodity markets.
o Trade: The war may also impact the Suez Canal trade, which is a key maritime route between Asia and Europe
and accounts for 12% of global trade by value.
✓ Escalation in the entire Middle East could jeopardize trade through the Strait of Hormuz, responsible for
20% of global oil trade passage.
✓ Involvement of Iran in the conflict may disrupt trade with landlocked Central Asia, a significant producer of
agriculture, raw materials, and minerals.

o Food supply: Fertiliser movement from
Israel’s Port of Ashdod accounts for 3%
of global potash supply. Any disruption
on this front will also be a dampener.
✓ Escalation may lead to greater food
insecurity in poorer countries.
• Humanitarian Crisis: The war has reportedly
resulted in life-threatening shortages,
impacting water, electricity, fuel, food, and
medical supplies in Gaza while also causing
human causalities.
• Impact on India:
o Economic: India's exports to Israel may
be affected, especially if operations at
Israeli ports are disrupted. Sectors which
will be negatively impacted include
Petrochemicals, Oil Marketing, Paints,
Packaging, Textiles and Chemicals.
o Geostrategic: Normalisation between
Arab countries has opened up unique opportunities India’s stand on Israel Palestine issue
for India to strengthen its global and economic • India has strategic interests in West Asia considering its
position. energy security, presence of diaspora, trade and
investment, etc.
o Connectivity efforts: The war has cast its shadow on
• In backdrop of this, India continues to support two
the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor
state solution.
(IMEC), announced recently by the leaders of India, o At the UN India voted against the partition plan for
Saudi Arabia, the US, and the UAE. Palestine and Israel's admission to the UN.
✓ The corridor aimed to facilitate the transit o India formally recognized Israel in 1950, and
of commerce, energy and data to, from and established full diplomatic relation with it in 1992.
between India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, o From 2017 India is following a ‘de-Hyphenation
Israel and Europe. Policy’ allowing for independent relationships with
both Israel and Palestine.
Conclusion
Mediation between Israel and Hamas may not fully address the conflict's root causes. Resolving issues such as Palestinian
refugees and the status of Jerusalem is essential. Success depends on both parties' willingness to engage in negotiations
and the role of international actors, along with evolving regional dynamics.
2.1.1. YOM KIPPUR WAR

Why in the news?
The attack by Hamas on Israel coincided with the fiftieth anniversary of Yom Kippur War the fourth Arab-Israel war (1973).
Background of the Yom Kippur War
• 1948 - First Arab-Israeli War: Immediately after Israel declared independence, it was attacked by a coalition of Arab
states and Palestinian factions who were against the establishment of the Jewish State and the UN partition plan.
o In the war, Israel gained control of a larger portion of the territory and a large number of Palestinians were
driven from their land.
o This forced expulsion of Palestinian Arabs is referred to as the “Nakba,” or “catastrophe” in Arabic.
• 1956 - Second Arab-Israeli War (Suez War): The Suez War involved Israel, the UK, and France on one side against
Egypt on the other.
o The war marked the decline of British and French influence in the region, paving the way for the United States
to become the most influential power.
• 1967-Third Arab-Israel War (Six-Day War): Israel initiated pre-emptive air strikes and a successful ground offensive.
o Israel took control of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula and Gaza Strip, Jordan’s West Bank and East Jerusalem, and Syria’s
Golan Heights.
o The war ended with a U.N.-brokered ceasefire but reshaped the Middle East map.
o The Arab League passed 'The Three No's' resolution (i.e., no peace with Israel, no recognition of Israel, and no
negotiations with Israel) at a summit in Khartoum.
About Yom Kippur War (Fourth Arab-Israel War)
• In October 1973, a coalition of Arab nations, led by Egypt and Syria, launched a surprise, coordinated attack on Israel
on Yom Kippur, a Jewish holy day.
• Purpose of war: Unlike the previous three wars Egypt and Syria did not go to war in support of the Palestinians, rather
they hoped to reclaim lost territory after Israel's victory in the Six-Day War of 1967.
• Involvement of Superpower: The US supported Israel, and the Soviet Union supported Egypt and Syria, leading to
heightened tensions between these nuclear superpowers.
• Ceasefire Attempts: A ceasefire was achieved with the involvement of the United Nations.
Landmark Peace
Agreements between
Israel and Arabs
• 1978 Camp David
Accords: The Accords
between Egypt and
Israel, mediated by
the US marked a
historic peace treaty
between Israel and
Egypt.
o Officially titled the
"Framework for
Peace in the
Middle East, the
Accords had two
parts.
✓ an Israeli-
Egyptian
agreement
terminating the bilateral dispute between them and
✓ a framework laying down the principles for resolving Israel’s conflict over the Palestinians and its disputes
with other Arab neighbours.
o Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin were awarded the Nobel Prize for
Peace in 1978 for their contributions to the agreements.
• Oslo Accords (1993): Signed between Israel and PLO, these agreements established the Palestinian Authority to
manage West Bank administrative matters.
o In return, the PLO recognized Israel based on a two-state solution.
• Jordan-Israel Peace Treaty (1994): With this Jordan became the second Arab country, after Egypt, to make peace
with Israel. This treaty settled territorial disputes and covered diplomatic relations, economic cooperation, etc.
o Israel acknowledged Jordan's significant historical role in Jerusalem, particularly regarding its Islamic holy sites
and institutions.
• Arab Peace Initiative (2002): Drawn up by Saudi Arabia, the initiative offered Israel normalized relations in exchange
for a Palestinian statehood agreement and a complete Israeli withdrawal from 1967-captured territory.
• Abraham Accords (2020): Israel, the UAE, and Bahrain signed the US-brokered Abraham Accords in 2020. Morocco
and Sudan have also joined the accord (Sudan is yet to sign an agreement with Israel).

o These Accords have two parts: a declaration for Middle East peace and bilateral agreements.
o The declaration recognizes the common ancestry of Arab and Jewish peoples through Abraham.
o It also strives for coexistence, understanding, and respect among people of all faiths and nationalities in the
Middle East.
o The Accords have paved the way for greater regional and multinational cooperation.
✓ For example, formation of the I2U2 Group was established by Israel, India, the UAE, and the United States.
Conclusion
While the peace treaties that followed the Yom Kippur War, particularly the Camp David Accords, were once seen as
landmarks and indicators of regional peace, recent conflicts have prompted questions about their effectiveness in public
discourse.
2.2. INDIA CANADA RELATIONS Five Eyes Intelligence Alliance (FVEY)

• It is an intelligence alliance comprising the US, UK,
Why in the news? Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Canada's assertion that Indian agents were involved in the • It originated from the 1946 UK-USA Agreement for
murder of a pro-Khalistan activist led to diplomatic strain sharing signals intelligence (SIGINT).
• Five Eyes Intelligence Oversight and Review
between the two countries.
Council includes the non-political intelligence
More on the news oversight, review, and security entities of member.
• Canadian Prime Minister accused India of being involved in
the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader who was shot in British Columbia, Canada in June 2023.
• Shared intelligence between the Five Eyes Alliance was considered the basis for such an allegation by Canada.
• Subsequently Canada
followed by India expelled
each-other’s diplomat.
• India further suspended
visa services in Canada,
citing it as a "safe haven for
terrorists," and called for
the withdrawal of 41
Canadian diplomats from
India.
o Canada criticized
India's demand,
alleging a breach of the
Vienna Convention, while India defended it as seeking equal diplomatic representation as per Article 11.1 of the
Convention.
India-Canada relations
India and Canada have a longstanding bilateral relationship based on shared democratic values, the multi-cultural, multi-
ethnic nature of the two countries and strong people-to-people contacts.
• Diaspora: Canada hosts one of the largest Indian Diasporas in the world, accounting for more than 3% of the total
Canadian population
• Economic: Bilateral trade in goods was approximately $ 9.9 billion and in services, it was 6.5 billion in 2022.
• S&T cooperation: The collaboration mainly promotes industrial R&D with a focus on creating new IP, processes,
prototypes, and products.
o Since the 1990s, India and Canada have cooperated in space science. ANTRIX, the Commercial arm of ISRO, has
launched several nanosatellites from Canada.
• Cooperation for energy security: The Civil nuclear agreement of 2010 facilitated Canada to provide uranium for
Indian nuclear reactors as part of the agreement.
o Indian Oil Corporation has a 10% participating interest in a Liquid Natural Gas project in British Columbia.
• Strategic cooperation: Canada’s Indo-Pacific Policy, acknowledges China as a "disruptive global power" and
underscores India as a "critical partner" for collaboration in shared interests.
Challenges in India-Canada relations
• Historical legacy: During the Cold War, Canada was a founding member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
(NATO), while India pursued a policy of Non-Alignment.
o Additionally, Canada endorsed a plebiscite in Kashmir, which ran counter to India's interests.
After India's nuclear tests in 1998, Canada temporarily halted potential nuclear cooperation with India.
• Canada’s immigration system: This enables individuals with a contentious past to acquire citizenship and utilise
that position to engage in activities against other nations.
o This presents a substantial obstacle to upholding robust bilateral relations in today's interconnected global
landscape.
• Domestic Political Factors: The current coalition government in Canada, is with the alliance of parties Pro-
Khalistan parties enabling the particular stand
• Suboptimal economic cooperation: A Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between these
countries is pending since 2010.
o CEPA between them could boost bilateral trade by as much as $6.5 billion, yielding a GDP gain of $3.8 billion
to $5.9 billion for Canada by 2035.
• Meddling in India's domestic affairs: For example, during the farmers’ protests in India, the Canadian PM
expressed his support for the farmers, stating that the situation is a cause for concern.
Possible impacts of the crisis
• Strategic: The Western countries’ response to the ongoing tensions has been relatively restrained, as they view India
as a vital counterbalance to China, thereby overshadowing Canada's strategic interests.
• Economic: In the event of an escalation in the crisis, it might lead to disruptions in bilateral trade, investment flows,
and potentially result in further delays to CEPA.
• Diaspora Connection: The diaspora connection which has the potential to facilitate cultural and economic relations
is currently under strain.
Way ahead
• Promoting Diplomacy: The first step towards improving relations involves pausing the current escalation. Each side
should express their concerns without disrupting the status quo.
o Diplomacy, not expulsions or service suspensions, should be the way forward.
• Managing diaspora relations: Canada should carefully balance the empowerment of immigrant communities.
o It should assess their activities and influence, avoiding undue political or economic sway.
• Responsible freedom of expression: People endorsing violence, separatism, or terrorism should be held accountable
for abuse of freedom of expression.
• Cooperation on counter terrorism: Both countries should collaborate under the Framework for Cooperation on
Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism, established in 2018.
Conclusion
It is important for both sides to develop a new framework of cooperation that is more pragmatic and emphasises
mutually beneficial areas, such as trade, energy etc.
2.3. INDIA SOUTH KOREA

Why in news?
2023 marks 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and South Korea (Republic of Korea or RoK).
India South Korea relations
• Civilisational linkage:
o According to "SamgukYusa or The Heritage History of the Three Kingdoms, a 13th-century text, Princess Suriratna
from Ayodhya married King Kim-Suro in the year 48 AD in Korea.
o Buddhist Monk Hyecho (Hong Jiao) visited India from 723 to 729 AD and documented his journey in the
travelogue "Pilgrimage to the five
kingdoms of India," offering insights into
Indian culture, politics, and society.
o Rabindranath Tagore composed a poem
in 1929 called 'Lamp of the East' that
celebrated Korea's rich history and its
bright future.
• India's Role after World War II:
o Leadership of the UN Commission for
Korean elections in 1947.
o Resolution sponsored by India led to the
Korean War ceasefire in 1953.
o India's chairmanship of the Neutral
Nations Repatriation Commission (NNRC)
after the armistice and contributed to
resolving the humanitarian issues arising
out of the War.
• Diplomatic relation: In 1973 both the
countries established formal diplomatic
relation which was upgraded to ‘Strategic
Partnership’ in 2010 and ‘Special Strategic
Partnership’ in 2015.
o India’s ‘Act East’ policy has guided its
cooperation toward South Korea and the
‘New Southern Policy (NSP) has been South Korea’s regional strategy toward India and ASEAN.
o Both, the Act East Policy and NSP, align in terms of their regional priorities.
• Economic and trade relations:
o Both are signatories to the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) since 2009. Bilateral trade
between both reached US$ 27.8 billion in 2022.
o ‘Korea Plus’ initiative aims to promote and facilitate Korean Investments in India.
o Korea increasingly sees India as a new economic partner due to their aim to reduce over-dependence on China
and the US.
o The two countries aspire to take commerce up to 50 billion USD by 2030.
• Strategic convergence: Both support a rules-based Indo-Pacific and share concerns about China's rise and North
Korea's nuclearization.
o In 2018, India endorsed the "Vancouver Dialogue" to prevent North Korean nuclear proliferation.
o Korea's Indo-Pacific strategy includes India as a key member in the region.
• Defence and security cooperation: The Defense Policy Dialogue, initiated in 2013, was upgraded to a 2+2 Dialogue
(i.e., Foreign and Defence level Ministerial Meetings) in 2019.
o The defense partnership is expanding into joint research, production (like K9 Vajra artillery gun), and
collaboration in areas like cyber, space, and intelligence-sharing.
• Cultural Relations: Sarang, festival of India in Korea is organised every year, to showcase diverse Indian culture and
art forms in various parts of South Korea.
• Indian diaspora: Many Indian scholars pursue post-graduate and Ph.D. programs in Korea, and professionals in IT,
shipping, and automobiles have also migrated to Korea.
Challenges in strengthening India-South Korea relations
• Geographical Gap: Geographical distance has restricted their interactions, with both countries primarily
concentrating on their nearby regions.

• Delayed strategic cooperation: The rivalry of the Cold War limited their interactions in foreign policies. South Korea
perceived India as aligned with the socialist bloc.
o Nevertheless, India pursued a non-alignment policy, maintaining balanced relations with both North and South
Korea in the Korean peninsula.
• Suboptimal cooperation: Limited cooperation results from a lack of strong political intent on both sides. South Korea
often aligning with major powers like the US, while India's regional policies are still developing.
• Untapped economic potential: For example, the CEPA is said to be limited in scope. Intent to revise CEPA was
declared in 2015 but it is yet to concluded.
o India is also facing trade deficit (around $8 billion in 2021-22) due to technical trade barriers, higher import
duties, etc.
Way ahead
• Vision for systematic cooperation: The bilateral relationship has historically emphasized economic projects, but
it is now crucial to forge a more strategic relationship with a focus on the Indo-Pacific Strategy.
o South Korea along with New Zealand and Vietnam have participated in Quad (alliance of Australia, India,
Japan and the US).
o Many experts believe that such cooperation should lead to expansion of Quad as Quad Plus.
• Deepening Economic and Technological Cooperation: Since their core competencies in the economic domain are
different, they could decide on a long-term, win-win framework of cooperation.
o Korea’s aging population and technology could combine with progressive youthful India and make a
manufacturing hub.
o Startups, technology-driven services, and digital trade, semiconductors, etc. have high potential for
collaboration.
• Strengthening of maritime security: Both countries can explore potential for joint HADR exercises, counter-piracy
operations, and maritime domain awareness, enhanced interoperability, etc.
• Developing Regional Synergies: The two Asian giants should also explore third-country cooperation with specific
states in the IOR that need developmental intervention.
o ASEAN and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) are critical platforms that can facilitate both the countries to
engage with a third country.
✓ In ASEAN both nations are dialogue partners whereas IORA India is a founding member and South Korea
has dialogue partner status.
• Multilateral cooperation: Multilateral forums like IORA, ASEAN, and the Indo-Pacific Economic Forum (IPEF) offers
more opportunities for collaboration including collaboration in third country.
o Both can collaborate in supply chain resilience, infrastructure, clean energy, and decarbonization engagement
in third-party countries located in Southeast Asia.
Conclusion
India and South Korea are middle powers and growing economies that need regional stability, and for this, they must
work together. The strategy and partnership should move beyond the normative approach towards a robust and
strengthened bilateral relationship.
2.4. INDIA MALDIVES

Why in the news?
Maldives’ new President-Elect has pitched to end the presence of Indian troops in the islands in accordance with his
pre-poll promise made under "India Out" campaign.
More on the news
• The "India Out" campaign, led by the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), played a pivotal role in its recent electoral
victory against the incumbent MDP.
• The campaign strongly opposed the Indian military's presence in the Maldives, expressing concerns that this
presence might compromise the sovereignty of the Maldives.
• It began in response to India's gift of two Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) in 2010 and 2015.
o These helicopters were provided for purposes like maritime weather surveillance and ocean search-and-rescue
operations.
o Around 70 Indian military personnel maintain India-sponsored radar stations and surveillance aircraft. Indian
warships help patrol Maldives’ Exclusive Economic Zone.
About Maldives
• Maldives' position in the northern Indian Ocean keeps
it in the vicinity of waters patrolled by Indian Navy
warships.
o It is just 70 nautical miles away from India's
Minicoy Island and 300 nautical miles away from
India's Western Coast.
Importance of Maldives for India

• Integral to India’s Neighbourhood first policy: With strong cultural, economic and trade ties for centuries, Maldives
is an important component of India’s Neighbourhood first policy.
o Also Maldives is member of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
• Strategic location: Maldives acts as a strategic link between major Indian Ocean chokepoints including Gulf of Aden,
Strait of Hormuz and Strait of Malacca.
o Location is significant for India whose 95% of trade by volume and 68% of trade by value come via Indian Ocean.
• First line of defence: Due to its proximity to India, Maldives serves as the first line of defense against various maritime
threats such as terrorism, piracy, drug trafficking, and other.
• Reducing influence of China in the IOR: Beyond diplomatic and trade partnerships, China has begun a consistent
military presence in the India Ocean Region (IOR).
• Presence of diaspora: Indian expatriate community have a strong presence in the health and education sector.
Importance of India for Maldives
• Recognition of Maldives: India was among the first to recognize Maldives after its independence in 1965 and to establish
diplomatic relations with the country.
• Amicable Relations: India's ties with the Maldives lack political disputes.
o The 1976 maritime boundary treaty resolved the dispute over Minicoy, with the Maldives recognizing Minicoy as an
integral part of India.
• First responder in crisis: India has been a first responder during various crises, including the
o 1988: military intervention (named Operation Cactus) to prevent a coup,
o 2004: assistance after the tsunami,
o 2014: aid during the water shortage,

o 2020: comprehensive help during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Net Security Provider: As a major maritime power in South Asia, India has a duty to address security concerns in its maritime
neighbourhood
o Maldives views India as a "net security provider" and plays a significant role in India's Security and Growth for all in the
Region (SAGAR) initiative.
Areas of cooperation between India and Maldives
• Bilateral Trade Relations: By 2021, bilateral trade reached $ 323.9 million, with India becoming Maldives' third-
largest trade partner.
• Security & Defence: They have a ‘Comprehensive Action Plan for Defence’ and India meets about 70% of Maldives'
defense training needs
o India also supplies defense-related facilities and equipment including a military hospital, a coastal surveillance
radar system.
o India is building a new coast guard base at Uthuru Thilafalhu (UTF) atoll.
o They engage in joint military exercise (Ekuverin), participate in joint Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief
exercises, and cooperate through the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC).
✓ The CSC was initially created in 2011 as a trilateral maritime security grouping involving India, Sri Lanka, and
Maldives and later extended to Mauritius.
• Development Cooperation: India has established Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Institute for Technical Education,
Faculty of Hospitality & Tourism Studies, National College for Police and Law Enforcement, etc.
o India provides grant to Maldives for High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs).
• Infrastructure Projects: India is supporting airport Redevelopment, roads and land reclamation, etc.
o Greater Male Connectivity Project being developed by India is the Maldives' largest infrastructure project.
o It will involve the construction of a 6.74 km bridge and causeway link connecting the capital, Male to three
adjacent islands.
• Tourism: In 2023, India is the leading source market for Maldives.
o Both the countries have an open skies arrangement and bilateral Agreement on the facilitation of Visa
arrangements grants visa-free entry for tourism, medical and business purposes.
Challenges in relations
• Instability in the country: Maldives civil society is at nascent stage and it faces challenges like religious extremism,
drug abuse, labour market issues, etc. which might affect India's goodwill efforts.
• Anti-India sentiments: The recently elected government is considered to be pro-China and the President elect has
expressed willingness to cancel various agreements with India that were made by the previous government.
• Influence of China: Maldives has emerged as an important “pearl” in China’s “String of Pearls” strategy.
o China could seize opportunities amid domestic political changes to regain lost ground and strengthen its security
and economic foothold, potentially posing a security threat to India.
• Delay in project completion: Historically, India suffers from a negative image of having an implementation problem.
Way ahead
• Allaying anti-India notion: India has to work on perception management in Maldives, and communicate to people
that Indian assistance (like vaccine Maitri) will bring more benefits to people of Maldives.
• Youth employability and entrepreneurship: More than 35%t of Maldives’ population are young people aged 15-35.
Future projects by India must be targeted at youth employability and entrepreneurship in Maldives.
• Early completion of projects: India should ensure efficient project management and oversight and address any
obstacles or challenges that may cause delays.
• Engaging with the new government: India should continue projects it initiated under the previous government, ,
while working out a new approach to engage with current government.
• Focus on India’s strengths: India should provide appealing and substantial alternatives to China's investments that
prioritize building strong people-to-people connections and fostering the development of Maldives.

Conclusion
India’s footprints in Maldives are deep-rooted, both historically and in contemporary relations. Change may occur to some
extent due to the change in leadership in Maldives. However, it is unlikely to alter the fundamentals. India-Maldives shall
cooperate in the spirit of ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and ‘SAGAR’.
2.5. UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL (UNHRC)

Why in the news?
The UN General Assembly elected 15 Member States to the Human Rights Council (HRC) and declined Russia’s bid to
rejoin the same.
More on the News
• The 15 new members were elected by secret ballot according from different regions for the 2024-2026 term.
• Countries need a minimum of 97 votes to get elected.
• Russia was competing against Albania and Bulgaria for two seats representing the East European regional group.
o Russia was ousted from UNHRC after it invaded Ukraine.
• Other countries which got elected under other regional groups include China, Japan, Kuwait Burundi, France, Cuba,
Brazil, etc.
About UNHRC
• HQ: Geneva
• About: It is the principal intergovernmental body within the UN system responsible for strengthening the promotion
and protection of human rights around the globe.
• Genesis: It was created by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in 2006 as its a subsidiary organ replacing the
Commission on Human Rights.
• Council adopted an
‘institution-building
package’, in 2007 to set
up the Council’s
procedures and
mechanisms.
• Institutional structure
o Bureau: It consists of
a President and four
Vice-Presidents who
represent each of the
five regional groups.
It is responsible for
the procedural and
organizational
leadership of the
Council.
o Working groups: It has several working groups studying human rights issues and maintains the Special
Rapporteur projects of the Commission on Human Rights.
o Secretariat: Staff from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) serve as the secretariat
providing its members with technical, substantive and administrative support.
✓ Created by the UNGA in 1993 UN OHCR works to promote and protect the enjoyment and full realization,
by all people, of all human rights.
✓ United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights is accountable to the Secretary-General.
o Observers: Non-member States, inter-governmental organizations, and NGOs.

• Power: It can also establish international commissions of inquiry and fact-finding missions investigating and
responding to human rights violations, to help expose violators and bring them to justice.
o The decisions of the Council are not legally binding.
Criticism of HRC
• Membership criteria:
Many of the Council
seats have been held
by countries with
human rights
concerns, such as Saudi
Arabia, China, and
Syria. Such members
use their position to
block scrutiny of themselves and others.
o Suspension of the membership of States committing human rights violations is also a rare phenomenon.
• Selectivity and politicization: For example, the focus on Israel, highlighted by a dedicated council item since 2007,
raises que stions about selectivity and politicization.
o Also, country-specific mandates are declining and many states allege they unfairly target developing countries
• Accessibility barrier: The substantial costs associated with attending HRC’s sessions is a hurdle, particularly for civil
society and human rights defenders in the Global South.
o Concerns persist regarding inability to adequately address participation needs for specific groups, including
children (victims/survivors).
• Participation of civil society: Human rights defenders and NGOs representatives often face interruptions and
reprisals.
o Additionally, the UN NGO Committee is accused of not effectively following the accreditation process for civil
society organizations. This affects the credibility of these organizations.
• Implementation Deficiencies:
o Non-binding recommendations: Countries with poor human rights records can easily dismiss recommendations
from the UPR since they are non-binding.
o Tendency to vote in blocs: The tendency for blocs, such as the Organization of the Islamic Conference and Africa,
to vote collectively weakens the Council's ability to address each issue individually.
Way ahead
• Enhancing credibility: There is a need for deeper scrutiny of candidate countries and of the human rights records of
Council Members throughout their terms.
o A Council Member State violating human rights should be given a set timeframe to comply with its membership
obligations. Failure to do so may result in the suspension of their membership.
• Enhancing accessibility: States should consider creating funds or offering technical assistance to civil society
organizations, helping them actively participate in the Council.
o Adopt a zero-tolerance policy on reprisals, harassment and intimidation against civil society and human rights
defenders to make the Council a safe space for their engagement.
• Accreditation of civil society: Revamp the UN NGO Committee's accreditation system by moving it from diplomats to
qualified professional experts.
• Enhancing effectiveness in functioning:
o Proactive approach: Reduce the time between country visits and report presentations at the Council.
✓ If early signs of severe human rights violations are detected, expedite consideration through informal
briefings or urgent debates to fulfil the Council's preventive mandate.
o Cooperative approach: Make human rights standards central to the planning and delivery of all UN operations.
✓ Foster a closer relationship between the HRC, UN Security Council (UNSC) and regional human rights bodies.

• Enhancing visibility: Better communicate Council mechanism, and outcomes to a wide range of stakeholders working
at the local, national and regional levels.
2.6. SOUTH CHINA SEA

Why in the News?
Philippines has removed a floating barrier
installed by China which blocked Philippines
fishing boats from entering a contested area in the
South China Sea.
More about the news
• Earlier China installed a floating barrier near
a lagoon in the Scarborough Shoal claiming it
as its territory while Philippines claims it to be
a part of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
Background of South China Sea dispute

• While the Sea lies south of the Mainland
China, its littoral states include the countries of Brunei, Nine Dash Lines:
Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. • It is a U-Shaped line that was adopted from Chinese
• China claims around 90% of the region as its EEZ based map of 1940’s which represents the Chinese claim over
on the Nine-dash lines, which it introduced in 1947 the region. It accounts for around 90% of the total
through historical claims over the Paracel and Spratly South China sea.
• Till 1952, it was Eleven dash lines and the Communist
Islands in the region.
China gave up its claim on Gulf of Tonkin.
o Meanwhile the littoral states also claim for their
respective shares in the EEZ and the islands
based on their history.
• China to uphold its influence started creating
artificial islands across the region and has
constructed ports, military installations, and
airstrips in them.
• Philippines moved the issue to the Permanent
Court of Arbitration (PCA) at The Hague.
• The court issued its ruling in favour of
Philippines under United Nations Convention on
Law of the Seas (UNCLOS) in 2016, which the
China has refused to acknowledge till date.
Significance of South China Sea:
• Maritime trade: The region is one of the busiest
sea routes of the world and more than 60% of
the global trade passes through this sea.
o Approximately $ 3.37 trillion worth of trade
passed through the South China Sea in 2016.
o Indian vessels need to cross them safe and
secure to reach the Pacific nations.
o Nearly 55% of India’s trade with the Indo-
Pacific region passes through these waters.

• Natural Reserves: The region is said to host vast reserves of Oil, Natural Gas, Coral Lime, high Silicate, Sand, quality
Gem, natural pearls.
o ONGC Videsh Limited (ONGC-VL) along with PetroVietnam is exploring for Oil reserves in the region, which
could help to secure India's energy needs
• Fishing grounds: The sea is warm throughout the year and is considered as one of the major commercial fishing
regions of the world.
• Numerous uninhabited islands: The region hosts numerous uninhabited islands, which could also be used a ports,
military bases, research avenue etc.
• Freedom of Navigation: Acknowledging the claims of China will affect the freedom of navigation in the region,
which may set a wrong precedent for such claims in other parts of the world too.
• Act east policy: The countries being bullied by China in the region are members of the ASEAN grouping, with
which India has various economic and strategic ties.
Way Forward
• By achieving a Code of Conduct in the region: The stalled code of conduct negotiation process since 2018, should be
revived and a code for the region should be established.
• Practicing Sustainable fishing: Excessive fishing in the region should be controlled and the practice of sustainable
fishing should be followed collectively among all the littoral states.
• Establishing Trans boundary Maritime Peace Parks (MPP): MPP’s similar to the Red Sea MPP established between
Israel and Jordan, to be established to foster cooperation and peace between countries and to conserve ecosystems.
• Stalling artificial island projects: The creation of new artificial islands, which tends to cause severe ecological damages
should be stalled.
• Ensure Freedom of passage: uninterrupted Freedom of passage should be ensured to all civilian and trade vessels
crossing the region.
2.7. NAGORNO-KARABAKH REGION

Why in the News?
Recently, Azerbaijan launched an “anti-terrorist”
offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh and claimed to have
regained full control over the region.
More about News
• Earlier in December 2022, the Lachin Corridor was
blockaded by Azerbaijan, causing severe shortages
of essential goods including food, fuel and water in
Nagorno-Karabakh.
o Lachin Corridor is a 5 km long corridor
connecting the conclave to Armenia.
About Nagorno-Karabakh Conclave
• Nagorno-Karabakh is a mountainous region which
is claimed by both Armenia and Azerbaijan.
• However, its 1.2 lakh population is predominantly ethnic Armenian, having close cultural, social, and historical ties
with Armenia.
• Historical Background of the Conflict
o The region has seen conflicts of influence between regional powers since the medieval period — imperial Russia,
the Ottoman Empire (modern-day Turkey) and the Persian Empire (Iran).
o Era of Soviet Union:
✓ When Czarist Russia gave way to the Soviet Union in 1921, Nagorno-Karabakh was part of the Azerbaijan SSR
(Soviet Socialist Republic).
✓ In 1923, USSR established the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast (province) within the Azerbaijan
Soviet Socialist Republic.
✓ When the Soviet Union was dissolved in 1991 and Armenia and Azerbaijan achieved statehood, Nagorno-
Karabakh officially declared independence.
• War between Armenia and Azerbaijan:
o First War: Tension started in 1988, with its regional legislature passing a resolution declaring its intention to join
Armenia.
✓ In 1994, Russia brokered a ceasefire known as the Bishkek Protocol.
✓ This made Nagorno-Karabakh de facto independent with a self-proclaimed government in Stepanakert.
o Second War: Started in 2020, this time Azerbaijan managed to wrest control of the territory around Nagorno-
Karabakh. India’s Stand
✓ Russia again brokered a deal but Azerbaijan • In 2020, after the conflict broke out, India stated that any
wanted more concessions and no peace lasting resolution of the conflict can only be achieved
deal was inked. peacefully through diplomatic negotiations.
• Initiatives to Maintain Peace in the region India’s interest in the Region
o The Minsk Group, co-chaired by Russia, the • Connectivity: Armenia is a crucial player in the planned
U.S., and France, was created by the International North-South Transportation Corridor.
Organisation for Security and Cooperation in • Geo-political interest: In 2017, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and
Europe (OSCE) in early 1990s to arrive at a Pakistan, established security cooperation.
peaceful resolution for Nagorno-Karabakh. • Trade: India’s trade relation with Armenia is 134.1 USD
million (2022-2023) and with Azerbaijan 1.882 USD billion in
✓ Madrid Principles by Minsk group
2022.
suggested that giving control of seven
Karabakh districts to Azerbaijan, Self-governance to the region, etc.
✓ However, they were not accepted, even after another modifications in 2011.
Conclusion
Diplomatic negotiations can be an effective way to resolve conflicts. The Minsk Group can learn from the India-Bangladesh
enclave exchange of 2015, to suggest some concrete steps to solve the dispute and bring the peace permanently in the
region.
2.8. NEWS IN SHORTS

2.8.1. INDIA UAE SIGN RUPAY DOMESTIC
CARD SCHEME (DCS) AGREEMENT
• NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and Al
Etihad Payments (AEP) signed a strategic partnership
agreement for implementation of DCS in the UAE.
o NIPL is a wholly-owned subsidiary of National
Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
o NIPL strives to assist other countries in
establishing their own cost-efficient, and secure
payment systems.
• The partnership will seek to diversify payment options,
reduce transaction costs, and enhance the UAE's
global competitiveness in the payments industry.
o UAE’s DCS aims to accelerate the growth of e-
commerce and digital transactions, advance
financial inclusion, and align with the UAE's
ambitious digitization agenda. • About RuPay cards
o DCS solution provided by NIPL consists of a RuPay o RuPay cards are India’s indigenous card payment
stack and value-added services like fraud network provided by the NPCI.
monitoring services and analytics, o They have debit, credit, and prepaid propositions.
o They make up more than 60% of total cards issued
in India.
o They are issued through public sector, private,
and small banks.
2.8.2. INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT

(ICC)
• Armenia's Parliament voted to join the International
Criminal Court.
• Reasons for India not signing and ratifying CTBT

o CTBT did not insist on a complete disarmament.
o As a party to the CTBT, India cannot test and
develop nuclear weapons whereas China would
retain its arsenal as per the NPT.
2.8.4. UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION

AGAINST TRANSNATIONAL ORGANISED
CRIMES (UNTOC)
• 20th Anniversary of (UNTOC) celebrated in Italy.
Transnational organized crime defined as illegal
activities, conducted by groups or networks acting in
concert, by engaging in violence, corruption, etc for
financial or material benefit in two or more countries.
2.8.3. COMPREHENSIVE NUCLEAR TEST • UNTOC was adopted by UN General Assembly in 2000
BAN TREATY (CTBT) and entered into force in 2003.
o It is the first comprehensive and global legally
• Russia indicated towards revoking its Ratification of binding instrument to fight transnational
the (CTBT). It says that withdrawal from ratification of organized crime.
nuclear weapons test ban treaty aims to place Russia • Convention is further supplemented by three
on ‘equal footing’ with the US, which has signed but not Protocols:
ratified the pact.
o The US has not ratified the CTBT by citing the
difficulty in verifying whether or not participant
States meet the rules of the Treaty.
• CTBT is a multilateral treaty which prohibits any
nuclear weapon test explosion or any other nuclear
explosion anywhere in the world.
o It bans all nuclear explosions, whether for military
or peaceful purposes.
• The treaty was opened for signature in September
1996 and has been signed by 187 nations and ratified
by 178.
• The treaty cannot formally enter into force until it is
ratified by 44 specific nations, eight of which have yet
to do so: China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, Israel,
Iran, Egypt, and the United States.
• Countries must become parties to the Convention itself • About IORA
before they can become parties to any of the Protocols. ○ It is an Inter-governmental organisation
• Members: Signatories-147 and Parties-191. (India established in 1997, based on vision of Nelson
ratified it in 2011). Mandela.
• India’s initiatives ○ It aims to strengthen regional cooperation and
o Central Bureau of Investigation is the national sustainable development within Indian Ocean
Nodal Authority to receive and respond for region (IOR).
transnational crimes. ○ It has 23 members (witin IOR).
o Criminal Law Amendment Act, 2013 has been ○ CoM which meets annually is apex body
enacted wherein human trafficking has specifically ○ 6 Priority areas with 2 cross cutting issues
been defined. including maritime safety and security; fisheries
management; disaster risk management; etc.
2.8.5. ASIA-PACIFIC INSTITUTE FOR ○ ‘Special fund’ supports projects and programs.
BROADCASTING DEVELOPMENT ○ ‘IORA’s outlook on Indo pacific’ calls for
adherence 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the
• India was reelected as president of AIBD for third
Sea and other relevant UN treaties.
successive term. ○ Comprises
• AIBD, headquartered in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), ✓ 1/3rd of world’s population
was established in 1977 under United Nations ✓ 80% of global oil trade
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation ✓ Produces ~$1 trillion in goods and services
(UNESCO). ✓ Intra-IORA trade is around $800 billion.
○ International Telecommunication Union (ITU), ○ Importance for India:
UN Development Programme (UNDP) are also ✓ Avenue to keep out big-power rivalries
its founding organisations. including China from IOR.
• It has 26 Government Members countries including ✓ Less contentious space for regional
India represented by their 48 broadcasting cooperation India since Pakistan is not a
authorities. member.
• It envisages to achieve a vibrant electronic media
environment in the region.
• Functions:
○ To establish inter-regional links and
cooperation for media and communications
development
○ A think-tank for the development of regional
programming
2.8.6. INDIAN OCEAN RIM ASSOCIATION’S

(IORA)
• IORA Council of Foreign Ministers (COM) meeting held
in Colombo (Sri Lanka).
• Key highlights of the meeting.
○ ‘Strengthening Regional Architecture: Reinforcing
Indian Ocean Identity’ was theme of meeting. 2.8.7. INTER-PARLIAMENTARY FORUM
○ ‘Colombo Communique and ‘IORA Vision 2030 (IPU)
and Beyond’ was adopted.
• Ninth P20 Summit will be hosted by the Parliament of
○ Saudi Arabia was formally welcomed as 11th
India in cooperation with IPU in New Delhi.
Dialogue Partner.
o P20 Summit is an annual gathering of G20
○ IORA Chairship was transferred from Bangladesh
Parliament Speakers discussing global issues.
to Sri Lanka for 2023-2025.
✓ India will take chairship during 2025-2027.

3. ECONOMY
3.1. CONTRIBUTIONS OF M S SWAMINATHAN
Why in the News?
Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan, popularly known as
M.S. Swaminathan, the legendary agricultural scientist passed
away recently.
About M.S. Swaminathan
• A plant geneticist, he is regarded as the father and key
architect of India’s green revolution and is also often
referred to as the “Farmers’ Scientist”.
• He was the recipient of the first World Food Prize in 1987
for his leadership in India’s Green Revolution.
• He is also a recipient of Padma Vibhushan, the Ramon
Magsaysay Award and several other national and
international recognitions.
Scientific contributions of M S Swaminathan
• Genetic Research: He worked on breeding programs to
develop crop varieties that were not only high yielding but also resistant to pests and diseases.
o His efforts led to the creation of several new crop varieties that were better suited to the Indian climate and
agricultural conditions.
• Rice varieties: At the Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), Cuttack, Swaminathan worked in the indica–japonica rice
hybridization programme to develop fertilizer-responsive, high-yielding and short-stature varieties of rice to replace
locally available, tall and low-yielding varieties.
o The work resulted in varieties like ADT27, and RASI. Varieties developed under this project directly contributed
to the Green Revolution in India.
o Under his guidance, the scientists genetically engineered the salinity-tolerance genes of a mangrove species
(Avicennia marina) into the cultivated rice plant.
o He initiated a rice breeding programme to transfer the non-lodging plant type to basmati strains, leading to
release of Pusa Basmati.
• Wheat varieties: He then shifted his focus to wheat from rice. During that time, all local wheat varieties were tall,
and these ‘lodged’ (i.e. fell flat on the ground) when their earheads were full of heavy grains.
o None of the varieties of the cultivated wheat had the ‘genes’ for dwarfing the height of the plants without
reducing yield.
o New Mexican wheat dwarf variety containing Norin Genes were developed by Norman Borlaug, an American
agronomist, and scientists at the International Rice Research Institute.
o He identified the potential of Mexican wheat dwarfs which are dwarf, resistant to diseases and also high-yielding.
o With help of Borlaug and additional research on these wheat varieties, he developed ‘Sonalika’ and ‘Kalyan Sona’
varieties.
• Potato hybrid: He developed a frost-resistant potato variety called ‘Alaska Frostless’.
• Participatory Breeding: He also fostered ‘participatory breeding’ in which farmers are assisted to develop new locally
adapted varieties.
Contribution in Economic Ecology
He has been described by the United Nations Environment Programme as “the Father of Economic Ecology” because of
his leadership of the ever-green revolution movement in agriculture.
• Evergreen Revolution: He concentrated his efforts on an “evergreen” revolution, which he defined as “improvement
of productivity in perpetuity without ecological harm”.
• Approach: It is based on appropriate blend of different approaches such as organic farming, green agriculture, eco-
agriculture and agriculture based on effective micro-organisms.
o He advocated for a “do-ecology” approach to ensure that ecologically sustainable farming technologies become
available.
o He proposed idea of 4Cs - Conservation, Cultivation, Consumption and Commercialization for reconciling
conservation and development in the sphere of farming activities.
• Technological adoption: He advocated for harnessing the best in frontier technologies and blending them with our
rich heritage of ecological prudence.
o He promoted sustainable agriculture and rural development using innovative paradigms such as ecotechnology-
based biovillages and modern information and communication-based Village Knowledge Centres (VKCs).
Policy and Institutional Contributions of M S Swaminathan & its relevance till today
• National Commission on Farmers (NCF): NCF was formed under the chairmanship of Swaminathan.
o One of its major recommendations is that Minimum Support Price (MSP) should be at least 50% more than the
weighted average cost of production.
o It also recommended formation of VKCs, conservation farming, soil testing laboratories, expansion of credit
system and public distribution system.
• M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF): He used the funds he received from World Food Prize to open a
research center, MSSRF, in Chennai, India, in 1988.
• Protection of plant varieties: He played a pivotal role in developing the ‘Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’
Right Act 2001’ as India’s response to its obligation to provide sui generis protection to plant varieties under TRIPS.
• Food Security: He suggested two steps for integrating nutrition in farming:
o A genetic garden of biofortified plants to introduce farmers to plants which can provide them with the needed
micronutrients and proteins.
o Community hunger fighters, well versed with the malnutrition problems of the area as well as the methods to
overcome them.
• Disaster Management: He advocated for adoption of concepts of "drought code", “flood code” and "good weather
code", indicating the proactive measures that need to be taken.
• Research institutions: He helped in establishment of several institutions which include:
o International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) at Patancheru, near Hyderabad
o International Board for Plant Genetic Resources (IBPGR) in Rome (now known as Biodiversity International)
o International Council for Research on Agro-Forestry (ICRAF) in Nairobi
o International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) in New Delhi
• Five-year plans: He played a key role in shaping the Sixth Five Year Plan (1980–1985) where, for the first time, he
introduced two new chapters, one on ‘Women and development’ and another on ‘Environment and development’.
• UN Millenium Project: He co-chaired the UN Millennium Project, which in early 2005 developed clear targets and a
practical plan for reducing poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation, and discrimination against
women, to be achieved over the following decade.
Conclusion
MS Swaminathan championed the cause of farmers, ensuring that the fruits of scientific innovation reach the roots of our
agricultural expanse, fostering growth, sustainability, and prosperity for generations to come. His ideas, research and
vision for Indian agriculture still guides the policymakers to create a resilient, self-sufficient, and scientific agriculture
ecosystem.
3.2. INDIAN COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH (ICAR)

Why in the News?
Recently, International Research Conference on ‘From research to impact: Towards Just and Resilient Agri-Food
Systems’, hosted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Consultative Group on International
Agricultural Research (CGIAR) GENDER Impact Platform was inaugurated.

Role of ICAR towards better and
resilient agri-food systems
• Crop varieties: Played a
pioneering role in ushering
Green Revolution through
developing new high yielding
varieties of different crops:
o Rice varieties like Jaya
(first rice variety released
in India), Swarna, Pusa
Basmati 1121, (world’s
longest basmati rice),
Wheat varieties like HD
2967, DBW 187, HD 3086
etc, Fruit varieties like
Amrapali, Pomegranate
Bhagwa etc.
• Seed programs: ICAR
deposited seeds in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault as safety duplicates.
• Genomics: Helped establish the National Gene Bank in New Delhi, (second largest gene bank in the world), having
more than 450 thousand indigenous and exotic accessions of crop species and a large cryopreservation bank.
o ICAR partnered in the global genome sequencing of rice, wheat, tomato and potato and independently
sequenced the genome of pigeonpea, jute, mango and fishes.
• Integrated Farming: Promotion of Integrated Farming System with its added advantage of waste recycling, climate
resilience and risk minimization.
o Developed models of agro-forestry to promote agri-horti, agri-silvi and silvipastoral systems for raising farmers’
income.
o Improving productivity of indigenous breeds of cattle through field progeny testing and selection. Indigenous
breeds include Sahiwal cow, Tharparkar bull, Gir cattle, Banni buffalo and Kankrej cow.
o Improved poultry farming with increasing productivity of desi birds such as CARI Nirbheek, Kadaknath,
Ankaleshwar etc.
• Health: Vaccines and diagnostics developed by ICAR contributed to improved health management and enhanced
livestock productivity.
o Animal diseases namely Rinderpest, contagious bovine pleura-pneumonia, African horse sickness and Dourine
eradicated from the country.
• Climate Smart Farming: It is being promoted through rainwater harvesting, community ponds, climate resilient
varieties such as Rati ML 365, Pigeonpea BRG 1, BRG 2 and BRG 5, and hydroponic cropping.
• Bio-technology solutions: ICAR undertook crop biofortification to tackle malnutrition. Biofortified crops include
Solapur Lal (first biofortified pomegranate variety), Groundnut Girnar 4 and 5, Pusa Double Zero Mustard 31 (first
canola quality Indian mustard variety) etc.
o Developed Pusa decomposer for in situ and ex situ crop residue decomposition to mitigate residue burning
problems.
o India developed first cloned buffalo in the world and Pratham, the world’s first in-vitro fertilized buffalo calf.
• Blue Revolution: Promoted cage culture – a low volume high density fish farming system - which raised per unit
productivity.
o ICAR developed Ecosystem Health Index (EHI) to monitor coastal ecosystem, identified biofence to mitigate
effects of ocean pollution and intensified identification of invasive alien species.
o ICAR is working towards development of coldwater fisheries sector in all the Himalayan states.
• Agricultural mechanization: Developed technologies in agricultural engineering including millet mill, drone remote
sensing, mulch laying machine etc.

Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)
• Established in 1971, it is a strategic partnership of donors that support 15
international research centres, working in collaboration with government,
civil society organizations and private businesses.
• CGIAR is a global research partnership for a food-secure future dedicated to
transforming food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis.
• It focuses on five impact areas (see image).
3.3. NATIONAL TURMERIC BOARD

Why in the News?
Government of India has notified establishment of a National Turmeric Board in the state of Telangana.
About National Turmeric Board
• Key Objectives of the board
o Create demand in domestic and international markets through promoting new product and value addition.
o Create and improve infrastructure and logistics for exports of turmeric and turmeric products.
o Ensure quality and safety standards across the supply chain of turmeric.
o Document the traditional knowledge related to use of turmeric and its applications.
o Encourage studies, clinical trials and research on medicinal, health and wellness enhancing properties of
turmeric.
• The Board is to consist of
o A Chairperson, selected by the Central Government
o Four members to represent the Ministries of Commerce, Agriculture, Ayush, and Pharmaceuticals
o Eight other members related to Turmeric value chain.
o The proposed board is to work under the aegis of Ministry of Commerce
Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) in India
• India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of turmeric in the world.
• Key Features:
o Tropical plant belonging to the ginger family (Zingiberaceae)
o Temperature range: 20 to 35 °C
o Rainfall: 1500 mm or more
o Soil: Well drained red loamy soil
o Duration: Rhizomes are harvested 9 to 10 months after planting
o It contains a natural active ingredient called “Curcumin” which gives the turmeric its colour and has antioxidant
and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Cultivation: Turmeric is cultivated in an area of 3.24 lakh ha in India with a production of 11.61 lakh tonnes which
amounts to over 75% of global turmeric production
o More than 30 varieties of Turmeric are grown in India and the largest Turmeric producing states are
Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
• Bangladesh, UAE, USA and Malaysia are the main export markets of Indian turmeric whose value if expected to
reach $ 1 Billion by 2030.
Conclusion
The establishment of a separate board not only adheres to the decade long demand of the Turmeric farmers in India, but
also has opened the avenues for India to get a strong hold of the turmeric exports in the international market
3.4. NOBEL PRIZES 2023
Why in the News?
Nobel Prizes for 2023 were announced
recently.
About Nobel Prize
• The Nobel Prize is an international award
administered by the Nobel Foundation in
Stockholm, Sweden, and based on the last
will of Alfred Nobel (in 1895).
○ Alfred Nobel, a Swedish inventor, and
entrepreneur, is popularly known for
inventing dynamite, blasting cap, and
smokeless gunpowder.
• Categories: Instituted in 1901, the prize is
awarded annually from the bulk of fortune
left by Alfred Nobel in five categories:
Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or
Medicine, Literature and Peace -
conferred to people for the greatest
benefit to humankind in preceding year.
○ The sixth category, the Nobel Prize in
Economic Sciences, was instituted in
1968 by the Royal Bank of Sweden and
was first awarded in 1969.
• What do the winners receive?:
○ A Nobel diploma, each of which is a
unique work of art;
○ A Nobel medal;
○ A cash prize of 10 million Swedish
kronor. (They have to deliver a lecture
to receive the money).
• Who awards the prizes?
○ The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awards the Nobel Prize in Physics, Chemistry and Economics.
○ The Nobel Prize in Literature is awarded by the Swedish Academy, Stockholm, Sweden.
○ The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden awards the Nobel Prize in Medicine
(Physiology).
○ The Norwegian Nobel Committee is responsible for the selection of eligible candidates and the choice of the
Nobel Peace Prize laureates.
• Prize winners are called laureates, to signify the laurel wreath given to victors of contests in ancient Greece. More
than one, but no more than three, people can win each prize.
• The Nobel statutes prohibit the judges from discussing their deliberations for 50 years.
Kindly note that, Nobel Prize in Chemistry, Physics and Medicine have been covered under Science and Technology
section. Nobel Prize in Literature and Nobel Peace Prize are covered under Culture and Social Issues sections
respectively.
3.4.1. NOBEL PRIZE IN ECONOMICS: WOMEN IN LABOUR FORCE
Why in the News?
The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel 2023 has been awarded to Claudia Goldin
for advancing understanding of women’s labour market outcomes.
More on News
• Over the past century, the proportion of women in paid work
has tripled in many high-income countries. This is one of the
biggest societal and economic changes in the labour market in
modern times, but significant gender differences remain.
• Claudia Goldin’s research has given us new and often
surprising insights into women’s historical and contemporary
roles in the labour market.
Status of Gender Differences
• Global Status: Globally, around 50% women are in paid
employment, while the equivalent figure for men is 80%.
o In South Asia, only around 25% of women participate in
labour market.
• Status in India: In India, the labour force participation rate
among females is 24% and among males is 73.6% for 2022.
o Vulnerable employment (forms of self-employment associated with lower labour income and low job security)
among women is 77.3% and among men is 72.9% in India for 2021.
• U-shaped relationship: There is a posited U-shaped relationship between development (proxied by GDP per capita)
and female labour force participation.
o Women’s labour force participation is high for the poorest countries (higher share of agriculture), lower for
middle income countries, and then rises again among high income countries.
• Earnings Gap: When women work, they usually earn less. In India, the gender earnings gap is most skewed amongst
self-employed workers.
o In India, the earnings gap has reduced, and women earned 76% of what men did in 2017, compared to 70% in
2004. Since then, the gap has remained constant till 2021-22.
• Opportunities: Women are less likely to
work in formal employment and have
fewer opportunities for business expansion
or career progression.
Factors influencing female labour force
participation
• U-shaped curve: Previously, it was
concluded that there was a clear positive
association between economic growth and
the number of women in paid employment.
o Goldin’s U-curve demonstrated that
there is no historically consistent
association between women’s
participation in the labour market and
economic growth.
• Social norms: Legislation or customs known
as “marriage bars” often prevented
married women from continuing their employment despite increased demand for labour.
o Also, women often left the workforce for an extended period after marriage. This influenced their decisions
regarding education choices which determined job opportunities they could have at a later stage in life.
• Technological innovations: Innovation of the contraceptive pill resulted in women delaying marriage and childbirth,
thus increasing their education and career prospects.
o However, this did not mean that the earnings gap between women and men completely disappeared, though
it has become significantly smaller since the 1970s.
• Monthly pay system: Despite economic growth, increasing education levels among women and a doubling in the
proportion of women working for pay, the earnings gap essentially stayed the same between 1930 and 1980.
o This was partially due to abandoning of piecework contracts (paid in relation to their productivity) and adoption
of modern pay systems (monthly wages).
• Parenthood effect: Women taking greater responsibility than men for childcare (care economy) makes their career
progression and earnings increases more difficult.
o Many sectors of contemporary labour markets expect employees to be constantly available and flexible in the
face of employer’s demands, which is difficult after childbirth.
Way forward- Reducing gender differences in the workforce Measures taken for reducing gender gap in India
• Assessment: Policymakers who want to affect these • Code on Social Security 2020: Enhancement in paid
differences must first understand why they exist. maternity leave to 26 weeks, mandatory crèche
• Collective action: Collective, coordinated and bold action facility in the establishments having 50 or more
by private- and public-sector leaders will be instrumental employees, permitting women workers in the night
in accelerating progress towards gender parity. shifts with adequate safety measures, etc.
• Code on Occupational Safety, Health and Working
• Investment: Investments in providing women equal access
Conditions (OSH), 2020: Employment of women in
to information, education and healthcare reaps large the aboveground mines including opencast workings
dividend in terms of gender parity. and in below ground working in technical, supervisory
o Brazil introduced the Emergency Aid cash transfer and managerial work where continuous presence may
program early in the pandemic, which provided double not be required.
the benefits to women-led households, decreasing • Code on Wages 2019: No discrimination in an
poverty rate. establishment among employees on the ground of
• Congenial environment: Reforms to taxation, public gender.
spending, financial infrastructure and regulations, as well • Training and skill development: Training to women
as labour markets that removes institutional barriers. through a network of Women Industrial Training
institutes, National Vocational Training Institutes and
o In Norway, the expansion of universal childcare
Regional Vocational Training Institutes.
increased the likelihood of mothers’ employment by
32 percentage points.
• Tackling biases and social norms: Gender-based discrimination in social institutions costs the world economy $6
trillion according to OECD.
o Such costs can be reduced through social and legal actions such as curbing underage marriage, criminalizing
domestic violence, and increasing the number of elected female officials.
• Access to microfinance: An International Growth Centre (IGC) project in India found that greater access to
microfinance loans led to a significant increase in female labour force participation – with the effect driven by self-
employment and not by salaried jobs.
3.5. NEWS IN SHORTS

3.5.1. PERIODIC LABOUR FORCE SURVEY working or seeking or available for work) in the
population.
(PLFS) REPORT 2022-2023
o Worker Population Ratio (WPR): Percentage of
• Launched by National Sample Survey Organization employed persons in the population.
(NSSO) in 2017, the key objective of PLFS is to estimate o Unemployment Rate (UR): Percentage of persons
the key employment and unemployment indicators unemployed among the persons in the labour
(viz. LFPR, WPR, UR) annually: force.
o in the short time interval of three months for the o Activity Status: It is determined on the basis of the
urban areas only in ‘Current Weekly Status’ (CWS) activities pursued by the person during the
and specified reference period (preceding the date of
o in both ‘Usual Status’ and CWS in both rural and survey).
urban areas annually. ✓ Usual Status: Reference period is 365 days.
• Key Indicators used in PLFS: ✓ Current Weekly Status (CWS): reference
o Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): period is 7 days.
Percentage of persons in the labour force (i.e.
3.5.3. TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT
REPORT 2023
• United Nations Conference on Trade and
Development (UNCTAD) released Trade and
3.5.2. BOND YIELD Development Report 2023.
• Key Findings of the Report:
• Recently, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) decision for Open
o The report discusses the current state of the
Market Operation (OMO) sale of government
securities (G-Sec) triggered a spike in bond yields to
global economy and highlights several
their highest level in FY 2023-24. challenges.
o RBI uses OMOs in order to adjust the rupee o Global Economic Outlook
liquidity conditions in the market on a durable ✓ The world economic growth is projected to
basis. be 2.4% in 2023.
• A bond is a debt instrument in which an investor loans ✓ The entire global economy, except East and
money to an entity (typically corporate or government) Central Asia, has slowed since 2022.
which borrows the funds for a defined period of time ✓ Worrying trends are poorer nations’
at a variable or fixed interest rate. indebtedness, slower growth in major
o Bonds are used by companies, municipalities, regions, and inadequate multilateral
states and sovereign governments to raise money response.
to finance a variety of projects and activities. o India's Economic Projections
o A G-Sec is a tradeable instrument issued by the ✓ India’s economic growth is forecasted to be
Central Government or the State Governments. It 6.6% (in 2023) and 6.2% (in 2024).
acknowledges the Government’s debt obligation. ✓ In India, the external sector alongside the
o Such securities are short term (usually called private and government sectors has
treasury bills, with original maturities of less than contributed to domestic growth.
one year) or long term (usually called Government ✓ Concerns highlighted for India are the
bonds or dated securities with original maturity of unemployment rate of 8.5% in June 2023,
one year or more).
and rising inequality.
• A bond's yield is the return an investor expects to
• Key recommendations
receive each year over its term to maturity.
o For the investor, the bond yield is a summary of o Financial Sustainability: Central banks should
the overall return that accounts for the remaining strengthen international coordination with a
interest payments and principal they will receive, focus on long-term financial sustainability for the
relative to the price of the bond. private and public sectors.
o The yield is also commonly referred to as an o Social Protection: Increase real wages and
interest rate, or the “cost of borrowing” to an strengthen comprehensive social protection
issuer. programs.
• If market interest rate levels rise, the price of a bond o Energy Transition Agreements: Agreements
falls. Conversely, if interest rates or market yields within the G20, the WTO, the IMF, and the World
decline, the price of the bond rises. Bank should be made to facilitate the energy
• The yield of a bond is inversely related to its price. transition, technology transfer, and reliable
When the price of a bond falls, yields rise. access to finance for climate adaptation.

o Trade regulation: Internationally, a systemic • The PCA Framework for non-banking financial
approach to regulating commodity and food companies (NBFCs) was introduced on December 14,
trading needs to be developed. 2021.
o Debt Servicing and Financial Architecture • The Framework has since been reviewed and it has
Reforms: Reforms are needed in the rules and been decided to extend the same to Government
practices of the global financial architecture to NBFCs (except those in Base Layer) with effect from
address the crushing burden of debt servicing. October 1, 2024, based on the audited financials of the
NBFC as on March 31, 2024, or thereafter.
o The base layer is categorised as those Non-
deposit-taking NBFCs, below the asset size of
₹1000.
o The other 3 layers are the Middle Layer, Upper
Layer and Top Layer.
o Some of the major government NBFCs include PFC,
REC, IRFC and IFCI.
• PCA Framework was introduced for NBFCs as these
lenders have grown in size and become systemically
important due to interconnectedness with other
segments of the financial system.
3.5.5. RESERVE BANK OF INDIA

(TREATMENT OF WILFUL DEFAULTERS
AND LARGE DEFAULTERS) DIRECTIONS,
2023 RELEASED
• With these directions, RBI has expanded scope for
regulated entities that can classify borrowers as wilful
defaulters, broadened definition of wilful default, and
refined identification process.
• Key Highlights of Directions
3.5.4. PROMPT CORRECTIVE ACTION
(PCA) FRAMEWORK Applicability • All regulated entities, including banks,
NBFCs, Co-operative Banks, Regional Rural
• RBI to extend PCA supervisory norms to Govt-owned Banks, Local Area Banks, and All India
NBFCs from October 2024. Financial Institution (AIFI) including NABARD,
• The objective of the PCA framework is to enable SIDBI, EXIM Bank, NHB and NaBFID.
supervisory intervention at the appropriate time and Definition • A wilful defaulter is a borrower or a
requires the supervised entities to initiate and guarantor who has defaulted without being
constrained to do and the outstanding
implement remedial measures in a timely manner so
amount is Rs 25 lakh and above.
as to restore their financial health. • A large defaulter is one whose amount in
default is Rs 1 crore and above.
Review and • Within six months of an account being
finalisation classified as a non-performing asset (NPA).
on wilful • Earlier, there was no specific timeline.
default
Identification • Identification Committee: Wilful defaulter
Process classification after examining evidence from
an identification committee, which will then
issue a show-cause notice.
• Review Committee: Considers the proposal
of the Identification Committee for
classification as a wilful defaulter.
Other • No additional credit facility can be granted
provisions to a wilful defaulter and it remains in effect
for up to 1 year after removal from List of
Wilful Defaulters.
• Lender will be able to proceed against ○ Function: Making recommendations on issues
guarantor even without exhausting the related to implementation of GST
remedies against principal debtor. ○ Decision-making through voting: Decision
requires a 3/4th majority of members present and
3.5.6. CARD-ON-FILE TOKENIZATION
voting.
(COFT) ✓ Centre’s share is 33% of votes cast.
• RBI has introduced new channels for CoFT.
About GST Appellate Tribunals (GSTAT)
• The tokenization process is used to replace card
details by a unique token or code. • GSTAT is a statutory body under the Central GST Act,
• It allows secure online purchases without exposing 2017.
sensitive details like card number, card verification • It is the forum of second appeal in GST laws and the
value (CVV), etc. first common forum of dispute resolution between
• It has been implemented since 2022 and at present, a Centre and States.
CoFT token can only be created through merchant’s ○ It is mandated to hear appeals against orders
application or webpage. passed by Appellate Authority or Revisional
• It is now proposed to introduce CoF token directly at Authority.
the issuer bank level.
• The new step aims to eliminate the duplication of 3.5.8. NATIONAL INVESTMENT AND
tokenization process at each app along with increased INFRASTRUCTURE FUND (NIIF)
transaction security, resulting in reduced card-data- • NIIF has entered into a collaboration with Japan Bank
related frauds. for International Cooperation (JBIC) to unveil a $600
3.5.7. 52 ND GOODS AND SERVICES TAX million India-Japan Fund.
COUNCIL (GST) COUNCIL MEETING HELD o The fund will have JBIC and Government of India as
anchor investors.
• Key recommendation • About NIIF
○ District Mineral Foundations Trusts are o Anchored by the Government of India, it is a
Governmental Authorities and eligible for the collaborative investment platform for
same exemptions from GST. international and Indian investors.
○ Reduction of GST rate from 28% to 5%, on o Three funds have been established by the
molasses. Government under the NIIF platform: Master
✓ It will facilitate faster payments to sugarcane Fund, Fund of Funds and Strategic Opportunities
farmers from sugar mills. Fund.
○ Keep Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA) used for o The objective of NIIF is to invest largely in equity
manufacture of alcoholic liquor for human and equity-linked instruments.
consumption outside GST.
✓ ENA is highly concentrated alcohol and key 3.5.9. IRDAI ISSUED BIMA VAHAK
ingredient for pharmaceuticals, perfumes, GUIDELINES (BHG)
toiletries etc.
○ Qualification of members of GSTAT: Alignment of • The guidelines aim to establish women centric
provisions of the CGST Act, 2017 with Tribunal distribution channel that focuses on enhancing
Reforms Act, 2021 to ensure insurance inclusion and awareness in every village.
✓ Minimum age of President and Member o It also aims to improve the accessibility and
should be 50 years and their tenure should be availability of insurance in every nook and corner
upto age of 70 years and 67 years of the country.
respectively. • The scope of work of Bima Vahaks, besides creating
• About GST Council awareness of insurance in villages, is likely to range
○ It is a constitutional body under Article 279A (101 from filling proposal forms, facilitating KYC process for
Constitution Amendment Act, 2016). customers, issuance of insurance policies, etc.
○ Chairperson: Union Finance Minister • It is a part of IRDAI's strategy to achieve its ‘Insurance
○ Members: for All goal’.
✓ Union Minister of State, in-charge of Revenue
✓ Minister in charge of finance or taxation or any
other Minister nominated by each State
Government
3.5.10. CRITICAL AND STRATEGIC • ISAC recognizes and reward cities, projects and
MINERALS innovative ideas that are promoting sustainable
development across 100 smart cities, and stimulating
• Union Cabinet approved Royalty Rates for Mining inclusive, equitable, healthy and collaborative cities.
three Critical and Strategic Minerals- Lithium, o ISAC has witnessed three editions in 2018, 2019
Niobium, and Rare Earth Elements. and 2020.
• Critical minerals are those minerals that are essential • Top 3 Smart City: Indore, Surat and Agra
for economic development and national security, • Top 3 in State: Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan
judged by two parameters: economic importance, and • Top UT: Chandigarh
supply risk.
• Such royalty rate approval will enable Central 3.5.12. GOA ROADMAP FOR TOURISM
Government to auction blocks for these critical • G20’s Delhi Declaration underlined the significance of
minerals for the first time in the country. ‘Goa Roadmap for Tourism’ as a vehicle to achieve
o Mineral Royalty is economic rent due to the SDGs.
sovereign owner (government) in exchange for o It identifies five priority areas in Tourism - Green
the right to extract mineral substances. Tourism, Digitalization, Skills, Tourism MSMEs,
o Second Schedule of Mines and Minerals and Destination Management.
(Development and Regulation) Act (MMDRA), • Delhi Declaration also noted the launch of ‘Travel for
1957 deals with the royalty rates of minerals. LiFE’ initiative, which nudges tourists and tourist
• If not specified, the royalty rate for minerals is 12% of businesses to take simple actions having tremendous
the Average Sale Price (ASP). Now, approved royalty significance for environment protection and climate
rates for lithium, Niobium, and REE are 3%, 3 %, and 1 action.
%, respectively. • Further, Ministry of Tourism and UN World Tourism
• Presently, India’s mineral royalty rates are among the Organization has launched G20 Tourism and SDG
highest in the world, thus impacting the Dashboard which will serve as a global repository,
competitiveness of sector and putting the economic showcasing best practices and case studies of
burden on mining companies. sustainable tourism practices and policies from G20
• Significance nations.
o Aligning rates with global practices will boost
mining sector investment. 3.5.13. SCHEME FOR REMISSION OF
o Lower royalty rates would encourage future DUTIES AND TAXES ON EXPORTED
mineral exploration in India. PRODUCTS (RODTEP)
o Assist in reducing import dependency, advancing • Ministry of Commerce & Industry announced
self-reliance efforts, and minimizing supply chain extension of RoDTEP support till 30th June 2024.
disruptions.
• About Scheme:
o Introduced as a duty remission scheme on
exports.
o It provides a mechanism for reimbursement of
taxes, duties, and levies, which are currently not
being refunded under any other mechanism.
o Basis: Globally accepted principle that taxes and
duties should not be exported, and taxes and
levies borne on exported products should be
either exempted or remitted to exporters.
o It is WTO-compatible and is being implemented in
an end-to-end IT environment.
3.5.14. AUTOMATIC ‘STATUS HOLDER’

3.5.11. INDIA SMART CITIES AWARDS CERTIFICATES
CONTEST (ISCAC) 2022
• Ministry of Commerce & Industry unveils system-based
• ISAC is organized under Smart Cities Mission by automatic ‘Status Holder’ certificates under Foreign
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Trade Policy 2023.

• Now certificate will be provided by the IT system o Status of Innovation in India:
based on available Directorate General of Commercial ✓ India leads the lower middle-income group
Intelligence and Statistics merchandise export and is stable.
electronic data and other risk parameters. ✓ India continues as record holders by being
o Status Holders are business leaders who have innovation overperformers for a 13th
excelled in international trade and have consecutive year.
successfully contributed to the country’s foreign ✓ The ascent of India in terms of publication
trade. output (ranking 4th in 2022), overtaking the
UK (5th) and Germany (3rd).
✓ India has 4 technology clusters among the top
100 clusters: Bengaluru, Delhi, Chennai and
Mumbai.
3.5.15. PROJECT MARIANA

• Project Mariana was developed jointly by three BIS
Innovation Hub centres (the Swiss, Singapore and
Eurosystem Hub Centres) together with Bank of
France, Monetary Authority of Singapore and Swiss
National Bank.
• The project tested the cross-border trading and
settlement of wholesale central bank digital
currencies (wCBDCs) between financial institutions,
using new decentralised finance (DeFi) technology
concepts on a public blockchain.
o Wholesale CBDC refers to the settlement of
interbank transfers and related wholesale
transactions in central bank reserves.
3.5.16. GLOBAL INNOVATION INDEX (GII)

2023
• India maintains 40th Rank in The Global Innovation
Index (GII) 2023, released by World Intellectual
Property Organization (WIPO).
• The GII is a reliable tool for governments across the
world to assess the innovation-led social and
economic changes in their respective countries.
o It is co-published annually by Cornell University, 3.5.17. MULTILATERAL DEVELOPMENT
INSEAD Business School, and WIPO. BANKS (MDBS)
o Criteria to measure innovation: Covers
institutions, human capital and research, • G20 Expert Group released a Report titled ‘Bigger,
infrastructure, credit, investment, linkages, Bolder, Better’ Multilateral Development Banks
creation, absorption and diffusion of knowledge, (MDBs).
and creative outputs. • The report was presented at the fourth G20 finance
• Key Findings: ministers and central bank governors meeting in
o For a 13th consecutive year, Switzerland ranks Marrakech.
first in the GII. • The independent expert group submitted volume two
o Strong technological progress and Technology of a series of reports,
adoption like electric vehicle and automation. • This report focuses on reforms of MDBs on the theme
of Bigger, Bolder, Better MDBs.
o Earlier submitted volume one, focused on tripling o Bolder MDBs:
the annual lending levels of MDBs to $390 billion ✓ Adopt cascade principle: refers to public
by 2030. sector banks refraining from financing what
• MDBs are a financial institution established by can be done by the private sector.
multiple member countries and governed by ✓ Empowering the Multilateral Investment
international law. e.g., Bretton Wood institutions, Guarantee Agency (MIGA).
Asian Development Bank, etc.
• Recommendations 3.5.18. EMERGING-MARKET BOND INDEX
o Better MDBs: (EMBI)
✓ Address the largest external financing gaps in
• JPMorgan to add Indian government bonds to its
low- and middle-income countries
benchmark EMBI from June 2024.
✓ Focus on non-concessional lending in climate
• EMBI is a benchmark index for measuring total return
action.
performance of international government and
✓ Scaling up national transformations by
corporate bonds that meet specific liquidity and
integrating with regional programs.
structural requirements.
o Bigger MDBs:
• Inclusion in EMBI could potentially:
✓ Catalyze private finance by shifting culture
o Lower the country’s sovereign borrowing costs.
from risk avoidance to informed risk-taking.
o Help finance the current account deficit.
✓ More donor pledges for the International
o Free up liquidity for domestic financiers to deploy
Development Association.
in more productive assets.
✓ Establihd a Global Challenges Funding
o Increase demand for the rupee and support its
Mechanism (GCFM) for investors seeking
value.
financial return while also supporting SDGs,

4. SECURITY
4.1. SEPARATISM
Why in the news?
Recently, the External Affairs Minister of India suggested focusing on the nexus between separatism and organized crime.
What is separatism?
• In simple terms it is the demand for a separate statehood. It may take the form of a region demanding the creation of
a separate independent state or re-negotiation of the relationship with the State.
• There are demands in various regions for reorganization of relations between different regions, which may take the
following forms:
Insurgency • It is an organized armed resistance against the state or constituted authority with the aim of
overthrowing the regime.
• Unlike terrorism, insurgency movements generally involve or require material or moral support
from some section of the population in order to justify their existence and also to erode the
legitimacy of the government.
• Example: ideological or Maoist insurgency in central and eastern India.
Movement for separate statehood: These movements generally assume three forms:
Statehood movement • Seeking a separate state consisting of a region from one or more existing states.
Autonomy movement • These are collective mobilization of people in a region or across regions with the aim of getting
autonomy to their region for managing their economic, social cultural, and political affairs.
• For example, Bodoland and Karbis and Dimasa Kacharis accepted autonomy within the state of
Assam.
Secessionist • It is also known as a cessation in which one region in a country wants to secede and become a
movement sovereign state.
• For example, the demand for greater Nagalim.
Factors responsible
for the rise of
separatist
tendencies
• Regional
imbalance in
economic
development:
E.g., regional
aspirations from
Northeast India
were mainly
because the
region suffered neglect in developmental terms after independence.
• Cultural identity: Demand for Nagalim is based on the preservation of their different culture and social practices.
• Historical reasons: E.g., after independence one of the reasons for the movement for secession in Mizoram was that
some Mizos believed that they were never a part of British India and therefore did not belong to the Indian union.
• Lack of trust in the state: Loss of public confidence in the capacity of the state to protect their life and property. For
example, demand of separate state in West African states of Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso.
• Foreign policy: Some people of Ukraine believe that it should integrate into the EU and NATO and others believe in
close cooperation with Russia.
• International and financial support: Many secessionist movements have support from the international community
in the form of ideological and financial support.
India's approach to separatist movements and other regional aspirations
• Democratic negotiations: India has responded to regional aspirations through democratic negotiations rather than
through suppression for example signing the Mizo accord to bring peace in Mizoram.
• Power sharing: Groups and parties from the region are given a share in power so that they have a say in their
development.
• Backward areas development: Special attention and planning to ensure sustainable development of areas with
inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to resources by programs like the Aspirational District Programme.
• Flexibility of the Constitution: there are special provisions for some states and regions to have autonomy.
o The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution allows different tribes complete autonomy of preserving their practices
and customary laws.
• Use of force: Force is used against groups such as the United Liberation Front of Assam for maintaining peace in the
region.
4.2. INDIA’S ANTI-TERRORISM APPROACH

Why in the news?
The union Home minister while addressing the Anti-Terror Conference organised by the National Investigation Agency
(NIA) highlighted the need to not only combat terrorism but also dismantle its entire ecosystem and suggested measures
to combat terrorism.
India's approach to tackling terrorism
• Legislative framework: The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act of 1967 and the National Security Act of 1980 are the
primary laws to combat terrorism.
• Dedicated Law enforcement agency: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act as India’s primary counterterrorism
law enforcement organization.
o It is supported by other agencies like Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), Intelligence Bureau (IB), State police
services etc.
• Countering the Financing of Terrorism: India is a member of the Financial Action Task Force, the Asia/Pacific Group on
Money Laundering, and the Eurasian Group.
• Countering Violent Extremism (CVE): The Ministry of Home Affairs is the lead agency for CVE.
• Win the minds and hearts of people: To reduce the chances of radicalization the government has been taking
developmental initiatives like the Civic Action Programme (supporting civil action by security forces), and the Udaan
scheme (capacity building of the youth in J&K).
• International and Regional Cooperation: India has leadership roles in many regional and international like the Global
Counterterrorism Forum, where it has promoted multilateral counter-terrorism cooperation.
o In 1996, India took the initiative to pilot the draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism with the
objective of providing a comprehensive legal framework to combating terrorism.
*The role of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in combating terrorism has been discussed in more detail in the
subsequent Article.
Factors highlighting the need to change the approach toward terrorism
• Lack of hierarchical structure in recent terrorist acts: Terrorists are relying on loose affiliations with like-minded
groups from a variety of countries and there is also the rise
of lone wolf attacks.
• Changing nature of weapons: Some terrorist groups now
acquiring the capability to use chemical, biological,
radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) materials.
• Use of technology: Terrorists are making extensive use of
new information technologies, along with a coordinated
cyber-attack exponentially increasing the risk of threat.
• New methods of Terrorism Financing: Dedicated crowdfunding platforms or websites are being for terror financing.
o Given the volume and variety of activity, it is difficult to detect illicit activity.
• Lack of definition at a global level: There is a discrepancy in defining terrorism as a result of which a universally
accepted definition of “terrorism” is lacking.
• Nexus with other organised crimes: Interlinkage between Counterfeit goods production and trade, flora and fauna
crimes, drug trafficking etc. and terrorist activities raise new concerns for India.
o According to a report by FICCI, there is a good correlation between drug trafficking and terrorism.
• Lack of interagency cooperation: Different Anti-Terrorist Agencies (ATAs) are working at the center and the state
level with limited cooperation and data interchange.
• Delays and complexities in the legal and judicial system.
Way forward
• Key measures suggested in the conference
o Model anti-terrorism structure should be established under the NIA for all states.
o All ATAs should make multidimensional and artificial intelligence-based use of databases in the fight against
terrorism more successful.
✓ India has prepared many database verticals such as Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS), National
Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS), National Integrated Database on Arrested Narco-
Offenders, National Database of Human Trafficking Offenders (NDHTO) etc. which can be used for terrorism-
related investigations.
o All State ATAs should have a uniform hierarchy, and standard operating procedure to ensure better cooperation
between center and state agencies.
o NIA, Anti-Terrorism Squad, and Special Task Force should think out of the box and take innovative measures to
counter terrorism.
✓ E.g., NIA should help the Bureau of Police Research and Development BPR&D in studying the Modus Operandi
used by terrorists to trap young boys.
o Collaboration from the global level to the grassroots, involving various states within the country, as also the
international cooperation.
o Creating a Common Training Module so that uniformity can be brought in the methodology of combating
terrorism.
• Other measures:
o Focus on linkages of terrorism with other organised crimes: E.g., in Operation Dhvast case NIA in coordination
with Punjab and Haryana Police busted a Terrorist-Gangster-Drugs-Arms Trafficking nexus.
o Cooperation with neighbouring countries: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs has
recommended to establish a common platform to counter-terror under the Neighbourhood First policy.
o Strengthening the safety of the digital ecosystem: The growing importance of the digital ecosystem or
cyberspace warrants dedicated efforts to make it more secure and robust.
✓ To enable the same, Australia’s ‘essential 8’ features for cybersecurity could be emulated.
o Strengthening our democracy from within: Strengthening the democratic institutions enables the government
to gain the trust and cooperation of its citizens.
4.2.1. NATIONAL INVESTIGATION AGENCY (NIA)

About National Investigation Agency (NIA)
• NIA was created after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks with the enactment of the National Investigation Agency Act
2008.
• Aim: To set the standards of excellence in counter-terrorism and other national security-related investigations at the
national level with an oriented workforce.
• It works under a written proclamation from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• It is empowered to deal with terror-related crimes across states without special permission from the states.

• National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Act, 2019 has given it the power to investigate scheduled offences
committed outside India.
Role of NIA in anti-terrorism efforts
• Cooperation with States: It assists all States and other investigating agencies in investigation of terrorist cases.
• Ensuring effective and speedy trial: In the year 2022 the overall conviction rate was about 94%.
• Data collection: NIA has been given the task of creating a national database in seven areas - narcotics, hawala
transactions, arms smuggling, counterfeit currencies, bomb blasts, terror funding and terrorism.
• In-depth professional investigation: Investigates crimes where it is difficult to gather evidence.
• Alert and responsive measures: E.g., NIA has registered a number of cases against the over ground workers in Jammu
and Kashmir and done well in destroying their sleeper cells.
Related news: FICCI released report ‘Hidden Streams: Linkages between Illicit Markets, Financial Flows, Organized Crime and
Terrorism’
• The report investigates the hidden linkages in 122 countries and decodes the relationship between organised crime actors and
the illegal economy, including trade-based money laundering, counterfeiting, arms and drug trafficking and terrorism and
crime.
• Key highlights of the report
o The United Nations estimates that the global amount of money laundered in a year is estimated to range from 2 to 5% of
the global GDP.
• India related findings
o The total amount of money laundering in India as per the UN Office on Drugs and Crime estimates pegged at $159 billion.
o The Global Organised Crime Index (2021) shows a low prevalence of organised crime actors in India at 4.3 on a scale of
1–10, compared to the average benchmark of 5.2 for 122 countries.
o The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence in India identified 437 instances of duty evasion in 2021-2022, a 40 percent
increase from the previous year.
o India's informal economy increases the likelihood of counterfeit goods production and trade, raising concerns about
terrorist activities.
o In 2021, the economic impact of violence in India was estimated at US $1.17 trillion, which accounts for approximately
6% of the country's GDP in terms of PPP.
• Recommendations: Adopting 6 Cs as a policy playbook to negate the threats-
o Cognisance of Terrorism and Organised Crime Under Regulatory Framework
o Continuous and Critical Evaluation of Illicit Financial Flows
o Central Nodal Agency for Greater Coordination
o Creating Awareness and Changing Consumer Preferences
o Combatting Trade Based Money Laundering
o Cooperation and Coordination at International Level
4.3. NEWS IN SHORTS

4.3.1. NEW INDIAN AIR FORCE (IAF) o IAF's motto, "Touching the sky with glory," is
inspired by the Bhagavad Gita.
ENSIGN
• It was unveiled as IAF marked its 91st anniversary.
• New ensign includes the Air Force Crest in the top right
corner.
o IAF Crest has national symbol, the Ashoka lion on
the top with the words “Satyamev Jayate” in
Devanagari below it.
o Below the Ashoka lion is a Himalayan eagle with
its wings spread, denoting the fighting qualities of
the IAF.
o A ring in light blue colour encircles Himalayan
eagle with the words “Bhartiya Vayu Sena”

4.3.2. SONOBUOYS o These devices are deployed from aircraft or ships
and transmit real-time acoustic data, helping pin-
• Indian Navy plans to equip MQ-9B Sea Guardian Drones point potential submarine threats.
with Sonobuoys.
• Sonobuoy is a small device used for underwater 4.3.3. SIMBEX EXERCISE
acoustic surveillance.
• It is an annual bilateral naval exercise conducted by
o It contains hydrophones that detect underwater
Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy.
sounds, especially those made by submarines.

5. ENVIRONMENT
5.1. GLOBAL INFRASTRUCTURE RESILIENCE
Why in the news?
Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
released the first biennial report on global infrastructure
titled “Global Infrastructure Resilience: Capturing the
Resilience Dividend”.
What is Infrastructure Resilience?
• Infrastructure: Infrastructure is defined by the UN as
“the physical structures, facilities, networks and other
assets which provide services that are essential to the
social and economic functioning of a community or
society”.
• Resilience: Resilience is the ability to prevent, resist,
absorb, adapt, respond and recover positively, efficiently and effectively when faced with a wide range of risks
while maintaining an acceptable level of functioning.
• Dimensions:
o Resilient infrastructure: Infrastructure that can absorb, respond to, and recover from hazard events and shocks.
o Infrastructure for resilience: Infrastructure that supports broader social and economic or systemic resilience
without generating or accumulating new systemic risk.
Global Infrastructure Risks and the need for Infrastructure resilience
• Obsolescence of infrastructure: Many countries, particularly those that industrialized prior to World War II, need to
replace obsolete infrastructure assets.
• Weak infrastructure governance: Socio-economic development in lower income countries is constrained by large
infrastructure deficits being aggravated by weak infrastructure governance.
o Deficient planning and design, inadequate standards, ineffective regulation and compliance and low levels of
investment characterize weak infrastructure governance.
• Systemic risks: Systemic risks such as climate change and biodiversity loss, can be considered existential, as they
threaten the habitability of the planet.
o International agreements for climate change mitigation mandate a rapid transition from carbon-locked-in
infrastructure to low, zero, or negative emission infrastructure.
• Developmental benefits: Investing to strengthen infrastructure resilience could set countries on a development
trajectory characterized by quality and dependable essential services, reduced damage to infrastructure assets,
lowered systemic risk, and sustainable development goals.
• Disproportionate impact: The resources required in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) for infrastructure
resilience are at least one order of magnitude greater than current investment.
• Infrastructure finance: Recent estimates of the annual investment required to address infrastructure deficits, achieve
the SDGs, and achieve net zero by 2050, amount to $9.2 trillion.
o In the coming years, it is expected that just four countries (China, India, Japan, and USA) will account for 50% of
total global infrastructure investment.
Nature-based Infrastructure Solutions (NbIS)
NbIS refer to practices that concurrently protect and provide infrastructure, adapt to climate change, promote
environmental integrity and biodiversity, and provide social well-being. If widely adopted, they can play a crucial role in
strengthening resilience.

• Safeguarding
traditional
infrastructure: NbIS
can be used to
complement,
substitute or
safeguard
traditional ‘grey’
infrastructure, thus
representing a
paradigm shift
towards building
with nature.
• Low-cost: NbIS cost,
on average, only
51% of grey
infrastructure
projects.
• Reducing carbon
emissions: NbIS also
reduce carbon
emissions across
infrastructure
lifecycles, which will enable avoiding land use change and extending infrastructure lifespans.
• Socio-economic outcomes: NbIS increases opportunities for women’s involvement in decision-making and
governance, particularly in rural areas.
o It has the potential to create an estimated 59 million jobs by 2030.
o Widespread adoption of NbIS would influence the achievement of SDGs.
Challenges for integrating NbIS
• Knowledge requirement: NbIS require new interdisciplinary knowledge and skill sets that traditional engineers and
architects do not necessarily possess.
• Lack of research: Rarely can one find research that quantifies ecosystem services, integrates nature-based values into
modelling and cost-benefit accounting, and facilitates the design of NbIS.
• Lack of risk assessment: Without a credible and robust risk identification process, it is impossible to identify the
resilience dividends that can accrue through adopting NbIS.
• Politically unattractive: NbIS may sometimes be unattractive politically precisely because it reduces opportunities for
privatized profits.
• Gestation period: NbIS is often a slow solution in a context where many infrastructure requirements need quick
action.
Integrating NbIS
• Research: Carefully reviewed, curated, up-to-date, multi-lingual and publicly available research, libraries, design
standards, and case studies are essential.
o All countries, particularly LMICs, will need national centres of excellence in NbIS.
• Outcome linked NbIS: Linking NbIS monitoring to the achievement of the SDG and the global common goals may
facilitate its greater uptake.
• Regulation: Effective legislation to protect and enhance ecosystems is necessary to encourage greater investment in
NbIS.
• Rating systems: Rating tools can serve as a market signal for resilience or sustainability and provide verified examples
of good practice.
o For example, GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) in India.
• Global standards: Prescriptive global standards for NbIS could provide a pathway for greater project financing.
• Financing incentives: Integrating NbIS into existing pipelines of grey infrastructure delivery systems can be a way to
achieve scale, reduce loss and damage to infrastructure assets, and prevent loss of biodiversity.
Conclusion
The long design lifecycles of many infrastructure assets will be key to making investments resilient and configure
development trajectories in the decades to come. At the same time, strengthening infrastructure resilience is critical to
address existential risks associated with catastrophic climate change and biodiversity loss.
5.2. GLACIAL LAKE OUTBURST FLOOD (GLOF)

Why in the News?
Sikkim witnessed Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) due to bursting of the
southern bank of the South Lhonak Lake.
Causes for Sikkim flash floods
The Sikkim disaster was primarily triggered by a catastrophic combination of factors.
• Glacier melting: Sikkim’s South Lhonak Lake, situated in a high-altitude glacierised region, experienced accelerated
melting due to climate change. This led to the lake's expansion.
• GLOF event: The pressure and volume reached a critical point, causing the lake to breach its boundaries. The resulting
GLOF, combined with excessive rainfall due to cloud burst, triggered the devastating flash floods.
o A GLOF is a sudden and catastrophic event where a glacial lake, often dammed by a glacier or moraine, bursts
open, releasing an immense volume of water, rocks, and debris downstream.
• Chungthang dam: The floodwaters reached the Teesta-III hydel project at Chungthang via the Lachen River and were
worsened by release of water from Chungthang Dam.
About Glacial Lakes and GLOFs
• Glacial lakes are large bodies of water that sit in front of, on top of, or beneath a melting glacier.
o As they grow larger in size, they become more dangerous
because glacial lakes are mostly dammed by unstable ice
or sediment composed of loose rock and debris.
o Due to global warming glaciers are retreating and glacier
lakes are expanding in the size and numbers.
• Glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) is a sudden release of a
significant amount of water retained in a glacial lake,
irrespective of the cause.
• GLOF vulnerability in India
o As per recent ICIMOD report (Hindu Kush Himalaya (HI-
WISE) assessment report) - in the event of global warming
between 1.5°C to 2°C, by 2100, glaciers are set to lose
30–50% of their volume compared with 2015.
o More than nine million people in High Mountain Asia
(HMA) — surrounded by mountain ranges of Tien Shan,
Pamir, Hindu Kush, Karakoram, Himalaya and Qilian Shan
— are vulnerable to glacial lake outbursts.
o India has witnessed at least three highly devastating
GLOF events in the Ganga and Brahmaputra basins over the last decade —Kedarnath (2013), Chamoli (2021) and
Sikkim (2023).

Causes for Flash Floods
• Increased flow: Increased flow in streams, short and seasonal rivers, tributaries and the main riverstem after the
initiation of high intensity rainfall is largely the genesis of flash floods.
• Cloudburst: Cloudburst refers to an extreme amount of rain that occurs in a short span of time. Predicting cloud bursts
is extremely difficult.
• Rainstorms: According to IMD, rainstorms are characterised by either substantial, extreme or heavy rainfall over a
particular area for a particular period.
• Human induced interventions: Continuous push towards centralized development and increasing tourism economy
is leading to haphazard construction in vulnerable regions. These include:
o Commissioning of Hydropower projects in vulnerable regions prone to seismicity, landslides, and other disasters.
o Unsustainable and unplanned infrastructure in ecologically fragile zones.
o Climate change and increased warming of the planet due to anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases and
pollutants.
Flood mitigation measures
• National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): It issues guidelines for management of floods and specifies roles
of various central and state agencies.
o NDMA issued guidelines on management of GLOFs in 2020, urban flooding in 2010 and flood management in
2008. (refer infographic)
• Structural Measures: Creation of reservoir, depressions, embankments, channelisation of rivers, improvement of
channel and drainage, watershed management etc.
• Floodplain zoning: It aims at demarcating zones likely to be
affected by floods of different magnitudes or frequencies,
and specify the types of permissible developments in these
zones.
• Early Warning System: NDMA has planned to install early
warning systems for real-time alerts at most of 56 at-risk
glacial lakes in India.
• Guidelines for Hydro projects: Central Electricity Authority
(CEA) has issued guidelines for slope stability—inclines that
can withstand movement—in hydropower projects.
Measures that can be taken
• Risk assessment: Comprehensive risk assessment of
vulnerable regions should inform disaster risk-reduction
strategies.
• Monitoring and data collection: Intense monitoring and
forecasting of meteorological events near vulnerable glacier
lakes, and rivers is an urgent necessity.
• Climate mitigation: Climate mitigation efforts and adaptive
measures need to be taken to protect communities and
infrastructure from the escalating risks.
• Use of technology: Vulnerable zones can be identified using
Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS),
and drone and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology.
• Collective resilience: Institutionalising social, cultural and localized knowledge and practices for developing local
warning systems and to build collective resilience.
• Green-grey infrastructure: Retention basins, wetlands, vegetation shields, sediment traps, flood walls, diversion
channels etc. can improve the geo-morphology of the mountain rivers.
o Also, Infrastructure projects in mountains — dams, bridges and highways — must be subjected to stringent
quality control measures.
• EPIC Response Framework: World Bank has put forward a new perspective to better manage flood and drought risks
– the EPIC Response Framework (Enable, Plan, Invest, Control).
5.3. NEWS IN SHORTS

5.3.1. CORAL REEF BREAKTHROUGH 5.3.2. SUSTAINABLE FINANCE
• Coral Reef Breakthrough was launched by • A report on Sustainable finance was released by
International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) in partnership UNESCAP titled- “Sustainable Finance: Bridging the
with Global Fund for Coral Reefs and High-Level Gap in Asia and the Pacific”.
Climate Champions. • Sustainable finance refers to the financing of
o It aims to prevent extinction of at least 125,000 sustainable activities as well as finance that is
km2 of shallow-water tropical coral reefs. sustainably managed.
• Action Plans to achieve target • Key findings
o Mitigate local drivers of loss including land-based
○ There is sufficient capital and liquidity to close
sources of pollution, destructive coastal
the global financing gap in sustainable finance.
development, and overfishing.
○ Asia-Pacific region is not on track to meet the
o Bolster resilience based coral reef conservation
SDGs by 2030.
efforts by aligning with and surpassing global
coastal protection targets including 30by30. ○ Only 17 of the 51 Asia-Pacific countries party to
✓ Target 3 of Kunming-Montreal Global the UNFCCC have assessed and reported their
Biodiversity Framework i.e. at least 30% of financial needs to meet their Nationally
terrestrial and inland water areas, and marine Determined Contributions (NDCs).
and coastal areas should be conserved by ○ Average economic losses resulting from
2030. disasters and other natural hazards in the region
o Assist development and implementation of may increase to $1.1 trillion- $1.4 trillion.
innovative solutions at scale and climate smart ○ Climate change under a high emissions scenario
designs that support coral to impact 30% of could impose 35% GDP losses in India by 2100.
degraded reefs by 2030. • Recommendations: Action for policymakers,
o Secure investments of at least USD 12 billion by regulators and private finance includes:
2030 from public and private sources to conserve ○ Commitments to net zero pledges for 2050 with
and restore coral reef. credible transition pathways including 2030
• Coral reefs are made up of colonies of hundreds to goals.
thousands of tiny individual corals, called polyps. ○ Policy coherence and capacities developed
o These marine invertebrate animals have hard across key government ministries
exoskeletons made of calcium carbonate. ○ Reducing sectoral and regional mismatches
o In India, Coral reefs are present in Gulf of Kutch,
between capital and investment needs.
Gulf of Mannar, Andaman & Nicobar, and
○ Local-currency financing of energy transition
Lakshadweep Islands.
projects as well as green technologies and other
net-zero investments.
○ Concessional financing and risk-sharing by
multilateral development banks, bilateral
development financial institutions, etc.

5.3.4. CLIMATE IMPACT, LOSS & DAMAGE
IN SUNDARBANS
• Experts from India and Bangladesh believe that climate
change triggered loss and damage in the Sundarbans,
should be seen as a “global common”.
o This is because the region gets significantly
affected despite contributing minimally to carbon
emissions.
• Global commons are areas and their potential
economic resources that lie beyond national
jurisdiction (high sea, atmosphere, Antarctica and
outer space) and to which all nations have access.
o Conventions and treaties to govern global
commons include United Nations Convention on
Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982, Antarctic Treaty
System, Treaty on Principles governing Activities of
States in Exploration and Use of Outer etc.
• Sundarbans is a cluster of low-lying islands in Bay of
Bengal, spread across India (40%) and Bangladesh
(60%).
o It lies on the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra
and Meghna rivers. It is the largest area of
mangrove forest in the world.
o It is designated as a Cultural UNESCO World
Heritage Site and accorded the status of ‘Wetland
of International Importance’ under Ramsar
Convention.
o Fauna: Estuarine crocodile, royal Bengal tiger,
Water monitor lizard, Gangetic dolphin, Olive
ridley turtle etc.
o Threats: Vulnerable to floods, earthquakes,
cyclones, sea-level rise and coastline erosion.
5.3.3. NET ZERO ROADMAP

• A Report on Net Zero Roadmap was released by
International Energy Agency (IEA) titled ‘A Global
Pathway to keep the 1.5 °C Goal in reach.
• Key Highlights of the report:
o Limiting global warming to 1.5 °C is becoming
harder but a narrow window remains because
clean energy infrastructure has grown around the
world. 5.3.5. CUTTING METHANE FROM FOSSIL
o Clean energy like solar power, electric car are FUELS
among technologies which together deliver 1/3rd
of the emissions reductions between today and • A Report titled ‘Imperative of Cutting Methane from
2030 in the pathway. Fossil Fuels’ was prepared by International Energy
• Suggestions: Tripling Renewables capacity by the end Agency (IEA) with contributions from UNEP and UNEP-
of the decade; using Carbon capture, utilisation and Convened Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC).
Storages, etc. o CCAC, founded in 2012, is the only international
body working to reduce short-lived climate
pollutants – methane, black carbon,
hydrofluorocarbons– that drive both climate o Important to achieve commitments of “net zero”
change and air pollution. emissions by 2050 (or by 2070, as pledged by
• Key findings India).
o Targeted methane mitigation from fossil fuels • Challenges in India
could avoid 0.1°C warming by 2050. o India is one of the fastest urbanising countries and
o Without targeted action on methane, increase in is witnessing a housing and infrastructure boom.
global average surface temperature will likely o Lack of availability of alternatives for Pyro-
exceed 1.6 °C by 2050. processing and calcination
• Methane mitigation by 2050 can prevent o Limited initiatives and economic measures
o Nearly 1 million premature deaths due to ozone promote sectoral energy efficiency enhancements
exposure. • Measures
o 90 million tonnes of crop losses (wheat, rice, soy o Increase the share of blended cement (minimising
and maize) due to ozone and climate changes. the use of limestone by using another substitute).
o About 85 billion hours of lost labour due to heat o Increase the share of recycled materials in
exposure. production.
• Methane (CH4) is a greenhouse gas and responsible o More utilization of alternative fuels like refuse-
for 30 percent of global warming. derived fuel (RDF), industrial waste and biomass.
o Around 580 million tonnes of methane is emitted o Using innovative technologies like carbon capture,
every year globally, 60 percent of which comes utilisation and storage (CCUS).
from human activities (landfills, agricultural
practices, wastewater treatment etc).
o It is the second largest contributor to climate
change after carbon dioxide.
5.3.7. INDIA RUNNING OUT OF

PHOSPHORUS
• Phosphorus is one of the macronutrients essential for
5.3.6. DECARBONISATION OF THE plant growth which is required by plants for:
o Photosynthesis process
CEMENT INDUSTRY
o Energy transfer and nutrient movement within the
• In the cement industry, Pyro-processing (limestone plant
and clay, are heated in a kiln at more than 1,400oC) and o Strong root development
calcination (calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is heated) are o Transfer of genetic characteristics
major processes which cause Carbon emissions. • India is the world’s largest importer of Phosphorus,
• Need of decarbonisation in the cement Industry most of it from the cadmium-laden deposits of West
o It is the second largest industrial emitter in the Africa.
world (after iron and steel).
o Contributes about 7 % of CO2 emissions globally.
o Phosphate rocks are majorly produced only from telecommunication lines, drainage lines and
two States in India, namely Rajasthan and Madhya freshwater systems.
Pradesh.
o Some deposits are also present in the central part 5.3.9. AMAZON RIVER BASIN
of peninsular India, Lalitpur (Uttar Pradesh), • As Lake Puraquequara dried up, floating village have
Mussoorie syncline, and Cuddapah basin (Andhra turned to mud flats.
Pradesh). • Lake lies on Amazon River basin which is facing severe
• Concerns with Phosphorus availability: drought due to El Niño and the warming of northern
o At most places, Phosphorus coexists with tropical Atlantic Ocean waters.
Cadmium, a heavy metal whose removal is o These climate phenomena are aggravated by
expensive. global warming and burning of fossil fuels.
o Handful of countries such as Morocco, Western • Amazon river basin:
Sahara, China, Algeria etc control most of the o Largest drainage basin in the world
world’s reserves of phosphorus which is a major o Covers about 34% of South America.
geopolitical concern. o Harbours ~60% of world’s rainforest and harbors
• Harmful effects of phosphorus: 10% of planet’s known forms of life.
o Much of phosphorus is lost directly to water • Countries covered: Brazil (equator and tropic of
bodies as agricultural run-off and through sewage capricon both pass through it), Bolivia, Colombia,
which leads to growth of toxic algal blooms. Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.
o Cadmium-laden fertilizers are often applied to the
soil, absorbed by crops, and consumed, 5.3.10. PETROLEUM COKE OR PET COKE
bioaccumulating in human bodies accelerating
• Supreme Court has asked Commission for Air Quality
heart disease.
Management (CAQM) to consider issues related to
distribution of highly polluting pet coke
• Pet coke is a carbon-rich solid material derived from
final cracking process of crude-oil refining
• It is used as a replacement of coal due to its higher
calorific value
• It is hydrophobic, less volatile and produces low ash
residue,
• It is used in Cement manufacturing, lime kilns,
industrial boilers, Aluminum Anodes, etc.
5.3.11. UNIFIED REGISTRATION PORTAL

FOR GOBARDHAN
• Portal seeks to streamline the registration of
Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) and biogas plants
nationwide.
5.3.8. CONOCARPUS TREES o CBG/Biogas plants registered in the portal are
• It is an invasive mangrove species, recently banned by eligible for assistance of Rs. 1500/MT under the
Gujarat government. Earlier, Telangana government Market Development Assistance (MDA) scheme
had also banned it. of the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers.
• Conocarpus is a genus of two species of flowering • GOBARdhan (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources
plants in family of Combretaceae, native to tropical Dhan) Scheme under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
regions of the world. • Aim: To generate wealth and energy by converting
o It is widely used in public spaces for its ornamental cattle dung, agricultural residue, and other organic
looks. waste into Biogas, CBG and biofertilizers.
o Flowering in this tree takes place in Winter and the
5.3.12. POLYETHYLENE
particles spreading from it causes cold, coughing,
asthma, allergy etc. harms to human beings
TEREPHTHALATE DEGRADING ENZYME
nearby. (PET46)
o Roots of this species go deep inside soil and • Researchers have identified a PET46 from a deep-sea
develop extensively, damaging microorganism for the first time.
o PET is a lightweight plastic that is widely used for • Ecological Role: Insects play crucial roles in pollination,
packaging foods and beverages e.g., soft drinks, nutrient cycling and as a food source for other animals.
water etc.
• PET46 enzyme unique is in its ability to degrade both
long-chain and short-chain PET molecules, enabling
continuous degradation.
• Significance:
o Potentially break down PET waste in the ocean,
effectively contributing to efforts to combat plastic
pollution.
o Contribute to understanding of ecological role of
deep-sea archaea (marine organism).
o Other PET degrading enzymes - PETase, MHETase,
THC_Cut1 etc.
5.3.13. MANIS MYSTERIA (NEWLY

DISCOVERED SPECIES OF PANGOLIN)
5.3.15. FISH MINT
• Scientists have discovered a new species of highly • Herbal plant full of medicinal properties
endangered Pangolin. • Distribution: Extends from the Himalayan foothills
• About Pangolins through Southeast Asia, China, Korea and Japan.
o Only mammals wholly covered in scales. o In Meghalaya, known as ja mardoh, tokning-khok
o Four species live in Africa: Black-bellied pangolin, in Manipur, in Assam, as masunduri.
White-bellied pangolin, Giant Ground pangolin and • Features: Has a fish-like taste and smell. Hence, the
Temminck's Ground pangolin. name, fish mint.
o Four species found in Asia: Indian pangolin, • Invasive plant: Because of its ability to regrow from
Philippine pangolin, Sunda pangolin, and the underground rhizomes forming new plants when
Chinese pangolin. disturbed.
o IUCN status: Chinese, Philippine, and Sunda • Medicinal Properties: used to treat digestive issues,
pangolins are listed as Critically Endangered on insect bites, fevers, coughs, etc.
the IUCN Red List. • Its benefits have been documented in ancient texts of
o Indian Pangolin: Listed in Schedule I of Wildlife Ayurveda and Siddha.
(Protection) Act, 1972, and as Endangered on
IUCN Red List.
5.3.14. DAMSELFLY SPECIES 5.3.16. DANCING FROGS

• A New Damselfly species found in the Western Ghats • Dancing frogs of the Western Ghats are considered
(Kerala) named Armageddon Reedtail. one of the most threatened amphibian genera as per
• The name, Armageddon Reedtail, is a direct reference second Global Amphibian Assessment of IUCN
to the concept of “Ecological Armageddon”, a term o Nilgiri Dancing Frog is listed as Vulnerable and
used to describe the devastating decline of insect White-Cheeked Dancing Frog is listed as
populations around the world. Endangered on IUCN List.
• They are threatened by invasive species, land use 5.3.18. KAMLANG TIGER RESERVE
change, extreme weather, etc.
• Named so as they perform “foot flagging” in which • Kamlang Tiger Reserve conducted a butterfly walk and
males stretch up their hind legs one at a time and wave nature trail event for the first time ever in association
their webbed toes in air in a rapid motion akin to a with NGOs.
dance. • About Kamlang Tiger Reserve
o It is located in the Lohit district of Arunachal
5.3.17. PINK BOLLWORM Pradesh and is named after the Kamlang river
• Damage by pink bollworm (PBW) to Bt Cotton worst in which flows through it.
two decades o Climate: Sub-tropical
o Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) cotton which o Flora: Common species of trees include Ammora
incorporates genes from a soil bacterium code for wallichi (Amari), Gmelina arborea (Gamari), etc.
proteins toxic to American bollworm. o Fauna: Snow Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Tiger,
• Pink Bollworm (PBW) Scientific Name: Pectinophora Himalayan Palm Civets, Hornbill, etc.
gossypiella (Saunders) o Glow Lake falls within this reserve.
o Bollworm is any larvae of various moths.
5.3.19. 15-MINUTE CITIES
• Native To: Possibly the eastern Indian Ocean region.
• Impact: Adults lay eggs on cotton bolls; once hatched, • It is an urban planning concept that advocates putting
the larvae eat the seeds and damage the fibres of the essential services within walking or biking distance of
cotton, reducing the yield and quality. residents to reduce pollution.
• It is a spatial development model to help foster a more
local, healthy, equitable and sustainable way of life.

6. SOCIAL ISSUES
6.1. SUPREME COURT JUDGMENT ON LGBTQIA+ RIGHTS
Why in the News?
Recently, a 5-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court
(SC) in Supriyo @ Supriya Chakraborty vs Union of India
case unanimously refused to accord legal recognition to
marriages between persons of the same sex.
More on News
• Several petitions challenged the provisions of the
Special Marriage Act 1954, Hindu Marriage Act (HMA)
1955, and the Foreign Marriage Act 1969 to the extent
these legislations do not recognise non-heterosexual
marriages.
• On the issue of marriage, the court, exercising judicial
restraint, expressly left it for the legislature and executive to decide, citing them being matters of policy.
o While all five judges acknowledged the need to eliminate discrimination against same-sex couples, they did not
unanimously agree on granting queer couples the designation of a legally recognized "civil union."
o A majority of three judges asserted that any legal acknowledgement of such a union should only occur through
enacted legislation.
LGBTQIA+ rights: Petitioner’s arguments and court verdict
Issues Petition Court Verdict Dissenting opinion
The right of • There exists a fundamental • Unanimously held that
transgender right to marry a person of there was no fundamental,
persons to one’s own choice under the unequivocal right to marry
marry Constitution, and the court in India.
must address the denial of • Transgender persons have a
that right. right to marry under the
• If the court recognised this current framework.
as a fundamental right, then
it would cast an obligation
on the state to protect this
right.
Right to enter a • Recognition of a civil union • Court cannot prescribe a • Sought recognition of civil unions to
Civil Union for for queer couples. choice of civil unions to ensure that queer couples could get
queer couple queer couples. material benefits flowing from a
• Government is not marriage.
obligated to recognize the • Right to form intimate associations
bouquet of rights flowing falls within the ambit of Article 19.
from such a Union. • Right enter a union cannot be
restricted on the basis of sexual
orientation.
Interpretation • Replacement of gender- • The Court declined to • SMA violated the equality
of Special specific terms such as invalidate or interpret the provisions of the Constitution.
Marriage Act "husband" and "wife" with SMA in a gender-neutral o Also, hold that the SMA
(SMA) the more inclusive terms manner, stating that such was not unconstitutional
"party" or "spouse." actions would encroach for violating Articles 14 and
• SMA violates Articles 14, upon the legislative domain 15 as the sole intention of
15, 19, 21 and 25 by not and could have a the SMA was to enable
marriage, as it was
allowing marriage between "cascading" effect on other understood at the time the
same sex. laws. 1954 Act was passed (i.e.,
for heterosexual couples),
of persons of different
faiths.
Adoption rights • Guidelines of the Central • Upheld the restriction • The regulation was discriminating
for non- Adoption Resource imposed by the CARA on against the queer community and
heterosexual Authority (CARA), which queer couples from hence was violating Article 15 of the
couples does not allow unmarried adopting. Constitution.
couples to jointly adopt • Observe that striking down • Exclude the word “marital” so that
children, is discriminatory the rules may have it includes both married and
against queer couples who deleterious, “disastrous” unmarried couples as well as queer
cannot legally marry. and “anomalous outcome” couples so that they too can jointly
that “only the legislature adopt a child.
and executive could
remedy.
Other key Highlights of the Judgment
• Courts limit the question to secular laws: During
the hearings, the bench expressed that it would
confine the issue only to the Special Marriage Act
and would not touch personal laws.
o If the court were to interpret HMA to include
LGBTQIA+ marriages, the SC would also have
to consider the bundle of rights dealing with
adoption, guardianship and inheritance
available to heterosexual couples.
• Judicial restraint: Judgement signifies judicial
restraint on the part of the Supreme Court
wherein it refrained from taking on the role of the
legislature to develop, guarantee, and enforce
fundamental rights.
o Enactment of law pertaining to marriage
comes under the purview of the Legislature in
terms of Articles 245 and 246 and Entry 5 of the
LGBTQIA+ rights across the world
concurrent list.
• Currently, there are more than 130 countries
• Dissenting opinion and observations: Several observations in that have decriminalized homosexuality.
the judgment may pave way for the future deliberations and • The Netherlands was the first country to legalise
discussions on the rights LGBTQIA+ community. For example, same-sex marriages in 2001.
‘Queerness or homosexuality is not an urban, elite • Since then, more than 30 countries around the
conception or expression’. world have legalized the same-sex marriages.
• Prevention of violence and discrimination against queer
persons: The Supreme Court has issued directives to the government and police to prevent discrimination against the
queer community.
o The directives include non-discrimination, public awareness, the helpline for the queer community, safe houses,
and protection of intersex children.
o Specific directions to the police include no harassment, freedom of choice, protection of freedom, protection
against violence, and preliminary enquiry.
Conclusion
Though the judgement came as a setback for LGBTQIA+ rights, particularly in the context of marriage and adoption, the
assurance by the Union Government to constitute a committee under the chairmanship of the Cabinet Secretary gives a
ray of hope in the struggle for equality.
6.2. CASTE CENSUS
Why in the News?
The state government of Bihar recently released a report on the caste survey conducted in the state, after a resolution
passed by the state legislature for the same.
Caste system in India
More on News • Caste is an institution uniquely associated with the Indian sub-continent.
• Caste is by definition a closed social system whose membership is
• The State government of Bihar said that acquired by virtue of birth.
the exercise was not a full-scale census, o Many of the scriptural rules of caste are designed to prevent the
but a “social survey” focused on caste mixing of castes – rules ranging from marriage, food sharing and
demographics. social interaction to occupation.
• After the release of caste survey data by • Although it is an institution characteristic of Hindu society, caste has
the Bihar government, several other spread to the major non-Hindu communities of the Indian subcontinent.
states including Rajasthan, Odisha, o This is especially true of Muslims, Christians, and Sikhs.
Maharashtra, Karnataka, etc., are
planning or conducting caste surveys. Census in India
• Census is a Union subject (entry 69 of the union list
History of Caste census in India under Schedule VII) under Article 246 of the
• Caste-wise enumeration of the population was introduced constitution.
under the British colonial administration in 1881 and • The Census Act, 1948 provides a plan for
continued till the 1931 census. conducting population census along with the duties
and responsibilities of census officers.
• In 1941, the caste-based data was collected but not
• Registrar General and Census Commissioner of
published. India, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is
• After independence, however, the Government of India entrusted with the responsibility to conduct
abandoned full caste enumeration on the apprehension that decadal census.
it may strengthen caste divisions and perpetuate the caste • Later, this office was also entrusted with the task of
system. implementation of the Birth and Death
o Every census in independent India has published data on Registration Act, 1969.
Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), but
not other castes.
• In 2011, Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) was conducted
through a comprehensive programme involving
o The Ministry of Rural Development, the Ministry of Housing and
Urban Poverty Alleviation, the Office of the Registrar General and
Census Commissioner, India, and State Governments/UT
Administrations.
o In 2016, the SECC data, excluding caste data, was finalized and
published.
o In 2021, the Central Government, in an affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court, stated that the caste/tribe data
derived from the SECC 2011 is deemed "defective" and "not suitable for use."
Arguments for caste census Arguments against caste census
• Constitutional mandate: Article 340 mandates the • Constitutional provisions: Constitutions speak
appointment of a commission to investigate the conditions of backward classes and not backward castes.
of socially and educationally backward classes and make o The word caste is used in the constitution
recommendations as to the steps that should be taken by only in relation to ‘scheduled castes.
governments. • Difficulties in data enumeration: Given
• Social justice and reforms in reservation policy: It will aid thousands of castes and sub-castes in India,
the government in determining the inclusion of new castes collecting caste data and making sense of the
into existing categories or the graduation of advanced castes same is difficult.
(creamy layer) out of these categories.

o Census caste data may also enable a more equitable o Further, mobilization and counter-
distribution of reservation benefits by making it possible mobilization by various groups seeking
to devise a ‘quota-within-quota’ (sub-categorization) gains will inevitably influence the
system. enumeration process and result in bogus
• Policymaking: Caste census data will help in the formulation or biased data.
of more informed and evidence-based policymaking to cater o Difficulties due to empirical complications
to the needs and demands of the underprivileged and of inter-caste marriages, hypergamy,
downtrodden. migration, etc., which over time have
• Promoting diversity and inclusivity: It can be used to produced multiple caste affiliations.
monitor the representation of different castes in elected • Potential for Political Misuse: There are
bodies, civil services, and other institutions, thereby concerns that caste data could be exploited for
promoting diversity and inclusivity. political purposes, including vote bank politics
• Judicial requirement: In the Indra Sawhney case, the and identity-based mobilization.
Supreme Court held that the States must conclude the • Rise in demand for reservations: Critics say a
“backwardness” of a particular class of people only after caste-based census may give rise to the
proper assessment and objective evaluation. demand for more reservations in jobs and
o The SC also held that such a conclusion must be subject educational institutions from various
to periodic review by a permanent body of experts. communities.
• Annihilation of caste: Many experts observe that to abolish • Risk of Resentment: Focusing on caste-based
caste, it is essential to first abolish caste-derived privileges, statistics could lead to resentment among
and to do that, the state must first map castes and their different groups. It may exacerbate inter-caste
socio-economic status privileges/deprivations. tensions and hinder efforts toward building a
more inclusive and harmonious society.
Way Forward
• Create political consensus: Decisions on such issues of broad socio-political concern should be taken through broad
political consensus.
• Inclusive Consultations: Involve a wide range of stakeholders, including community leaders, activists, and experts, in
the planning and execution of the caste census.
o Social scientists and research institutions can be involved in the process of enumeration of caste data to ensure
that the process remains unbiased.
• Identify caste and subcaste: A preliminary socio-anthropological study can be done at the State and district levels to
establish all sects and sub-castes present in the population.
• Use of technology: Emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data Analytics, etc., can be used to
analyze and assess caste-based data and derive meaningful conclusions.
• Periodic Review and Updating: Recognize that social structures evolve over time, and caste identities may change.
Design the census with the flexibility to adapt to these changes and plan for periodic reviews to update the data and
ensure its relevance.
6.3. YOUTH-LED DEVELOPMENT

Why in the News?
Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) platform has been launched for youth on National Unity Day.
About MY Bharat
• MY Bharat is an autonomous body that is being set up by the Government of India to provide an over-arching
institutional mechanism powered by technology for youth development and youth-led development.
o It is an initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports to empower Indian youth through social mobility,
educational equity, and practical skills.
• The platform connects youth with programs and learning opportunities in Businesses, Government Departments
and Non-Profit Organisations.
• MY Bharat will benefit the youth in the age group of 15-29 years, in line with the definition of ‘Youth’ in the National
Youth Policy.
o In the case of programme components specifically meant for adolescents, the beneficiaries will be in the age
group of 10-19 years.
Why does India need to focus on youth?

• To reap demographic dividend: India is one of the youngest countries in the world with an average age of 29 years.
o About 65 % of the population is below 35 years of age, while 50 per cent of the population is below 25 years of
age.
• Economic advantage: When properly educated and skilled, youth can help in expanding economy.
o India has the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world. They are emerging as the major source of
employment creation.
• Political engagement: Encouraging qualities like citizenship and dedication to community service among all youth
segments is essential for the nation's political and social development.
• Addressing social challenges: Many social challenges, such as gender inequality, access to quality education, and
healthcare, can be effectively addressed by focusing on the youth.
• To protect the environment: Youth can play a major role in the protection and preservation of nature, including
natural resources.
o Indian Youth is passionately adopting the ‘Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE) Movement’ and promoting its
underlying principle to move forward with Sustainable development.
• Global competitiveness: In an increasingly interconnected world, countries with a skilled and youthful workforce are
better positioned to compete effectively on the global stage. India's youth can significantly contribute to the nation's
global standing.
Challenges Faced by Youth of India
• Poor Education System: Include poor quality of education (less emphasis on vocational education), lack of access to
higher education, and high dropout rates.
• High Unemployment: The unemployment rate among educated youth is quite high, which is significantly higher than
that in most developed and developing countries.
o In 2022, the estimated youth unemployment rate in India was 23.22 per cent (ILO).
• Exploitative Workplace: Includes paid low wages, working long hours, harassment (especially women), and having no
social security or legal protection.
• Social Issue: Includes substance abuse, violence, crime, radicalization, communalism, and gender discrimination.
o These problems affect their moral values, civic sense, social responsibility, and national integration.
• Psychological Issues: Low confidence and self-belief throw them into the phase of depression when they are not able
to achieve their dream.

o They even go to the extent of suicide. E.g. recent cases in the education hub of Kota.
• Cultural and Social Expectations: Traditional cultural norms and societal expectations can sometimes restrict the
choices and aspirations of young people, particularly in terms of education, career, and marriage.
• Social media addiction in youth: It is marked by excessive use, impacting mental health, relationships, and
productivity.
Way Forward
• Political Empowerment: Training youth organizations and civil society organizations to lobby and advocate on youth
issues.
o Involving youth in policy-making and decision-making processes to address their unique needs and concerns.
• Bridge skill gap: Importance must be given to vocational skills, internships, and embedded apprenticeship degree
programmes, to ensure that students receive hands-on learning experiences in real-life scenarios.
o Promoting Soft Skills such as creativity, decision-making, strategic thinking, interpersonal skills, leadership skills,
cognitive intelligence and time management.
• Health and education spending: Evidence suggests that better health facilitates improved economic productivity.
• Promoting Access and Participation: Special initiatives and drives are needed for marginalised communities and
certain regions such as rural areas, North-east India etc.
6.4. AGEING POPULATION

Why in news?
United Nations Population Fund India (UNFPA) has released India Ageing Report 2023.
More on news
• The India Ageing Report 2023 represents a thorough review of the living conditions and welfare of older individuals
in India.
• The report was prepared in collaboration with the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS).
Key Highlights of the report
• Sharp growth in the elderly population is observed from 2010 onwards along with a decline in the age group of below
15 years, indicating rapidity of ageing in India.
• Significant interstate variation in absolute levels and growth of the elderly population.
o Compared to southern and western India, central and northeastern regions have the younger group of states.
Challenges of Ageing Population
• Social Issues:
o Feminization (Women
living longer than men) of
Ageing: Poverty is
inherently gendered in old
age when older women are
more likely to be widowed,
living alone, with no
income and with fewer
assets of their own, and
fully dependent on family
for support.
o Ruralization of Ageing:
According to the Census of
India 2011, about 71 % of
older persons live in rural
areas. These are more
vulnerable to income
insecurity, lack of access to
adequate and quality
healthcare and isolation in
comparison to urban
counterparts.
o Ageing of the aged: During 2000–
2022, the total population of the
country grew by 34 %, while the
population of 60+ years grew by
103 %.
o Other: Isolation and loneliness
will increase due to the trend of nuclear families, lack of
availability of a social security system, gender-based
discrimination against women etc.
• Economic Burden: The productivity of the nation will fall
along with labour force shortages, public dissaving, and old-
age income insecurity.
• Healthcare and Long-Term Care: The elderly often require
more extensive healthcare services and long-term care,
which can strain the healthcare system.
• Psychological Issues: The Longitudinal Ageing Study in India
(LASI) survey finds that the Incidence of depression was seen
to be rising with increasing age and was higher among
elderly women than men.
Ways to Transform Ageing Population into Opportunity
• Promoting Elderly SHGs (ESHGs): ESHGs should also be linked with the Livelihood Mission, making them more
productive and self-reliant.
• Regulating old age homes: They should be brought under government monitoring, and a regulatory body can be set
up for the same.
o Also, ensuring ageing in situ (at home) should be a priority rather than an old age home.
• Promoting Silver Economy: It includes all those economic activities, products and services designed to meet the needs
of people over 50.
• Leveraging Digital Ecosystem: Promoting digital literacy among old population will enhance their productivity and it
will promote their integration into the economy.
• Awareness Derives: Senior citizens lacked awareness about the various schemes and programmes meant for them.
o As per the LASI report only 12% of the elderly are aware of the Maintenance & Welfare Act.
• Other
o Promote Corporate Sector Involvement in Elder Care
o Expand services for the elderly, including home healthcare, Creche-like facilities or equipped day-care centres,
and assisted living facilities.
o Develop age-friendly infrastructure.
Initiative Taken
Global
• Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA), 2002
• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 3: ensuring healthy lives and well-being at all ages)
• United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing: 2020–2030
India
• Constitutional: Article 41 mandates the well-being of senior citizens.
• Legislative and policies
o Maintenance and Welfare of Senior Citizens Act, 2007.
o National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP), 1999
o Senior Citizens’ Welfare Fund (SCWF), 2016
• Social Security and Welfare Schemes:
o Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) (2007): It is one of the five sub-schemes of the National Social
Assistance Programme (NSAP).
o Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (2017): Provide’s social security during old age.
o Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana’ (AVYAY) (2021): AVYAY is an umbrella scheme has following schemes under it, namely:
✓ Scheme of Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens
✓ State Action Plan for Senior Citizens
✓ Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY)
✓ Livelihood and Skilling Initiatives for Senior Citizens
✓ Promoting silver economy
• Concession and Rebates: It includes Yatri Mitra services by Railways, etc.
6.5. NOBEL PEACE PRIZE 2023: WOMEN RIGHTS

Why in the News?
Recently, Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (2023).
More on News
• Narges Mohammadi is a scientist, journalist and human rights campaigner who persistently fights against the
oppression of women in Iran and the promotion of human rights and freedom for all.
• The selection reflects the Nobel Committee’s growing recognition of women who lead political and social opposition
movements worldwide.

Global Women's Rights Movement About Nobel Peace Prize
• Different countries have variety in women’s rights activism • The Nobel Peace Prize is one of the five original
Nobel Prizes established by the will of Alfred Nobel.
depending upon their histories, nature of States, economic
• It was to be awarded to the person "who shall have
models, cultural formations, and political forms.
done the most or the best work for fraternity
• UN Women and feminist scholars and activists broadly between nations, for the abolition or reduction of
divide the global movement for women’s rights into 4 standing armies and for the holding and promotion
generations/ waves. of peace congresses".
• First wave: The first wave emerged in the late 19th and o It has been awarded both to individuals and
early 20th centuries, primarily in Western countries. Its organizations.
focus was on legal issues, particularly women's suffrage • The first Nobel Prizes were awarded in 1901.
(the right to vote).
o Additionally, they called for equal rights within the family, equal pay, and access to higher education.
• Second wave: It began 1970s and 1980s and was part of a wider youth movement that grew out of the expansion of
higher education.
o They were inspired by the Civil Rights movement in the United States, the opposition to Apartheid and the
Vietnam War.
o Activists during the initial stages of the second wave were both radical and critical.
o A fundamental shared principle among various feminist currents was the advocacy for autonomy, emphasizing
women's entitlement to define their own agendas, even while engaging within political organizations and
parties.
o Activities of this wave include supporting fair wage and reproductive rights campaigns, creating women-only
journals and publishing houses, etc.
• Third wave: It roughly spans around the 1980s and 1990s
and coincided with the gradual entry of feminists and
feminist ideas into mainstream politics.
o Three significant elements of this wave include:
✓ Importance of policy-related activism;
✓ Strengthening of feminist movements and rights
advocacy in the Global South;
✓ Consolidation of women’s studies as a discipline.
o United Nations’ four world conferences on women –
Mexico (1975), Copenhagen (1980), Nairobi (1985) and
Beijing (1995) - were an important stimulus for policy
work and for global feminist interaction.
o It also saw the creation of the Beijing Platform for Action
(PFA), a policy action framework inspired by the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
• Fourth wave: The emergence of the internet led to a new brand of social media-fueled women’s rights movement.
o These feminists embraced various social justice issues including racial equity, immigration reform, reproductive
rights, environment, and LGBTQIA+ rights.
o 3 prominent cases of this wave include:
✓ Brazil: Feminists involved in efforts to protect rights previously gained.
✓ India: Campaigns around gender-based violence.
✓ Malawi: Work of LGBTQIA+ activists to secure justice and recognition.
Conclusion
Feminism constitutes a facet of contentious politics, representing a global social movement that exhibits sustained vitality.
While priorities and interpretations may vary, there are notable commonalities in the demands articulated by feminists
across countries, regions, and decades. This underscores the enduring nature of gender inequality and the gradual pace
of advancement in meeting the persistent demands of the feminist agenda.
Evolution of Women’s Movement in India
The roots of the women's movement in India can be traced back to the late 19th century and has transformed over time involving
multiple stakeholders including state and civil society.
Phases of women’s movement
• First phase: Its foundations were laid by the reform and anti-colonial movements of the 19th and 20th centuries on specific
issues such as sati, child marriage, etc.
o The aims of the movement were centred on including women in public life with better political rights, access to education
and employment, etc.
o During the Gandhian era of national movement, women continued their movement for political rights and social reform
activities by forming organisations.
• Second phase: The second phase refers to the women’s liberation movement which began in the 1960’s and was concerned
with the legal and social equality of women.
o The publication of the Towards Equality Report (1974) and The Convention on the Abolition of all Forms of
Discrimination Against Women (1979) offered the moral and rational basis of a new wave of autonomous women’s
movement manifested both in the activist and the academic spheres.
✓ Towards Equality Report, exposed the abysmal state of women in contemporary India manifested in the declining
sex ratio, the increasing rate of female mortality and morbidity, the economic marginalisation of women and the evils
of discriminatory personal laws.
o A significant movement of this phase is the Chipko movement in 1973 which saw women protest for their rights against
environmental and economic calamities.
o The key difference between the first and second phases was that the former was espoused by men on behalf of women
while the latter was largely led by women and women’s organisations such as the Self-Employed Women’s Association
(SEWA).
• Third phase: It began in the early 1990s, surging from the new postcolonial and neoliberal world order.
o The third wave deconstructed the idea of “universal womanhood” with the focus moving from communal objectives to
individual rights.
o Women at the ‘grassroots’ of society were provided with the opportunity to be a part of formal decision-making and
governance.
✓ The 73rd and the 74th amendments to the Constitution (assuring local self-governance) provided a 33 per cent
reservation of seats for women in the Panchayat and Nagarpalika bodies.
o Women-led NGOs proliferated in a bid to provide support to other women. The movement also took up the rights of Dalit
and marginalised women.
• Fourth phase: Although debated, many claim that a fourth phase of feminism began around 2012, with a focus on sexual
harassment, body shaming, and rape.
o Although the fourth wave originated in the West, it emerged in India almost synchronously due to the widespread use
of social media.
o A key component of this wave was the use of social media like the #MeToo Movement leading to local protests and global
outrage.
6.6. PRO-LIFE VS. PRO-CHOICE

Why in the News? Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) (Amendment) Act, 2021
The Supreme Court rejected the plea of a • It allows termination of pregnancy in following cases:
married woman to abort her third pregnancy o Up to 20 weeks: Available to all on advice of single medical
practitioner (MP).
which has crossed 26 weeks.
o Between 20 and 24 weeks: Available only in specific cases such
More on News as risk to life of pregnant women, substantial risk of
abnormalities to child, etc., subject to advice of two MPs.
• The present case had been filed on the o Beyond 24 weeks: Available only on grounds of substantial foetal
ground that the petitioner was suffering abnormalities on the advice of a medical board.
from post-partum psychosis and was not • In India, carrying out abortion is illegal under section 312 and 313 of
able to raise a third child, emotionally, Indian Penal code, unless it is performed in a manner prescribed
financially, and physically. under MTP Act.
• Noticing that the pregnancy had crossed 24
weeks, the court stated that permitting the petitioner to carry on with the termination of pregnancy would violate
the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 2021.
o The Court also noted that there was no immediate threat to the mother and that it was not a case of foetal
abnormality.
✓ These are the only two exceptions to terminate a pregnancy beyond the outer limit of 24 weeks as per the
MTP Act.
• The three-judge Bench headed by the Chief Justice of India said the Court’s recognition of a woman’s autonomy
cannot eclipse the “rights of the unborn child.”
• The judgment has sparked the Pro-life vs. Pro-Choice debate in India vis-à-vis the reproductive rights of women.
Pro-Life vs. Pro-Choice debate
Pro-Life Pro-Choice
Pro-Life supporters demand that society should support the Pro-choice stance believes that women have the basic human
ability of women to give birth and provide life and no woman right to decide when and whether to have children.
should be driven to have an abortion.
Arguments of Pro-Life Arguments of Pro-Choice
• Sanctity of Human Life: Life begins at conception, making • Reproductive Rights: Abortion bans result in the denial of
abortion murder. Abortion promotes a culture in which bodily autonomy and reproductive rights to women.
human life is disposable. • Quality of Life: Forced pregnancy may adversely impact the
• Sex-selective abortions: Allowing abortions may give way mental health of the parent(s). Also Forced births can have
to sex-selective abortions as part of Planned Parenthood. an adverse impact on the upbringing of the child.
• Support for Pregnant Women: The solution to mental • Exceptions for Special Cases: Pro-choice advocates often
health problems of parents should be social and familial emphasize the importance of exceptions for cases involving
support and not abortions. rape, incest, or situations where the mother's life is at risk.
• Religious and Moral Beliefs: Many pro-life advocates • Overpopulation: Allowing women to make choices about
ground their stance in religious or moral beliefs that regard when and whether to have children can contribute to better
abortion as morally unacceptable. family planning.
• Advancements in Foetal Development Understanding: • Social Impact: Financial hardships, poverty, etc., may lead
With the advancements in medical technology, foetal to broken homes in cases of unwanted pregnancies.
viability has gone earlier during the period of pregnancy.
Pro-Life vs. Pro-Choice Debate in India
• Under the MTP Act, of 1971, abortion is a qualified right in India and can’t
be performed based solely on a woman’s request.
• The judiciary, within the legislative framework, adopted careful,
compassionate, and nuanced considerations respecting the autonomy of
women while acknowledging the welfare of the unborn child.
• Further, the SC also noted that registered medical practitioners should
refrain from imposing extra-legal conditions on women seeking to
terminate their pregnancy.
Way Forward
• Sex education: Children and adolescents should be provided age-appropriate sex education which may involve
relationship education, fertility awareness education, etc.
o It will help prevent unwanted pregnancies and incidents of sexual violence including marital rape in society.
• Reproductive healthcare: Establish and expand
reproductive healthcare to ensure that every child is Global status of abortion laws
• According to Centre for Reproductive Rights (CPR),
wanted, every birth is safe, and every girl and woman is
more than 60 countries have liberalized their
treated with dignity.
abortion laws over past 30 years.
o It should involve expanding choices and quality of • Only 4 countries – the US, Nicaragua, El Salvador,
services in family planning, strengthening midwifery and Poland - have rolled back the legality of
initiatives, etc. abortion.
• Adoption: Streamlining the process of adoption and • There are 24 countries in the world where abortion
removing adoption stigma can ensure better care for the is completely prohibited.
child if parents find child raising difficult.
• Workplace: Equal pay for equal work regardless of gender, better paid parental leave, subsidized childcare, etc., can
also help reduce the cases of abortions.
o Need to provide an adequate gap management structure to build processes to handle maternity breaks. e.g.,
Zomato provides a unique support system of assigning an employee to assist new mothers, so that they are not
always required to be physically present at the workplace.
6.7. AGE OF CONSENT

Why in the news? About Law Commission
22nd Law Commission in its 283rd report advised that • It is a non-statutory body and is constituted by a notification of
the age of consent should be not reduced from 18 to the Ministry of Law & Justice.
16 years. • Vision: Reforming the laws for maximizing justice in society and
promoting good governance under the rule of law.
More on news • The Central Government established the First Law Commission
in 1955 (Post-Independence) with the then Attorney-General of
• Law Commission received a reference to
India, Mr. M. C. Setalvad, as its Chairman.
consider the reducing age of consent from 18 to o Since then twenty-two Law Commissions have been
16 under the Protection of Children from Sexual appointed, each with a three-year term and with a definite
Offenses (POCSO) Act, 2012. term of reference.
• POCSO Act, 2012 was enacted to protect o The first Law Commission was appointed in India in 1834
children from offences of sexual assault, sexual (Pre-Independence) as per the Charter of 1833.
harassment and pornography.
o The Act also provides for the establishment of Special Courts for the trial of such offences.
What is the Age of Consent?
• Age of consent is defined as the age at which one is considered legally competent to consent for sexual activity.
• The POCSO Act fixed the age of being categorised as a child at 18 years, thus making it the default "age of consent'.
Arguments for Reducing Age of Consent Age of consent in IPC
• In line with the age criteria provided under the POCSO Act,
• Rising Criminal Cases under the POCSO Act: In Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code was amended by the
recent times, it has been witnessed that the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 2013 to raise the age of
registration of criminal cases has been increasing consent to sexual intercourse to 18.
under the POCSO Act. • However, the exception for a man having intercourse with
o Girls’ parents want the police to press charges his wife who is not under the age of 15 years remained on
under the POCSO Act against the accused in the statute book.
cases where the two have eloped or engaged in • This is contradictory to the POCSO Act as Section 42A of the
consensual sexual activity (romantic cases). POCSO Act, which gives it an overriding effect over other
o It will help in avoiding the injustice of adolescent laws, was inserted by the same 2013 Amendment Act.
boys being treated as criminals. o In the case of Independent Thought vs Union of India,
• Children get Mature Early: Every male or female the Supreme Court read down the exception in the IPC
near the age of 14 years, due to social media that exempted sexual intercourse between a man and
awareness and easily accessible internet his wife being a girl between 15 and 18 years of age
from being considered rape.
connectivity, is getting puberty at an early age and
they are mature enough to make the right decision.
• Recognition of sexual autonomy: Sexual autonomy encompasses both, the right to engage in wanted sexual activity
and the right to be protected from unwanted sexual aggression.
o Only when both aspects of adolescents’ rights are recognised, human sexual dignity can be considered to be fully
respected.
• Adopting Global Practices: Age of consent ranges from l3 to 18 years globally. The age of consent in Germany, Austria,
Hungary, Italy, and Portugal is 14. In England and Wales, it is 16 years.

Arguments against Reducing the Age of Consent
• Lacks emotional or psychological maturity: Due to this, they are not able to make informed decisions about sexual
activity.
• Convergence with Age of Marriage: Age of consent and age of marriage should not be conflated in theory, in practice,
given the country’s social milieu, the two are intrinsically linked.
• Child exploitation and trafficking: Any reduction in the age of consent will inevitably provide a safe harbour provision
to coerce minor girls into subjugation, marital rape and other forms of abuse, including trafficking.
• Promotes child marriage: Any decrease in the age of consent would negatively impact the age-old fight against child
marriage by providing parents an opportunity to marry off minor girls.
• Encourage child/teenage pregnancy: Lowering the age of consent could lead to dire consequences, not only for the
health and well-being of the child forced into early marriage but also for the potential offspring of such relationships.
Recommendations of Law Commission
• Guided judicial discretion: Under it, if the Court finds that if relationship between the accused and the child has been
intimate, the Court may, impose any lesser sentence on the accused than the minimum sentence prescribed under
the Act.
o For this, the difference in age between the accused and the child is not more than three years.
o It has also recommended that discretion be used if there is tactical approval, the accused has no criminal
antecedents, bears good conduct after the offence, etc.
• Amendments to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015: Cases under the POCSO Act in which
both parties are aged between 16 to 18 years can be dealt with by the Juvenile Justice Board instead of the criminal
courts.
o The Commission suggests changes to Section 18 of the JJ Act empowering the JJ Board to dispose of such cases
by awarding sentences other than imprisonment such as - admonishment, community service, counselling, and
release on probation on condition to maintain good conduct.
• Spreading awareness regarding sex, consequences of engaging in sex at an early age, information about
contraception and safe sexual behaviour along with awareness regarding the POCSO Act.
6.8. CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

MATERIAL (CSAM)
Why in the news?
Recently, the Ministry of Electronics and Information
Technology (MeitY) issued notices to social media
platforms, including Telegram, X (formerly Twitter), and
YouTube, to remove Child Sexual Abuse Material
(CSAM) from their platforms in India.
More on news
• Information Technology (Intermediary Liability
Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules,
2021 under the IT Act 2000 lays down strict
expectations from social media intermediaries that
they should not allow criminal or harmful posts like
CSAM on their platforms.
• MeitY has warned the social media intermediaries
that any delay in complying with the notices will
result in the withdrawal of their safe harbour
protection.
o Safe harbour protection refers to immunity against third-party content, implying that it shields them from any
legal liability. It is under Section 79 of the IT Act 2000.
What is Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM)?
• Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) refers to any content that depicts sexually explicit activities involving a child.
• CSAM are part of Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (OCSAE) that incorporates activities such as luring
children into sexual chats, production, and distribution of child CSAM, live streaming sexual assault of minors etc.
o About 4.5 lakh cases of spread of CSAM have been reported in India as of May 2023.
o Globally, it is estimated that up to 1 billion children aged 2–17 years, have experienced physical, sexual, or
emotional violence.
Impact of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) on Survivors
• Guilt, shame, and blame: Survivors might feel guilty about not having been able to stop the abuse, or even blame
themselves.
• Mental Health: Exposure to CSAM can cause psychological stress like anxiety, depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder (PTSD), which leads to lower motivation for academics, self-harm tendencies etc.
• Social isolation: Childhood online sexual abuse leads to diminished self-esteem through harmful messages from
abusers, impairs interpersonal relationships, hinders trust-building, and deepens isolation and loneliness in
survivors.
• Substance and alcohol abuse. To cope with the trauma of childhood sexual abuse, survivors turn to alcohol and
substances in adolescence, often continuing this pattern into adulthood.
• Disease burden: CSAM contributes to a wide range of communicable and non-communicable diseases like sexually
transmitted infections including HIV, and other health conditions (unintended pregnancies, induced abortion etc.).
Measures taken to curb CSAM.
• Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000: Sections 66E, 67, 67A, and 67B of the IT Act impose stringent penalties and
fines for online transmission of obscene or pornographic content including CSAM.
• IT Rules 2021: It aims to curb the circulation of CSAM on social media platforms.
o As per Rule 3(1) (b), platforms must “make reasonable efforts” to prevent users from posting content that is
paedophilic or harmful to children.
o Rule 4(4) requires large social media platforms (more than 50 lakh users in India) to deploy technology-based
measures, including automated tools to proactively identify information that depicts child sexual abuse.
• Protection of Children against Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012: It provides protection to all children under the
age of 18 years from offences of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and pornography.
o It provides for stringent punishments which have been graded as per the gravity of the offence.
• Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (OCSAE) Prevention/Investigation Unit was set up by CBI to probe
offences covered under various provisions of IPC, POCSO Act and IT Act, apart from other relevant laws.
• Under the Nirbhaya Fund, the Government implements a project namely, 'Cyber Crime Prevention against Women
and Children (CCPWC)', for awareness.
• Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 places three conditions on data processing entities for children’s data:
Obtaining “verifiable parental consent”, not causing harm to children, and not tracking or monitoring children or
targeting ads at them.
• Initiatives by Social Platforms: YouTube uses an automatic tool called Child Sexual Abuse Imagery (CSAI) Match to
proactively weed out CSAM.
Challenges in Countering Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM)
• Lack of awareness: Limited knowledge and access to India’s CSAM reporting platforms leads to an very low number
of self-reported crimes.
o In 2020, the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) recorded 1,102 cybercrimes against children. By
contrast, NCRB received about 2.7 lakh reports of OCSAE from the National Centre for Missing and Exploited
Children (NCMEC) in 2020 alone.
• Balancing Privacy and Safety of children: To trace content related to child sexual abuse, social media platforms would
have to break end-to-end encryption, compromising the security of online communications and violating the Right
to Privacy under Article 21.
• Anonymity: Offenders exploit the vulnerabilities of young children through social networking websites and Chat
spaces using fake accounts. This makes the identification of sexual abusers, facilitators, and prosecution of viewers
of child abuse content difficult.
• Digital age: The increased use of social media platforms, the mass migration to online classes, and the use of
educational apps can also negatively impact children.
o From 2019- 2020, Cybercrimes against children rose by 400% due to COVID-19 and shift to online mode of services
such as education etc. Nearly 90% of these crimes involved the publication or transmission of CSAM.
Way forward
• Regulation: Social Media Companies can implement
proactive measures such as content moderation
algorithms and reporting mechanisms to prevent the
future dissemination of such content.
o Also, there is a need to develop a National
Framework for Child Online Safety to recognize
the importance of safe physical and online
environments to promote the well-being of all
children and young people.
• Target online grooming and preparatory behaviour:
Identify and combat preparatory child sexual
exploitation and abuse activity (such as online
grooming for child sexual abuse).
o Online grooming is a term used to describe the
tactics abusers deploy through the internet to
sexually exploit children.
• Awareness: A nationwide awareness campaign
through mass media can generate the necessary public attention towards the issue of child sexual abuse.
o Also, steps should be taken to integrate modules on OCSAE into computer science and sex education curricula
at schools.
• Collaboration: India should adopt an outward-looking approach and explore bilateral or multilateral partnerships
to promote child safety online. Strategic partnerships with countries having robust mechanisms to address OCSAE.
E.g., Australia can be explored.
• A specialised approach for children: Enhanced safety measures while browsing can be developed with the aim of
protecting children, in particular from peers or adults seeking to engage in harmful sexual activity with children.
6.9. CHILDREN’S PROLONGED USAGE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Why in the news?
A recent survey has indicated that 60% of urban kids spend 3 hours daily on social media and other online platforms.
Role of different stakeholders in increasing children’s access to Internet
• Parents: In modern society, especially in urban society where both parents are working, parents are unable to provide
adequate attention to a child, leading to the modern phenomenon of the “iPad kid”.
o It describes a young child who is always glued to their iPad or other smart device.
o Additionally, Parents expose children to social media by uploading sonogram pictures, posting about their
experiences in pregnancy, uploading photos of their newborns, etc.
• Digital companies (like YouTube or Instagram): With the help of data mining and analysis, show content according to
children's inclination in order to attract their attention.
o Stimuli from the screen like color, sound, and stories change superfast which can be sensory overload releasing
hormones of happiness in children.
• Schools: The pandemic accelerated the transition to digital learning platforms without creating awareness about
negative impacts.
o Parents also feel pressure to provide the technological device as most of the work given after the pandemic is
done online.
• Children: The digital world helps in escape from real-life challenges and stressors and get attracted.
o There is pressure from peers to use the latest technology and latest games and applications.
• Government: Lack of separate regulation for adults and children.
Positive and Negative Effects of social media on Children

Positive Negative
• Cognitive Skills: Several social media applications • Cyberbullying and Online Harassment: Children may become
can help in learning skills like reading, writing, victims of bullying, harassment, or exclusion on social media
counting etc. through the games. platforms, which can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, and even
• Universal Values: Can teach children to respect depression.
others’ points of view and start paying more • Fake news: Social media is an easy and potential platform to
attention to universal morals and values as they spread fake, artificial, embarrassing, and hostile information about
interact with people from all over the world. others.
• Social Skills: Social media provides a great amount • Defective social relationship: Children can get stressed while
of easiness in communicating and interacting with making face-to-face contact with the people around and become
different people. addicted to social media to communicate with others.
• Increased Access to Information: Social media can • Distorted Senescence of reality: Children have limited capabilities
provide a wealth of information on various topics. in distinguishing online reality from actual reality.
• Creativity: Children express their creativity, share • Facebook Depression: Children can become afraid of not having
their ideas, and showcase their talents through enough likes and losing the perceived online support.
various mediums such as art, writing, or video • Excessive Screen Time: It can lead to reduced physical activity,
content. poor sleep patterns, and other health-related issues.
Way forward
• Parental controls: Parents can opt for parental control settings for internet usage. For example, restricting or allowing
certain websites to be viewed on the Internet.
• Empowering children: Empowerment techniques include teaching them about legal boundaries in age-appropriate
language, as well as discussing their communities’ cultural, moral, and ethical norms and expectations.
• Using technology: Updating children's devices with the latest software and privacy settings so as to minimize data
collection.
• Regulation: Governments can enact and enforce laws and regulations that safeguard children's online privacy and
prevent cyberbullying.
• Role of Internet provider: They can prevent and respond to child sexual exploitation and abuse online by Child-
centred features and functions, effective reporting and feedback mechanisms, etc.
• Schools: They can educate students on the safe and effective use of the Internet.
• Encouraging Physical Activities: Initiatives like “Fit India Movement” should be promoted to encourage physical
activity and inculcate a sense of discipline and teamwork in children.
• The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Guideline on Child Online Protection (2020): They can be adapted
and used by different countries and stakeholders in a way that is consistent with national and local customs and laws.
6.10. CIRCULAR MIGRATION

Why in the news?
According to several experts, internal migration in India has
almost always been circular, with a seasonal flow of
migrants from rural areas to urban cities.
What is a circular migration?
• While there is no standard definition of circular
migration, it generally refers to the phenomenon of
repeated migration experiences involving more than
one emigration and return.
o It means that instead of migrating permanently or
temporarily (moving for a period of time to
complete any contract-based labor) to another
location, people move when work is available.
• It is a phenomenon mostly among low-income groups
who migrate to avail of seasonally available jobs in
another country, city, place, etc.
Benefits of circular migration
• Balances the needs of the development of states or cities and similarly the economic development of individuals.
• Reduces brain drain by facilitating demand-based internal migration and encourages the transfer of skills and know-
how (“brain circulation”).
• Address labor market shortages, while minimizing permanent population growth.
• Reduces risk of income instability by spreading it between village and city income opportunities.
• Reduces pressures associated with permanent immigration, such as competition for resources, cultural challenges,
illegal migration, etc.
• Circular migrants tend to send more money home as remittances than migrants who do not intend to return home.
• Facilitates cultural exchange by exposing individuals to different cultures, ideas, and practices.
Challenges with Circular Migration in India Measures for internal migrants in India
• Exploitation by employers: Unhygienic • Inter-state Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and
Conditions of Service) Act, 1979 (subsumed in the Occupational Safety,
and unsafe working conditions, absence
Health and the Working Conditions (OSH) Code): Provides for decent
of social security, violation of labour
working conditions, minimum wages, grievance redressal mechanisms,
norms such as minimum wages etc. protection from abuse and exploitation, enhancement of skills and social
• Subsistence-level employment, with security etc. for Inter-State migrants.
limited opportunities for savings or asset • Social security and welfare schemes:
creation. o Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan
• Limited policy support from the Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY): Provide for life & disability
government due to lack of data and cover due to natural or accidental death.
under-reporting of its extent. o Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Man Dhan Pension Scheme (PM-SYM):
Provides for old age social security in the form of monthly pension.
• Exclusion from political processes in
destination areas.
• Driven mostly by distress and vulnerability with the majority of the circular migrants being from disadvantaged
groups and poor education backgrounds.
• Other issues: Social isolation, Language barriers, Job uncertainty, anti-migrant sentiments in host states etc.
Way forward
• Comprehensive data on circular migrant workers can be collected at the national, and regional levels, e.g., in Periodic
Labour Force Survey (PLFS).
• Providing safety net in the form of insurance policies at low cost, occupational safety, and skill enhancement schemes.
• Coherence and coordination between the Center and State governments for the regulation of labor laws, by creating
an interstate migration council.
• Formulating dedicated government policies to integrate migrant labor force into formal economic framework.
• Robust protection of migrant rights to address exploitation and abuse.
6.11. GLOBAL HUNGER INDEX (GHI)

Why in the News?
Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2023 is released by Concern Worldwide and Welt Hunger Hilfe, Non-Government
Organisations from Ireland and Germany respectively.

Key findings of the GHI
• Global trends
o Since 2015, little progress has been made in reducing hunger reflecting the combined effects of several crises
including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, the impacts of climate change, etc.
o South Asia and Africa South of the Sahara are the world regions with the highest hunger levels, with GHI scores
of 27.0 each.
• India related findings
o India is ranked 111th among 125 countries with a GHI score of 28.7 and is categorized as Serious on the GHI
Severity of Hunger Scale.
✓ It marks a slight improvement in India’s GHI score of 29.2 recorded in 2015.
o India has the highest child-wasting rate in the world, at 18.7%, reflecting acute undernutrition.
o Further, there was 58.1% of prevalence of anaemia among women aged 15-24.
Issues raised by government of India on GHI
• Methodological: Three out of the four indicators used for the calculation of the index are related to the health of
Children and cannot be representative of the entire population.
o Child stunting, wasting and under-5 mortality are outcomes of complex interactions of various other factors like
drinking water, sanitation, genetics, environment and utilisation of food intake apart from hunger.
• Small sample size: The indicator of Proportion of the Undernourished (PoU) population is based on an opinion poll
conducted on a very small sample size.
o The report lowers India’s rank based on the estimate of the PoU population for India at 16.3%.
• Use of data: The government questions the use of data for child wasting from NFHS 5 instead of the Poshan Tracker.
o Data recorded on the Poshan Tracker portal showed child wasting prevalence of 7.2% among a total of 7.24 crore
under-five-year-olds whose data was captured.
✓ WHO has recognized the Poshan Tracker as an exemplary platform for flawlessly collecting routine
administrative data on nutrition.
Government initiatives to address hunger in India
• National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013: Recognizes the right to food as a statutory right.
• Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) launched to provide food grains free of costs to 80 crore poor.
• Pradhan Mantri Matri Vandana Yojna: Registered women were provided Rs 5000/- on the birth of their first child for
wage support and nutritious food during pregnancy and post-delivery period.
• POSHAN Abhiyan (National Nutrition Mission): Aims to achieve improvement in key nutrition parameters for
children and women.
• POSHAN Tracker: It is a real-time monitoring system that enables authorities to track progress and identify gaps in
the supply chain of service delivery.
• Eat Right Movement: Aims to transform the country’s food system to ensure safe, healthy and sustainable food.
Conclusion
The GHI 2023 exposes ongoing global struggles against hunger, intensified by diverse crises. India's critique of GHI's
methodology underscores the challenge of accurately assessing hunger. Despite GHI imperfections, India must address
its malnutrition issue. While government initiatives target nutrition, a nuanced comprehension of diverse factors is vital
for effective policies combating hunger and malnutrition.
6.12. SPORTS IN INDIA

Why in the news?
In the 19th Asian Games India achieved a new milestone by clinching 107 medals, including 28 gold, 38 silver, and 41
bronze.

More on News
Sports in India
• India has been ranked 4th place.
• Sports in India are listed in Entry 33, List II of the constitution
• This feat surpassed India’s previous best of 70 and are necessarily under the domain of the federal states.
medals at the 18th Asian Games. • Current Sports Governance Model in India
• China topped the list with 383 medals followed o Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS) has institutions
by Japan, and the Republic of Korea. like the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and other institutions
working towards promoting sports training under SAI.
Factors behind Improved Performance
o Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has State Olympic
• Sports Governance: In 2011 the Ministry of Associations (SOAs) and National and State Sports
Youth Affairs and Sports implemented the Federations (NSFs and SFs).
National Sports Development Code of India. o For non-Olympic sports (cricket), federations like the Board
of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are directly affiliated
o It aims to bring transparency and
with their respective international boards.
accountability to the functioning of
National Sports Federations (NSFs) and promote good governance practices in the management of sports at the
national level.
• Infrastructure and Training: The Sports Authority of India has played a key role in improving infrastructure such as
establishing stadiums in different parts of the country.
o Efforts have been made to bring world-class coaches, sports doctors and trainers from foreign countries.
• Funding: Budget allocation for Sports has increased over the year. For instance, Budget allocation for the Ministry of
Youth Affairs and Sports has been increased by 11% in FY2023-24 in comparison to FY 2022-23.
• Role of States: States like Uttar Pradesh have
launched initiatives like the One District, One Sport
(ODOS) scheme.
• Role of Corporates: Corporations have utilised their
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for the
promotion of sports.
• Community-Based Sports: They organize leagues,
fitness classes, and community events centred around
sports and physical activities.
• Recognition in Society: Earlier, only sportspersons
from a few sports received recognition. But in recent
times athletes from different fields have been
recognised in society.
• Hosting International Events: In the recent past,
there has also been greater international
competitive exposure to Indian athletes with several
world-class tournaments hosted at home like the
Indian Open Badminton tournament.
Challenges Faced in Promoting Sports
• Sports hierarchy: There is a lack of a hierarchy in
sports from the grassroots level to the national level.
• Poor Governance: The current model of governance of Indian sports clearly lacks accountability and transparency,
which creates an environment that is conducive to wide-scale corruption.
o Sports federations are often dominated by political associates with little expertise in sports. These are alleged
with nepotism, fiefdom etc.
• Changing nature of society and social activity: Increasing urbanisation and digitisation have reduced the avenues and
interest of children to engage in physical activities and consequently in sports.
• Lack of remuneration and job security: Parents hesitate to choose sports as a profession for their children and focus
more on academic excellence.

• Poor Funding: In India, approx. Rs 24 per capita/ per year for sports which is much less in comparison to the European
Union’s Rs 8,000 per capita sports budget.
• Psychological Support: In India, training is solely sports-oriented with little focus on the psychological robustness of
the athletes.
• Other: Regionalism in selection and facilities (States like Haryana and Punjab have better facilities), sexual
harassment, Too much importance to
Initiatives Taken to Promote Sports
Cricket etc.
• TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme): It has been instrumental in
Measures Required to Further Improve ensuring that a “core group of athletes” have all the necessary personalised
Sports Performance support in terms of foreign exposure, hiring of specific coaches, training and
competition abroad.
• Sports education as part of the o It is supported by the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF).
National Curriculum Framework • Khelo India Scheme: The Scheme’s primary focus is to create a national-level
(NCF): To achieve this, it is important platform for athletes to showcase their talent and to identify them for
to have the sports curriculum further grooming and financial support.
framework drafted, piloted & tested o Under this, Khelo India State Centres of Excellence are being developed
in a few schools, ratified accordingly in all states.
with suggestions from industry • Fit India Movement: Promotes physical fitness and sports culture among
Indians. It encourages people of all age groups to adopt an active and healthy
experts and implemented nationwide.
lifestyle.
• Oversight: Sports associations should
• National Sports University: India’s first dedicated National Sports University
be established at block and district has been set up in Manipur.
levels supervising respective sports
academies at that level.
• Sports professionals in sports administration: This would ensure informed decisions are made, resulting in more
effective and knowledge-based policies.
• Bridging Regional disparity: All the States and UTs must be given adequate funds for infrastructure and other
facilities. Reduce rural-urban and rich-poor divide etc.
• Funding: There is a need to increase budgetary allocation for sports development along with encouraging private
participation to develop world-class infrastructure, training equipment, organising conditioning camps and overseas
exposure.
• Employment: Government enterprises including PSUs should be directed to employ sportspersons on a certain
percentage of vacancies. Besides, the private sector should be incentivized such as tax rebates to employ
sportspersons.
• Recognition and changing mindset: Increased coverage of all sports on TV and other mediums.
6.13. NEWS IN SHORTS

6.13.1. DRAFT GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOLS o 'Every Child Matters' is the underlying belief in
developing the guidelines for prevention of
TO PREVENT SUICIDE
suicide.
• Ministry of Education (MoE) released draft guidelines • Suicide is a complex interplay of personal and social
titled UMMEED (Understand, Motivate, Manage, factors, which is rarely caused by a single circumstance
Empathise, Empower, Develop) serve as “directions to or event.
schools for enhancing sensitivity, understanding, and o Mental Healthcare Act 2017, decriminalized
providing support in case of reported self-harm”. suicide in India.

• Factors influencing suicides • Implementing agency
o Individual: Adverse childhood experiences (abuse, o Mode 1: District Administration
violence, etc.); Addiction to social media, o Mode 2: Voluntary organisation (VO)/ Non-
substance use, etc.; internal pressure to perform Government Organisation (NGO)/ other
well in life etc. organisations.
o School: Lack of positive relationships with
peers/teachers, bullying, humiliation, isolation, 6.13.3. IDENTIFICATION AND
etc.; Absence of school-family connect; Academic MANAGEMENT OF MALNUTRITION IN
pressure from school etc. CHILDREN
o Family: Conflict and instability (divorce, financial
• Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD)
hardships etc.); Parental neglect/ abuse;
launched the protocol in collaboration with the
Pressuring students into preparing for competitive
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the
examinations etc.
Ministry of AYUSH for addressing Malnutrition among
o Community and Society: Stigma associated with
Children.
mental illness; Sensationalized and insensitive
• The protocol provides detailed guidelines for the
reporting of suicide cases in media etc.
identification and management of malnourished
children at the Anganwadi level.
o The identification of malnourished children and
their treatment is an integral aspect of Mission
Poshan 2.0
• Key Components of the Protocol:
o Growth monitoring, appetite testing, nutritional
management of malnourished children.
✓ In Appetite Test children offered food
according to body weight. If the child does not
consume three-fourths of the food, they are
transferred to a Nutritional Rehabilitation
Centre (NRC).
o Follow-up care of children who manage to achieve
requisite growth parameters after intervention.
o ‘Buddy mother’ initiative where the mother of a
healthy baby guides the mother of a malnourished
child at an Angandwadi centre every week.
✓ The ‘Buddy mother’ concept was first used in
Assam.
o Encourages diet diversity, and has recommended
micronutrients in food.
• There are 7.7 per cent of Children under 5 years who
are severely wasted.
6.13.2. SHRESHTA SCHEME
6.13.4. SPECS2030 INITIATIVE
• Till now in FY 2023-24 the expenditure under
SHRESHTA (Residential Education for Students in High • It’s a WHO initiative to address global vision
Schools in Targeted Areas) is Rs. 14.94 cr. impairment and blindness. It aims to ensure access to
• Ministry: Ministry for Social Justice and Empowerment eye care and treatment for all.
• Type: Central Sector Scheme • Purpose: Reporting of the number of people who
• Objective: To fill the gap in service-deprived SCs receive spectacles.
(Scheduled Castes) dominant areas, provide an • India's Role: In India, where over 100 million people
environment for socio-economic upliftment of SCs, may lack access to eye care and glasses, Specs 2030 will
etc. bring positive change.
• Benefits: High quality free residential education to • Myopia-Near sightedness-can be corrected by concave
poor and meritorious scheduled caste (SC) students lens.
from class 9th to class 12th.

• Hypermetropia-Farsightedness-can be corrected by ✓ The word ‘Hakki’ stands for ‘bird' and ‘Pikki’
convex lens. stands for the verb ‘to catch’.
• Presbyopia-the gradual loss of the eyes' ability to focus o After their trade of bird hunting was outlawed,
on nearby objects, bifocal lens is prescribed. they were rehabilitated in the 1970s.
o They are said to be a matriarchal group.
6.13.5. HAKKI PIKKI TRIBE o They communicate in 'Vaagri'.
✓ UNESCO has listed 'Vaagri' as one of the
• About Hakki Pikki Tribe
endangered languages.
o They are a semi-nomadic tribal group from
✓ They are renowned for their indigenous
Karnataka.
medicines.
o The community is known as the ‘bird catcher,’
which is their traditional occupation.

7. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
7.1. NOBEL PRIZE IN PHYSICS 2023
Prize awarded for: Experimental
methods that generate attosecond
pulses of light for the study of electron
dynamics in matter.
Awardees: Pierre Agostini, Ferenc
Krausz, and Anne L’Huillier.
About Electron Dynamics
• Electron dynamics, in simple
terms, refers to the behaviour and
movement of electrons within
atoms and molecules.
• An atom is composed of a nucleus
of protons and neutrons, and
electrons which are negatively
charged travel around this nucleus.
• Atoms’ natural time scale is
incredibly short. Atoms can move
and turn in millionths of a
billionth of a second, known as
femtoseconds (Femtosecond is
equal to 10−15 second).
• Electrons move or change
rapidly, in the magnitude of
attosecond, which makes them
difficult to study.
o For a long time, femtosecond
was seen as the shortest
achievable duration of the
light pulses. Thus, making the
study of electrons very
difficult.
How did the discovery overcome this
challenge?
Generation of attosecond pulses of
light (Anne L’Huillier)
• In 1987, Anne L’Huillier and her
colleagues transmitted an
Infrared laser beam through a noble gas and it produced multiple overtones.
o When the peak of one overtone merges with the peak of another, they undergo constructive interference and
produce a larger peak.
o Similarly when the peak of one overtone merges with the trough of another, however, they undergo destructive
interference, ‘cancelling’ themselves out.
• By combining a large number of overtones in this way, physicists fine-tune a setup to produce light pulses for a few
hundred attoseconds.
Production of pulse train (Pierre Agostini
and Ferenc Krausz)
• In 2001, Pierre Agostini and Ferenc
Krausz were able to produce verified
attosecond pulses in a ‘train’: a pulse
followed by a gap, followed by a pulse,
and so forth.
o By 2017, experts were able to
produce a pulse as short as 43
attoseconds.
Resultantly, these experiments produced
pulses of light that were measured in
attoseconds. These pulses can be used to
provide images of the processes inside
atoms and molecules (including electron
dynamics).
Applications of attosecond physics
• Medical diagnostics: To check for the
presence of certain molecules.
o For instance, study of molecular-
level changes in blood, to identify
diseases.
• Development of Ultrafast Electronics:
To develop faster electronic devices,
and better telecommunications,
imaging, and spectroscopy.
• Precision Control of Electrons: To
explore short-lived atomic and
molecular processes in fields like
materials science, electronics, and catalysis.
7.2. NOBEL PRIZE IN CHEMISTRY 2023

Prize awarded for: The discovery and development
of quantum dots.
Awardees: The prize was given to Moungi G.
Bawendi, Louis E. Brus and Aleksey Yekimov.
About Quantum dots (QDs)
• Quantum dots are man-made semiconductor
particles, whose sizes are normally not more
than 10 nanometers.
o They are composed of different types of
atoms, such as cadmium, selenium etc.
o Similar behaviour is observed in some
metals, therefore, in some cases, it may be
acceptable to speak about metal quantum dots.
o QDs are also denoted as artificial atoms or zero-dimensional electron systems.
• Properties of QDs: They exhibit quantum confinement, which leads to many unique optical and transport properties.

o Fluorescence: When excited by an external
electric or light source, QDs emit photons of
a specific wavelength.
o Tunable Emission: QDs can emit light of
different colours depending on their size.
This property is called size-tunable emission
and is widely used in display technologies
and bioimaging.
o Photostability: QDs are less prone to
photobleaching (loss of fluorescence over
time) compared to traditional organic dyes.
This makes them suitable for long-term
imaging applications.
o Material Variety: QDs can be made from
different semiconductor materials, such as
cadmium selenide (CdSe), lead sulfide
(PbS), and indium arsenide (InAs), each
with its own unique properties.
o Biocompatibility: Some quantum dots are
biocompatible, which means they can be
used in biological applications without
causing harm to living cells. This property is
advantageous in bioimaging and drug
delivery.
About Nobel Winning Research
• In the early 1980s, Alexei Ekimov succeeded in
creating size-dependent quantum
effects in coloured glass.
o He demonstrated that the
particle size affected the colour
of the glass via quantum effects.
• A few years later, Louis Brus was the
first scientist in the world to prove
size-dependent quantum effects in
particles floating freely in a fluid.
• In 1993, Moungi Bawendi developed
a technique to make quantum dots of
well-defined sizes and with high
optical quality.
Applications of Quantum Dots
The technology can be applied in a
multitude of domains, including the
following:
• Electronics: Television screens based
on QLED technology, and LED lamps.
• Advanced surgery: In cancer
treatment for targeted drug delivery,
nanomedicine, biochemists and
doctors use them to map biological tissue etc.
• Anti-counterfeit measure: Used as security markers on currency and documents.
• Other potential uses: In quantum computing, thinner solar cells, flexible electronics, tiny sensors, and encrypted
quantum communication etc.
7.3. NOBEL PRIZE IN PHYSIOLOGY OR MEDICINE 2023

Prize awarded for: Discoveries concerning nucleoside base modifications that enabled the development of effective
mRNA vaccines against COVID-19.
Awardees: The prize was given to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman.
About Vaccination and COVID-19
• A Vaccination works by stimulating the formation of an immune response to a particular pathogen.
• Vaccines based on killed or weakened viruses have long been available such as vaccines against polio, measles, and
yellow fever.
• As technology evolved, instead of the whole virus, just a part of the viral genetic code, began to be introduced
through vaccines (DNA-based vaccines).
• However, the large-scale development of DNA vaccines requires cell culture (growing of cells under controlled
conditions) and takes time.
o When you get a DNA vaccine, your cells translate the gene particle from the virus or bacteria into a protein that
your body recognizes as a foreign element. Your immune system then creates antibodies that fight these
particular proteins.
• During the COVID-19 outbreak, time was of the essence in finding a weapon against the deadly and fast-spreading
virus. This is where mRNA technology proved crucial as it requires significantly less time.
About mRNA (messenger Ribonucleic Acid)
• DNA stores all the genetic information in our
bodies; mRNA carries that genetic information,
similar to a blueprint or set of instructions, that is
then translated into proteins.
o RNA contains 4 nucleoside bases, abbreviated
A, U, G, and C, corresponding to A, T, G, and C
in DNA, the letters of the genetic code.
Working of an mRNA vaccine
• mRNA vaccines use mRNA created in a laboratory
to teach our cells how to make a protein-or even
just a piece of a protein that triggers an immune
response inside our bodies.
o In vitro transcribed mRNA or synthetic mRNA
is the synthetic form of mRNA that is used in
mRNA-based vaccines. (It is created outside of
a living cell.)
• This immune response, which produces
antibodies, is what helps protect us from getting
sick immediately. Also, the body remembers the
associated pathogens, thus creating immunity for
the future.

The mRNA vaccines provided a promise of faster
vaccine development but posed significant
challenges. These challenges were addressed in the
work of Nobel Laurates.
Work of Nobel laureates
• Understanding the concerns with mRNA
vaccines
o Issues with In vitro transcribed mRNA
vaccines:
✓ Instability: They were considered
unstable and challenging to deliver,
requiring the development of sophisticated delivery systems.
✓ Inflammatory reactions: The cells recognize in vitro transcribed mRNA as a foreign substance, which leads
to their activation and the release of inflammatory signaling molecules.
✓ Inefficient Protein Production in Cells and Tissues.
o They questioned why this synthetic mRNA was considered to be a foreign substance while mRNA from
mammalian cells did not give rise to the same reaction.
✓ Reason for a different reaction: The mRNA from cells (mammalian mRNA) undergoes a chemical change
after entering the body, whereas the synthetic mRNA remains unchanged.
o This led them to realize some critical properties must distinguish synthetic mRNA from mammalian cells mRNA.
• Breakthrough by them
o Understanding: Karikó and Weissman knew
that nucleoside bases in RNA from
mammalian cells are frequently chemically
modified.
o Hypothesis: They hypothesised that the
absence of altered bases in the in vitro
transcribed RNA could explain the
unwanted inflammatory reaction.
o Testing: On testing, they produced different
variants of mRNA, each with unique
chemical alterations in their bases, which
they delivered to the cells.
o Result: The results were significant as the
inflammatory response was almost
abolished when base modifications were
included in the mRNA.
Applications of the discovery
• Covid-19 Vaccination: With the onset of the
Covid-19 pandemic, base-modified mRNA
vaccines encoding the SARS-CoV-2 surface
protein were developed at an unprecedented pace.
o E.g., mRNA vaccines developed by Pfizer/ BioNTech and Moderna.
• Rapid vaccine development: Impressive flexibility and speed with which mRNA vaccines can be developed pave the
way for using the new platform for vaccines against other infectious diseases.
• Broad applicability: In the future, the technology may also be used to deliver therapeutic proteins and treat some
cancer types.
• Global health impact: mRNA vaccines can play a role in improving global health by addressing a range of infectious
diseases and potentially reducing the severity and spread of epidemics and pandemics.

7.4. NET NEUTRALITY
Why in the News? Over The Top (OTT) Service and Relationship between TSPs and OTTs
• OTTs can be content, a service or an application that is provided to the end
Around 128 Start-ups have written to
user over the public Internet. They are classified into two groups
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India o OTT communications services – These services provide realtime person to
(TRAI) opposing Telecom Service person telecommunication services over the internet e.g. Whatsapp,
Providers (TSPs) push for regulating Telegram etc...
Over the Top (OTT) services. o OTT application services – include all other OTT services such as media
services, trade and commerce services, cloud services, social media e.g.
More about the News
Facebook, Amazon, Netflix etc.
• The TSPs are of the view that OTT Relationship between TSPs and OTTs
application services like Netflix, • While the TSPs seem to claim their right to ask for a fee for their investments,
Amazon Prime Video not only this is also seen as a move against net neutrality in a new form.
consume a significant bandwidth in • Capital Cost incurred by the TSPs is high as they spend millions in setting up
the necessary infrastructure for the services to the consumers of which OTTs
their network, the other OTT
are a part.
communication services like
• Impact on revenue to the TSPs as some OTTs provide the same services they
Whatsapp, facebook also causes offer like calls and messaging services over the internet they provide and act
significant revenue loss to them. as their competitors.
• Hence the Indian TSPs are • Regulatory purview over the TSPs is high and they are bound by rules of the
demanding a ‘network usage fee’ Government and TRAI, whereas the OTTs do not have such direct obligations.
from Big Tech platforms and OTT’s • The demand for the transmission capacity provided by the TSPs is boosted by
for using their infrastructure. the OTTs content leading to surge in net data consumption favouring the TSPs.
What is Net Neutrality?

• Net neutrality is the concept of an open, equal internet for everyone, regardless of device, application or platform
used and content consumed.
• Proponents of the idea believe all corporations, including internet service providers (ISPs), should treat internet
data and users equally.
o They should not restrict access, slow down access speeds or
block content for some users to serve their own interests.
• The issue began with Facebook's launch of “Free Basics” in 2013
which was designed to provide a set of websites and content freely
available only to the users and subscribers of the Reliance network
in India.
• The TRAI released a new framework called the ‘Prohibition of
Discriminatory Tariffs for Data Services Regulations, 2016’, which
barred telecom service providers from charging differential rates
and ensured net neutrality.
Implications of disregarding Net Neutrality
• Induces internet discrimination: The Internet Service Providers

(ISP) can favour and boost a specific content, application, product
to the consumers creating discrimination
• Discourages Innovation: The level playing field for start-ups and
small companies is removed discouraging them to innovate on new
ideas, strengthening the hands of Big tech companies
• Privacy Concerns: ISPs could exploit their power to collect and
monetize user data without their consent.
• Limits consumer freedom: by letting ISPs dictate what is accessible
or affordable to the consumers, their freedom to choose is hindered.
• Widens Digital Divide: It exacerbates the digital divide, with marginalized communities having even less access to
essential online resources, educational tools, and job opportunities
Way Forward
• Incorporation of A K Bhargava Committee recommendations:
o Incorporation of a clause in the license conditions of TSP/ISPs that will require the licensee to adhere to the
principles and conditions of Net Neutrality.
o Till such time as an appropriate legal framework is enacted with the principles of Net Neutrality, the interim
provisions enforceable through licensing conditions as suggested by the Committee may be the way forward
• Create a level playing field through regulatory framework, which is fair and equal for both the players without
affecting the end consumers.
• Define OTTs and their services in order to bring them under an ambit of regulation in terms of their content, service
etc.
• Protect the welfare of the customers and ensure that there is no rise in cost either directly or indirectly which is
transferred to the customers.
• Proactive Monitoring: TRAI should proactively monitor TSPs' behaviour to detect and address any violations towards
net neutrality promptly.
7.5. UNLOCKING INDIA’S SPACETECH POTENTIAL

Why in the news?
A report titled “Exploring
Opportunities for Indian
Downstream Spacetech” was
jointly launched by Indian
Space Association (ISpA),
Nasscom, Deloitte India at
Indian Space Conclave 2023.
The paradigm shift in India’s
Space journey
• The Start: Indian Space
journey started with the
formation of INCOSPAR
(Indian National
Committee for Space
Research) in 1962, ISRO
(Indian Space Research
Organization) in 1969 and
the Department of Space
(DoS) in 1972.
• Government was the only
player: Since then and up
till the 2010s, the space
sector was effectively a
domain of the Government
with negligible private
sector participation.
• Entry of Private Sector:
Space is no longer the exclusive domain of Government, and it is set to be driven by synergistic efforts between
public and private sectors due to its strategic and economic significance.

• Segmental diversification: Until now, most of the contribution of space technology has been from the upstream
segment of the value chain through satellite manufacturing, launching etc.,
o India’s new space policy 2023 has opened opportunities for space technology to serve even the downstream
segment.
Potential areas for the Indian downstream
space sector
• Remote sensing/Earth Observation
(EO): Includes services for storage of
satellite data, data analysis and
development of applications. In
sectors like :
o Agriculture: Crop identification,
soil mapping, weather monitoring,
irrigation management etc.
o Urban Planning and
Development: Master plan
development, Urban heat island
prediction and monitoring etc.
o Disaster Management: Prediction
and Post-Disaster Management.
o Blue Economy (Fisheries,
oceanography): Fish Detection &
forecasts, Potential Fishing zones
etc.
• Satellite Communications (SatCom):
Focuses on products and services that use communication satellites for services like broadcasting, communication,
and internet connectivity.
o Connectivity for bank branches in remote areas.
o Health, Education and Governance Delivery.
o Other Sectors: Tourism, Payments, Trade, Digital Commerce etc.
• Positioning, Navigation & Timing services (PNT): Includes services used for tracking of assets, navigation services on
air, land and sea etc.
o Guidance: Drones, Navigation for enterprises, Toll collection, Railways.
o Civil Aviation: Commercial Aviation, Airport Operations etc.
o Time Synchronization: Telecom, Energy, Finance etc.
• Space for Strategic Purposes: Categorised as the fourth operational domain, space has always been a dual-purpose
sector to serve national security and strategic interests.
o Secure Communication: Integrated Command and Control Centre.
o Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance: Strategic Surveillance, Asset , Marine Domain Awareness etc.
Challenges for the emerging Indian Private Space ecosystem
• International Competition: Global space industry is highly competitive, and Indian companies need to find their
niche and differentiate themselves to compete effectively.
• Access to Capital: Major funding is for the industries related to the upstream activities while the downstream
companies pull in lower amounts.
• Supply Chain Disruption: Global instability and geopolitical conflicts disrupt supply chains, leading to limited access
to key equipment for private sector.
• Other concerns:
o Indian space tech market lacks comprehensive data aggregation and analytics capabilities.
o Space sector faces challenges in justifying Return on Investment (ROI) due to the high cost of space resources.

Way ahead
• Active role of Government: With the space sector opening up, governments have a crucial role to play as enablers
and consumers of Earth observation-based services. Their involvement can nurture the growing ecosystem.
• Streamlined Regulatory Framework: Simplify and expedite regulatory processes, ensuring transparency and
predictability in approvals.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage collaborations to expand satellite communication services to make space-
based services more affordable.
• Global Collaboration: Enhance and Strengthen Cooperation of International Partners with the Indian Space Industry
through initiatives like Satellite Services, NISAR (India-US) etc.
7.6. ASTEROIDS
Why in the news?
NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission brought the sample from
carbon-rich asteroid Bennu back to Earth.
About OSIRIS - REx’s mission
• OSIRIS-REx is an acronym for: Origins, Spectral
Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security -
Regolith Explorer.
• Goal of the mission: Collect samples from asteroid
Bennu and deliver them to Earth.
• Timeline of Mission:
o 2016: Spacecraft was launched.
o 2020: Collected rocks and dust from the surface of
asteroid Bennu.
o 2021: After further study of the asteroid, the
spacecraft began its cruise back to
Earth with the sample.
o 2023: Became the first U.S. mission
to deliver a sample of an asteroid
to Earth.
• New Journey: After its sample delivery,
OSIRIS-REx continued on to a new
mission to asteroid Apophis.
o Hence renamed as OSIRIS-APEX
(OSIRIS-Apophis Explorer).
About Asteroids
• Asteroids, sometimes called minor
planets are rocky objects that orbit the
Sun, much smaller than planets.
• Asteroids are divided into 3 classes
based on their location:
o Main Asteroid Belt: Found in the
main asteroid belt between Mars
and Jupiter, which is estimated to contain somewhere between 1.1-1.9 million asteroids.
✓ Total mass of all the asteroids in the main asteroid belt combined is less than that of Earth's Moon.
o Trojans: These asteroids share an orbit with a larger planet, but do not collide with it.
✓ NASA reports the presence of Jupiter, Neptune and Mars trojans. In 2011, they reported an Earth trojan as
well.
o Near-Earth Asteroids: These have orbits that pass close to the Earth. Asteroids that cross the Earth’s orbit are
called Earth-crossers.
How does Asteroid exploration contribute to Astronomy?
• Insight on formation of Solar System: Asteroids like Bennu are considered remnants of the formation of our solar
system. Analysing these samples can help us understand the conditions and materials present at that time.
• Origin of Life: Samples can provide insights into the chemical and organic compounds that may have played a role in
the origin of life on Earth.
o For example, Initial studies of the Bennu sample show evidence of high-carbon content and water, which
together could indicate the building blocks of life on Earth.
• Planetary Defense: Understanding the composition and structure of asteroids like Bennu is crucial for creating
planetary defence efforts for the future.
o This information can help in developing strategies to mitigate the potential threat posed by near-Earth objects.
• Space Exploration Technology: The mission demonstrates advanced technology in spacecraft design, navigation, and
sample collection which can be applied to future space missions.
o JAXA (Japan) will launch its MMX (Martian Moons eXploration) mission in 2024 to study the Martian moons &
will collect surface samples from Phobos.
o NASA and the European Space Agency are designing a multi-mission campaign to retrieve samples that NASA’s
Mars 2020 Perseverance rover is collecting.
• Resource Utilization: By analysing the composition of Bennu's materials, we can assess the potential for resource
utilization,
o Such as mining asteroids for valuable minerals or water.
• International Collaboration: It highlights the significance of global collaboration in space exploration and the scientific
community's ability to work together on ambitious projects.
o This includes global missions for gathering samples from space in general and exploration of asteroids in
particular.
Missions which have gathered samples from the space Missions for Exploration of Asteroids
• NASA’s Apollo 11 (1969): Collected and returned the First • NASA's Galileo mission was the first spacecraft to fly past an
Space Samples from the Moon. asteroid Gaspara in 1991.
• NASA’s Genesis spacecraft (2004): Collect samples of the • In 2005, Japanese spacecraft Hayabusa landed on the near-
solar wind. Earth asteroid Itokawa and attempted to collect samples.
• NASA’s Stardust mission (2006): Became the first to • NASA's Dawn spacecraft was launched in 2007 to explore
collect comet samples and deliver them to Earth. asteroid Vesta.
• JAXA’s Hayabusa2 mission (2020): Delivered the sample
from asteroid Ryugu.
Conclusion
The recent success of the sample return mission is significant, making it a pivotal event in space exploration. This holds
the promise of expanding our knowledge of the universe and positively impacting our future endeavours in space.
7.7. NEWS IN SHORTS

7.7.1. TRADITIONAL MEDICINE ON Terminologies Electronic (NAMSTE) portal and
WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION’S LIST Ayush Health Information Management System
(AHIMS).
• Ministry of Ayush has sought for Ayurveda and • ICD is the international standard for systematic
related systems to be included in 11th revision of recording, reporting, analysis, interpretation, and
International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) as comparison of mortality and morbidity data.
Module-2 of a supplementary chapter on traditional o Previously, ICD-11 included Module-1 that
medicine conditions. covers traditional medicine conditions
o Development of Module-2 relies on originating in ancient China, which is now
implementation knowledge obtained from commonly used in Japan, Korea etc.
National Ayush Morbidity and Standardized
o ICD-11 came into effect from January 2022. manufactured stocked or exhibited for sale or
• Significance of ICD-11 distributed in India.
o Provides a list of diagnostics categories to ○ Pharmacopoeia refers to book/ monograph
collect and report on traditional medicine published by a government, or recognised
conditions in an internationally comparable organisation to provide standards of strength and
manner. purity for therapeutic drugs.
o Link traditional medicine practices with global ○ In IP standards for drugs are in terms of Second
Schedule to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
conventional medicine’s norms and standard
and Rules 1945 thereunder.
development.
• About PDG
o Enable integration of traditional medicine into
○ It was formed by the US, EU and Japan in 1989 and
insurance coverage and reimbursement
World Health Organization joined an observer in
systems, in line with WHO objectives relating to
2001.
universal health coverage. ○ It works to harmonize pharmacopeial standards in
Traditional Medicine the member countries/regions.
• Refers to sum of knowledge, skills and practices ✓ Harmonization reduces manufacturers'
indigenous and different cultures have used over time to burden of having to perform analytical
maintain health and diagnose and treat physical and procedures in different ways, using different
mental illness. acceptance criteria, to satisfy pharmacopeial
National Ayush Morbidity and Standardized Terminologies
requirements that vary across regions.
Electronic (NAMSTE) portal
• Benefits to IPC of joining PDG
• It provides standardized terminologies & morbidity codes
for Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani systems of medicine. ○ International Recognition of the standards set by
Ayush Health Information Management System (A-HIMS) the IPC.
• It is a comprehensive IT platform to effectively manage all ○ Enhanced acceptance of Indian pharmaceutical
functions of health care delivery systems and patient products in global markets.
care in Ayush facilities. ○ Better public health worldwide, as it helps to
prevent the circulation of substandard or
7.7.2. AYUSHMAN BHAV CAMPAIGN counterfeit drugs.
• Initiative of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. 7.7.4. MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY
• Objective: To extend comprehensive healthcare
coverage to every village and town. • The Union Government has decided to procure doses
• It has 3 components: of Monoclonal Antibody from Australia.
o Ayushman Apke Dwar 3.0: To provide Ayushman • Monoclonal antibody, an experimental therapeutic,
cards to remaining eligible beneficiaries enrolled was also imported for treatment of infected patients
under the PM-JAY scheme. during 2018 Nipah outbreak in Kerala.
o Ayushman Melas: To facilitate the creation of o Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus and can be
Health IDs and issuance of Ayushman Bharat transmitted through contaminated food or
Cards. directly between people.
o Ayushman Sabhas: To raise awareness about vital • Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are artificial antibodies
health schemes and disease conditions. that mimic the activity of our immune systems.
• NGOs, SHGs, PRIs, Youth groups, Primary cooperative o They are produced through a process that
societies, Indian Medical Association and companies involves extracting specific antibodies from
using CSR funds, will be part of the campaign. human blood and then cloning them.
✓ They are clones of just one antibody, and
7.7.3. INDIAN PHARMACOPOEIA they bind to one antigen only.
COMMISSION (IPC) BECOMES A MEMBER o They are made by homogeneous hybrid cells (B
OF PHARMACOPOEIAL DISCUSSION cells) derived from the same parent cell.
GROUP (PDG) ✓ Polyclonal antibodies (PAbs), on the other
hand, are a mixture of antibodies that are
• IPC is an Autonomous Institution of the Ministry of secreted by different B cell lineages.
Health and Family Welfare formed in 2009. o They have been used in the treatment of cancers,
• It publishes the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) and Ebola, HIV etc.
regularly updates the standards of drugs imported,

• mAbs can effectively bind with a part of the viral o Protein binders are biological research reagents
envelope that attaches to the human cells to gain entry which bind to a specific target protein to
into the body. manufacture a wide range of new food products.
o This effectively neutralises the virus. o Protein binding can enhance or detract
• Concerns with mAbs: Side effects such as cytokine performance.
release syndrome reactions, allergic/atopic disorders, • Protein binding is known to affect the digestibility of
impaired immune function, etc. the protein-bond and thus can affect the biological
and nutritive value of milk protein.
• Milk Protein
o It is a good source for essential amino acids.
o Milk proteins are easily digestible and do not
contain any anti-nutritional factors unlike many
plant based proteins.
7.7.8. NATIONAL MISSION ON INTER-

DISCIPLINARY CYBER PHYSICAL SYSTEM
(NM-ICPS)
7.7.5. R21/MATRIX-M (MALARIA
VACCINE) • National Workshop of Technology Innovation in CPS
highlighted the importance of Technology Innovation
• World Health Organization has recommended second Hubs set up under NM-ICPS.
malaria vaccine, R21/Matrix-M, for the prevention of • CPS are collection of computing devices
malaria in children. communicating with one another and interacting with
o This follows WHO recommendation for the the physical world via sensors and actuators in a
RTS,S/AS01 vaccine in 2021. feedback loop.
• R21/Matrix-M vaccine has been licensed for use in o It includes technologies like Artificial Intelligence,
Ghana, Nigeria and Burkina Faso. Internet of Things, Machine Learning, Robotics,
o It was developed by Jenner Institute at Oxford etc.
University and Serum Institute of India. o Application areas: Healthcare, precision
o Key features: Cost effective, high efficacy, safe in agriculture, energy infrastructure etc.
clinical trials. • NM-ICPS was launched in 2018 by Department of
• Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are Science &Technology.
spread to people through bites of infected female o Vision: Make India a leading player in CPS
Anopheles mosquitoes. technologies.
o Objective: Promote translational research in CPS
7.7.6. PACKAGING OF FOOD PRODUCTS
and associated technologies.
• Under Food Safety and Standards (Packaging)
Regulations, 2018 use of newspapers or similar 7.7.9. GRAVITY BATTERY
materials for storing and wrapping food is strictly • A gravity battery is a type of electricity storage device
prohibited. that involves lifting (charging) and lowering
• Newspapers are often subjected to various (discharging) a heavy weight.
environmental conditions during distribution, making • When there is plenty of green energy, the batteries use
them susceptible to contamination by bacteria, the power to lift a heavy weight (or blocks) either high
viruses or other pathogens into the air or to the top of a deep shaft.
• The ink used in newspaper printing may cause cancer, • When electricity demand picks up, the blocks are
liver failure, lung damages, etc. due to: lowered one by one, releasing kinetic energy that is
o components such as Lead, Naphthylamines used to rotate a motor and generate electricity.
aromatic hydrocarbon, and Agonists for AhR (aryl
hydrocarbon receptor). 7.7.10. NEANDERTHALS
✓ AhR is a protein that mediates toxicity.
• Researchers have found that humans carry DNA
7.7.7. PROTEIN BINDERS remnants of ancient Neanderthals.
• Neanderthals were humans. They were a distinct
• FSSAI has clarified addition of protein binders or any species called Homo neanderthalensis.
other additives in dairy products is not permitted.
o They lived in Europe and southwest and central • Green ammonia is made using 100% renewable and
Asia during middle to late Pleistocene Epoch, carbon-free source.
about 400 000 to 40 000 years ago. o Blue Ammonia, refers to the ammonia for which
o Physical Appearance: Long, low skull (compared to by-product CO2 has been captured and stored,
more globular skull of modern humans) with a reducing climate impact.
characteristic prominent brow ridge above their o Grey/Brown Ammonia refers to the ammonia
eyes, relatively short and stocky bodies (suited to produced using fossil fuels.
cold environments). • Ammonia (NH3) is a pungent gas widely used to make
o They were skilled toolmakers and used a fertilisers.
technology called Mousterian culture which o Produced through Haber-Bosch process in which
involved the creation of various stone tools like hydrogen and nitrogen are reacted together at
scrapers, points, and hand axes. high temperatures and pressures.
o Ministry of Power has notified Green Ammonia
7.7.11. GREEN AMMONIA Policy in 2022.
• Green Ammonia from, Egypt imported through VOC
Port, Tamil Nadu for the first time.

8. CULTURE
8.1. RURAL TOURISM
Why in the news?
Recently, the United Nations World Tourism
Organization (UNWTO) announced its list of
Best Tourism Villages 2023.
More on news
• Launched in 2021, Best Tourism Villages
by UNWTO initiative is part of the UNWTO
Tourism for Rural Development
Programme.
• The initiative comprises three pillars:
o Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO:
Recognizes outstanding rural tourism
destinations with accredited cultural
and natural assets, a commitment to
preserving community-based values,
and a clear commitment to innovation
and sustainability across economic,
social, and environmental dimensions.
o Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO
Upgrade Programme: Supports
villages on their journey to meet
recognition criteria, helping in areas
identified as gaps during evaluation.
o Best Tourism Villages Network: A
space for exchanging experiences and
good practices, learning, and
opportunities among its members,
and it is open to contributions of
experts and public and private sector partners engaged in the promotion of tourism as a driver for rural
development.

Dhordo Village (Best Tourism Villages 2023) Madla Village (Selected in Upgrade
Programme)
• Dhordo village in Kutch district of Gujarat has gained global recognition as one of • Madla Village is located in Panna
the Best Tourism Villages awarded by the UNWTO. district of Madhya Pradesh.
• Dhordo is famous for hosting the annual Rann • River Karnawati (Ken) flows
Utsav (White Desert Festival). through the village.
o Rann Utsav celebrated every year in November • Some intangible heritage of the
onwards by Gujarat Tourism. It is a cultural village includes folk music &
extravaganza that showcases the region’s dance, local festivals and
traditional art, music, crafts, dance, and Bundelkhand cuisine.
cuisine. • The architecture of the houses is
o Dhordo is also home to the Mutwa community still has the essence of the village.
from Sindh, specialising in Mutwa embroidery (chain of stitches inset with
mirrors, silver jewellery and leather embroidery).
About Rural Tourism
• Rural tourism represents any form of tourism that showcases the rural life, art, culture and heritage at rural areas.
o Ministry of Tourism has identified rural tourism as a niche area for the development and promotion of rural India.
o Different forms to rural tourism include agritourism, cultural tourism, ecotourism, etc.
• Rural Tourism activities take place in non-urban (rural) areas with the following characteristics:
o Low population density.
o Landscape and land use are dominated by agriculture and forestry.
o Traditional social structure and lifestyle.
Challenges associated with Rural Tourism
• Poor infrastructure: Long distance from nearby towns; lack of connectivity and poor transportation facilities;
inadequate lodging, amusement facilities, electricity, telecommunication including ICT infrastructure etc.
• Lack of awareness and skills: Rural
populations often lack knowledge, skill
and financial backing to market their
cultural, artistic, and craft-related
services to tourists.
• Lack of trained manpower: Rural areas
lack trained human resources affecting
directly the tourism and hospitality
industry. Moreover, the trained
workforce from urban areas generally
tends to refrain from tapping rural
tourism opportunities due to the
seasonal demand of the industry.
• Digital Illiteracy: Digital literacy in rural
areas hinders the adoption of
technology-based solutions to market
and attract tourists such as
advertisements on social media, online
booking services etc.
Initiatives taken to promote Rural
Tourism
• National Strategy and Roadmap for
Development of Rural Tourism in
India: It aims to leverage India’s rural
heritage in creating a vibrant and responsible tourism segment by creating engaging rural experiences.
• National Strategy for Promotion of Rural Homestays (RH): It aims to develop RH as an experiential tourism product
which boosts rural tourism.
o Ministry of Tourism has designated the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM) as the
Central Nodal Agency (CNA-Rural Tourism and Rural Homestay). It identifies villages which provide a set of
unique experiences to tourists. For instance,
✓ Tamil Nadu's Kolukkumalai (highest tea plantation in world); Kerala's Devalo- kam (yoga centre);
Telangana's Pochampalli village (traditional weaving Kongthong (East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya)
techniques); Maachli in Maharashtra (agrarian homestay • It is popular as the ‘whistling village’ due
surrounded by coconut, banana plantations) etc. to its unique tradition of ‘Jingrwai Lawbei’
• National Tourism Awards (NTA): The Ministry of Tourism presents (meaning the Song of the Clan’s First
annually NTA to various segments of the travel, tourism and Woman).
hospitality industry including State Governments in recognition of • It is a tradition under which mothers
their performance and to encourage healthy competition to create a tune for their newborns. These
promote tourism. tunes are often used as names.
• Kongthong people belong to the Seng
o Kongthong village honoured with 'Best Tourism Village
Khasi Tribe and speak the Khasi language.
(Bronze)' award at National Tourism Awards (NTA) 2023
• Dekho Apna Desh Scheme: It aims to increase domestic tourism in India by encouraging people to explore the rich
cultural heritage and diversity of India.
• Unity Mall: It was announced in Union budget 2023-2024. These malls can be set up either in their state capitals or
major tourism and economic centres to promote and sell each state’s unique “one district, one product” (ODOPs),
“geographical indication” (GI), and other handicraft products.
Way ahead
• Digital Literacy: Indian tourism startups along with NGOs can provide digital literacy and simplified digital solutions
to improve service delivery, advertise local attractions etc. to attract tourists to the rural space.
• Infrastructure: Developing community-based tourism infrastructure and attracting public-private partnerships can
address the issue of lack of tourism infrastructure in rural areas.
• Government Support: To facilitate rural tourism, the government can provide both financial and infrastructure
support for recognized and high-potential tourist attractions. E.g., subsidies for the skill development of guides,
creation of adventure sports infrastructure etc.
• Collaboration and recognition: Convergence of various schemes from different ministries focusing on rural
development to promote sustainable rural tourism and providing recognition to attract tourists.
• Marketing: Measures like Integration of rural tourism in the state tourism architecture, marketing and building places
for niche tourism such as Agri-tourism, water sports etc. can increase the appeal of rural destinations.
8.2. MILITARY SYSTEMS IN ANCIENT INDIA

Why in news?
Recently, Defense minister
launched Project Udbhav
at inauguration of Indian
Military Heritage Festival
(IMHF).
Project Udbhav
• It is a collaborative
project between the
Indian Army and the
United Service
Institution of India
(USI), a defense think tank.
• Objective:
o To rediscover the profound Indic heritage of statecraft and strategic thoughts. (‘Udbhav’ translates to ‘origin’ or
‘genesis’)
o To integrate ancient Indian wisdom with modern military pedagogy through interdisciplinary research,
workshops and leadership seminars.
o Formulate a holistic approach to modern military challenges using ancient military wisdom.
Military systems in Ancient India
India’s ancient military wisdom is based upon large body of intellectual texts, scriptures, manuscripts, thinkers and study
of prominent military campaigns and leaders.
• Kautilya’s realism: Kautilya wrote Arthasastra around 300 BC, belongs to Mauryan period. His strategies emphasize
understanding ground realities and adapting tactics accordingly.
o Mandala theory: It deals with knowledge of foes, friends and allied countries.
✓ It postulates that immediate neighbor state is most likely to be an enemy (real or potential) and a state next
to the immediate neighbor is likely to be friendly.
o Diplomacy and Alliances: Kautilya placed a strong emphasis on diplomatic strategies and forming alliances to
achieve strategic goals.
o Intelligence Gathering: He advocated the use of spies (Amatyas) to collect information about enemy capabilities,
intentions, and weaknesses.
o Logistics and Supply Chains: The Arthashastra discusses the importance of proper provisioning and management
of resources for the success of military expeditions.
• Kamandaka by Nitisara: It belongs to the Gupta age and follows the Arthasastra tradition.
o Building and maintaining friendly relations with neighbouring states were considered vital for the overall security
and stability of the kingdom.
o Strategy of Upeksha (diplomatic neglect, diplomatic indifference), Maya (deception) reused and revived during
the Indian freedom struggle.
o Proposed that army with women can also fight.
• Thiruvalluvar by Thiruvalluvar (31 BC): It deals with Ethical conduct during warfare.
o It aligns with modern military codes of ethics of just war and principles of Geneva Convention.
• Agni Purana: It was first to explain the philosophy of reserve (pratigraha) on the battlefield. Reserves are integral
part of modern day army structure.
• Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhuddhist Jatakas: The victory and defeat in the battle largely depended on the knowledge
of the science of Vyuha and the tactical deployment of the troops.
Relevance in today’s time
• Kautilyan realism: India today can benefit from adopting a realistic assessment of geopolitical challenges and
opportunities. Ex: Understanding the strategic motive of China, USA.
• Enduring Elements of Kautilya's foreign policy: such as the fight for power, national interests, alliances, enmity, and
diplomacy, remain unaltered.
• Being Vigilant: Mandala theory suggests that natural adversaries do not imply constant warfare but necessitate a
state of alertness in international relations. Ex: India is vigilant in its borders with Pakistan and China.
• Ethical principles: Thiruvalluvar's ethical principles provide a timeless framework for evaluating the morality of
actions in modern conflicts.
o Leaders are expected to exemplify moral conduct and inspire their followers to adhere to ethical standards.
8.3. SIR SYED AHMED KHAN

Why in the news?
Year 2023 marked Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s 125th death anniversary.
About Sir Syed Ahmed Khan (1817-1898)
• He worked as a civil servant, journalist, educationist, social reformer and historian.
• Religious view
o Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s interpretation of Islam emphasised the validity of
free enquiry (ijtihad).
o He also highlighted similarities between Koranic revelations and the laws
of nature discovered by modern science
• Writings:
o He has also written a paper titled “The Causes of the Indian Revolt” to
explain the reasons for the revolt from native perspective.
o The Aligarh Institute Gazette, a magazine published by him was an organ
of the Scientific Society, succeeded in agitating the minds in the traditional
Muslim society.
o Tahzebul Akhlaq (Social Reformer in English), a magazine founded by him,
to awaken people’s consciousness on social and religious issues.
o He was also a scholar on Christianity and wrote a book, ‘Commentary on
the Holy Bible’.
o Historical Documentation: His works, like "Asar-us-Sanadid," contributed
to preservation of India's rich cultural heritage and serve as valuable historical references.
Role as a Social Reformer
• Transformation in the Education sector
o He instituted Scientific Society in 1863 to instill a scientific temperament into the Muslims.
o He foresaw the imperative need for the Muslims to acquire proficiency in the English language.
o He realised that the advancement of Muslims depended on their adoption of modern education and proficiency
in the English language.
o He founded Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College in Aligarh in 1875 and started the Aligarh movement.
o He was against ignorance, religious intolerance, and irrationalism.
• As part of National Movement
o In his later years, Sir Syed encouraged the Indian Muslims not to join the National Movement.
o He is regarded as one of the founders of the Two-Nation Theory which says that Hindus and Muslims cannot
coexist as a single nation.
• Record on women’s rights: Conservative
o Sir Syed Ahmed Khan faced criticism for advocating "disorganized tutor-based home education" for women,
focusing on family roles.
o He expressed concerns that formal education for women might hinder their marriage prospects.
o He supported gender segregation and purdah-centric home education, opposing co-education and girls'
institutions.
o Despite this, he denounced polygamy, Infanticide, and child marriage.
o His visit to England in 1869-70 influenced a somewhat revised outlook on women's education, recognizing its
importance for societal progress and acknowledging women's freedom in Europe.
Conclusion
Sir Syed Ahmed Khan's contributions and ideas are relevant in addressing various challenges that India faces today,
including education, social reform, gender equality, interfaith harmony, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
8.4. RANI DURGAVATI

Why in news?
Recently, 500th birth anniversary of Veerangana Rani Durgavati was celebrated.
About Rani Durgavati
• She was born in Chandel Dynasty of Mahoba in Banda, UP and was married to Dalpatshah of Gond Dynasty of Garha-
Katanga in 1542.
o Gonds are one of the largest tribal groups and located in central India.
• Assuming leadership: She took reins of the Gond Dynasty in 1550 after Dalpatshah’s
death as the guardian of her son Veer Narayan.
• Conflict with Akbar: She was contemporary of Mughal emperor Akbar. During her
reign, Akbar attacked the Gond Empire under the leadership of Asaf Khan.
o She opposed Mughal expansionism.
Contributions
• Infrastructure Development: She constructed reservoirs such as Ranital, Cherital and
Adhartal and moved the Capital to Chauragarh (from Singaurgarh) on the strategic
Satpura Hill Range.
• Patronage of Religious Figures: She allowed Acharya Bitthalnath to establish a seat
of the Pushtimarg Cult at Garha. She welcomed the Vitthalnath of Vallabh
community and took Diksha from him.
• Commitment to Secular Governance.
• Victory over Baz Bahadur of Malwa: Tarikh-i-Firishta mentions Durgavati defeated Baz Bahadur, the ruler of Malwa.
• Historical documentation: Story of Durgavati was chronicled by Abul Fazl (Akbar’s chronicler) and British Colonel,
Sleeman.
About Chandela dynasty of Bundelkhand
• Chandelas were an Indian Rajput clan of Central India (aka Jejakabhukti dynasty).
o Founder: Nanuka in 835 CE.
o Prominent Rulers: Yashovarman, Dhanga, Vidhyadhara, Paramardideva, Trilokyavarman.
• Major Cities: Capital city: Khajuraho (later changed to Mahoba)
• Language: Sanskrit and Prakrit
• Social System: Varna system was the basis of social organisation. Women as wives occupied a high place in the family
and society.
• Features of Temples of Khajuraho School (mid-10th century)
o Themes: erotic sculptures drawing inspiration from Vatsyayana’s Kamasutra.
o Religion: belonged to the Hindu and Jain religions.
o Material: Sandstone.
o Components: The temples had three chambers - Garbhagriha, Mandapa and Ardhamandapa.
o Direction: North or East facing.
o Method: The temples were built on a relatively high platform and Panchayatana style of temple making.
o Lakshmana Temple (Vishnu)- built by Yashovarman
o Vishvanatha Temple (Shiva) Parshavanatha Temple (Jain) - built by Dhanga
o Kandariya Mahadeva Temple (Shiva)-built by Vidhyadara
o Sun temple in Mahoba – built by Rahil Dev Varman
• Contributed to the rich heritage of Bundelkhand and constructed multiple temples inside of Kalinjar Fort.
• Decline: Invasion of Mahmud Ghaznavid, Qutb ud-Din Aibak.
8.5. NEWS IN SHORTS

8.5.1. NOBEL PRIZE IN LITERATURE FOR novels, poetry collections, essays, children’s books and
translations.
2023
o Nynorsk is one of two official languages of Norway.
• It was awarded to the Norwegian author and dramatist • Nobel prize for Literature is worth 11 million Swedish
Jon Fosse, “for his innovative plays and prose which kronor ($1 million) and is regarded widely as the
give voice to the unsayable.” world’s most prestigious literary award.
• The Academy honoured Fosse’s body of work written • The Nobel Prize in Literature has been awarded 116
in Norwegian Nynorsk which includes several plays, times to 120 Nobel laureates between 1901 and 2023.

• In the recent years, the prizes have gone to French o The emergence of the Mewar School is
author Annie Ernaux (2022), Tanzanian novelist associated with a set of Ragamala paintings
Abdulrazak Gurnah (2021). painted at Chawand in 1605 by an artist named
Nisardin.
8.5.2. TOTO LANGUAGE o In the 18th century, Mewar painting shifted
• The Toto is a primitive and isolated tribal group of towards courtly and secular subjects, including
population of about 1,600 only and their language is portraiture, court scenes, hunting expeditions,
called Toto language. festivals, zenana activities, and sports.
• Toto Para is located at the foot of the Himalayas just to o The Nathdwara School is a subset of the Mewar
the south of the borderline between Bhutan and West School of painting.
Bengal (on the western bank of Torsa River). • Features:
• Toto language belongs to the Sino-Tibetan family. o It is characterized by simple bright colour and
• The Toto language does not have its own script. direct emotional appeal.
• Dhaniram has created the Toto language script and o Miniature painting is a small, finely wrought
Toto alphabet, for which he received ‘Padma Shri’. portrait executed on vellum, prepared card,
copper, or ivory.
8.5.3. ARUNACHAL YAK CHURPI
• Mewar school artists: Sāhibdīn (drew Raagmala),
• Arunachal Yak Churpi becomes the first ever Yak milk Manohar (Bal Kanda of Ramayana), and Jagannath
product to get a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. (Bihari Satsai).
• Yak Churpi is a naturally fermented cheese prepared • About Rajasthani painting:
from milk of Arunachali yak reared in the high Altitude o It differs from the Mughal painting in its bolder
areas in Arunachal Pradesh. use of colour, an abstract and conventionalized
o Rich in protein, used as a substitute of vegetables conception of the human figure, and an
or mixed in meat curry or eaten with rice as a ornamental treatment of landscape.
staple food. o Two main factors contributed to the
• GI tag is going to serve the cause of yak conservation development of Rajasthani paintings:
and yak pastoralists’ socio-economic upliftment.
✓ the patronage of rich Rajputana
o Arunachali Yaks is reared by tribal yak pastoralists
communities
known as Brokpas.
✓ the revival of Vaishnavism and the growth of
8.5.4. MAA DANTESHWARI TEMPLE bhakti cults.
(CHHATTISGARH)
• Dedicated to: six armed Mahisasuramardini as
Danteswari carved on a black stone.
o It is one of the Sakti-pithas (total 51) of India.
• Located at: the confluence of rivers Sankhini and
Dankini.
• Constructed by: the rulers of Chindak Nagvanshi
during 11th -12th century A.D.
o Further in the 14th century A.D. this temple was
renovated by Annamdev who was the brother of
Prataprudra of Kakatiya dynasty.
8.5.5. MEWAR SCHOOL OF PAINTING

• Allah Baksh, Maharana Jai Singh’s Court painter,
had illustrated the Mahabharata with 4,000 Mewari
miniature paintings.
• About Mewar Miniature painting (17th-18th
centuries)
o It is a school in the Rājasthanī style developed in
Mewar (Rajasthan).

8.5.6. 53RD DADASAHEB PHALKE o Award was first introduced in 1969 and was
bagged by actress Devika Rani.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
o Award is given to commemorate Dadasaheb
• Ms. Waheeda Rehman was honoured with this award. Phalke's contribution to Indian cinema who
• About award directed India's first full-length feature film, Raja
o It is India's highest award in the field of cinema Harishchandra in 1913.
presented annually at the National Film Awards o The award comprises a Swarna Kamal (Golden
ceremony by the Directorate of Film Festivals Lotus) medallion, a shawl, and a cash prize of ₹10
(under Ministry of Information and Broadcasting). lakh.

9. ETHICS
9.1. ETHICS OF LAWMAKERS
Introduction
In various instances, concerns have been raised over the conduct of
lawmakers in the Indian political system. Such instances include the
‘Cash for Query’ probe by the Ethics Committee of Parliament and the
suspension of some lawmakers for unruly conduct in the House. The core
reason being cited for such issues is the general decline of values in
public life.
Ethical values and the Stakeholders Involved
In the capacity of a lawmaker, the individual is expected to uphold certain
values which aid the functioning of the whole ecosystem (refer to
infographic).
Apart from Lawmakers, the whole representation and legislative exercise
involves various stakeholders in upholding and promoting ethical values
of public life.
Stakeholders Role Responsibility
Citizen/Voters Electing lawmakers and holding Being informed voters, participating in the democratic process, and
them accountable. advocating for ethical behaviour from their elected representatives.
Political Parties Selecting and endorsing Ensuring candidates adhere to ethical standards and promote a culture of
candidates. integrity.
Media Informing the public and shaping Reporting accurately and objectively, holding lawmakers accountable
public opinion about lawmakers through investigative journalism, and avoiding sensationalism or biased
and their actions. reporting.
Judiciary Interpreting and upholding the Ensuring that legal processes are followed and adjudicating cases of
law, providing a check on actions corruption or ethical violations.
of lawmakers.
Election Conducting free and fair elections Monitoring election campaigns, enforcing electoral rules, and ensuring
Commission that candidates adhere to ethical standards.
Factors causing the decline in ethical values in Law makers
• Corruption: Instances of bribery, embezzlement, and other forms of corruption erode public trust and contribute to
a perception of unethical behaviour.
o For example, the coal scam, 2G spectrum scam, Commonwealth Games
scam etc.
• Criminalisation of politics: Vohra Committee in 1995 pointed out the nexus
between criminal gangs, police, bureaucracy and politicians. The
increasing involvement of politicians with criminal backgrounds contributes
to a decline in ethical values, undermines the rule of law and erodes public
trust.
• Limitations of the Criminal Justice System: The existing criminal justice
system faces challenges in addressing the activities of organized crime,
economic offences, and effectively negating the criminal nexus.
• Conflict of Interest: There may be occasions when a member may have direct, indirect or specific pecuniary interest
in a matter being considered by the House or Ministry or Department.
o For instance, a lawmaker with business interests that stands to gain significantly from proposed changes in
environmental regulations will showcase a clear conflict of interest in voting for such changes.

• Nepotism and Dynastic Politics: The prevalence of dynastic politics, where family members of established politicians
enter politics without a merit-based selection process, leads to a perception of favouritism and compromised ethical
standards.
• Weak enforcement: There are weaknesses in the procedures for maintaining and enforcing high standards of public
life, leading to a culture of impunity.
o For instance, there is no clear mechanism for addressing Ethics Committee of Lok Sabha
the ethical misconduct of lawmakers outside the • The Ethics committee consists of 15 Members
parliament house. nominated by the Speaker for one year term.
• The First Ethics Committee of Lok Sabha was set
• Influence of interest groups: Powerful interest groups,
up in 2000 and of Rajya Sabha in 1997.
whether business or social, exert undue influence on
lawmakers, compromising their ethical standards in favour of
personal or group interests.
Measures to imbibe ethical values required in lawmakers
• Strengthening legal measures: Enhancing the legal
provisions with protection of whistleblowers and
implementing stringent anti-corruption laws with severe
penalties.
o A strong mechanism for discouraging politicians with
criminal backgrounds.
• Code of conduct: The Code could help evolve certain
standard norms of behaviour which everyone intending to
enter a legislature was expected to follow.
o The essence of the code of conduct is to encourage self-
discipline among lawmakers.
• Political party reforms: The political parties need to regulate the conduct of their members. Without the sincerity
and commitment of political parties, integrity in public life would be difficult to ensure.
o There should be transparency in the funding and working of political parties.
• Electoral reforms: Measures minimising the role of money power in
elections such as revision of ceiling on election expenses, corporate or
State funding of political parties, regulating foreign donations to political
parties, etc.
• Penalties in the House: In the event of a proven unethical or other
misconduct or a breach of the code, the House can impose penalties such
as censure; reprimand; suspension from the House for a specific period or
termination of its membership.
o This can be done through empowering the Ethics Committee in the
House.
• Education Programmes: Introduce civic education programs that emphasize ethical values, governance, and the
importance of public service from an early age.
o Also, leadership programmes can be started to prepare future leaders
with ethical values.
Conclusion
In essence, the ethical values of lawmakers are a collective responsibility,
requiring the active involvement and vigilance of all stakeholders. That will foster
a political environment characterized by integrity, fairness, and adherence to
democratic principles. The collaboration and engagement of all the stakeholders
contribute to establishing a robust ethical framework that underpins the
functioning of a democratic society.

Check your ethical aptitude
Imagine yourself as a newly elected lawmaker. Your election campaign was significantly funded by a large corporation, 'XYZ
Industries', which is a major player in the your state's mining sector. Post-election, a bill is introduced in the state legislature
proposing relaxed environmental regulations for mining operations, which would greatly benefit XYZ Industries but potentially
harm the environment and local communities.
On the basis of the case study answer the following questions:
• What are the ethical dilemmas before you and who are the associated stakeholders?
• Evaluate the possible options before you.
• What would be your ideal course of action?
9.2. AI AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Introduction
Freedom on the Net, an annual study of human rights online, states that
conditions for human rights online are deteriorating. The finding highlights
that AI technologies have the potential to not only promote but also infringe
upon human rights. An understanding of a delicate balance between them
is the need of the hour.
Stakeholders Interests
Governments • Interests in national security, law enforcement, and public administration. They also want to
foster innovation and economic growth in the AI sector.
Users of AI (citizens) • Concerned with ensuring that AI technologies are used in ways that respect fundamental rights,
such as privacy, freedom of expression, and protection from discrimination.
Civil Society and Activists • To raise awareness of human rights issues and to hold governments and corporations
accountable for any violations.
AI Developers and • Aim to advance their field, solve complex problems, and may be concerned with issues like
Engineers algorithmic bias and fairness.
International • International bodies, such as the United Nations, have interests in global peace, security, and
Organizations development.
Does AI harm human rights?
While AI itself is a tool and does not inherently possess the intention to harm, its
applications and implementations have raised concerns in the recent past in the
following ways:
• Right to privacy: Big-data surveillance systems aggregate and analyze
massive amounts of personal data, inferring people’s most sensitive
information.
• Free expression: Automated systems are deployed to censor political, social,
and religious speech.
o AI surveillance can incentivize people to avoid reprisal through self-censorship.
• Access to information: Platform algorithms have promoted incendiary content over reliable information.
o Pro-government commentators can use generative AI to create disinformation at scale.
• Due process: AI-enabled surveillance tools, such as social media monitoring, forgo standards like “probable cause,”
treating everyone as a possible wrongdoer.
• Discrimination: Algorithmic systems can perpetuate bias built into their training data and exacerbate long-standing
discrimination.
• Association and assembly: AI systems with abilities like facial recognition can identify and track potential protesters,
allowing state forces to arrest and retaliate against them.
• Digital election interference: Harnessing AI to augment disinformation campaigns, creating deep fakes to sow doubt,
discredit opponents, and manufacture public support etc.
Does AI strengthen Human rights?
While there are challenges and risks associated with AI, there are also significant opportunities for promoting and
upholding human rights.
• Right to equality: AI algorithms can be designed to reduce biases in decision-making processes.
o By eliminating or minimizing bias in areas like hiring, lending, and criminal justice, AI can help ensure that
individuals are treated more equally and fairly.
• Privacy Protection: AI technologies can be used to develop advanced privacy protection mechanisms, including
secure data encryption, identity protection, and secure communication, which are essential for safeguarding
individuals' freedoms.
• Ensuring Accountability: AI-powered surveillance technology can be used to hold governments and institutions
accountable.
o For example, facial recognition technology can be used to document and expose police brutality, ensuring
transparency and accountability.
• Protecting collective rights by enabling Governance: For example-
o Predictive Policing: AI can help law enforcement agencies allocate
resources more effectively, proactive crime prevention, and
objective decision-making.
✓ Although, there are concerns about the misuse of predictive
policing when used unethically.
o Governance and early warning systems: AI can be used to develop
early warning systems for natural disasters and humanitarian crises.
Way ahead
• Defend information integrity in the age of AI: Regulations covering AI should embed human rights principles of
legality, necessity, and
proportionality.
• Assessing societal impact: Ethical
and societal impacts of AI should
be actively considered
throughout the development
process.
o A framework for Social
Impact Assessment (SIA) can
be developed (similar to what
is done for the development
projects).
• Public and Stakeholder
Involvement: Engage in open and
inclusive dialogue with the public,
stakeholders, and experts to
ensure that AI technologies
respect and incorporate human
rights.
• Global Collaboration: Encourage international collaboration and agreements to establish common standards and best
practices for AI ethics and human rights.
• Ethical Guidelines and Regulations: Develop and adhere to ethical guidelines for AI development and deployment on
the lines of Asilomar principles.
Balancing the interests of stakeholders can be challenging, but it's essential to create a framework that ensures AI
technologies are developed and deployed in ways that protect and promote human rights.

Check your Ethical Aptitude
Self-driving cars have the potential to revolutionize transportation by reducing accidents, traffic congestion, and fuel consumption.
These vehicles use artificial intelligence and sensors to navigate without human intervention, making real-time decisions based on
their programming and data from their surroundings. Imagine a scenario where an autonomous vehicle is driving down a busy
urban street. Suddenly, a child runs out onto the road, and the vehicle's sensors detect this. The AI in the car has to make a split-
second decision:
Option 1: The car can swerve to avoid the child but risk colliding with a group of pedestrians on the sidewalk, potentially causing
harm or death to multiple people.
Option 2: The car can continue on its path and hit the child, minimizing the risk to pedestrians on the sidewalk.
On the basis of the case study answer the following questions:
• What are the ethical considerations?
• What will be the possible option here and provide reasons for that?

10. SCHEMES IN NEWS
10.1. PRIME MINISTER STREET VENDOR’S ATMANIRBHAR NIDHI (PM
SVANIDHI) SCHEME
Why in the news?
Recently, the State Bank of India released a report analyzing the impact of PM SVANidhi on street vendors.
Objective Salient Features
• Facilitate collateral free • A micro-credit scheme for urban street vendors, launched in 2020, to facilitate
working capital loan street vendors in resuming their livelihood activities, which were adversely
upto ₹10,000, of 1 year impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
tenure, with enhanced • Type:
loan of ₹20,000 and Central
₹50,000 in the second Sector
and third tranches Scheme
respectively, on • Ministry:
repayments of earlier Ministry of
loans. Housing
• Incentivize regular and Urban Affairs
repayment, through • Implementation: Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) is the
interest subsidy @ 7% implementation partner of the MoHUA.
per annum; and • Features of the scheme
• Reward digital o Eligibility: Available to all street vendors engaged in vending in urban areas
transactions, by way of as on or before March 24, 2020.
cash back upto ₹1,200 o Criteria for Identification of eligible vendors:
per year. ✓ Street vendors in possession of Certificate of Vending/Identity Card
issued by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
✓ Vendors, who have been identified in the survey but have not been
issued a Certificate of Vending/Identity Card.
✓ Vendors, left out of the ULBled identification survey or who have started
vending after completion of the survey and have been issued Letter of
Recommendation (LoR) to that effect by the ULB / Town Vending
Committee (TVC);
✓ The vendors of surrounding development/ peri-urban / rural areas
vending in the geographical limits of the ULBs and have been issued LoR
to that effect by the ULB / TVC.
o Eligible state/UTs: Available for beneficiaries belonging to only those
States/UTs that have notified Rules under the Street Vendors (Protection of
Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014.
o Timeline: Extended till December 2024.
o Credit Guarantee: The Scheme has a provision of Graded Guarantee Cover
for the loans sanctioned. It is administered by Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for
Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE).
o SVANidhi se Samriddhi programme: It is an additional program of PM SVANidhi
scheme
o It aims to provide social security benefits to street vendors for their holistic
development and socio-economic upliftment.
o Quality Council of India (QCI) is the implementing partner for the programme.

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October

Copyright © by Vision IAS

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1.2. CRIMINALIZATION OF POLITICS

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1.3. PARLIAMENTARY PRIVILEGES OF LAWMAKERS

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1.4. INTER-STATE WATER DISPUTE

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1.6. CONSUMER PROTECTION IN INDIA

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1.7. SCHEDULED TRIBES AND OTHER TRADITIONAL FOREST DWELLERS

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1.8. NEWS IN SHORTS

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1.8.3. CENTRE CLAIMS AADHAAR AS THE

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2.1.1. YOM KIPPUR WAR

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2.2. INDIA CANADA RELATIONS Five Eyes Intelligence Alliance (FVEY)

2.3. INDIA SOUTH KOREA

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2.4. INDIA MALDIVES

Importance of Maldives for India

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2.5. UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL (UNHRC)

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2.6. SOUTH CHINA SEA

Background of South China Sea dispute

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2.7. NAGORNO-KARABAKH REGION

2.8. NEWS IN SHORTS

2.8.2. INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT

• Reasons for India not signing and ratifying CTBT

2.8.4. UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION

2.8.6. INDIAN OCEAN RIM ASSOCIATION’S

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3.2. INDIAN COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH (ICAR)

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3.3. NATIONAL TURMERIC BOARD

3.5. NEWS IN SHORTS

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3.5.5. RESERVE BANK OF INDIA

3.5.14. AUTOMATIC ‘STATUS HOLDER’

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3.5.15. PROJECT MARIANA

3.5.16. GLOBAL INNOVATION INDEX (GII)

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4.2. INDIA’S ANTI-TERRORISM APPROACH

4.2.1. NATIONAL INVESTIGATION AGENCY (NIA)

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