5th Week 27nov 2dec 2023

INDIAN OCEAN TUNA COMMISSION
Tuna refers to a group of saltwater fish be-

longing to the Thunnini tribe. These fish are
known for their streamlined bodies, power-
ful swimming ability, and wide distribution in
warm seas.
27 NOV - 2 DEC 2023
WEEKLY CURRENT AFFAIRS

.IN
W HTSO
GI NINDIA.COM
Weekly Current Affairs Magazine
inside GS-2
1. CERT-In not under RTI 18
2. International Sugar Organisation (ISO) 18
GENERAL STUDIES – 2 3. Privileged communication 18
Topics: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the 4. All India Judicial Service 19
States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal struc- 5. Demand for ratification of the Labour Convention19
ture, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels 6. Amplifi 2.0 portal 19
and challenges therein. 7. Ayushman Arogya Mandir 19
1. Bihar’s demand for Special Category Status (SCS) 3 8. Decentralised Autonomous Organisations (DAOs)19
Topics: Salient features of the Representation of People’s 9. Fast track courts 20
Act. 10. Drones to the Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) 20
2. Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and its challenges 4 11. Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan
Topics: Statutory, regulatory, and various quasi-judicial bod- (PM JANMAN) 21
ies.
3. Women in the Indian judiciary 6
GS-3
1. Coseismic ionospheric perturbations (CIP) 21
GENERAL STUDIES – 3 2. Green Leaf Volatile 22
Topics: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the 3. Casgevy 22
country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems 4. Generic Drugs for Rare Disease Cure 23
storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce 5. Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary 23
and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid 6. Fibre optic cables 24
of farmers. 7. Axolotl 24
1. Global Agrifood Systems 8 8. Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 25
Topics: Conservation related issues, environmental pollution 9. Indian Ocean Tuna Commission 26
and degradation, environmental impact assessment. 10. Walking Pneumonia 26
2. Decarbonising Road Transport 9 11. Tropicalisation 26
Topics: Security challenges and their management in border 12. Pressmud 26
areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism. 13. Environmental Cost of the Isreal-Palestine War 27
3. North East Insurgency: UNLF signed peace deal with 14. Paris Club group of creditors 27
Centre11 15. Global Bond Index (GBI) 27
16. Loss and Damage (L&D) fund 28
GENERAL STUDIES – 4 17. MAHASAGAR 28
1. Ethical Risks of Climate Engineering 13 18. ASW Shallow Water Craft (CSL) project 28
CONTENT FOR MAINS ENRICHMENT MAPPING

1. Paul Lynch: 2023 Booker Prize for his novel “Prophet 1. Taiwan-India 29
Song” 14 2. Argentina 29
2. Egyptology and Napoleon’s failed Egypt expedition 3. New Zealand 30
15 4. Shettihalli wildlife sanctuary 30
3. Project Q* 15 5. Pampore (Saffron Production in India) 31
4. Henry Kissinger 15 6. Golan Heights 31
5. Sam Manekshaw 16
6. Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and his sister Vaishali
16
FACTS FOR PRELIMS
GS-1
1. Saints in News 16
2. Parthenon Sculptures 16
3. Man, the Hunter - Theory 17
4. Rat hole mining 17
2 www.insightsonindia.com
Granting Author- Provided through Granted by the

GENERAL STUDIES – 2 ity an Act National Devel-
opment Council,
Topics: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the an administrative
States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal struc- body of the gov-
ture, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels ernment.
and challenges therein. Example Jammu and Kash- North-East states
mir enjoyed spe- enjoy special cate-
cial status under gory status
Article 370 be-
1. BIHAR’S DEMAND FOR SPECIAL fore 2019
CATEGORY STATUS (SCS) Applicability Special status is Special category
subject to con- status is typically
stitutional pro- not enshrined in
Context: visions, and it the constitution,
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Cabinet passed a reso- can be altered or making it less rigid
lution seeking Special Category Status (SCS) for Bihar, fol- revoked through and more subject
lowing findings from the “Bihar Caste-based Survey, 2022,” c o n s t i t u t i o n a l to administrative
indicating significant poverty. amendments. decisions.
Provisions for Applicable to Primarily applica-
What is Special Category Status (SCS)? States states listed un- ble to states facing
It is a special recognition that functions as a provision for der specific Arti- geographical or so-
the betterment and protection of the people of backward cles such as Arti- cio-economic dis-
regions. It is a classification given by the Centre to assist in cles 371, 371-A to advantages, based
the development of those states that face geographical and 371-H, and 371-J. on criteria set by
socio-economic disadvantages. the National De-
velopment Coun-
Special Category Status: cil.
• It was introduced in 1969 on the recommendations
of the Fifth Finance Commission. Status was first Focus of Empow- Empowers legis- Primarily deals
accorded to Jammu and Kashmir, Assam and Naga- erment lative and politi- with economic,
land in 1969 cal rights. a d m i n i st rat i ve ,
• Articles 371 to 371-J in Part XXI of the constitution and financial as-
contain special provisions for twelve states namely pects, offering fis-
Maharashtra, Gujarat, Nagaland, Assam, Mani- cal benefits and
pur, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Sikkim, Mizoram, assistance in de-
Arunachal Pradesh, Goa and Karnataka. velopment proj-
o Telangana, the newest State of India, was ects.
accorded the status as it was carved out of
another State - Andhra Pradesh Benefits associated with the Special Category Status:
• Centre’s support:
Criteria for SCS (considered before granting): o Under this status, the government pays 90%
• Hilly and difficult terrain. of the funds in schemes that the Centre
• Low population density or a sizeable share of tribal sponsors.
population.  Regular states get 60-75% of the
• Strategic location along international borders. funds from the Centre under the
• Economic and infrastructural backwardness. same schemes and they have to
• Non-viable nature of state finances. manage the rest.
o In case of unspent money, the states with
SCS have the provision to carry it forward.
Difference between Special Status VS Special Category Sta- o These states also enjoy a significant conces-
tus: sion on excise, customs duties, income tax,
and corporate tax.
• Objectives met:
Aspect Special Status Special Category o The recognition essentially benefits certain
Status backward states having hilly terrains, stra-
tegic international borders, and economic
www.insightsonindia.com 3
and infrastructural backwardness. addressing socio-economic backwardness.
o The key objectives are:
 To meet the aspirations of the peo- Concerns
ple of backward regions of the • The SCS puts an additional economic burden when
states the increased devolution is already flowing to the
 To protect the cultural and eco- State as recommended by the FFC.
nomic interests of the tribal people • It affects the central state’s financial relations
of the states and hinders competitive federalism among the
 To deal with the disturbed law and states.
order condition in some parts of
the states Conclusion:
 To protect the interests of the local
Bihar, despite meeting most criteria, lacks hilly terrain,
people of the states.
raising the need for revisiting standards. Also, Raghuram
Rajan Committee suggested exploring alternative funding
Why Bihar is Demanding SCS:
models based on a multi-dimensional index. Addressing
Factors Details Bihar’s needs requires urgent support for poverty allevia-
Economic Back- About one-third of Bihar’s population tion, targeted aid for disaster management and agriculture,
wardness lives in poverty. The state has a low and policies to attract industries and generate employment.
per-capita GDP of around ₹54,000, Providing SCS status can be one of the solution, however, it
marking it as one of India’s poorest needs to be explored without straining central finances and
states. upholding competitive federalism.
Impact of Bifur- Bihar’s bifurcation led to industrial de-
cation cline, with many industries moving to Insta Links:
Jharkhand, resulting in fewer employ- Special Provisions to some states
ment opportunities.
Topics: Salient features of the Representation of People’s
Natural Chal- The state faces regular floods in the
Act.
lenges north and droughts in the south, im-
pacting agriculture and livelihoods.
Need for Welfare Bihar’s Chief Minister highlighted the
Funding need for SCS to secure approximate- 2. MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT
ly ₹2.5 lakh crore for various welfare
measures over five years.
(MCC) AND ITS CHALLENGES
Lack of Resourc- Bihar argues its lack of natural re- Context:
es sources and continuous water supply The article discusses the challenges in enforcing the Model
for irrigation contributes to its under- Code of Conduct (MCC) during election campaigning in In-
development. dia, and if there is a need for legalising it.
Other States’ De- States like Andhra Pradesh and Odisha
mands also want SCS. Andhra Pradesh cites Recent use of MCC by ECI:
revenue loss after bifurcation, and The ECI has recently taken action against various political
Odisha points to natural disasters and leaders, including Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sar-
a large tribal population (nearly 22%). ma, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi,
However, the Central government, re- AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, and Telangana Chief Minister K.
ferring to the 14th FC report, has con- Chandrashekar Rao and his son. Notably, the ECI withdrew
sistently rejected their requests, stat- permission for the Telangana government’s cash credit to
ing that no state should receive this farmers due to MCC violations.
status.
What is MCC?
Is Bihar’s Demand Justified? Model code of conduct is the guidelines (not legally binding)
• Criteria Met: Bihar meets most SCS criteria, but issued by the Election Commission of India for the conduct
lacks hilly terrain and geographically difficult areas, of political parties and candidates during elections mainly
crucial for infrastructural development. with respect to speeches, polling day, polling booths, elec-
• Raghuram Rajan Committee (2013): Placed Bihar tion manifestos, processions and general conduct. It aims to
in the “least developed category” and suggested a ensure free and fair elections.
new methodology based on a ‘multi-dimensional in-
dex’ for fund allocation, which can be revisited for
The function of MCC: Party in Pow- Ministers must not combine official visits
It helps the EC in keeping with the mandate it has been er with election work or use official machin-
given under Article 324 of the Constitution, which gives ery for election purposes.
it the power to supervise and conduct free and fair elec-
Avoid advertising at public expense or
tions to the Parliament and State Legislatures.
using official media for publicity that may
improve election chances.
Origin:
As per the Election Commission of India, the model code Restriction on government advertise-
of conduct was first observed during the 1960 polls (Kera- ments featuring political functionaries
la State Election) and since 1991 it has become an integral during the election period
part of Indian election. The MCC comes into force from the Other parties must have access to public
date the election schedule is announced until the date that spaces and rest houses without monopo-
results are out. ly by the party in power.
Election Man- Manifestos shall not contain anything
Some of the major provisions of MCC are: ifestos against constitutional ideals and princi-
Provisions Description ples.
Prohibitions Criticism of political parties is limited to Opinion Polls Regulation of opinion polls and exit polls
policies, programmes, past records, and during the period notified by the ECI
work.
Prohibited activities include using caste Limitations with the MCC:
and communal feelings for votes, criti- Limitations Description
cizing candidates based on unverified re- Ineffectiveness MCC fails to prevent electoral mal-
ports, bribing or intimidating voters, etc. in Curbing Mal- practices like hate speech, fake news,
Meetings Parties must inform local police of the practices money power, booth capturing, voter
venue and time for meetings to enable intimidation, and violence.
adequate security arrangements. New Age Tech- Tools like live webcasting, and cam-
Processions Coordination between parties planning nological Chal- paign campaign-related promotions
processions to avoid clashes. lenges going ‘Viral’, have made implementa-
Carrying and burning effigies represent- tion of MCC a complex task.
ing members of other political parties is Digital companies like Facebook are
not allowed. run by companies located overseas.
Polling Day Only voters and those with a valid pass Holding them accountable has been
from the EC are allowed in polling booths. difficult for ECI
Authorized party workers at polling Tracing money trails and poll expendi-
booths should have suitable badges or tures is difficult if done through cryp-
identity cards. tocurrencies
Identity slips provided to voters should be Lack of Legal En- MCC is not legally binding; it relies on
on plain (white) paper without symbols, forceability moral persuasion and public opinion
candidate names, or party names. for compliance.
Prohibition of print media advertise- I n t e r f e r e n c e MCC imposes limitations on policy
ments on polling day and one day prior with Governance decisions, public spending, welfare
unless pre-certified by screening commit- schemes, transfers, and appointments.
tees ECI is criticized for applying the MCC
Observers EC appoints observers to whom candi- too early or too late, impacting devel-
dates can report problems with election opment activities and public interest.
conduct. Lack of Aware- Provisions of MCC are not widely
ness known or understood by voters, can-
didates, parties, and government offi-
cials.
No Power to Dis- Currently, under MCC, the ECI does not
qualify have the power to disqualify candi-
dates who commit electoral malprac-
tices. At best, it may direct the registra-
tion of a case
Deregister party The EC also does not have the power the MCC violation cases at a faster rate.
to deregister any political party • Public awareness about MCC needs to be devel-
oped. The use of apps like cVIGIL should be encour-
Complaints of It is alleged that complaints against
aged to reduce violations during polls.
Unfairness and the government’s party and officials,
• Stakeholders including Internet companies should
lack of objectivi- as well as allegations of the Enforce-
come up with a code for Social Media and the In-
ty against ECI ment Directorate interfering in elec-
ternet
tions, have been ignored.
• For dealing with digital media: In March 2019
Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, Google, ShareChat
Is MCC legally enforceable?
and TikTok presented a ‘voluntary code of ethics’.
No, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) lacks statutory back-
Among other things, that involves insisting on trans-
ing but has gained strength due to strict enforcement by the
parency in political ads.
ECI in recent years. Also, some of the provisions of MCC can
be enforced through other statutes like IPC 1860, CrPC 1973,
Conclusion
and RPA 1951.
Despite MCC not having statutory backing, but of late the
Code has come to acquire teeth because of its strict en-
In 2013, the Standing Committee on Personnel, Public
forcement by the EC. MCC has an indisputable legitimacy
Grievances, Law and Justice, recommended making the
and parties across the political spectrum have generally ad-
model code of conduct legally binding to address some of
hered to its letter and spirit.
the limitations of MCC
Mains Links
Issues with Statutory Backing for MCC:
Q. Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India
Issues Description in the light of the evolution of the Model Code of Con-
Dent ECI power This may diminish the Election Com- duct. (UPSC 2022)
to act fast mission of India’s (ECI) ability to swiftly
handle election code violations during Prelims lInks:
the poll period. ECI has been opposing Q. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2017)
legally binding MCC on this ground. 1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body.
Increased litiga- Every alleged offence may require court 2. Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election sched-
tion intervention, leading to increased liti- ule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elec-
gation and potential delays, especially tions.
given the slow pace of legal proceed- 3. The Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to
ings in the current system. splits/mergers of recognised political parties.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
EC’s existing au- The ECI already has the authority to
(a) 1 and 2 only
thority take necessary actions for free and
(b) 2 only
fair elections, invoking corresponding
(c) 2 and 3 only
provisions in other statutes like the IPC,
(d) 3 only
CrPC and RPA
Ans: D
The EC can bar candidates or leaders
from campaigning for specified peri- Topics: Statutory, regulatory, and various quasi-judicial bod-
ods, showcasing its ability to enforce ies.
certain MCC provisions without legal
binding.
Not feasible The ECI argues that the short time- 3. WOMEN IN THE INDIAN JUDI-
frame of elections (around 45 days)
makes legal enforcement impractical,
CIARY
as judicial proceedings typically take Context:
longer. The representation of women in the Indian judiciary, partic-
ularly in higher positions, remains limited, raising questions
Way forward about gender equality in the legal system.
• Experts say that MCC should be provided with stat-
utory backing. It should be made a part of the Rep- Status of women in the Judiciary:
resentation of the People Act, 1951 to make the 1. Representation in the Supreme Court: Only 10
MCC more powerful. women have been appointed to the Supreme Court
• Establishment of special fast-track courts to solve since 1989. Currently, out of 33 Supreme Court judg-
es, only three are women. advocates declined judge offers citing domestic responsibil-
2. Representation in High Courts: Among the total 25 ities, indicating the need for a shift in perceptions and sup-
High Courts in India, none currently has a female port structures.
Chief Justice, except for Gujarat High Court. The De-
partment of Justice reports that out of 782 working Benefits of Increased Women Participation
high court judges, only 107, or 13%, are women. • Increased inclusiveness and better representation
3. Representation in Lower Judiciary: A 2018 study of a significant yet vulnerable section of society.
revealed that while women’s representation is rela- • The gender diversity bench reflects a bias-free ju-
tively higher at 27% in the lower judiciary, it decreas- diciary.
es significantly in higher appointments. • The presence of women judges sends a message of
4. The India Justice Report 2022 found that only 13% openness and accessibility to courts.
of High Court judges and 35% of Subordinate Court • It makes courts more approachable for women.
judges are women. • An empathetic approach especially towards dealing
with crimes against women.
Reasons for Low Representation of Women in the Judiciary: • A diverse bench brings diverse experiences and per-
Reasons Explanation spectives.
• The presence of women judges will encourage
Judicial Rules Article 233 mandates 7 years of
younger women to pursue a career in legal and ju-
continuous practice for District
dicial systems.
Judge eligibility. Minimum age and
maximum age criteria limit women’s
Impacts of Low Representation of Women in the Judiciary:
opportunities. Marriage and family
• Prejudice in Judgments: Lack of gender perspective
responsibilities pose challenges for
leads to prejudiced judgments.
women in this age group.
o In August 2020, the High Court of Madhya
‘Leaking Pipe’ Syn- Women face obstacles transitioning Pradesh granted bail to a molester on the
drome from lower to higher judiciary lev- condition that he will get a rakhi tied by the
els. Family responsibilities, person- victim
al choices, work-life conflict, and • Deficiencies in Legal Reasoning: Insufficient repre-
inadequate support contribute to sentation hampers the legal system’s understanding
mid-career dropouts. of diverse social circumstances.
Opaque Recruit- The Collegium System lacks trans- o In June 2020, while granting bail to a rape
ment Process (Col- parency, making eligibility and se- accused, the Karnataka High Court observed
legium System) lection criteria unclear. Critics argue that the “after-rape behaviour of the victim
appointments depend on favour- is not how a rape victim ‘ideally behaves’“
able evaluations and personal net- • Trust Deficit: Low representation raises questions
works. about the legitimacy of courts as representatives of
Lack of Supportive Insufficient facilities, from toilets society.
Infrastructure to maternity leave, contribute to
high attrition rates among women Way forward:
lawyers. - Many courts lack separate Suggestions Description
toilets for women. 1. Gender Sensitiza- Include gender sensitization in legal
Patriarchy in Soci- Deep-seated patriarchy in society tion: education, such as the All India Bar
ety contributes to the underrepresen- Examination.
tation of women in the judiciary. The correct patriarchal mindset
Hostile atmospheres within court- in recommending and approving
rooms affect women’s experiences. names for elevation
No Women Reser- The absence of reservation policies 2. Reservation Consider horizontal reservation
vation for women in the High Courts and for women in the superior judiciary
Supreme Court limits opportunities without compromising merit
for women judges. Only some states
Former Chief Justice of India N.V.
have implemented reservations.
Ramana backed 50% representa-
tion for women in the judiciary
CJI SA Bobde’s Perspective:
Former Chief Justice of India SA Bobde highlighted that the 3. Gender Bias Task Establish a committee to make the
issue is not institutional but about finding the right woman Forces judiciary more open and address
for judicial appointments. He mentioned that some women gender dynamics.
4. Mentorship Sys- Implement a mentorship system for E c o n o m i c In middle-income countries like India, these
tem senior women judges and lawyers Impact costs of unsustainable agrifood systems
to guide younger peers. Conduct manifest as higher poverty, environmental
regular, informal meetings for dis- harm, and health-related impacts such as
cussions on challenges faced by undernourishment and unhealthy dietary
women in the judiciary. patterns, which account for nearly 11% of
5. Moulding the Recognize societal and familial GDP
Rule pressures on women and adapt Unsustain- The report attributes escalating costs to
rules accordingly. Consider lower- able Practic- “unsustainable business-as-usual activi-
ing the minimum age requirements es ties and practices,” urging a transformation
for district judge appointments. in agrifood systems.
Monocrop- Mainstreaming monocropping and chem-
Conclusion ping and ical-intensive farming practices, as seen in
Women have been facing systematic prejudices in Indian Chemical-In- India’s Green Revolution, contributed to
society and a major reason for this is the lack of representa- t e n s i v e environmental harm and compromised nu-
tion of women. An enabling environment must be created Farming tritional needs.
by the government and the judiciary to encourage women’s
Privatization The privatization and deregulation of agri-
participation in the judiciary.
and Deregu- cultural inputs, along with a focus on rice
lation and wheat procurement, increased indebt-
Former Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana: “It is your right.
edness among farmers in India.
It is not a matter of charity...Enough of this thousands of
years of suppression”. The CJI paraphrased Karl Marx to Global Trade Global trade relations historically influ-
say, “Women of the world, unite! You have nothing to lose Impact enced food production systems in the Glob-
but your chains.” al South, impacting farmers’ income and
local food security.
Insta Links
• Women in Judiciary Recommendations
Systemic The report emphasizes a systemic shift
Mains Links: Shift from from local to global value chains, suggest-
Q. Discuss the desirability of greater representation to Local to ing that local efforts, such as crop diversifi-
women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity, Global cation, are essential.
and inclusiveness. (UPSC 2021)
Crop Diver- Diversified multi-cropping systems root-
sification ed in agroecology principles as a solution
GENERAL STUDIES – 3 Solutions to revitalize degraded land, improve soil
health, and enhance biodiversity.
Topics: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the E.g., ‘akkadi saalu’: It involves intercrop-
country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems ping with a combination of legumes, puls-
storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce es, oilseeds, trees, shrubs, and livestock
and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid
Economic Transitioning to diversified farming practic-
of farmers.
Modeling es can improve farm incomes in the short
and long run.
Systematic The transition from high-input monocul-
1. GLOBAL AGRIFOOD SYSTEMS Transition ture to diversified cropping should be sys-
tematic, allowing farmers to adjust grad-
Context: ually and addressing challenges related to
A recent FAO report (The State of Food and Agriculture 2023) seeds, market access, and farm labour.
exposes the hidden costs of unsustainable global agrifood C o l l a b o ra - Scaling up these practices requires collab-
systems, exceeding $10 trillion and constituting 11% of GDP tion and oration among institutions, policymakers,
in middle-income countries like India. Scaling Up and social groups to provide economic in-
centives for farmers and facilitate the tran-
Major points of the report: sition.
Key Points Description
Previously, in the Status of Women In Agri-food Systems,
FAO had suggested:
• Women need more access to and control over live- water use efficiency at the farm level. Establishes
stock, water, seeds, land, technology, and finance. a dedicated micro-irrigation fund for implementing
• Eliminating discrimination by engaging with men micro-irrigation technologies.
and boys. 3. Crop Varieties Development: Developed 262 abiotic
stress-tolerant varieties of different crops.
Some best practices from India: 4. Food-Based Safety Net Programs: Operates the
• In Tamil Nadu, women involved in fishing-related world’s largest food-based safety net programs --
work had wider social networks and a greater adap- Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS)
tive capacity to seasonal stresses. 5. International Year of Millets:
• The MGNREG Scheme stipulates the provision of 6. Promotion of Millets: The UN recognized India’s
crèche facilities for young children for women in- proposal to celebrate the year 2023 as the ‘Interna-
volved in the schemes. tional Year of Millets.’
• In northern India, participatory village commit-
tees addressing water access, health and nutrition Insta Links:
issues have facilitated shifts in discriminatory norms, Scheme for Women Farmers
enabling women to speak in front of men and take
on public roles. Mains Links:
Q. How far is the Integrated Farming System (IFS) helpful in
What is an agrifood system? sustaining agricultural production? ( UPSC 2019)
An agrifood system encompasses the entire process of pro-
ducing, processing, distributing, and consuming food. It in- Q. What are the reformative steps taken by the Govern-
cludes agricultural activities, food production, supply chains, ment to make the food grain distribution system more effec-
and the socio-economic factors influencing food choices, tive? (UPSC 2019)
aiming to ensure sustainable and equitable access to nutri-
tious food for the population. Prelims Links
Q. What are the significances of a practical approach to
Need for adopting a sustainable agrifood system: sugarcane production known as the ‘Sustainable Sugarcane
Need Description Initiative’? (UPSC 2014)
1. Seed cost is very low in this compared to the convention-
1. Rising Demand The increasing global demand ne-
al method of cultivation.
for Food cessitates sustainable systems for
2. Drip irrigation can be practised very effectively in this.
consistent food production to meet
3. There is no application of chemical/inorganic fertilizers
the needs of a growing population.
at all in this.
2. Environmental Widespread environmental harm 4. The scope for intercropping is more in this compared to
Degradation from unsustainable practices un- the conventional method of cultivation.
derscores the urgency to transition Select the correct answer using the code given below:
to sustainable methods to mitigate (a) 1 and 3 only
further harm to the environment. (b) 1, 2 and 4 only
3. Climate Change Sustainable practices are crucial to (c) 2, 3 and 4 only
Challenges adapting to these challenges and (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
reducing the sector’s contribution Ans: B
to climate change.
4. Recognition of GIAHS-recognized practices in In- Topics: Conservation related issues, environmental pollution
Sustainable Practic- dia, like Pokkali rice and Kuttanad and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
es in India Farming, highlight climate-resilient
and sustainable agricultural meth-
ods, showcasing the importance of
adopting such practices globally.
2. DECARBONISING ROAD TRANS-
PORT
Government Initiatives for sustainable Agrifood system:
1. Agriculture Infrastructure Fund: Created to build Context:
farm gates and agriculture marketing infrastruc- The air quality crisis in many Indian cities, exacerbated by
ture in rural areas. It provides interest subsidies transport and construction, demands urgent mitigation
and credit guarantees to entrepreneurs, reducing strategies, including decarbonising road transport.
post-harvest losses.
2. Water Use Efficiency Scheme: Launched to increase
What is Decarbonising Transport? Economic Growth India is the fourth-largest car man-
Decarbonising Transport refers to the process of reducing or ufacturer globally. The govern-
eliminating carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gas ment aims for 30% electrification
emissions from the transportation sector. of total mobility by 2030. Electric
mobility fosters job creation and in-
Examples: Promoting electric vehicles, using alternative novation in battery manufacturing,
fuels, improving energy efficiency, and investing in public renewable energy, and charging in-
transport and active mobility. frastructure.
Urban Planning and Electric vehicles contribute to de-
Status of transport and emissions in India:
Livability congesting cities by promoting
1. Globally, the transport sector contributes around
shared mobility and compact ur-
25% of CO₂ emissions and 15% of Greenhouse Gas
ban design.
(GHG) emissions from fuel combustion
2. The road freight sector is a major contributor to
emissions, consuming over one-fourth of Indian oil Key Challenges in the Electrification of Road Transport in
imports and contributing to over 90% of road trans- India:
port CO2 emissions. Challenges Description
3. Key studies on Delhi’s pollution, namely Urban Coal Power Heavy reliance on coal power plants
Emission (2015) and TERI (2018), highlight a signifi- Generation without pollution control measures can
cant factor in urban smog are PM2.5 and PM10 par- result in significantly higher emissions of
ticles. These tiny particles, majorly stemming from SO2.
vehicles and construction activities Carbon Emis- The manufacturing process of lithi-
sions due to um-ion batteries, the weight of EVs, and
EVs the energy required contribute to higher
lifecycle carbon emissions.
Critical ele- The production of lithium-ion batteries,
ments a crucial component for EVs, depends
on specific minerals and rare earth ele-
ments.
Import depen- India is almost entirely dependent on
dence imports from a small pool of countries
(Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Australia and
China) to cater to its demand for Li for
the production of Li-ion batteries.
Financing Is- Higher initial costs hinder widespread
sues adoption and demand for EVs in the
market.
Need for decarbonization of the transport sector in India: State subsidies cornered by few: Much
Key Points Details of the subsidy or tax breaks end up in
the hands of the middle or upper middle
For Air Quality Im- India has 35 out of the 50 most pol- classes, who are typically the buyers of
provement luted cities globally. Electrification battery electric four-wheelers
of road transport can reduce NOx
and PM2.5, crucial for improving Poor Infra- Poor charging network: Only about
air quality in densely populated cit- structure 2,000 public charging stations are
ies. currently operational across the country.
Reduced Depen- Electrification reduces dependence Different charging demands: For exam-
dence on Fossil Fu- on fossil fuels, promoting cleaner ple, e-2W and 3W models in India are
els and more sustainable energy sourc- suited to slow charging, unlike cars and
es. Diversifying energy sources en- buses.
hances energy security. Low Market India’s market penetration stands at
Global Climate In 2021, research suggested that Penetration around 1%, dominated by electric
Change Mitigation electric vehicles in India emitted two-wheelers.
19-34% fewer GHG emissions than
gasoline cars.
Indian Government initiatives for promoting EVs: Countries Switch- Norway: Achieved 80% of passenger
Initiatives Description ing to EVs vehicle sales as all-electric vehicles in
National Electric Mobili- Focus on R&D, pilot projects, 2022.
ty Mission Plan (NEMPP) and market creation to achieve China: 22% of passenger vehicle sales
significant EV adoption. are electric.
Faster Adoption and Incentives for manufacturers, D e c a r b o n i s i n g Promotes carbon-neutral mobility to
Manufacturing of Elec- buyers, and charging infra- Transport initia- help stop climate change.
tric and Hybrid Vehicles structure development. tive of the ITF (In-
in India (FAME India) ternational Trans-
Scheme I and II port Forum)
Production-linked incen- Aimed at promoting domestic Forum for Decar- Launched by NITI Aayog and WRI In-
tive (PLI) Scheme – Na- manufacturing of advanced bonizing Transport dia, the project aims to bring down
tional Programme on chemistry cell batteries. the peak level of GHG emissions
Advanced Chemistry Cell (transport sector) in Asia.
(ACC) Battery Storage
Go Electric Campaign Awareness and outreach cam- To Read the recommendations of the NITI Aayog report on
paign to promote electric mo- “Towards Decarbonising Transport 2023” Click Here
bility. Way Forward:
National Mission on Strategic mission focusing on 1. Advocate for all government vehicles to be 100%
Transformative Mobility transformative mobility and electric.
and Battery Storage battery storage solutions. 2. Introduce instruments like Viability Gap Funding for
charging stations.
Vehicle Scrappage Policy Government policy encourag- 3. Bring EVs under RBI’s priority-sector lending guide-
es the scrapping of old vehi- lines to boost retail financing.
cles to promote the adoption 4. Introduce innovative EVs such as double-decker
of newer, cleaner vehicles, in- buses for efficient mass transportation.
cluding electric ones.
Ministry of Power Guide- Guidelines requiring at least Conclusion:
lines on Charging Infra- one charging station within a India needs to have a comprehensive policy to decarbonize
structure 3 km grid and every 25 km on the transport sector to meet its nationally determined con-
both sides of highways tributions (NDCs) i.e., reduce emissions intensity of its GDP
Ministry of Housing and Amendments mandating by 45% by 2030
Urban Affairs Amend- the allocation of 20% park-
ments to Model Building ing space in residential and Insta Links:
Bye-laws commercial buildings for EV Decarbonizing Transport Project
charging facilities.
Department of Science Focuses on setting industry Mains Links:
and Technology Grand standards for charging infra- Evaluate the potential benefits and challenges of decarbon-
Challenge on EV Charging structure in the country. izing the transport sector in India. (10M)
Infrastructure Standards
Topics: Security challenges and their management in border
International Case Studies: areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism.
Case Studies Details
Electric Mobility United Kingdom: It released a Trans- 3. NORTH EAST INSURGENCY:
Roadmap port Decarbonization Plan with com-
mitments to achieve zero-emission
UNLF SIGNED PEACE DEAL WITH
cars and vans by 2030. CENTRE
Norway: Targets 100% electric vehi-
cle sales in light-duty vehicles (LDVs) Context:
and public bus segments by 2025. The UNLF (United National Liberation Front) is the oldest
South Korea: Provides a one-time valley-based, Meitei insurgent group in Manipur signed a
purchase subsidy for electric cars. peace agreement with the central government
About UNLF: Status of insurgencies in North-East:
It was formed on November 24, 1964, with the goal of se- Last year, the Union Government reported that there has
cession from India. Led by Arembam Samarendra Singh been an 80% decline in civilian deaths and 6,000 militants
initially, it has two factions presently, with the armed wing have surrendered in North East India since 2014.
known as the Manipur People’s Army. The UNLF has op-
erated in the valley areas of Manipur and some Kuki-Zomi Factors Leading to Insurgency in Northeast India:
hill districts, receiving training from the NSCN (IM), a Naga Factors Details
insurgent group. Proscribed under the Unlawful Activities
Multi-ethnicity Northeast India (NEI) is highly ethnical-
Prevention Act, it has faced setbacks, operating from Myan-
ly diverse, home to around 40 million
mar’s regions.
people, including 213 of the 635 trib-
In 1986, Mizo National Front (MNF) transformed into a
al groups listed by the Anthropological
mainstream political party. The Mizoram Accord of 1986
Survey of India.
marked the end of insurgency in the state.
Government attempts at integration
For Insurgency in Manipur: Click Here without understanding tribal nuances
fuel insurgencies. Inter-tribal rivalries
Other agreements signed recently: exacerbate ethnic insurgencies.
Agreement Details Historical The region’s complex history of colo-
nialism, post-independence border dis-
Assam-Megha- The agreement aims to resolve disputes
putes, and socio-economic challenges
laya Inter-State in six sectors. Assam receives about 181
have fueled the rise of various insurgent
Boundary sq. km, and Meghalaya gets about 18 sq.
groups seeking autonomy, identity pres-
Agreement km of the disputed areas.
ervation, and socio-economic develop-
(2022)
ment.
Karbi Anglong A tripartite agreement involving five As-
E.g., Naga National Council (NNC) de-
Agreement sam insurgent groups, the Centre, and
clared independence from India on Au-
(2021) the state government. Five militant orga-
gust 14, 1947, under the leadership of
nizations (KLNLF, PDCK, UPLA, KPLT, and
Phizo.
KLF) laid down arms, with over 1,000
armed cadres transitioning to main- Lack of Eco- Lagging development in NEI results in
stream society. nomic Develop- limited employment opportunities. In-
ment surgent groups exploit economic hard-
Bodo Accord Signed by the central government, As-
ships, attracting disenchanted youth.
(2020) sam government, and Bodo groups (in-
cluding NDFB factions), it redraws and Sense of Isola- Geographic distance from New Delhi
renames the Bodoland Territorial Area tion, Depriva- and limited Lok Sabha representation
District (BTAD) as the Bodoland Territo- tion, and Ex- breed disillusionment. Reduced voice
rial Region (BTR) in Assam. ploitation in corridors of power fuels discontent,
making armed rebellion attractive.
Bru-Reang A quadripartite agreement involving
Agreement the Centre, Mizoram, Tripura govern- Demographic Refugee influx from former East Paki-
(2020) ments, and Bru leaders. Aims to settle Changes stan (now Bangladesh) alters the re-
Bru community members, indigenous gion’s demographics.
to Northeast India, in Tripura, with the Internal Dis- - Ongoing internal displacement, par-
Home Ministry covering settlement ex- placement ticularly due to inter-ethnic violence,
penses. heightens instability.
N L F T- Tr i p u - NLFT, banned since 1997, reached an External Sup- China and Pakistan’s covert offensive in
ra Agreement agreement resulting in the surrender port the region raises concerns. Pakistan’s
(2019) of 88 cadres with 44 weapons. The Na- Special Services Group (SSG) historically
tional Liberation Front of Tripura operat- supported Naga guerrillas.
ed from camps across the international NNC leaders sought Chinese support in
border. 1967, marking Chinese involvement in
Roll Back of The government withdrew AFSPA from a NEI. The success of China’s people’s rev-
Armed Forces significant part of the Northeast, includ- olution inspired insurgent leaders, fuel-
Special Powers ing the entire Tripura and Meghalaya. In ing the rebellion.
Act (AFSPA) Arunachal Pradesh, AFSPA remains en-
forced in only three districts.
Perceived Ex- Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFS- for a permanent solution. However, with the older genera-
cesses by the PA) alienates locals, seen as draconian. tion passing away and the new generation having little inter-
Indian Army Essential for counterinsurgency, AFSPA est in insurgencies, the time is ripe to hammer out a long-
(AFSPA) faces criticism from Human Rights orga- term strategy for the elimination of residual insurgencies.
nizations, vilifying it in the eyes of insur-
gent groups. Insta Links:
Insurgency in North East India (NEI)
Sources of Funding through extortion, arms, and
Funding drug smuggling. Proximity to the Gold-
Mains Links
en Triangle facilitates illegal drug trade,
Q1. The North-East region of India has been infested with in-
supporting separatist organizations.
surgency for a very long time. Analyse the major reasons for
the survival of armed insurgency in this region. (UPSC 2017)
Institutional Measures to Address Insurgency in Northeast Q2. Human rights activists constantly highlight the fact that
India: the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) is a
Measures Details draconian act leading to cases of human rights abuses by
Ceasefire Agree- Ongoing ceasefire agreements with security forces. What sections of AFSPA are opposed by the
ments various other militant groups across activists? Critically evaluate the requirement with reference
states. The oldest agreement with to the view held by the Apex Court. (UPSC 2015)
N.S.C.N.-I.M. dates back to July 25,
1997. Prelims Links
Peace Talks E.g., the Nagaland peace accord in Q. Which Schedule of the Constitution of India contains spe-
2015 with NSCN to end the insurgen- cial provisions for the administration and control of Sched-
cy. uled Areas in several States? (UPSC 2008)
(a) Third
Military Opera- Security force operations, including
(b) Fifth
tions the army, state police, and paramili-
(c) Seventh
tary forces, to contain militancy. Mil-
(d) Ninth
itary operations, e.g., air strikes in
Ans: B
Mizoram and operations like Rhino
and Bajrang against U.L.F.A. militants
AFSPA AFSPA in Assam, Nagaland, Manipur,
and parts of Arunachal Pradesh
GENERAL STUDIES – 4
Strengthening Mi- Empowerment of local governance
cro-democratic In- modules like autonomous develop-
stitutions ment councils, gram panchayats, and 1. ETHICAL RISKS OF CLIMATE EN-
village councils. Enhanced function-
ality and legitimacy, bringing diverse GINEERING
communities into the development
stream. Context:
D e ve l o p m e nta l Implementation of programs like Bor- Ahead of COP28, UNESCO’s first-ever report on the Ethics of
Measures der Area Development and Hill Area Climate Engineering emphasizes the risks and opportunities
Development. of climate manipulation technologies.
Special category status to Northeast About the report:
states; Developmental assistance The report has been published by UNESCO’s World Commis-
for Infrastructure projects through sion on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology
Bharatmala Pariyojana (COMEST). COMEST is an advisory body and forum of reflec-
Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)- tion set up by UNESCO in 1998.
UDAN; Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit
Project, India-Myanmar-Thailand Tri- What is Climate Engineering?
lateral Highway Digital North East Vi- Climate engineering, also known as geoengineering, involves
sion 2022 National Bamboo Mission deliberate modifications to the Earth’s natural systems to
mitigate climate change effects. It includes techniques like
Conclusion Carbon Dioxide Removal (Building large-scale infrastructure
The insurgencies of NEI have continued for the past seven to capture and store carbon emissions from industrial pro-
decades despite various efforts by the Government of India cesses) and Solar Radiation Modification (Injecting aerosols
into the stratosphere to reflect sunlight, thereby cooling the of their climate engineering decisions.
Earth’s surface temperature) to alter carbon levels and sun- 4. Global Governance Collaboration: Open and re-
light reflection. sponsible collaboration between countries is crucial
for effective global governance of climate engineer-
ing.
5. Inclusive Decision-Making: Marginalized communi-
ties impacted by climate disruption should be fully
considered and involved in climate engineering
policies.
Conclusion:
The current intergovernmental discussions during COP28
must cover the ethical aspects of climate engineering so
that they align with ethical frameworks and Paris Agreement
commitments.
Insta Links:
Ethical Concerns in Climate Engineering:
• Solar Geo-Engineering
Concerns Description
Undermining Potential risk of climate engineering di-
Climate Poli- verting resources from crucial emission Mains Links:
cies reduction and adaptation efforts. Q. Do you think that climate engineering is a good strategy
Economic In- The high costs of developing and deploy- to overcome the challenges posed by global warming? State
equalities ing these technologies may exacerbate ethical concerns related to it.
global economic inequalities.
Slippery Slope It could facilitate the acceleration toward
deployment without any ethical frame- CONTENT FOR MAINS ENRICHMENT
work e.g., it impacts biodiversity, and
the ecosystem.
Moral Hazard It could provide polluters with an excuse
to not reduce the use of fossil fuels. 1. PAUL LYNCH: 2023 BOOKER
Military or Geoengineering tools may be exploited PRIZE FOR HIS NOVEL “PROPHET
Geo-political for military or geopolitical purposes,
Use necessitating strengthened global gover- SONG”
nance efforts.
Context:
Knowledge Lack of comprehensive understanding Ireland’s Paul Lynch, 46, has won the 2023 Booker Prize with
Gaps and Un- and potential chain reactions pose risks his novel “Prophet Song,” a dystopian narrative set in Dublin
certainties to humans, the ocean, temperature, and amid totalitarian rule.
biodiversity.
Dependency Creating a dependency on these tech- Content of Novel:
and Phase-out nologies raises questions about when The novel explores a family’s struggle in a world where
Challenges and how to phase them out, impacting democratic norms are eroding. Lynch mentioned that the
climate actions. inspiration for “Prophet Song” came from the Syrian war
Transboundary Countries must consider the potential and refugee crisis.
Impact transboundary impacts of their climate
engineering decisions. The other nominees for the Booker Prize included works by
Paul Murray, Chetna Maroo, Paul Harding, Jonathan Escoff-
Suggestions: ery, and Sarah Bernstein. The Booker Prize is a prestigious
1. Legal Regulation: States should introduce legislation literary award, with previous winners including Margaret At-
regulating climate engineering to prevent harm. wood, Hilary Mantel, Bernardine Evaristo, and Salman Rush-
2. Ethical Research Standards: Scientific research must die.
adhere to ethical standards consistent with interna-
tional law. Previously, Bulgarian writer Georgi Gospodinov and trans-
3. Transboundary Impact Consideration: Countries lator Angela Rodel have won the International Booker Prize
must assess and consider the transboundary impact for their novel “Time Shelter.”
Prize Description Scope 3. PROJECT Q*

Booker Prize Awarded annually Limited to En-
for the best origi- g l i s h - l a n g u a g e Context:
nal novel written works OpenAI’s Project Q*, an AI breakthrough, has sparked con-
in English, open to troversy and concerns about its potential threat to humanity.
authors from the
UK, Ireland, and the What is Project Q*?
Commonwealth. Project Q* is an AI breakthrough, reportedly capable of solv-
ing complex problems and demonstrating advanced rea-
E.g., Salman Rushdie, Arundhati Roy,
soning similar to humans. The project has raised concerns
Kiran Desai, Aravind Adiga, and others
about its potential threat to humanity, with fears stemming
International Honours a book Open to books from its deep learning capabilities, potential to accelerate
Booker Prize translated into En- from around the scientific progress and the possibility of unintended conse-
glish and recognizes world, translated quences and misuse.
the combined ef- into English.
forts of the author What is Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and how it is
and translator. different from Generative AI?
E.g., “Tomb of Sand’ became the first Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) refers to artificial intel-
book written in an Indian language to ligence with human-like cognitive abilities, enabling it to
be awarded the International Booker understand, learn, and apply knowledge across various do-
Prize. mains, similar to human intelligence. Q* is seen as a leap
Usage: The example can be used in an Essay/Ethics paper. towards Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).
Difference from Generative AI: While AGI aims for broad

2. EGYPTOLOGY AND NAPO- intelligence, Generative AI specifically concentrates on pro-
LEON’S FAILED EGYPT EXPEDI- ducing content, such as images, text, or other forms of data,
using algorithms and models trained on existing examples.
TION
Ethical Dilemmas: The ethical concerns surrounding Project
Context: Q* include questions about the adequacy of safety mea-
Napoleon’s failed Egypt expedition in 1798-1801, driven by sures, the potential acceleration of scientific progress, and
colonial ambitions and competition with the British, is cred- the responsible commercialization of such advanced AI mod-
ited with giving birth to Egyptology. els.
Despite military setbacks, the expedition led by Napoleon

involved around 160 scholars in various fields, laying the 4. HENRY KISSINGER
foundation for the study and documentation of Egypt’s his-
tory and culture. The resulting works, such as Dominique-Vi-
vant Denon’s “Travels in Lower and Upper Egypt” and “The
Description of Egypt,” marked the start of academic archae-
ology in the Nile Valley.
Who was Napoleon?

Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) was a French military and
political leader who rose to prominence during the French
Revolution. He became Emperor of the French in 1804 and
embarked on a series of military campaigns across Europe,
known as the Napoleonic Wars. Despite his military bril-
liance, he faced defeats, leading to his exile. His impact in-
cludes legal and educational reforms, the Napoleonic Code,
and shaping modern European geopolitics.
Usage: The example can be used to show the positive impact

of colonialism on culture esp. documentation and preserva-
tion of cultural heritages
paths in their chess journeys.
5. SAM MANEKSHAW The siblings have contrasting playing styles – Praggnanand-
haa is known for his defensive skills, while Vaishali is a te-
Context:
nacious attacker. Praggnanandhaa is extrovert and Vaishali
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, also known as Sam Bahadur,
is more introvert
was the Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army during
the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, and the first Indian Army
Usage: The example can be used to show excellence, dynam-
officer to be promoted to the rank of field marshal.
ics of sibling rivalry, excellence in Chess, etc.
Sam Manekshaw’s life exemplified ethical values, includ-

ing: FACTS FOR PRELIMS
1. Integrity: He faced inquiry but maintained his integ-
rity, eventually being cleared of all charges. GS-1
2. Compassion: After the 1971 war, he personally en-
sured the well-being of Pakistani Prisoners of War,
providing a Quran upon request.
3. Loyalty: Despite facing challenges, he displayed loy- 1. SAINTS IN NEWS
alty to the Army, rising above personal vendettas
when he attained higher ranks.
4. Courage: Throughout his military career, Sam dis-
played courage on the battlefield and in facing polit-
ical pressures during his service.
5. Respect: Fluent in Punjabi, he showed respect to
soldiers by conversing in their native language, fos-
tering a connection with troops from different back-
grounds.
6. RAMESHBABU PRAGG-
NANANDHAA AND HIS SISTER
VAISHALI
The remarkable success of Indian chess siblings, Rameshba-
bu Praggnanandhaa and his sister Vaishali, who have been
making waves in the chess world.
Praggnanandhaa, a chess prodigy, achieved the title of In-

ternational Master at the age of 10 and became the sec-
ond-youngest Grandmaster in 2018. He has also defeated
the five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen three times
2. PARTHENON SCULPTURES
in online games.
Context:
A diplomatic dispute between Greece and the UK has arisen
Vaishali, Praggnanandhaa’s older sister by four years, re-
over the Parthenon Sculptures housed at the British Muse-
cently became the third-ever female Grandmaster from In-
um.
dia, joining the ranks of Koneru Humpy and Harika Dronaval- • Greece has consistently sought the permanent re-
li. This achievement also makes them the first Grandmaster turn of the sculptures, also known as the Elgin Mar-
brother-sister pair in history. bles, which are over 2,000 years old and originally
adorned the Parthenon temple in Athens.
Vaishali faced the emotional toll and pressure of being suc- • The sculptures were removed by Thomas Bruce,
cessful as her brother Praggnanandhaa gained international the 7th Earl of Elgin, in the early 19th century and
attention. But she overcame feelings of envy and pressure purchased by the British Museum in 1816.
to carve her own path in chess. The siblings, who initially • While Greece alleges theft, Lord Elgin claimed per-
trained under Grandmaster RB Ramesh, have taken different mission from the Ottoman Empire
The Parthenon Sculptures are a collection of more than 30

ancient Greek stone sculptures. They are over 2,000 years
4. RAT HOLE MINING
old and were originally part of the Parthenon temple in Context:
Athens. The sculptures are currently housed in the British In the rescue operations for the collapsed Silkyara tunnel in
Museum Uttarkashi, rat miners played a crucial role in completing
the drilling process.
• Rat-hole mining, a method of manual drilling com-
mon in Meghalaya, involves skilled workers digging
narrow pits just wide enough for one person.
• The term “rat hole” refers to these pits used to ex-
tract coal. This method is hazardous, illegal in many
countries due to safety concerns, and has faced crit-
icism for its environmental impact.
• Rat-hole mining has faced criticism for its hazardous
conditions, environmental damage, and accidents
leading to injuries and fatalities.
• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned the
practice in 2014 and retained the ban in 2015 due to
safety concerns and environmental impact.
Other methods, such as vertical drilling and auger mining,

were also employed in the rescue operations, highlighting
the diverse techniques used to address complex situations.
3. MAN, THE HUNTER - THEORY
Context:
A recent study challenges the traditional notion of ‘Man,
the Hunter,’ suggesting that women not only participated
in hunting during the Palaeolithic era but also had certain
biological advantages.
• The ‘Man, the Hunter’ theory emerged in the
1960s, proposing that hunting played a significant
role in human evolution. However, recent studies
have contested this idea, highlighting the oversight
of women’s participation in hunting activities.
• The study argues that estrogen, a hormone pro-
duced more in females, contributes to their met-
abolic suitability for endurance activities like run-
ning, challenging the notion that only males excel
in such activities.
• From an archaeological perspective, the study ex-
amines burial remains and injury patterns among
our closest extinct human relatives, the Neander-
thals.
• The researchers found no significant differences in
trauma or injury patterns based on sex, suggesting
that both males and females were engaged in simi-
lar activities, including ambush-hunting large game
animals and processing hides for leather.
The study also addresses the societal changes around

10,000 years ago with the advent of agriculture, leading to
rigid gender roles and economic inequality. The researchers
argue that the shift towards gendered roles occurred with
the intensification of agriculture, population growth, and
the concentration of resources
What is ISO?
GS-2 The International Sugar Organization (founded 1968; HQ:
London) is an intergovernmental organization, which was
established by the International Sugar Agreement of 1968,
1. CERT-IN NOT UNDER RTI as the body responsible for administering the Agreement
(aimed at establishing an “orderly relationship between the
Context: supply and demand for sugar in the world market.). It has 88
The government has excluded the Indian Computer Emer- countries as its member (Saudi Arabia joined in 2022)
gency Response Team (CERT-In), the national agency re-
sponsible for addressing cybersecurity threats, from the
Right to Information Act, 2005.
What is CERT-In (founded 2004; HQ: New Delhi)?

It is an office within the Ministry of Electronics and Informa-
tion Technology. It is the nodal agency to deal with cyber
security. It strengthens the security-related defence of the
Indian Internet domain.
• The Information Technology Act of 2000 designates
CERT-In to perform functions in the realm of cyber-
security, including the collection, analysis, and dis-
semination of information on cyber incidents and
implementing emergency measures for handling cy-
bersecurity incidents.
• CERT-In now joins 26 other intelligence and security
organizations already exempted from the Act such
as RAW, CBI, and IB.
How Government exempt CERT-In from RTI?

Department of Personnel and Training has used the powers
under Section 24 of the RTI Act to exempt CERT-In from
transparency laws. It allows the government to withhold in- *Note: in October 2022, India became the largest producer
formation related to CERT-In from public scrutiny. of Sugar in the world. Depending on the source of news, In-
dia’s position may defer.
What is Section 24?
Section 24 of the RTI Act says that this law is not applicable
to the intelligence and security organizations specified in 3. PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATION
the Second Schedule. However, the information pertaining
to the allegations of corruption and human rights violations Context:
shall not be excluded. The proposed Bharatiya Sakshya (BS) Bill, intended to re-
place the Indian Evidence Act of 1872, includes a provision
Other exemptions under RTI: Information affecting the sov- barring courts from inquiring into privileged communica-
ereignty and integrity of India, records of Council of Minis- tion between Ministers and the President of India.
ters’ deliberations, information forbidden by court of law, • While Article 74(2) of the Constitution already men-
etc. However, Section 8(2) of the RTI Act allows disclosure if tions this, the bill seeks to give it legal backing.
• However, the term “privileged communication” has
public interest outweighs the harm to the protected inter- not been clearly defined, leading to potential inter-
ests under the Official Secrets Act, 1923. pretation challenges.
Privileged communication refers to confidential and pro-
2. INTERNATIONAL SUGAR OR- tected exchanges between specific individuals or within
certain relationships, where the law recognizes the need to
GANISATION (ISO) keep the communication confidential.
Context: This privilege is designed to encourage open and honest

India has been designated as the Chair of the International communication within these relationships. The concept
Sugar Organisation (ISO) for 2024, following the announce- aims to ensure that individuals can freely share informa-
ment made during the 63rd council meeting held in London. tion without fear of that information being disclosed in le-
gal proceedings.
4. ALL INDIA JUDICIAL SERVICE Worst Forms of Child Labour Promotional Framework for
Convention Occupational Safety and
Context: Health Convention, 2006
The President advocated the establishment of an All-India Discrimination (Employ-
Judicial Service to ensure diverse representation in the ju- ment Occupation) Conven-
diciary during an event celebrating Constitution Day at the tion
Supreme Court.
• The proposed All-India Judicial Service would iden-
tify and nurture talent from across the country, 6. AMPLIFI 2.0 PORTAL
promoting inclusivity.
About All India Judicial Service: Context:
The All-India Judicial Service (AIJS) is a proposed judicial The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has
service in India. launched the Amplifi 2.0 portal to provide raw data from
The AIJS was added to the constitution in 1976 by the 42nd Indian cities on a single platform for academics, research-
Constitution Amendment. ers, and stakeholders, aiming to support data-driven poli-
Article 312 of the Constitution provides for the establish- cymaking.
ment of the AIJS for posts of district judge and above • The portal covers diverse information such as die-
sel consumption, water quality testing, healthcare
The AIJS will not include any post inferior to that of a Dis- expenditure, slum population, and road accident
trict Judge fatalities.
• The initiative, part of the Urban Outcomes Frame-
work 2022, aims to streamline data across 14 sec-
5. DEMAND FOR RATIFICATION tors and shift the focus from indices to comprehen-
sive indicators for effective analysis.
OF THE LABOUR CONVENTION • The initiative aims to harness data for informed ur-
ban policy decisions and planning.
Context:
In the wake of the incident (Silkyara Tunnel collapse), the
Central Trade Unions have urged the Union government to
7. AYUSHMAN AROGYA
ratify the labour conventions MANDIR
Status: The International Labour Organization (ILO) report Context:
reveals that nearly 30 lakh workers globally die annually The Ayushman Bharat-Health and Wellness Centres (AB-
due to work-related accidents and diseases. It highlights that HWC) in India will now be known as ‘Ayushman Arogya
79 out of 187 countries have ratified the ILO Occupational Mandir,’ following a decision by the government.
Safety and Health Convention (however India has not done
so). In India, workers’ safety is covered under the Occupa- The rebranded centres will also feature a new tagline, ‘Ar-
tional Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code (OSH- ogyam Parmam Dhanam.’ The move is aimed at enhancing
WCC) 2020. the identity and promotion of these health facilities across
the country.
Threats: Long working hours, exposure to particulate mat-
ter, gases, and fumes, and occupational injuries are major About AB-HWC:
causes. Mining, construction, and utilities are the most haz- Introduced in 2018 under the Ayushman Bharat Program,
ardous sectors. there are currently more than 1.6 lakh centres across India.
These centres extend their services beyond maternal and
ILO Conventions: child healthcare, encompassing non-communicable diseas-
Ratified by India Not ratified by India es, palliative and rehabilitative care, oral, eye, and ENT care,
Abolition of Forced Labour Freedom of Association and mental health services, and first-level care for emergencies
Convention Protection of Right to Orga- and trauma. Additionally, they offer free essential drugs and
nise Convention diagnostic services.
Equal Remuneration Con- Right to Organise and Col-
vention lective Bargaining Conven- 8. DECENTRALISED AUTONO-
tion
Minimum Age Convention Occupational Safety and
MOUS ORGANISATIONS (DAOS)
Health Convention, 1981
Decentralised Autonomous Organisations (DAOs) are trans-
forming the digital world by operating without central con-
trol, governed by smart contracts and consensus.
Aspect Details
About Decentralised Autonomous Organisations,
are digital entities operating on blockchain
technology. They function without central
control, governed by smart contracts and
the consensus of members
Aim The idea is to create self-sustaining, com-
munity-driven entities governed by smart
contracts on blockchain networks.
Example One example is a DAO in decentralized fi-
nance (DeFi), like MakerDAO. In MakerD-
AO, users holding tokens can propose and
vote on changes to the protocol, influenc-
ing decisions on lending and borrowing ser-
vices without relying on traditional banks.
Use Cases Global Financial Ecosystem (Platforms like
Compound and Maker DAO enable lending
and borrowing); Art (Artists tokenize cre-
ations); Supply Chain Management (DAOs
offer transparency and traceability in global 9. FAST TRACK COURTS
supply chains); Governance (e.g., DAO stack
facilitates decentralized governance for in- Context:
ternet communities) The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the
Significance 1. Decentralization and Democratic Gover- Fast Track Special Courts (FTSC) dedicated to expediting jus-
nance: Shifts power from central authori- tice in cases of sexual offences for an additional three years,
ties, promoting democratic decision-mak- extending up to March 31, 2026.
ing. • Launched in 2019 as a centrally sponsored scheme,
the FTSC aims to swiftly dispose of cases related to
2. Transparency and Trust: Smart contracts rape and those falling under the Protection of Chil-
ensure transparency, reducing opacity asso- dren from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
ciated with centralized organizations. How- • The Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Jus-
ever, vulnerabilities in smart contracts can tice, oversees the implementation of the scheme,
pose security risks which has seen the establishment of 761 fast-track
3. Inclusivity and Global Collaboration: En- courts across 30 states and union territories.
• These courts have resolved over 1,95,000 cases,
ables global participation, fostering diversi- with a focus on ensuring prompt justice for victims
ty and innovation. of sexual offences.
DAOs aim to create transparent, democrat-
ic, and self-executing systems, challenging
traditional business structures. 10. DRONES TO THE WOMEN
Challenges Security Vulnerabilities (e.g., 2016 DAO SELF HELP GROUPS (SHGS)
hack); Challenges in legal classification, tax-
ation, and liability assignment; Decentral- Context:
ized decision-making makes dispute resolu- The Union Cabinet, has approved a Central Sector Scheme
tion challenging for providing drones to Women Self Help Groups (SHGs)
from 2024-25 to 2025-26.
• The scheme aims to empower 15,000 selected
Women SHGs by offering drone rental services to
farmers for agricultural purposes.
The key features of the scheme include:

Key Points Details
Holistic Inter- The scheme integrates efforts from the Objectives Address socio-economic challenges
ventions Department of Agriculture & Farmers faced by Particularly Vulnerable Trib-
Welfare, Department of Rural Develop- al Groups (PVTGs) in India.
ment, and Department of Fertilizers. Col- Ministries In- 9 Ministries, including the Ministry of
laboration with Women Self Help Groups volved Tribal Affairs.
(SHGs) and Lead Fertilizer Companies is
Focus Areas 11 critical interventions, encompass-
an integral part of the holistic approach.
ing various sectors such as housing,
Cluster-Based Identification of economically feasible infrastructure, healthcare, education,
Approach clusters for drone usage. Selection of and connectivity.
15,000 women SHGs within these clus-
Key Components - Provision of pucca houses - Con-
ters for the provision of drones.
necting roads - Water supply projects
Financial As- Women SHGs receive 80% of the drone - Mobile medical units - Hostels - Vo-
sistance cost as Central Financial Assistance. The cational education - Anganwadi Cen-
remaining amount can be raised by SHGs ters - Multipurpose centres - Electrifi-
as a loan under the National Agriculture cation - Solar off-grid systems - Solar
Infra Financing Facility, with a 3% inter- lighting - Setting up Village Develop-
est subvention. ment Knowledge Centers (VDVKs) - In-
Training Elected members of SHGs undergo a 15- stallation of mobile towers
day training program. Training includes Target Duration The mission will operate over the next
mandatory drone pilot training and ad- three years.
ditional sessions for agricultural appli-
Beneficiary Scope 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal
cations. Another member is trained as
Groups (PVTG) communities in 18
a drone technician/assistant for repairs
states and the Union Territory of An-
and maintenance.
daman and Nicobar Islands.
Role of Lead LFCs act as intermediaries between
Overall Goal Improve the overall well-being of
Fertilizer Com- drone suppliers and SHGs, facilitating
PVTG households by targeting basic
panies (LFCs) procurement and maintenance. Promo-
facilities, including housing, water,
tion of Nano Fertilizers is emphasized.
sanitation, education, health, connec-
Income Gener- SHGs rent out drone services to farmers tivity, and livelihood opportunities.
ation for Nano fertilizer and pesticide appli-
Contribution of Ayush and Skill Development min-
cations. Aim to provide sustainable busi-
Other Ministries istries will establish wellness cen-
ness and livelihood support.
tres. Ayush facilities will be provided
Technological The scheme aims to infuse advanced through mobile medical units. - Skill
Advancement technology into agriculture, leading to and vocational training will be offered
in Agriculture improved efficiency, enhanced crop in PVTG habitations.
yield, and reduced operational costs.
The technological advancements benefit
farmers and contribute to overall agricul-
tural development. GS-3
11. PRADHAN MANTRI JANJATI 1. COSEISMIC IONOSPHERIC PER-

ADIVASI NYAYA MAHA ABHIYAN TURBATIONS (CIP)
(PM JANMAN) Context:
A study conducted by scientists from the Indian Institute of
Context: Geomagnetism reveals that earthquake processes, even rel-
The Union Cabinet, has approved the Pradhan Mantri Janja- atively small ones, leave a distinct mark in the ionosphere.
ti Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) • The study demonstrates that coseismic ionospheric
Key Points Details perturbations (CIP), caused by vertical crustal move-
ments during earthquakes, can be influenced by
Initiative Name Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya multiple fault segments, challenging the assump-
Maha Abhiyan tion of a single source for near-field CIP.
• The study suggests that space-based observations
of ionospheric perturbations could provide valu-
able insights into earthquake precursors, paving faulty gene causing these blood disorders, potentially pro-
the way for improved earthquake monitoring and viding a lifelong cure. The therapy, targets the BCL11A gene
prediction. to increase foetal haemoglobin production, reducing severe
Coseismic ionospheric perturbations (CIP) refer to distur- pain crises and the need for transfusions.
bances in the Earth’s ionosphere caused by seismic activi-
ty, specifically by the vertical crustal movements during an However, challenges include the high potential cost (esti-
earthquake. mated up to $2 million per patient) and the necessity for
These perturbations result from the excitation of acoustic improved local manufacturing facilities to make the therapy
waves (AWs) in the atmosphere due to the vertical move- more accessible globally
ment of the Earth’s crust during an earthquake
About Sickle Cell Disease:
2. GREEN LEAF VOLATILE Description
What is Sick- It is an inherit-
Context: le Cell Anae- ed blood disease
Researchers from Japan have conducted groundbreaking mia? common among
research on plant-plant communication through volatile people of African,
organic compounds (VOCs) called Green Leaf Volatile (GLV). Arabian, and Indi-
Using real-time fluorescence imaging, they visualized how an origin. It affects
plants take up VOCs released by damaged neighbours, lead- haemoglobin, de-
ing to calcium-dependent defence responses against poten- livering oxygen to
tial threats. cells.
A typical haemo-
The research also revealed that guard cells, responsible for globin molecule
stomatal function, play a crucial role in VOC perception. (haemoglobin S)
distorts red blood
GLVs are common constituents of herbivore-infested plant cells, causing a
volatiles. GLVs play an important role in plant defence. sickle shape, and
blocking blood
flow and oxygen.
Symptoms include severe pain (sickle cell
crises) and organ damage over time.
Treatment Medication, blood transfusions, and occa-
sionally bone marrow transplants.
Implications High Prevalence: 30,000 to 40,000 children
are born with sickle cell disease annually in
India, mostly in tribal areas
Government India aims to eliminate the SCA by 2047
Significance: This discovery enhances understanding of the Initiatives through a national program.
intricate communication network among plants for timely
defence responses. The findings showcase nature’s remark- National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination
able adaptations and have broader implications beyond Programme
plant science ICMR and NRHM implement outreach pro-
grams for disease management and control
3. CASGEVY Universal screening, awareness, and coun-

selling funded under the National Health
Mission
Context:
The UK drug regulator recently approved Casgevy, a gene
About the CRISPR-Cas9 system:
therapy for sickle cell disease and thalassaemia, marking
a breakthrough as the world’s first licensed therapy using
Crispr-Cas9 gene editing technology.
What is Casgevy?
It is a groundbreaking gene-editing therapy for sickle cell
anaemia, utilizing the CRISPR-Cas9 tool. Casgevy edits the
About the four diseases:

Rare Disease Description Impact on the
Body
T y r o s i n - An inherited metabol- Can lead to the
emia-Type 1 ic disorder where the accumulation
body lacks the enzyme of harmful sub-
(Fumarylacetoacetate stances, affecting
hydrolase) needed to the liver, kidneys,
break down the amino and nervous sys-
acid tyrosine. tem.
G a u c h e r ’ s An inherited metabolic Results in the
Disease disorder characterized buildup of fat-
by a deficiency of the ty substances in
enzyme (glucocere- organs, primari-
brosidase) necessary ly impacting the
for breaking down cer- spleen, liver, and
tain lipids. bone marrow.
Wilson’s Dis- A rare autosomal Excess copper
ease recessive disorder can lead to liver
where abnormal cop- and neurolog-
per accumulation oc- ical problems,
curs, primarily affect- including cogni-
4. GENERIC DRUGS FOR RARE ing the brain, liver, and tive decline and
DISEASE CURE cornea. psychiatric symp-
toms.
Dravet or Len- A genetic epilepsy syn- Frequent and
Context: nox Gastaut drome marked by se- prolonged sei-
The Union Health Ministry in India has introduced generic Syndrome vere seizures, typically zures can hinder
drugs to treat four rare diseases, namely Tyrosinemia-Type (seizures) starting in infancy. It cognitive devel-
1, Gaucher’s Disease, Wilson’s Disease, and Dravet-Lennox can lead to develop- opment, impact-
Gastaut Syndrome. mental delays and cog- ing motor skills,
nitive impairment. language, and
What are Generic drugs? overall cognitive
Generic drugs are medications that are equivalent to brand- function.
name drugs in terms of active ingredients, dosage, safety,
strength, quality, and intended use but are typically sold at
a lower cost. Once the patent protection for a brand-name
drug expires, other pharmaceutical companies can produce
5. NUGU WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
and sell generic versions.
• The price of these unbranded generic versions Context:
of medicine for the four rare diseases will be 100 The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) recom-
times lower than the current market value of the mends declaring the Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary, adjoining
branded drugs. Bandipur Tiger Reserve, as a core critical tiger habitat.
What are Rare Diseases? The recommendation is based on the ecological significance
WHO defines rare diseases as debilitating lifelong condi- of Nugu, supporting diverse flora and fauna, including a
tions with a prevalence of 1 or less per 1000 population. high-density elephant population, tigers, leopards, and oth-
They collectively affect 6-8% of India’s population ( about er wildlife species.
8 to 10 crore cases in India), with nearly 80% being genetic.
About Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary:
The National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD), 2021, pro- Description
vides financial support up to Rs. 50 lakhs for treatment, ex-
empts Rare Diseases drugs from Basic Customs Duty and Location North of Bandipur National Park,
includes orphan drugs in the Production Linked Incentive Mysore District, Karnataka
Scheme for Pharmaceuticals.
Nugu Reservoir Occupies the northern part of the (c) 2, 3 and 4 only
sanctuary, built across the Nugu (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
River (a tributary of the Cauvery)
Ans: B
Declaration Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in
1974; Added to Nilgiri Biosphere
Q2. From the ecological point of view, which one of the fol-
Reserve in 2003-2004
lowing assumes importance in being a good link between
the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats? (UPSC 2017)
About Bandipur Tiger Reserve: (a) Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
Description (b) Nallamala Forest
Establish- Established in 1973 under Project Tiger; (c) Nagarhole National Park
ment Enlarged in 1985 and named Bandipur Na- (d) Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve
tional Park
Location Contiguous districts of Mysore and Ans: A
Chamarajanagar, Karnataka; Tri-junction
of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala
Bandipur Tiger Reserve is surrounded by
6. FIBRE OPTIC CABLES
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu)
Context:
in the South, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctu-
The importance of fibre optics has been increasing in recent
ary (Kerala) in the Southwest, and Kabini
times, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when in-
Reservoir in the North West, separating it
ternet connections facilitated virtual communication.
from Nagarahole Tiger Reserve
• Optical fibres, made of thin glass strands, can trans-
Biosphere Re- Part of Mysore Elephant Reserve; Compo- mit various forms of digital information, such as
serve nent of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve text, images, voices, and videos, across long dis-
Biodiversity Recognized as one of the Mega Biodiver- tances at nearly the speed of light.
• The development of fibre optic communication can
sity Areas; Rich floral and faunal diversity
be traced back to physicist Charles Kao, who pro-
Rivers and Between Kabini River (north) and Moyar posed glass fibres as a superior medium for tele-
Highest Point River (south); Nugu river runs through; communication over 60 years ago.
Highest point: Himavad Gopalaswamy
Betta Working principle of optical fibres:
• It relies on total internal reflection to guide light
through the glass strands, allowing signals to trav-
el across significant distances with minimal loss of
optical power.
• The historical evolution of fibre optic cables is out-
lined, starting from early experiments with light
guiding in the 19th century to the breakthroughs in
the mid-20th century that led to the development
of long-distance transmission.
• The current state of fibre optic technology is high-
lighted, with optical fibres playing crucial roles in
telecommunication, medical science, laser technol-
ogy, and sensing.
7. AXOLOTL
Context:
Q1. Consider the following protected areas: ( UPSC 2012) Mexican ecologists from the National Autonomous Universi-
1. Bandipur ty have relaunched the “Adoptaxolotl” fundraising campaign
2. Bhitarkanika to support the conservation of axolotls, an endangered fish-
3. Manas like salamander.
4. Sunderbans
Which of the above are declared Tiger Reserves? About Axolotl:
(a) 1 and 2 only Description
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
What is it Axolotl is a species About The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)
of salamander. The (Launched in April 2017) is a survey con-
name “axolotl” is de- ducted by the National Sample Survey Of-
rived from the Latin fice (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics
words “atl” (water) and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) in
and “xolotl” (mon- India
ster). Objective Estimate key employment and unemploy-
Salamanders are a ment indicators (Worker Population Ratio,
group of amphibians Labour Force Participation Rate, Unemploy-
that includes frogs and ment Rate) in a three-month interval for
toads. urban areas under ‘Current Weekly Status’
Found in Mexico City’s Lake Xochimilco (CWS). And estimate employment and un-
employment indicators in both ‘Usual Sta-
IUCN Critically Endangered
tus’ and CWS annually for both rural and
Features They have the ability to regenerate lost or urban areas.
damaged limbs, hearts, spinal cords, and
L a b o u r Percentage of the working-age population
even parts of their brains without perma-
Force Partic- (aged 15 years and above) that is either
nent scarring. They remain underwater
ipation Rate employed or unemployed but willing and
throughout their life
(LFPR) looking for employment.
Significance Axolotls are a cultural icon in Mexico for
Worker Pop- Percentage of employed persons in the
their unique slimy appearance and limb-re-
ulation Ra- population.
generating ability.
tio (WPR)
Scientists believe that the regrowing power
Unemploy- Percentage of persons unemployed among
of Axolotls could hold the secret to tissue
ment Rate the persons in the labour force.
repair and even cancer recovery in the fu-
(UR)
ture.
Activity Sta- The usual activity status is determined on
Threats The Mexican Axolotl population has dras-
tus the basis of the last 365 days, while the cur-
tically declined by more than 99% in less
rent weekly status is determined based on
than two decades. The primary contributors
the last 7 days.
include Water pollution, the spread of Chy-
trid Fungus (a skin-eating disease), habitat Types of Ac- Principal Activity Status (PS): The prima-
loss, droughts, wastewater disposal, and tivity Status ry activity status on which a person spent
the impacts of climate change. a relatively long time (major time criteri-
on) during the last 365 days. Subsidiary
Economic Activity Status (SS): The activity
8. PERIODIC LABOUR FORCE SUR- status in which a person, in addition to the
VEY (PLFS) usual principal status, performs some eco-
nomic activity for 30 days or more in the
last 365 days.
Context: C u r r e n t The activity status is determined based on
The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Quarterly Bulletin Weekly Sta- the last 7 days preceding the date of the
for July–September 2023 highlights key employment indica- tus (CWS) survey.
tors in urban areas:
• Unemployment Rate: Decreased to 6.6% for individ- Prelims Links:
uals aged 15 years and above. Q. Disguised unemployment generally means (UPSC 2013)
• Labour Force Participation Rate: Increased to (a) a large number of people remain unemployed
49.3%, indicating a growing percentage of people in (b) alternative employment is not available
the labour force. (c) the marginal productivity of labour is zero
• Worker Population Ratio (WPR): Grew to 46%, re- (d) productivity of workers is low
flecting a rise in the percentage of employed per- Ans: (c)
sons in the population.
Aspect Description
9. INDIAN OCEAN TUNA COM- wearing masks as appropriate, ensuring good ventilation,
and practicing regular hand-washing.
MISSION
Context: 11. TROPICALISATION
The Working Party on Data Collection and Statistics (WP-
DCS19) of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) has Context:
commenced in Mumbai, organized by the Department of Climate change is causing a significant global phenomenon
Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairy- known as tropicalisation, where tropical species in the
ing, Government of India. ocean are moving towards the poles, while temperate spe-
cies are retreating.
• Tunas and other large pelagic species, such as bill- • This mass movement of marine life is driven by ris-
fishes, sharks, and rays, have significant economic ing sea temperatures and marine heat waves due
importance, with tunas alone contributing an esti- to climate change.
mated annual trade value of US$41 billion in 2018 • The trend is observed in areas with strong currents
away from the equator, leading to consequences
About Tuna for ecosystems, biodiversity, and potential impacts
Tuna refers to a group of saltwater fish belonging to the on the global economy.
Thunnini tribe. These fish are known for their streamlined • The socio-economic impacts vary by region, influ-
bodies, powerful swimming ability, and wide distribution encing global fisheries, carbon storage, and tour-
in warm seas. ism.
Tuna is highly valued in the global fishing industry for its

meat, which is commonly used in various cuisines, especially
in the form of sushi and sashimi. Some well-known species
of tuna include the Atlantic bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna,
and skipjack tuna.
10. WALKING PNEUMONIA

Context:
China is facing an unusual surge in pneumonia cases, partic- 12. PRESSMUD
ularly among children, raising global concerns.
• The surge is attributed to factors like the lifting of
COVID-19 restrictions and the circulation of known Context:
pathogens like influenza, mycoplasma pneumonia, India’s pressmud, a byproduct in the sugar industry, can be a
respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2. valuable resource for compressed biogas (CBG) production.
About Pneumonia: What is Pressmud and how it is produced?

• The pneumonia caused by mycoplasma pneumo- Pressmud, also known as filter cake or press cake, is a resid-
niae, often termed “walking pneumonia,” is a mild ual byproduct in the sugar industry. It is produced during the
form of the infection. It is characterized by mild sugar extraction process from sugarcane. The sugarcane is
respiratory symptoms, and the bacteria can cause
crushed to extract juice, and pressmud is the solid residue
more serious lung infections in some cases.
left behind after squeezing out the juice. Other by-products
are: Bagasse, molasses
How it spreads?
• Mycoplasma pneumoniae spreads through respi-
ratory droplets when an infected person coughs
or sneezes. Common symptoms include sneezing,
a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, watery eyes,
wheezing, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
• Groups at higher risk of severe infection include chil-
dren, the elderly, and those with weakened lungs.
Preventive measures recommended by WHO include vac-
cination, maintaining distance from ill individuals, stay-
ing home when unwell, testing and seeking medical care,
Herbicides Destroying crops and arable land

in an attempt to create a ‘buffer
zone’ between Gaza and Israel
Destruction of infra- Disruption of water supply, tar-
structure geting Water, Sanitation, and Hy-
giene (WASH) facilities
Reforestation with Altering the landscape, affecting
non-indigenous spe- biodiversity, and diminishing cul-
cies tural ties with olive trees
Applications:
It has the potential use in generating compressed biogas 14. PARIS CLUB GROUP OF
(CBG) through anaerobic digestion and subsequent purifica- CREDITORS
tion. With the potential to generate 460,000 tonnes of CBG
valued at Rs 2,484 crore, pressmud offers advantages like a Context:
simplified supply chain, concentrated sourcing, and cost-ef- Sri Lanka has reached an “agreement in principle” with India
fectiveness. and the Paris Club group of creditors, including Japan, on a
debt treatment plan.
However, challenges include rising pressmud prices, compe- Aim: This agreement is expected to facilitate the release
tition for alternative uses, and storage issues. To fully exploit of the next tranche of the International Monetary Fund’s
this resource, interventions such as streamlined bioenergy nearly $3 billion recovery package for Sri Lanka.
policies, price control mechanisms, and research on storage • At the height of last year’s economic crisis, Sri Lan-
technologies are essential. ka defaulted on its nearly $51 billion foreign debt,
leading to the need for comprehensive loan restruc-
13. ENVIRONMENTAL COST OF turing.
THE ISREAL-PALESTINE WAR About the economic crisis in Sri Lanka:

The current economic crisis in Sri Lanka is a result of a com-
Context: bination of factors, including high levels of government
The article highlights the environmental impact of Israel’s debt, a large trade deficit, weak foreign exchange reserves,
military actions in Gaza. The use of heavy bombs, white and declining economic growth.
phosphorus, and herbicides has led to widespread environ-
mental damage, affecting soil, water, and air quality. What is the Paris Club?
Tool Purpose/Effect The Paris Club (est. 1956, HQ: Paris (France)) is a group of
officials from major creditor countries whose role is to find
2,000-pound bombs Causing large-scale destruction,
coordinated and sustainable solutions to the payment diffi-
creating craters, and resulting in
culties experienced by debtor countries. It provided finan-
environmental contamination
cial assurances to the International Monetary Fund on Sri
White phosphorus Illegal use in densely populated Lanka’s debt
areas, causing severe burns and
environmental pollution Objective: To find sustainable debt-relief solutions for coun-
Mk-84 bombs filled Release of harmful substances tries that are unable to repay their bilateral loans.
with Tritonal (aluminium and trinitrotoluene) • Members: 22 permanent members (all are a mem-
affecting soil, water, and air ber of the OECD)
Tritonal is a mix of one part Al- • India and China are not members. India acts as
uminium and three parts trini- an ad-hoc participant
trotoluene or TNT. It is a danger-
ous explosive, especially when
exposed to heat. Transport of
Tritonal by aircraft or railways is
forbidden due to its explosive
15. GLOBAL BOND INDEX (GBI)
characteristics.
Participating nations included several members of IORA
such as Bangladesh, Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives,
Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania.
They emphasized the importance of harmonizing capacities
in the IOR, aligning with India’s vision of SAGAR.
What is India’s SAGAR?

India’s SAGAR (announced in 2015), which stands for ‘Secu-
rity and Growth for All in the Region,’ is a vision and pol-
icy framework designed to enhance maritime cooperation
and security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The initiative
emphasizes the importance of promoting collective security
and sustainable development for the benefit of all nations in
the region.
16. LOSS AND DAMAGE (L&D)

FUND
Context:
On the first day of COP 28, member countries unanimous-
ly agreed to operationalize a Loss and Damage (L&D) fund,
aimed at compensating nations already facing the impacts of
climate change.
The fund, based at the World Bank but managed inde-

pendently, has received commitments worth at least $450
million. L&D fund was first announced during COP27 in
Sharm el-Sheikh (Egypt) in 2022.
What is L&D? 18. ASW SHALLOW WATER

It refers to the negative consequences arising from the un- CRAFT (CSL) PROJECT
avoidable risks of climate change, like rising sea levels, pro-
longed heatwaves, species extinction, crop failures, etc Context:
The first three ships of the ASW Shallow Water Craft (CSL)
The L&D fund addresses the financial toll of climate change, project for the Indian Navy, named Mahe, Malvan, and
estimated at over $1.5 trillion in 2022. Mangrol, were simultaneously launched on November 30,
2023, at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi.
To know more about L&D Fund: Click Here
About Mahe class ships:
17. MAHASAGAR They are part of the 08 x ASW Shallow Water Craft project
and are equipped with indigenously developed underwater
Context: sensors for anti-submarine and maritime operations. The
The Indian Navy’s outreach initiative, MAHASAGAR, con- project aims for ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ with over 80% indig-
ducted its maiden edition as a virtual interaction between enous content. The first ship is expected to be delivered in
the Indian Chief of the Naval Staff, and heads of navies and 2024.
maritime agencies from the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) lit-
torals.
Aim: To undertake anti-submarine operations in coastal Taiwan, officially the Republic of China, is a country in East
waters, Low-Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO) and Mine Asia. It is located at the junction of the East and South China
Laying Operations. Seas in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, with the People’s
Republic of China to the northwest, Japan to the northeast,
Other warships: and the Philippines to the south.
MAPPING
2. ARGENTINA
1. TAIWAN-INDIA
Context:
Context: Argentina’s new president Javier Milei plans to replace Ar-
Taiwan and India are discussing the hiring of tens of thou- gentina’s currency with the dollar to address economic
sands of Indian workers, through employment mobility challenges.
agreements.
Dollarization is seen as a potential solution to hyperinfla-
The agreement is aimed at sending Indian workers to fill lation, breaking the link between rising prices and increasing
bour shortages in Taiwan and addresses Taiwan’s need for money supply. Ecuador’s successful experience with dollar-
workers in sectors like manufacturing and agriculture due to ization led to notable improvements in economic growth,
its ageing population. poverty reduction, and inflation control post-dollarization.
However, dollarization is not a universal remedy. Concerns
A similar agreement has been signed with other countries have been raised about Milei’s proposals to slash govern-
such as ment spending and abolish the Central Bank.
• India and Germany’s ‘Comprehensive Migration
and Mobility Partnership’ to facilitate mobility and Argentina is a country in the southern half of South Amer-
employment opportunities between India and Ger- ica. It is the second-largest country in South America after
many. Brazil, the fourth-largest country in the Americas, and the
• Migration, Mobility Pact with Australia (MMPA) be- eighth-largest country in the world. Argentina faces a severe
tween India and Australia economic crisis marked by hyperinflation, widespread pov-
erty, and a depreciating currency (peso).
Recently, Taiwan announced the opening of its third rep-
resentative office in India, in Mumbai. Despite not having Previously, India has been in talks for finalizing agree-
formal diplomatic relations, India and Taiwan have made ments for the acquisition of five lithium blocks in Argenti-
progress in various domains such as economics, trade, and na through the State-owned joint venture, KABIL.
technology.
The Andes Mountains, which run through both Argentina
and Chile, are known for hosting lithium-rich brine deposits.
The region’s unique geological conditions make it conducive
to the formation and concentration of lithium resources.
4. SHETTIHALLI WILDLIFE SANC-

3. NEW ZEALAND TUARY
Context:
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has an- Context:
nounced the revocation of the country’s ambitious an- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has given the state gov-
ti-smoking laws, including the “generational smoking ban” ernment a six-month deadline to address issues causing the
implemented last year, citing the need to generate income delay in notifying the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) status for
and address concerns about a growing black market. Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary in Shivamogga, Karnataka.
The decision to scrap the smoking ban, aimed at prohibiting The delay in determining ESZ has resulted in increased land
tobacco sales to individuals born after 2008, was met with use changes and encroachment.
criticism from health experts and anti-smoking groups who
view it as a setback for public health and a victory for the Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary is in Karnataka’s Shimoga Dis-
tobacco industry. trict, spanning 395 sq km and was declared in 1974. It in-
cludes Mandagadde Natural Bird Sanctuary and features
New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pa- the Tunga Anicut Dam, providing habitat for otters and water
cific Ocean. It consists of two main landmasses—the North birds
Island and the South Island —and over 700 smaller islands.
Recently, an international team released highly detailed
maps of Zealandia, covering its entire five million square ki-
lometres.
5. PAMPORE (SAFFRON PRODUC- The Golan Heights, spanning about 1,800 km2, is a basaltic
plateau bordered by the Yarmouk River, the Sea of Galilee,
TION IN INDIA) Hula Valley, Mount Hermon, and Wadi Raqqad. It was cap-
tured by Israel from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War.
Context: Pampore, known as the centre of the country’s saf-
fron (referred to as “red gold”) cultivation has seen a decline
in productivity.
About Saffron:
Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus,
commonly known as the “saffron crocus”. The vivid crimson
stigma and styles, called threads, are collected and dried for
use mainly as a seasoning and colouring agent in food
The main issues impacting saffron production in Pampore

are:
1. Climate change
2. Erratic rainfall patterns
3. Higher temperatures
4. Expansion of urban areas onto saffron fields
5. Insufficient investment in irrigation and farmer
training, contribute to the challenges faced by saf-
fron cultivation
Iran, India, Spain and Greece are the major saffron-produc-
ing countries with Iran occupying the maximum area and
contributing about 88% of the world’s saffron production.
Though, India occupies the 2nd largest area but produces
approximately 7 per cent of the total world production.
6. GOLAN HEIGHTS
Context: Recently, India has voted in favour of a UN Gener-
al Assembly draft resolution expressing deep concern over
Israel’s failure to withdraw from the Syrian Golan Heights.
The resolution called for Israel’s withdrawal from the occu-

pied Syrian Golan to the June 4, 1967 line, emphasizing the
hindrance of the occupation to achieving a just, comprehen-
sive, and lasting peace in the region.

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INDIAN OCEAN TUNA COMMISSION

Tuna refers to a group of saltwater fish be-

27 NOV - 2 DEC 2023

WEEKLY CURRENT AFFAIRS

CONTENT FOR MAINS ENRICHMENT MAPPING

FACTS FOR PRELIMS

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Who was Napoleon?

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3. CASGEVY Universal screening, awareness, and coun-

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The fund, based at the World Bank but managed inde-

What is L&D? 18. ASW SHALLOW WATER

4. SHETTIHALLI WILDLIFE SANC-

The main issues impacting saffron production in Pampore

The resolution called for Israel’s withdrawal from the occu-

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