Marathon Magzine
Marathon Magzine
Marathon Magzine
NOVEMBER, 2022
table of contents
1. POLITY 03
1.1 The First Amendment to ...................................... 03 1.9 Supreme Court Upholds EWS Reservation............ 10
the Indian Constitution 1.10 Transparency Debate Around Electoral Bonds...... 12
1.2 Two Finger Test on Rape Victims .......................... 04 1.11 Review of the Collegium System .......................... 13
1.3 Legalising Same Sex Marriages.............................. 05 1.12 New Data Protection Bill 2022 ............................. 14
1.4 Supreme Court Orders Release of ........................ 05
all Convicts In Rajiv Gandhi Case short news
1.5 Election Commission of India: .............................. 06 1.13 NRC/NPR/Census ................................................... 16
Need Sweeping Reforms 1.14 22nd Law Commission of India ............................. 16
1.6 Jharkhand Bills & Ninth Schedule.......................... 08 1.15 Mother Tongue Survey Of India (MTSI) ................ 17
1.7 Assam-Meghalaya Boundary Dispute ................... 09 1.16 Appointment of New CJI........................................ 17
1.8 Sealed Cover Jurisprudence ................................. 10 1.17 Narco Test .............................................................. 17
2. INTERNATIONAL RELATION 21
2.1 India-Australia ECTA: A Win Win Deal................... 21 short news
2.2 G20 Summit 2022.................................................. 22
2.3 India Assumes G20 Presidency.............................. 24 2.9 Indian Ocean Region Forum ................................. 28
2.4 Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting....................... 24 2.10 Black Sea Grain Initiative....................................... 29
2.5 Friendshoring........................................................ 26 2.11 Moscow Format.................................................... 29
2.6 I2U2....................................................................... 26 Consultation On Afghanistan
2.7 Russia’s Nuclear Icebreakers................................. 27 2.12 UK-India Young Professional ................................. 29
and Militarization of the Arctic Exchange Scheme
2.8 India- Egypt Relations............................................ 27
3. ECONOMY 32
3.1 Central Bank Digital Currency................................ 32 3.8 India’s First Sovereign Green Bonds Framework... 37
3.2 Difference between CBDC, ................................... 33 3.9 National Investment and ...................................... 38
Cryptocurrency and UPI Payments Infrastructure Fund (NIIF)
3.3 Depreciation of Rupee .......................................... 34 3.10 Indian Electronic Industry ..................................... 39
3.4 Old Pension Scheme And ..................................... 35 short news
National Pension Scheme
3.5 Vostro Nostro Accounts ........................................ 36 3.11 One Nation One ITR Form .................................... 40
3.6 Fodder-Centric Farmer Producer Organisation..... 36 3.11 India Infrastructure Project .................................. 40
3.7 Nutrient-Based Subsidy ........................................ 37 Development Fund Scheme
1.1 The First Amendment to the on the ground of violation of the right to trade or
business.
Indian Constitution
Reason for Amendments
Context
The immediate reason for the amendments
Recently, the Supreme Court has agreed to examine a
was a series of Supreme Court and High Court
petition challenging the changes made under the first
judgments that had struck down provisions
amendment in the scope of the right to freedom of
of public safety laws, press-related laws, and
speech and expression.
criminal provisions that were deemed to be
Previous Year Question incompatible with the constitutional right to
freedom of speech.
The Supreme Court of India keeps a check on
arbitrary power of the Parliament in amending the Implications of 1st Amendment
Constitution.’ Discuss critically. (2013)
Misuse of 9th Schedule: It contains 200+
legislations receiving protection from judicial
About the First Amendment Act, 1951 scrutiny.
It was passed in 1951 by the Provisional
Under Article 31, laws placed in the Ninth
Parliament.
Schedule cannot be challenged in a court of law
It made several changes to the Fundamental
on the ground that they violated the fundamental
Rights of the Indian Constitution.
rights of citizens.
• Amended Articles 15, 19, 85, 87, 174, 176,
Article 31(A), has vested enormous power to the
341, 342, 372 and 376.
State with respect to the acquisition of estates
It provided means to restrict freedom of speech
(Excluded scope of judicial review under Articles
and expression on following grounds:
14 and 19).
• Public order
• Friendly relations with foreign states and
Objections taken by Petitioner
• Incitement to an offence. The amendment harms the basic structure of the
constitution.
Saved the laws providing for the acquisition of
It substituted the original Clause (2) of Article
estates.
19 with a new Clause that contained two
Added Ninth Schedule to protect the land reform
objectionable insertions allowing restrictions “in
and other laws included in it from the judicial
the interest of public order” and “in relation to
review.
incitement to an offence”.
Empowered the state to make special provisions
These two insertions protect Sections:
for the advancement of socially and economically
backward classes (SEBC). • 124A: Sedition Act
RTSEPFP
• 153A: Promoting enmity between different
Provided that state trading and nationalisation of groups on grounds of religion, race, place of
any trade or business by the state is not to be invalid
birth, residence, language, etc.
For acceptability of the election verdict: The 1.6 Jharkhand Bills and Ninth
losing parties accept the electoral verdict as
they believe in the impartial and independent Schedule
functioning of EC.
Context:
Maintaining the trust of the people: The trust Recently, the Jharkhand Assembly unanimously
of the masses over the electoral process is cleared two Bills which would come into force only
contingent upon the degree of independence after the Centre carries out amendments to include
enjoyed by the EC. them in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution.
Reforms Proposed by the SC About the Bills
The five judges Constitution bench of SC has The first Bill, ‘Jharkhand Reservation of
proposed the idea of including the Chief Justice Vacancies in Posts and Services (Amendment)
of India in the Committee that appoints the Chief Bill, 2022’, raised reservation to 77 per cent.
Election Commissioner (CEC). Within the reserved category, the Scheduled
Castes will get a quota of 12 per cent, up from
This would help ensure “neutrality” (in the 10 per cent; 27 per cent for OBCs, up from 14 per
functioning decisions of the institution). cent; 28 per cent for Scheduled Tribes, a 2 percent
increase; and 10 per cent for Economically Weaker
Arguments in Favour of the Proposal Sections.
The Second ARC recommended the EC must be The second Bill, ‘Jharkhand Definition of Local
appointed by a collegium. Persons and for Extending the Consequential,
Law Commission’s in its 255th Report also Social, Cultural and Other Benefits to Such Local
suggested a collegium to improve appointments. Persons Bill, 2022’, is aimed at granting local
residents “certain rights, benefits, and preferential
Arguments Against the Proposal treatment” over their land,
The presence of CJI in the appointment Committee • in their stake in local development of rivers,
of CBI Director hasn’t ensured the independence lakes, fisheries
of the investigative agency. • in local traditional and cultural and
Experts argue that the corrective measures have commercial enterprises
to be provided from within the institution itself. • in rights over agricultural indebtedness or
The Election Commission must stand its ground availing agricultural loans
in the face of overreach by the political executive, • in maintenance and protection of land
it must push back and be seen to be pushing records; for their social security
back. • in employment in the private and public
Steps taken to improve credibility and independence sector, and, for trade and commerce in the
of Election Commission: state.
C-Vigil Application: Developed for reporting cases
of MCC violation by the masses. About Ninth Schedule
The Ninth Schedule contains a list of central and
The EC had launched a scheme for use of State-
state laws which cannot be challenged in courts.
owned Electronic Media by political parties for
providing a level playing field to every political party. Currently, 284 such laws are shielded from judicial
review. Most of the laws protected under the
Conclusion Schedule concern agriculture/land issues.
There is a need to undertake reforms in appointment, The Schedule
RTSEPFP became a part of the Constitution
functions and powers of the ECI to reinstall the shaken in 1951, when the document was amended
trust of EC’s independence and credibility amongst for the first time. It was created by the new
the masses. Article 31B, which along with 31A was brought
Forest guard were killed and two others were seriously The second round of discussions for the remaining
injured in a firing incident along the boundary six phases was to commence by the end of
between the two States. November 2022.
Why was it challenged in court? individual. So, while access “to public goods”
Petitioners contended that the amendment such as tax breaks, and subsidies can be allowed,
violated the basic structure of the Constitution reservation in public employment would not be
because it violated the equality code. permissible.
Lack of Data: No data is available to the central or
Arguments of petitioners State governments to demonstrate that members
The violation occurred : of the "upper" caste who earn less than Rs 8 lakh
(a) As the reservation was only for groups that were annually are not fairly represented in government
socially and educationally backward. employment and higher education.
(b) by converting a scheme to overcome structural The collective disadvantage experienced by
barriers for the advancement of social groups certain groups is unique to each of them, and their
into an anti-poverty measure. specific deprivations require specific resolutions.
(c) by excluding OBC/SC/ST candidates from the Contemporary inequalities; economic, cultural,
EWS category. and social capital are inherited in nature and are
(d) by breaching the 50% ceiling on the total passed on to successive generations.
reservation. Unless, the caste-based discrimination is
Views of Supreme Court in Janhit Abhiyan v. Union eliminated completely from the society, the
of India case (EWS Judgement): grounds for caste-based reservation will exist and
The SC held that: remain valid.
Assembly of the State, shall be eligible to receive Parties should be levied with income tax on
the Electoral Bonds. donations received through electoral bonds.
Short News
1.13 NRC/NPR/Census
Context
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has recently expressed the need to update the National Population Register
(NPR) database across the country. Updation is required to incorporate changes due to birth, death, migration etc.
National Register of Citizens National Population Register Census
(NRC) (NPR)
Definition A register of all Indian citizens A database of all Indian residents A count of the population
and its characteristics
Participants Includes only Indian citizens All residents including foreigners All residents including
and citizens foreigners and citizens
Purpose To identify illegal immigrants To provide a database of To provide data for
residents planning and Development
Methodology Document-based verification Door-to-door enumeration Door-to-door
enumeration
Scope Has only been implemented in some Nationwide Nationwide
areas like Assam
Data Demographic data like name, date of Birth details. Biometric data also Literacy, Employment,
Collected birth, place of birth, parents' names, can be collected. Education, Migration,
and current address. Documentary Language etc
evidence of their citizenship
Legal Citizenship Act of 1955 and the Citizenship Act of 1955 and Census Act, 1948
Grounds Citizenship (Registration of Citizens the Citizenship (Registration of
and Issue of National Identity Cards) Citizens and Issue of National
Rules, 2003 Identity Cards) Rules, 2010
Special NRC is a subset of NPR, created out Data not confidential. The data collected is
Features of. Compulsory to disclose data confidential and can only
and punishment in case of non- be published after being
disclosure. anonymised
Headed by a Supreme court or High court • Have been for at least ten years an advocate
Judge. of a High Court or of two or more such Courts
in succession, or
1.15 Mother Tongue Survey of India • Be, in the opinion of the President, a
(MTSI) distinguished jurist.
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The long pending issue under Double taxation the G20 economies agreed in their declaration
related to IT/ITES has been resolved under this to pace interest rate rises cautiously to avoid
Agreement (leading to yearly savings of over $200 spillovers and warned of “increasing volatility” in
million). currency fluctuations.
Changing Global Perception: The agreement will The leaders praised the Black Sea Grain Project
also help India in changing its global perception and pledged to take coordinated action to solve
about being a protectionist country. problems concerning food security.
G20 leaders decided to continue their efforts
Additional Information to keep the rise in global temperature to
1.5 degrees Celsius, reaffirming their
About India-Australia Relations
commitment to the Paris 2015 agreement on
India-Australia bilateral trade for both
Climate Change.
merchandise and services is valued at USD
27.5 billion in 2021. The G20 communique echoed Prime Minister
Narendra Modi’s message underlining that
Australia is an important strategic partner
“Today’s era must not be of war.”
of India and both the democracies are part
of the four nations QUAD, Trilateral Supply Indonesia Just Energy Transition Partnership
Chain Initiative and the Indo-Pacific Economic (JETP) is a long-term political agreement
Forum (IPEF). between the Indonesian Government and the
International Partners Group (IPG). The US
Both the countries participate in various
and Japan have joined as leads. President of
bilateral and multilateral defense exercises
Indonesia Joko Widodo handed over the G20
like AUSINDEX, Pitch Black etc.
Presidency to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at
the G20 summit.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, the India-Australia ECTA will further
Challenges for G20 Members
improve the relations between the two countries Russia-Ukraine war: The ongoing Russia-Ukraine
and will significantly enhance bilateral trade in goods war has not only created massive geopolitical
and services and improve the general welfare of the uncertainty but also spiked global inflation.
peoples of the two countries. To Check dampened economic activity: The high
inflation has forced central banks across countries
2.2 G20 Summit 2022 to raise interest rates, which, in turn, have
dampened economic activity further, bringing
Context down the economic growth.
Recently, the 17th G20 Leaders Summit was held in Checking Protectionism: Rising Protectionism
Bali, Indonesia. and retracting globalisation is posing challenges
to global order.
Probable Mains Question
Q. The long sustained image of India as a leader Conclusion
of the oppressed and marginalised nations has The world is looking with hope towards collective
disappeared on account of its newfound role in the leadership whether it is G7, G77 or UNGA. In such
emerging global order.’ Elaborate UPSC 2019 a situation India’s presidency of G20 assumes a
new significance.
Major Takeaways from the G20 Summit India has to be central in outlining key priority
at Indonesia areas and
RTSEPFP
in ensuring that the forum does not
remain just a ‘talk shop’ but translates into a
In a departure from last year’s focus on healing
‘walk shop’ in terms of meaningful actions and
the wounds left by the Covid-19 outbreak,
outcomes.
About G20
It was formed in 1999 in the backdrop of the financial crisis of the late 1990s.
Its aim was to secure global financial stability by involving middle-income countries.
Together, the G20 countries include 60 percent of the world’s population, 80 percent of global GDP,
and 75 percent of global trade.
Members: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan,
Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United
States, and the European Union.
Objectives of the G20
Policy coordination between its members in order to achieve global economic stability, sustainable
growth;
Promote financial regulations that reduce risks and prevent future financial crises;
Create a new international financial architecture.
Organisational Structure of G20
The G20 does not have a charter or a secretariat.
RTSEPFP and after it (Troika), is responsible
The Presidency, aided by the countries holding the Presidency before
for setting the agenda of each year’s Summit.
At present, the Troika is made up of Italy (2021), Indonesia (2022) and India (2023).
2.3 India Assumes G20 Presidency Theme and Logo for 2023
Context Theme: “Vasudhaiva Kutumba-Kam,” or “One
Earth, One Family, One Future,” is the focus of
India will host the G-20 leaders’ summit in 2023 in
India’s G20 Presidency.
New Delhi.
Key Points
Significance of the Indian Presidency in 2023:
The presidency is an opportunity for India to to
push a global campaign for a sustainable lifestyle,
LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment). Logo
Using the G20, India should press the International • The lotus in the logo symbolises India’s
Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank Group ancient heritage, faith and thought.
and the Asian Development Bank to open new • The Earth that is placed on a lotus in the
windows for financing climate infrastructure to logo of G-20.
support the Panchamrit goals. • Seven petals of the lotus which represent
As the IMF is flush with funds and is seeking the seven continents and seven universal
avenues to invest, India should persuade the IMF musical notes, which aims to bring
to open a window for climate financing. the world together in harmony while
respecting diversity.
India should use the G20 to roll out the India
Stack on the global stage.
• India Stack is the world’s largest digital
2.4 ASEAN Defence Ministers’
public utility with principal components like Meeting
Aadhaar, UPI, eKYC, DigiLocker.
Context
India should push its own agenda and South The Defence Minister made two proposals at the
Asia’s agenda on a global scale — for example, inaugural India-ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting
by coming up with an alternative financial held at Siem Reap in Cambodia to commemorate the
mechanism to SWIFT, which is a U.S. monopoly. 30th Anniversary of India-ASEAN relations.
India should leverage the G20 to reimagine the
shareholding structures of the IMF and World Proposals of Defence Minister
Bank to reflect its global aspirations and power To include an initiative for women in United
position and also those of other emerging Nations Peacekeeping (UNPK) operations.
markets. An initiative on marine plastic pollution includes
channelling the energy of the youth towards
India can showcase the multiple and myriad addressing the critical issue of marine pollution.
aspects of its composite culture so that the world
begins to appreciate the richness and cultural About ASEAN Defence Ministers’
tenacity. Meeting (ADMM):
Soft power can be increased by bringing together Initiative by 10 members of ASEAN, established to
the power of the diaspora and the power of Indian promote political and social stability amid rising
culture on a single platform. tensions among the Asia-Pacific’s post-colonial states.
Various G20 meetings can be held in the Top Areas of cooperation: Maritime security, counter-
RTSEPFP
25 destinations of India to power the tourism terrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster
industry. management, peacekeeping operations, military
medicine and cybersecurity.
About ADMM-Plus
About Association of Southeast Asian Nations
It is a platform for ASEAN (The Association of (more commonly known as ASEAN):
Southeast Asian Nations) and its eight Dialogue ASEAN was established on 8 August 1967 in
Partners to strengthen security and defence Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the
cooperation for peace, stability, and development ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration) by
in the region. the Founding Fathers of ASEAN: Indonesia,
Objectives of the ADMM-Plus: Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
ASEAN is an intergovernmental organization
• To promote mutual trust and confidence
aimed primarily at promoting economic growth
between defence establishments through
and regional stability among its members.
greater dialogue and transparency;
Membership: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines,
• To enhance regional peace and stability Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Laos, Myanmar,
through cooperation in defence and Cambodia and Vietnam.
security, in view of the transnational security
challenges the region faces. Why was it set up?
ASEAN RTSEPFP
was established during the polarised
atmosphere of the Cold War, and the alliance
aimed to promote stability in the region.
2.5 Friendshoring
Context
Recently, the US treasury secretary has pushed for a
friendshoring strategy with India.
About Friendshoring
It is a term used for the practice of moving supply
chains to nations where there is little chance of
disruption due to political unrest.
It has evolved into a tool used by the US to persuade
companies to relocate their manufacturing and
sourcing locations to friendly shores (countries)
or countries' own shores.
The goal of offshoring is to protect supply chains
from less compatible countries, such as China in
the case of the US.
About CEPA:
Related and Similar Concepts It is a free trade pact covering negotiation on
Offshoring: The practice of basing some of a the trade in goods, services, investment, and
company's processes or services overseas, so as other areas of economic partnership including
to take advantage of lower costs trade facilitation and customs cooperation,
Onshoring / Reshoring: The practice of competition, and IPR.
transferring a business operation that was moved CEPA is more comprehensive than Free Trade
overseas back to the country from which it was Agreements as it also looks into the regulatory
originally relocated. aspect of trade and encompasses an agreement
Near-shoring: Transfer a business operation to a covering the regulatory issues.
nearby country, especially in preference to a more
India has signed CEPAs with UAE, South Korea
distant location.
and Japan.
Conclusion
Friendshoring could become an essential concept About I2U2
in an increasingly volatile geo-political environment
Membership: I2U2 is a diplomatic group of India,
for protection of National security, but it shouldn’t
Israel, the UAE and the United States.
become an unrestricted policy undoing the gains of
globalisation. It stands for India-Israel-UAE-USA. The grouping
was called the ‘International Forum for Economic
Cooperation’.
2.6 I2U2
Areas of Cooperation: Six areas of cooperation
Context have been identified by the countries mutually,
India and the UAE are going ahead with food and the aim is to encourage joint investments in
security cooperation under the I2U2, a new West water, energy, transportation, space, health, and
Asian quadrilateral that includes Israel and the U.S. food security.
Aim: To discuss “common areas of mutual
India and UAE noted that bilateral ties witnessed
interest, to strengthen the economic partnership
RTSEPFP
With the help of “private sector capital and on it – environmental, economic, political and
expertise”, the countries will look to modernise military.
infrastructure, explore low carbon development Unlike Antarctica, the Arctic is not a global
avenues for industries, improve public health, and common accentuating the problem.
promote the development of critical emerging
The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)
and green technologies.
has been conducting regular exercises in the
The group does not have a military dimension and region while partner countries are investing in
it only features cooperation in maritime security. upgrading military capabilities.
China, which calls itself to be a near Arctic state,
2.7 Russia’s Nuclear Icebreakers has also announced ambitious plans for a ‘polar
silk route’ to connect to Europe as well as building
and Militarization of the massive icebreakers.
Arctic
India's Approach towards Arctic Sea
Context Since 2007, India has an Arctic research
Recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin virtually programme with as many as 13 expeditions
launched two nuclear powered icebreakers - undertaken till date.
Yakutia and Ural.
In 2022, India unveiled its first Arctic policy titled:
As climate change opens up the Arctic giving ‘India and the Arctic: Building a Partnership for
access to new routes and resources, there is a race Sustainable Development’.
by adjoining countries to build up their militaries
India is also one of the 13 Observers in the Arctic
and Russia has a clear lead over them.
Council, the leading intergovernmental forum
Significance of Russian Icebreakers promoting cooperation in the Arctic.
Icebreaker submarines will help to navigate the
Northern Sea Route, which cuts down time to 2.8 India- Egypt Relations
reach Asia by up to two weeks compared to the
current route via the Suez Canal.
Context
The Indian government has invited Egyptian
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi as the chief guest at
the Republic Day celebrations in January 2023.
Both countries are celebrating the 75th anniversary
of establishment of diplomatic relations this year.
profound at the poles, the race for the Arctic is In 1955, Egypt under Gamal Abdel Nasser and
set to accelerate which makes the Arctic the next India under Jawaharlal Nehru were the founders
geopolitical hotspot with all interests converging of the Non-Aligned Movement.
Short News
2.9 Indian Ocean Region Forum Theme: "Shared Development: Theory and
Practice from the Perspective of the Blue
Context Economy".
Recently, China held a meeting with 19 countries Representatives of 18 countries, including
from the Indian Ocean region in which India was Indonesia, Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka,
conspicuously absent. Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, Iran, Oman,
South Africa, Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania,
About Indian Ocean Region Forum Seychelles, Madagascar, Mauritius, Djibouti
Indian Ocean Region Forum is an initiative on attended the meeting.
RTSEPFP
RTSEPFP
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PRAHAAR 2023
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RTSEPFP
3.1 Central Bank Digital Currency • Token-based CBDC: Token-based CBDC would
be a bearer instrument like bank notes.
(CBDC)
• Account-based CBDC: It would require
Context the maintenance of records of balances
and transactions of all holders of the CBDC
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that the
and indicate the ownership of the
first pilot project in the Digital Rupee, or e-rupee, will
monetary balances. In this case, an
be under the wholesale segment (CBDC-W).
intermediary will verify the identity of an
Probable Mains Question account holder.
Q. Write a short note on e-Rupee. Do you think
Features of CBDC
that it has the potential to revolutionise the Indian
currency system?
Way Forward
RBI should work towards addressing the
prevailing trust issues on digital currencies
amongst the public which includes the fear of
cybercrimes, cyber frauds, and money laundering.
Global Trends
Bahamas has been the first economy to launch CBDCs across the world are still in the conceptual
its nationwide CBDC - Sand Dollar. or pilot stages, there is a lack of precedence.
Nigeria is another country to have rolled out Hence, there is a need for extensive research
e-Naira in 2020. along with iterative technology design to develop
China became the world's first major economy to a platform that meets the demands.
pilot a digital currency e-CNY in April 2020.
Korea, Sweden, Jamaica, and Ukraine are some 3.2 Difference between CBDC ,
of the countries to have begun testing its digital Cryptocurrency and UPI
currency and many more may soon follow.
Currently, UPI payments are made using the About Currency Depreciation
digital equivalent of existing currency notes.
It is a fall in the value of a currency in terms of its
That means every rupee transferred via UPI is
exchange rate versus other currencies.
backed by physical currency. The e-rupee will be
legal tender in itself and need not necessarily be Factors affecting the Indian currency:
backed up by physical currency. • The state of the Current Account Balance
Each bank has a different UPI handler. The e-rupee • Foreign Exchange Reserves (Forex Reserves)
is no different from your normal rupee; it can be
used to do normal transactions like NEFT, and UPI. • External Borrowings
Way Forward
Contain Inflation: It is neither wise nor possible
for the RBI to prevent the Rupee from falling
indefinitely. Thus, RBI should focus on containing
inflation which is its legal mandate.
Reduce borrowings: The Government should
contain its borrowings leaving space for the
industrial and other sectors for domestic borrowing.
Proactive fiscal and monetary measures:
Indian Rupee has shown a better performance
in comparison to currencies of emerging
economies. With proactive fiscal and
monetary measures, India can stabilise its
currency value.
Aim: To address the fodder deficit situation in the About Nutrient Based Subsidy
country.
Under the NBS policy, a fixed rate of subsidy
The Department of Agriculture & Farmers (in Rs per Kg basis) is announced on nutrients
Welfare has recently approved to designate namely Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P), Potash
NDDB as implementing agency under the scheme
(K) and Sulphur (S) by the government on an
of formation and promotion of 10,000 FPOs.
annual basis.
• Under this, NDDB has been assigned to
form 100 FPOs during 2022-23, which will The fertilisers which are fortified with
be primarily fodder-centric and animal secondary and micronutrients are given
husbandry activities as a secondary activity. additional subsidies.
Benefits of FPOs It is being implemented from April 2010 by the
The FPOs can engage farmers in addressing Department of Fertilisers, Ministry of Chemicals
productivity issues. & Fertilisers.
It may also result in additional employment Objective of the Scheme:
generation.
• NBS policy intends to increase the
It gives farmers economies of scale to negotiate consumption of P&K fertilisers so that
with corporates as a group and help small farmers optimum balance (N:P:K= 4:2:1) of
in both output and input markets.
NPK fertilisation is achieved. To ensure
The FPOs can provide quality and low-cost inputs that sufficient quantity of P&K is at the
to member farmers, avoid distress sales, reduce farmer’s disposal at statutory controlled
transaction costs, isolate themselves from price prices.
fluctuations, etc.
It will also ensure food and nutritional security.
Challange with NBS
Imapct on Economy and Environment: The NBS
3.7 Nutrient-Based Subsidy policy is not only counterproductive for the fiscal
health of the economy but also harmful to the soil
Context health.
Recently, the Union Cabinet approved Nutrient Based
Subsidy rates for Phosphatic and Potassic fertilisers 3.8 India’s First Sovereign Green
for Rabi season 2022-23. Bonds Framework
Context
Recently, the Union Minister for Finance & Corporate
Affairs has approved the first Sovereign Green Bonds
Framework of India.
private capital for projects under the National investment in infrastructure-related projects
Infrastructure Pipeline, PM Gati Shakti and by building the capital from both domestic and
National Infrastructure Corridor. international investors.
Inverted duty structure: Inverted duty structure Initiating efforts to integrate Indian industries
with punitive taxation is another challenge to the with global value chains.
growth of the Indian electronic manufacturing Creation of a competitive domestic ecosystem
sector. of ancillary suppliers through technology
upgradation programmes.
Way Forward
Focusing on exports at scale to global markets
Need to promote semiconductor manufacturing (globalise), and afterwards increasing the share of
alongside assembly units in India. local content (localise).
Short News
3.11 One Nation One ITR Form 3.12 India Infrastructure Project
Development Fund Scheme
Context
Recently, The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has Context
proposed a single Income Tax Return (ITR) form for all Recently, the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA),
taxpayers. notified the Scheme for Financial Support for Project
Development Expenses of PPP Projects-‘IIPDF Scheme”.
About CBDT’s Proposal
It proposes to introduce a common ITR by About India Infrastructure Project
merging all the existing returns of income except Development Fund Scheme
ITR-7(trusts and non-profit organisations). It is a Central Sector Scheme under the Department
The proposed ITR form would be customised for of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance.
taxpayers with applicable schedules, based on It aims to aid the development of quality PPP
certain questions answered by them. projects by providing necessary funding support
to the Project Sponsoring Authorities (PSA) both
Significance: Make it easier to file returns, and
in the Central and State Governments.
considerably reduce the time taken by individuals
and non-business-type taxpayers. The IIPDF will contribute up to 75% of the project
development expenses to the Sponsoring Authority
as an interest-free loan. The balance of 25% will
be co-funded by the Sponsoring Authority.
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Steps Suggested by the Report: Major Reports: Emission Gap Report, Global
Environment Outlook, Frontiers, Invest into
• Link actions on mitigation and adaptation Healthy Planet.
in terms of planning, financing and
implementation.
• Countries need to back the strong words in 4.2 Ramsar Convention on
the Glasgow Climate Pact with strong action Wetlands
to increase adaptation investments and
outcomes, starting at COP27. Context
According to UN Secretary General, the The Wuhan Declaration was adopted at the 14th
adaptation gap must be addressed in in four Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting
critical ways: Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
(COP14).
• Increase Financing for Adaptation: There is
The event was held in two different venues:
a need for developed countries to provide a
Wuhan in China and Geneva in Switzerland from
clear roadmap for their promise of doubling
November 5-13.
finance for adaptation to USD 40 billion,
which was decided at COP 26 in Glasgow. About Wuhan Declaration
• A New Business Model: The world urgently
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Incorporate wetlands into national actions to and Indonesia rather than a temperate country
contribute to domestic legislation, plans, and wherein the diversity and the issues related to
implementation of Sustainable Development mangroves are very different compared to a
Goals. tropical one.
About COP
International Mangrove Centre COP stands for Conference of the Parties, with
“parties” referring to the 197 nations that agreed
China submitted the draft resolution on the to the United Nations Framework Convention on
establishment of the International Mangrove Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Center in the framework of the Ramsar
Convention. It is the apex decision-making body of UNFCCC.
The draft was co-sponsored by Cambodia and It reviews the national commitments and emission
Madagascar. inventories submitted by Parties. Based on this
information,
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India raised its concern, an international centre made in achieving the ultimate objective of the
would probably benefit more if it was being hosted Convention.
by tropical countries such as India, Bangladesh
The project includes development of an Environmentalists have also flagged the loss
International Container Trans-shipment Terminal of mangroves on the island as a result of the
development project.
About NDCs
NDCs are voluntary commitments by countries
to reduce emissions by a fixed number relative
to a date in the past to achieve the long-term
goal of climate agreements of preventing global
temperature rising beyond 1.5 or 2 degrees
Celsius by the end of the century.
India’s most updated NDC commits to ensuring
half its electricity to be derived from non-fossil
fuel sources by 2030, and reducing the emissions
intensity by 45% below 2005 levels by 2030.
India is on track to fulfilling its Nationally
Biosphere Reserves in India Determined Contributions (NDC) commitment
of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of additional carbon
In India at present there are 18 notified biosphere
sequestration in forest and tree cover by 2030.
reserves spanning 60,000 sq km.
4.12 India's Strategy to Reach Net India has not included the agriculture sector
in its long-term strategy which is the highest
Zero Emissions Status by 2070 contributor of methane emissions.
Context Way Forward
At the United Nations Conference of Parties (COP) India needs to promote innovation in
in Sharm-el Sheikh, India announced its long-term technologies like Biofuel, solar photovoltaic,
strategy to transition to a “low emissions” pathway. energy storage, and smart grids.
India’s Announcements India needs to nudge developed countries to
provide the mandated technology transfer to
At least 3-fold increase in nuclear power capacity
developing countries.
by 2032.
Achieving 20% ethanol blending target of petrol As achieving net zero without carbon capture and
by 2025. storage is impossible, substantial international
support through climate specific finance and
Maximise use of electric vehicles and public
capacity building is required.
transport.
Increased climate finance to be provided by
developed nations. 4.13 Trafficking of Rhino Horns
India will also focus on improving energy efficiency Context
by the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme,
Recently, Global Threat Assessment Report
the National Hydrogen Mission, increasing
presented at the meeting of Convention on
electrification, enhancing material efficiency, and
International Trade in Endangered Species of
recycling and ways to reduce emissions.
Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) says that in terms of
India's strategy emphasises energy security, weight, there has been an increase in the seizure
energy access, and employment, while keeping of rhino horns after 2017, despite an overall
focus on the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. reduction in poaching.
India has planned large-scale interventions in
five sectors to reach net zero status which are About Rhinos
energy and electricity, transport, urban design, There are five rhino species: white and black
forestry, and industries. rhinos in Africa, as well as greater one-horned,
Javan, and Sumatran rhinos in Asia.
Challenges
In India, only the Great One-Horned Rhino may
China dominates the market of the essential
be found. It is the largest of the rhino species and
components in EV supply chain
is also known as the Indian rhino.
India's strategy talks about using new technologies
like carbon capture and storage to remove the
greenhouse gases but this technology is very
expensive and at research stage.
Balancing net zero strategy with the
developmental imperative of lifting millions of
people out of poverty can be a daunting task.
India's strategy focuses on only technology
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African species is the smaller of the two. This species forms enormous flocks in winter.
White Rhino is Near Threatened. IUCN Status: Endangered (EN)
Short News
4.17 National Bioenergy Program sought to explore planet-friendly, recyclable and
sustainable ‘green’ products.
Context It presents a false picture of the progress being
Recently, the Ministry of New and Renewable made on the climate change front.
Energy (MNRE), has notified the National Bioenergy
Greenwashing has a negative effect on carbon
Programme for the period from FY 2021-22 to 2025-
credit.
26.
4.18 Greenwashing
Context
Recently, a report of the High-Level Expert Group
(HLEG) on Net Zero Emissions Commitments of Non-
State Entities at the UN Climate Change Conference
(COP27) in Egypt’s Sharm El Sheikh highlighted
greenwashing.
About Wetlands
About Greenwashing
Wetlands are defined as: "lands transitional
Greenwashing refers to misleading the general
between terrestrial and aquatic eco-systems
public into believing that companies, sovereigns
where the water table is usually at or near the
or civic administrators are doing more for the
surface or the land is covered by shallow water".
environment than they actually are.
Often RTSEPFP
called “nature’s kidneys” and “nature’s
The phenomenon came into practice as consumers
supermarket”, wetlands support millions of
and regulators, owing to greater awareness
people by providing food, and water, and
and environmental consciousness, increasingly
controlling floods and storm surges.
• Proposal to create a new International The Ranipur Tiger Reserve (RTR) in Bundelkhand
Mangrove Centre in China, will be further region became Uttar Pradesh’s fourth and India’s
discussed in the next meeting. 53rd tiger reserve.
Way forward for Wetland Conservation The Tiger Reserve in Chitrakoot district is situated
some 150 km from the Panna Tiger Reserve in
As we move forward in 2021-2030 the decade Madhya Pradesh.
declared by the UN as the Decade on Ecosystem
Restoration, Wetland conservation needs to take the
front seat. 4.21 Carbon Border Tax
Integrated approach: Management of wetlands Context
must have an integrated strategy in terms of Recently, at COP27, BASIC countries oppose the
planning, carrying out, and monitoring in order ‘carbon border tax'.
to combat unplanned urbanisation and a growing
population. About Carbon Border Tax:
Academic and professional collaborations: It is a penalty tax to discourage import of
Collaborations between academics and carbon-intensive goods such as steel, aluminium,
professionals, such as planners, ecologists, and cement, fertilisers and electricity via carbon
watershed management experts, are effective for border adjustment mechanism (CBAM).
managing wetlands as a whole. Aim: To help slash the EU's overall greenhouse
Raise Awareness: By launching programmes to gas emissions 55% below 1990 levels by 2030.
raise awareness of the value of wetlands and It will discourage environment unfriendly
continuously checking the water quality of production and consumer practices by making
wetlands to maintain updated data, can prevent the ‘polluting sources' costlier.
further deterioration.
It works on the principle of ‘the polluter pays'.
International Mangrove Centre: Establishing the
International Mangrove Centre, as proposed in About BASIC Countries
the COP14.
The BASIC countries are a bloc of four large
Wuhan Declaration: Implementing the Wuhan newly industrialised countries – Brazil,
Declaration in letter and spirit. South Africa, India and China.
It was formed by an agreement in 2009.
4.20 Fourth Tiger Reserve in UP
BASIC countries call for a united solidarity
Context response by developing countries to any unfair
shifting of responsibilities from developed to
developing countries for emissions.
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5.1 Mission Prarambh It is equipped with a gross lift off mass of 545kg,
and a payload mass of 80 kg.
Context
About Small Satellites
Recently, the country's first privately-developed
rocket lifted off from ISRO’s launch pad in Sriharikota These are miniature satellites which can be
(Andhra Pradesh). assembled in less than a week at a fraction of
the cost of conventional satellites.
Small rockets allow light payloads weighing
500 kg or less to be placed precisely in preferred
orbits.
Developed by: Hyderabad-based startup Skyroot 2019, aims to use research and development
Aerospace Private Limited under the Mission carried out by ISRO over the years for commercial
Prarambh. purposes through Indian industry partners.
About GM Crops
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are
organisms (i.e. plants, animals or microorganisms)
in which the genetic material (DNA) has been
altered in a way that does not occur naturally by
mating and/or natural recombination.
Conclusion In India, the first GM crop, Bt cotton, was released
With India having one of the best space programs in 2002 by the government.
in the world, the private sector’s participation in
space will make India a bigger player in the global About GM Mustard
space economy. DMH-11 is a hybrid variant of mustard
By allowing FDI in space would contribute developed by the University of Delhi.
to Indian national and foreign reserves, promote It is a result of a cross between two varieties:
technology transfer and research innovations. Varuna and Early Heera-2.
By the use of gene editing technology, Barnase
5.2 GM Crops in Varuna induces a temporary sterility because
of which it can’t naturally self-pollinate. Barstar
Context
in Heera blocks the effect of barnase allowing
Recently, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal seeds to be produced.
Committee (GEAC) cleared the DMH 11 (GM Mustard)
ICAR study suggests that DMH-11 has 28%
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for environmental release.
higher yields than its parent Varuna.
India joined the group in 2020 as a founding They help study naturally occurring radio light
member. from stars, galaxies, black holes, and other
For the 2022-2023 Steering Committee, the astronomical objects.
five government seats will therefore be held by
Japan (as Lead Council Chair and Co-Chair of the 5.6 ISRO’s Cryogenic Engine -
Steering Committee), France (Outgoing Council Indigenously Developed For
Chair), India (Incoming Council Chair), Canada
and the United States. LVM3
India occupying the chair also signifies how Context
the world today perceives India as a Trusted
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
Technology partner and one that has always
has successfully test-fired the CE20 cryogenic
advocated for the ethical use of technology for
engine at Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.
transforming citizens lives.
It has been developed indigenously for the
India’s Initiatives on AI Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3), which was earlier
called GSLV-Mk3.
National Programme on AI: The programme
has identified 9 priority areas namely About Cryogenic Engine
Healthcare, Agriculture, Education, Smart Cities, A rocket engine that uses a cryogenic fuel and
Transportation, Cyber Security, Energy, Finance oxidizer, this means its fuel and oxidizer both are
and Indian languages. gasses which have been liquefied and are stored
Government has launched ‘National AI Portal’ at very low temperatures.
which is a repository of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
CE20 Cryogenic Engine
based initiatives in the country at a single place.
CE20 cryogenic engine is indigenously developed
for LVM3.
5.5 SARAS Radio Telescope
It was subjected to a successful hot test at an
Context uprated thrust level of 21.8 ton for the first time.
Recently, scientists have determined the properties This will enhance the LVM3 payload capability up
of a radio luminous galaxy that was formed just 200 to 450 kg with additional propellant loading.
million years after the Big Bang, (a period known as the It is the first time a 3D printed LOX and LH2
Cosmic Dawn) by using the SARAS-3 Radio Telescope. turbine exhaust casings were inducted in the
engine.
About SARAS-3 Radio Telescope The major modifications carried out on this test
SARAS is a niche experimental effort of Raman is introduction of Thrust Control Valve (TCV) for
Research Institute (RRI). thrust control.
Aim: To design, build and deploy in India a
precision radio telescope to detect extremely Additional Information
faint radio wave signals from the depths of time,
About LVM3
The LVM3 is the heaviest launch vehicle of
from our “Cosmic Dawn.”
ISRO.
About Radio Waves and Radio Telescopes Last month, the LVM3 placed 36 satellites of
Radio waves have the longest wavelengths in the One Web; this was LVM’s first commercial
electromagnetic spectrum. launch.
LVM3 has become a catalyst for the Indian
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Radio telescopes collect weak radio light waves,
bring them to a focus, amplify it and make them Space Program, opening new vistas for heavy
available for analysis. payloads to the Low Earth Orbit.
5.7 Rohini Sounding Rocket the successful result of a precision medicine on a nine-
year-old boy suffering from a rare genetic disease,
Context Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX).
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will About CTX
attempt the 200th consecutively successful launch of
It is a lipid storage disease characterised by
the Rohini RH200 sounding rocket.
infantile onset of diarrhoea, childhood onset
About RH 200 of cataract, and adolescent to adult onset of
progressive neurologic dysfunctions.
RH200 is a solid motor powered, 200 mm
diameter and 2 stage rocket capable of climbing Apparently, there are only four such cases in
up to a height of 70 km bearing payloads designed India, all diagnosed in adulthood after the onset
to study the upper atmosphere. of serious neurological conditions with morbidity
and mortality.
The first and second stages of RH-200 are powered
by solid motors. While there is no cure for CTX, its progression can
be slowed or stopped if detected early by genetic
Its height is 3.5-metre.
testing, leading to administration of 'precision
RH-200 has completed 199 consecutive successful medicine'.
flights.
About Rare Diseases
About Sounding Rocket
An instrument-carrying rocket designed to It is a disease that affects a smaller percentage of
take measurements and perform scientific the population compared to other diseases.
experiments during its sub-orbital flight. There is no universally accepted definition of a
Used to launch instruments from 48 to 145 km rare disease. Every country might have a different
above the surface of the Earth. definition of what can be called a rare disease.
The World Health Organisation defines a rare
About Rohini (Rocket family) disease as an often debilitating lifelong disease or
Rohini is a series of sounding rockets developed disorder condition with a prevalence of 1 or less,
by the Indian Space Research Organisation per 1000 population.
(ISRO) for meteorological and atmospheric study.
Rare diseases are known as orphan diseases
These sounding rockets are capable of carrying because pharmaceutical companies were not ready to
payloads of 2 to 200 kilograms between altitudes adopt them and develop drugs for them because
of 100 to 500 kms. of the low prevalence. Hence, the drugs used to
The ISRO currently uses RH-200, RH-300, RH-300 treat rare diseases are known as orphan drugs.
Mk-II, RH-560 Mk-II and RH-560 Mk-III rockets,
which are launched from the Thumba Equatorial About National Policy for Rare
Rocket Launching (TERLS) in Thumba and the Diseases 2021
Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota. The Government will have a hospital based
National Registry for Rare Diseases at ICMR with
5.8 Rare Genetic Disease: the objective of creating a database of various
rare diseases.
Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis The Government shall provide financial
(CTX). assistance upto Rs. 20.00 lakh (under the
UmbrellaRTSEPFPScheme of Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi)
Context to the entitled population, as per PMJAY norms,
The Genome Foundation, Hyderabad and the for their treatment in Government tertiary hospital,
Dermatology Association, Telangana have announced for rare diseases amenable to one-time treatment.
The Government shall notify selected Centres It is scheduled to have six VVER-1000 reactors
of Excellence at premier government hospitals with an installed capacity of 6,000 MW of
for comprehensive management of rare diseases. electricity.
The Centres of Excellence will be provided one
time grant subject to a maximum of Rs. 5 crores.
Additional Information
Three-Stage Nuclear Program of India
5.9 Advanced Nuclear Fuel Option The Indian Nuclear Power Programme, launched
in 1954, went for a three-stage development of
for Kudankulam Plant nuclear power generation from the country’s
Context uranium and thorium resources.
Short News
5.10 Indian Biological Data Centre 5.11 Artemis I Mission
Context Context
Recently, the government has set up ‘Indian Biological Recently, NASA’s Artemis 1 Mission launched from the
Data Centre’ at the Regional Centre for Biotechnology Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
(RCB), Faridabad.
About Artemis Mission
About the Indian Biological Data Centre
NASA’s Artemis mission is the next generation of
Digitised repository: It is a digitised repository lunar exploration which aims to land humans on
where Indian researchers will store biological the moon by 2024.
data from publicly funded research.
• Artemis I is the first of NASA’s deep space
The data will be stored on a four-petabyte exploration systems.
(A petabyte equals 10,00,000 gigabytes)
supercomputer called ‘Brahm’. • Orion spacecraft: Orion spacecraft is going to
remain in space without docking to a space
Benefits: station.
• This will reduce Indian researchers' Space Launch System (SLS) Rocket: It is the most
dependency on American and European data powerful rocket in the world and travels 2,80,000
banks. miles from the Earth.
• Such databases have traditionally played Goal: The primary operating goal of the mission
a key role in determining the genetic basis is to assure a safe crew module entry, descent,
of various diseases and finding targets for splashdown, and recovery.
vaccines and therapeutics.
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Prevention of Bluebugging
Turning off Bluetooth and disconnecting paired
Bluetooth devices when not in use.
Updating the device’s system software to the
latest version, limited use of public WiFi and
About Bluebugging using VPN as an additional security measure.
It is a form of hacking that lets attackers access
Use of modern anti-virus softwares.
a device through its discoverable Bluetooth
connection.
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6 DEFENCE
AND
SECURITY
6.1 No Money for Terror Finance Additional Information:
Context: About Terror Funding:
Third ministerial ‘No Money for Terror (NMFT)’ It is a sponsored money for initiating terrorist
conference was held in November 2022. activities which are required for the following
It was hosted by the Ministry of Home Affairs. purposes:
• To recruit and support members
Probable Question
• To maintain logistics hubs
Q. Recently India hosted ‘No Money for Terror’
conference. What are the efforts taken by India • To conduct operations
nationally and internationally to curb terror funding.
Sources of Terror Funding:
About 3rd NMFT Ministerial Conference:
Sources of terrorist funding include, but are not
Nodal Ministry: The conference was organised
limited to, low-level fraud, kidnapping for ransom, the
by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under
the supervision of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). misuse of non-profit organisations, the illicit trade in
commodities (such as oil, charcoal, diamonds, gold
India offered to establish a Permanent Secretariat
and the narcotic “captagon”), and digital currencies.
for “No Money For Terror” in the country.
India upheld its commitment to FATF’s AML National Efforts:
(Financial Action Task Force’s Anti-Money National Investigation Agency (NIA): Federal
Laundering)/CFT (Countering Financing agency established by the Indian Government to
of Terrorism) standards and domestic and combat terror in India.
international law. Unlawful Activities Prevention Act: Anti-terror
India called for expeditious finalisation and legislation that seeks to designate an individual as
adoption of CCIT (Comprehensive Convention on a “terrorist”.
International Terrorism).
National Intelligence Grid or NATGRID: NATGRID
About NMFT: is seamless and secure database which provides
The NMFT started in 2018 as an initiative of the information on terrorists, economic crimes etc.
French government. Multi Agency Centre (MAC): Mandate is to share
Past Conferences: terrorism related intelligence inputs on a daily
The first NMFT conference: Held in Paris, basis.
France in April 2018 NSG: ToRTSEPFP
ensure to ensure a rapid response to
The second NMFT conference: Held in terrorist attacks and Coastal Security Scheme for
Melbourne, Australia in November 2019 maritime security.
India recently hosted meeting of UNSC’s Counter- The IPMDA initiative was announced at the Quad
Terrorism Committee, which unanimously adopted Leaders’ Summit in Tokyo, 2022 to track “dark
Delhi Declaration. shipping” and to build a “faster, wider, and more
Exercises Details
Bilateral air exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the French Air and
Garuda VII
Space Force (FASF)
‘Pan-India’ Coastal Defence Exercise
Sea Vigil 22 Involved participation of more than 17 Government agencies from nine Coastal
States and four Union Territories.
Bilateral training exercise between contingents of the Indian Army and the
Australian Army
Austra Hind 22
This is the first exercise in the series of AUSTRA HIND with participation of all
arms and services contingent from both armies.
Joint maritime exercise among the Indian, Mozambique and Tanzanian Navies.
IMT Trilateral Exercise Commenced at Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
It was the first edition of the trilateral exercise.
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Answer Key
1. (a) 2. (d) 3. (a)
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TITAN 2024
EXAM : UPSC CSE 2024(PRE+MAINS+INTERVIEW)
LANGUAGE : ENGLISH
START DATE : 1ST DEC 22
SCHEDULE : 2 LECTURES/DAY + WEEKLY TESTS
SUBSCRIPTION END DATE : 30TH NOV 24
SCHEDULE : MON-FRI
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7.4 Fighting Against the Social Evil Because of the belief that girls need to marry early
for safety and protection, and apprehensions
of Child Marriage about the risk to family honour.
Context Because of poverty and higher dowry demands
associated with delayed marriages.
As per NFHS-5 data, most of the child marriages
take place among women with less than 12 years
of schooling and households that are socially and
economically disadvantaged.
Child Marriage Prohibition Officers underreport,
ignore or refuse to register complaints despite
having knowledge of areas or communities where
the practise still exists.
The recent alleged sale of girls in Rajasthan on stamp
paper to settle debts shows how the girl child is Compulsory registration of marriages has not
vulnerable in families that see them as a means to been mandated under the PCMA, thus leading to
tide over their financial woes. a lot of unreported child marriages.
The National Commission for Women and the
National Commission for Protection of Child Rights
Prohibition of Child Marriage Act
(NCPCR) launched a probe into child trafficking (PCMA), 2006:
and prostitution in rural Rajasthan. The Act envisages preventing child marriages
with enhanced punishments of rigorous
Definition of Child Marriage imprisonment for two years and/or fine of INR 1
A marriage of a girl or boy before the age of 18 lakh.
and refers to both formal marriages and informal It defines a child to mean a male below 21 years
unions in which children under the age of 18 live and female below 18 years.
with a partner as if married. The legal status of a child marriage is voidable at
As per United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) the option of the parties.
estimates, each year, at least 1.5 million girls If the consent for marriage is obtained by fraud,
under 18 get married in India. Largest number of deceit or if the child is enticed away from his
child brides in the world - accounting for a third of lawful guardians and if the sole purpose is to
the global total - happens in India. use the child for trafficking or other immoral
purposes, the marriage would be void.
NFHS-5 Data on Child Marriage
There are variations in child marriage in The Act also provides for the appointment of
accordance with the household wealth index. A a Child Marriage Prohibition officer whose
staggering 40% of girls from the lowest wealth duties are to prevent child marriages and spread
quintile were married before 18 years. awareness regarding the same.
The practice of child marriage has declined only Hindu Marriage Act, 1956
marginally from NFHS-4 (28%).
Only the parties to a child marriage are punishable
Its prevalence is higher in rural than urban India even if they did not consent to the union.
- 28% and 17%, respectively.
There are no provisions for punishing the parents
Reasons of Child Marriage or people who solemnised the marriage.
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Because of social norms in many regions and A girl can get the marriage annulled only if she
cultures, parents begin preparations for a girl’s was married off before attaining the age of 15 and
marriage once she has reached puberty. she challenges the marriage before turning 18.
Way Forward
The Law Commission’s report in 2017 titled
‘Compulsory Registration of Marriages’ and
the Supreme Court in Smt. Seema Vs. Ashwani
Kumar observed that compulsory registration of
marriages in each state would be a step in the
right direction
Child Marriage Prohibition Officers should be About MGNREGA
punished for dereliction of their duty, making
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
them more responsible and liable for their work.
Guarantee Act was passed in 2005, and the
Government teachers, anganwadi supervisors, scheme guarantees 100 days of unskilled work
panchayat and revenue staff, all of whom interact per year for every rural house.
with rural communities, should be notified as
The main aim of the NREGA scheme is to provide a
child marriage prohibition officers.
source of livelihood for the economically weaker
Eligibility criteria of government schemes that section of the society.
ease the financial burden of marriage should be
It takes initiative to decrease the number of
linked to educational attainment and age of girls.
migrations of labour from rural to urban areas.
Karnataka amended the Prohibition of Child
Under this scheme, almost all the control is
Marriage Act in 2017, declaring every child
given to the Gram Panchayats for managing
marriage void ab initio, making it a cognisable
public works. Gram Sabhas can accept or reject
offence, and introducing rigorous imprisonment
recommendations from Intermediate and District
for all who enable a child marriage. Similar law
Panchayats.
should be brought at the central level.
At least one-third of beneficiaries have to be
7.5 Evaluating the Performance of women.
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Short News
7.6 Eklavya Model Residential • Access,
• Infrastructure and facilities,
Schools
• Equity and
Context • Governance process.
The government is aiming to establish 740 Eklavya The Index is based on data drawn from several
Model Residential Schools for Scheduled Tribe (ST) data sources, including the Unified District
students. Information System for Education Plus (UDISE +)
2020-21, National Achievement Survey NAS 2017,
About Eklavya Model Residential School and Mid Day Meal Portal.
The Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS)
is a Government of India scheme for model A total of 12 States and UTs, including National
residential schools for tribals identified under the Capital Territory of Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
Scheduled Tribes across the country. and Odisha, attained Level 3 with a score between
It was started in the year 1997-98. 851-900. No State figured in the bottom three
grades.
To realise the mission, it has been decided that
by the year 2022, every block with more than 50 The report notes that Ladakh has seen the biggest
percent ST population and at least 20,000 tribal improvement by climbing up from Level 10 in
people, will have an eklavya model residential 2019-2020 to Level 4 in 2020-2021.
school. Gujarat is now among the top performers in
Objectives of EMRS school education.
• Comprehensive physical, mental and socially
relevant development 7.8 PM National Relief Fund
• Seeks to empower students to be change
agents. Context
• Support the annual running expenses in a The Prime Minister’s Office announced “an ex-gratia
manner that offers reasonable remuneration. of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF (Prime Minister National
Relief Fund) for Morbi bridge.
7.7 Performing Grade Index About PMNRF
This fund was instituted by former Prime Minister
Context Jawaharlal Nehru (1948) to assist displaced
Recently, the Ministry of Education released a report persons from Pakistan.
on the Performance Grading Index for States/UTs for Presently, it is used to tackle natural calamities
the year 2020-21. such as floods, cyclones and earthquakes etc.
About the Report PMNRF is also used to help with medical
treatment like kidney transplantation, cancer
The Index classifies States and Union Territories
treatment, acid attack and to the victims of
into 10 grades based on their score out of a total
major accidents and riots.
1,000 points.
The fund consists entirely of public contributions
Their performance is assessed on a total of 70
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indicators in five domains, which are:
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• Learning outcome,
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About Lachit
Borphukan
Lachit Borphukan
was a commander
and Borphukan, in
the Ahom kingdom,
located in present day Assam.
He is known for his leadership in the 1671 Battle
of Saraighat that thwarted an attempt by Mughal
forces to take over Ahom kingdom.
He was chosen as one of the five Borphukans of
the Ahom kingdom by king Charadhwaj Singha,
and given administrative, judicial, and military
responsibilities.
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Answer Key
1. (a) 2. (a) 3. (b) 4. (d) 5. (c) 6. (c) 7. (d)
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11
11.4 Gandhi Mandela Award Gandhi Mandela Foundation instituted the award
on the 150th birth anniversary of MK Gandhi in
Context 2019.
Recently, the 14th Dalai Lama conferred the Gandhi The Gandhi Mandela Foundation is a non-profit
Mandela Award 2022 at Thekchen Choeling in organisation, formed with the motive to promote
Dharamshala’s McleodGanj. Mahatma Gandhi’s and former President of
South Africa Nelson Mandela’s values of non-
About Gandhi Mandela Award violence.
The award is given to personalities who have
carried forward the legacies of Gandhi and
Mandela by making significant contributions
in the fields of Peace, Social Welfare, Culture,
Environment, Education, Healthcare, Sports and
Innovation.
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Answer Key
1. (a) 2. (a)
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