Current Affairs Magazine April 2024

www.shankariasacademy.
com 2
www.iasparliament.com
INDEX
1. IMPORTANT TOPICS OF THE MONTH3 8. INTERNATIONAL ISSUES ................ 33

1.1 Supreme Court Judgement on EVMs .................. 3 8.1 Rohingya Refugee Crisis .................................. 33
1.2 India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership 8.2 Iran Israel Conflict ........................................... 34
Agreement........................................................... 6
8.3 Baloch - Pakistan Issue .................................... 36
G.S PAPER I ............................................ 8 8.4 Shahpurkandi Dam Project .............................. 38
2. GEOGRAPHY ..................................... 8 G.S PAPER III ....................................... 39

2.1 Dubai Flood ....................................................... 8
9. ECONOMY ....................................... 39
2.2 Glacial Lake Outburst Floods .......................... 10
9.1 90 Years of RBI ................................................. 39
2.3 Strategic significance of Andaman and Nicobar
9.2 RBI’s Surge in Gold Reserves........................... 41
Islands .............................................................. 12
9.3 Global Financial Stability Report 2024............ 43
3. SOCIAL ISSUES ............................... 14 9.4 Drop in Private Investments ............................. 45
3.1 Income and Wealth Inequality .......................... 14 4.7 Asset Attachments by ED .................................. 46
4. INDIAN POLITY ............................... 15 10. AGRICULTURE ................................ 48

4.1 Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule.................... 15 10.1 Need of Agroforestry ........................................ 48
4.2 Rules for Star Campaigners ............................. 17
11. ENVIRONMENT ............................... 50
4.3 States’ Jurisdiction over Liquors ...................... 18
11.1 Elephant Corridors in India ............................. 50
4.4 Unregulated Soil Extraction for Linear Projects .
.......................................................................... 19 11.2 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity
Framework ....................................................... 52
4.5 Right Against Climate Change ......................... 21
11.3 National Clean Air Program ............................ 53
4.6 Climate Litigation............................................. 23
11.4 New Green Credit Programme Rules ............... 55
5. GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND 11.5 Conserve Soil for Food Security ....................... 56
INTERVENTIONS ................................... 24
5.1 Maritime Anti-Piracy Act, 2022 ....................... 24 12. SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY .............. 58
12.1 ISRO's role in India’s private space sector boom
6. GOVERNANCE ................................. 26 .......................................................................... 58
6.1 Technology to Advance Criminal Justice ......... 26 12.2 The Hypothesis of Dark Energy ........................ 60
12.3 Data Embassies ................................................ 62
7. HEALTH .......................................... 28
12.4 Cyber Slavery ................................................... 64
7.1 The WHO Pandemic Agreement ....................... 28
12.5 Green Hydrogen ............................................... 65
7.2 Youth Suicide in India ...................................... 30
12.6 Extraction of Hydrocarbon ............................... 67
7.3 Sugar Processed Foods .................................... 31
12.7 Indian Patent System ........................................ 68
CHENNAI | SALEM | MADURAI | COIMBATORE DELHI | BANGALORE | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

www.shankariasacademy.com 3
APRIL 2024
1. IMPORTANT TOPICS OF THE MONTH
1.1 Supreme Court Judgement on EVMs
Why in news?
Recently Supreme Court rejected the plea for 100% verification of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips
against the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) count
What are the features of Electronic Voting Machine?
By 2004 Lok Sabha elections,
 Aim- To make the voting process easier, faster, and more accurate. EVMs were used across all
 About- EVM is an electronic device for recording votes that consists of 543 constituencies.
two Units
Control Unit Balloting Unit
 It is placed inside the voting compartment, one

 It is kept with the Presiding Officer or a Polling
balloting unit is designed for 16 candidates.
Officer.
 It is connected to Control Unit through 5 metre
 The Polling Officer is in charge of the Control Unit
cable.
presses the Ballot button on the Control Unit to
release the ballot for the voter.  Once the ballot is released it enables the voter to
cast their vote by pressing the ‘Candidate’ button
 It can store the memory in its unit for 10 years or
(blue button) on the Balloting Unit against the
even more.
candidate and symbol of their choice.
 Manufacturing- It is designed by the Election

Commission in collaboration with two Public
Sector undertakings -
o Bharat Electronics Limited, Bangalore
(Ministry of Defence) and the
o Electronics Corporation of India
Limited, Hyderabad (Department of
Atomic Energy).
 Power- EVMs operate on a 7.5-volt alkaline
power pack, enabling their use without
electricity.
 Capacity- Old EVMs can record up to 3840
votes, while newer models (post-2006) have a
capacity of 2000 votes
 Trail of EVM- In 1982 Electronic Voting
Machine was first trailed in the Assembly
constituency of Paravur in Kerala.
 Widespread of EVM- In 2001 EVMs are fully
deployed across all booths during the Assembly
elections in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry,
and West Bengal.
 ETPBS- Electronically Transmitted Post Ballot System is VVPAT was first used in by-election for
introduced in 2016 allowing service voters like members of the
Noksen assembly seat in Nagaland.
armed forces and government employees on election duty
remotely.
 NOTA- In 2013, India became the 14th country to institute negative voting through None of the Above (NOTA).
However, it is not a “right to reject”.

 VVPAT- The Conduct of Elections Rules,

1961 were amended in 2013 to allow for a
printer with a drop box to be attached to the
EVM.
 100% VVPAT backing- The 2019 general
elections saw EVMs backed with 100% VVPAT
across all constituencies, ensuring an
additional layer of verification for voters.
 VVPAT counting-As per Indian Institute of
Statistics Election Commission in 2018
mandated counting of VVPAT slips of one
randomly selected polling station per
Assembly constituency.
What are the benefits of Electronic Voting
Machine?
 Booth capturing prevention-EVMs have
curtailed booth capturing by limiting the vote
casting rate, making it more time-consuming
to cast false votes.
 Elimination of invalid votes- The issue of
invalid votes, which was a significant problem
with paper ballots, has been addressed by
EVMs.
 Environmental benefits- With a large electorate, EVMs are eco-friendly as they reduce paper consumption.
 Administrative convenience- EVMs provide ease for polling officers on election day and enable faster,
error-free counting.
 Random allocation- EVMs are randomly allocated to booths before polls.
 Mock polls- They are conducted to demonstrate the accuracy of EVMs and VVPAT before actual polling begins.
 Transparency- Serial numbers of EVMs and the total votes polled are shared with candidates’ agents for
verification during counting.
 Security- The Election Commission of India (ECI) has repeatedly assured that EVMs are standalone devices
without external connectivity, thus mitigating the risk of hacking.
What are the challenges with EVMs?
 Verifiability- The current practice of matching EVM counts with VVPAT slips in five booths per assembly
constituency/segment has been questioned for not being scientifically grounded, which could potentially
overlook defective EVMs.
 Susceptibility to hacking- Various political parties and civil society activists have raised doubts about the
security of EVMs, alleging that they are susceptible to hacking due to their electronic nature.
 Voter privacy- The current process allows for the identification of booth-wise polling behaviour by various
political parties, they could potentially lead to profiling and intimidation of voters.
 Lack of transparency- The inner workings of these machines are not transparent enough, making it difficult
to verify the accuracy of the voting process.
 Lack of accessibility-EVM poses challenges for certain segments of the population, such as elderly voters or
those with disabilities.
 High cost- While EVMs are meant to streamline the voting process and reduce costs in the long run, the initial
investment in procuring and maintaining these machines can be significant.
What is the Supreme Court verdict on 100% counting of VVPAT slips?
 Association of Democratic Reforms vs ECI and Anr. - The petitioners demanded 100% verification of
VVPAT slips or return to paper ballots.
 Secure EVM- The Supreme Court has reaffirmed the security of EVMs and VVPAT, rejecting pleas for a return
to paper ballots.

Key aspect Petitioner’s demand Supreme Court’s verdict
 The court stated that while voters’ right to know

 The petitioner argued that every voter
whether their vote has been recorded accurately
should be able to verify that their vote has
doesn't equate to the right of 100% counting of
been counted properly after receiving
Full cross VVPAT slips.
confirmation that it has been cast.
verification  Other measures like the 7 second display of VVPAT
 Currently, VVPAT slips are counted and
slips and the ability to approach the Presiding
matched with the EVM tally only in 5
Officer in case of mismatches as per Conduct of
random polling booths per constituency.
Election Rules, 1961 already protects voter’s right.
 As per report by the Citizens’ Commission  The court dismissed these concerns as unfounded,
on Elections the petitioner argued there is citing the unalterable nature of the microcontroller
a possibility of EVMs being tampered with used in EVMs.
Tampering with or hacked.
EVMs  The court directed additional measures such as
 The commission is chaired by former checking the microcontroller for tampering upon
Supreme Court judge Justice Madan B request and sealing Symbol Loading Units along
Lokur. with EVMs for 45 days after results are declared.
 The petitioner submitted that the ECI had  The court held that aside from one case in
acknowledged instances of variance in the Mydukur there was not a single case of mismatch
EVM- VVPAT results captured by the EVM and VVPAT. in the recording of votes in any EVMs.
discrepancy  Example- 2019 elections in the Mydukur  This assertion was supported by data showing that
Assembly seat, Andhra Pradesh the EVM even in 26 instances where voters reported
recorded 14 more votes than the VVPAT. mismatches, no actual discrepancies were found.
 The petitioners argue that the current  The court said that the purpose of the tinted glass
system, which allows voters to view the above the VVPAT slip is to maintain the secrecy of
VVPAT slip for only seven seconds, could the vote while still allowing the voter to verify their
be susceptible to manipulation. vote for seven seconds.
Giving VVPAT
 The glass also serves to protect the slip from
slip to voter  They suggest that the machine could be
programmed to not cut the slip, preventing damage or tampering.
it from being counted, and propose that  The court reasoned that giving voters physical
the slip should instead be handed to the access to the VVPAT slips could lead to potential
voter to place in a ballot box. misuse, malpractices and disputes.
 The court countered this suggestion by highlighting

 The petitioner suggested this move,
the benefits of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs),
referencing countries like Germany that
which include preventing booth capturing,
have returned to paper ballots.
Return to paper eliminating invalid votes, offering administrative
ballot  They also proposed the idea of convenience, and reducing the use of paper.
adding barcodes to VVPAT slips to
 The court did not provide an opinion on the
facilitate the use of counting machines and
barcode suggestion, stating that it is a technical
minimize delays in vote counting.
matter for the ECI to decide.
What lies ahead?

 The Court acknowledged some concerns raised by the petitioners which suggested for sealing of SLUs and has
allowed candidates to seek verification of EVM software, including the microcontrollers, in case of doubts
regarding the results.
 This represents a significant shift in the handling and scrutiny of electoral technology in India.
 However, the Court ultimately upheld the integrity of EVMs and VVPATs, rejecting the need for full cross-
verification and advocating for the continued use of electronic voting systems.

Symbol Loading Unit
 It is a device used in the preparation of EVMs with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) for elections.
 Loading candidates symbol- Before an election, the list of contesting candidates and their symbols needs to
be loaded onto the VVPAT machines through SLU.
 The SLU is connected to a laptop or personal computer, where a symbol loading application is used to load a
bitmap file containing the candidates' names, serial numbers, and symbols.
 Transferring to VVPAT- Once the symbols are loaded onto the SLU, it is then transferred from the SLU to the
VVPAT, ensuring that each VVPAT contains the correct symbols corresponding to the candidates.
 This is conducted under the supervision of a district election officer to maintain transparency and integrity.
 Utility- The SLU is used only a few days before polling in a particular seat, and after the symbols are loaded onto
the VVPATs, the SLU is no longer relevant to the voting process.
 It is then handed over to the district election officer for safekeeping until the end of the election.
 Recent directive- The Supreme Court requires the Election Commission of India (ECI) to seal and secure SLUs
for 45 days after the declaration of election results.
 This ensures that SLUs used in the election process can be examined along with EVMs if there are challenges to
the election results.
1.2 India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement
Why in news?
India-European Free Trade Association has signed a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).
What are trade agreements?
 Trade agreement is any contractual arrangement between states concerning their trade relationships.
 They may be bilateral or multilateral.
 It includes Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), Regional Trade Agreement
(RTA), etc.
What is an FTA?
 A free trade agreement is an
arrangement between two or more
countries where they agree either
to end or reduce customs
duties on maximum number of
goods traded between them, besides
cutting down non-trade barriers on
a significant value of imports.
 Goal- To facilitate cross-border
transactions, increase investment
prospects, promote mutual trade,
and improve the ease of business.
 The World Trade Organisation
(WTO) is the global watchdog for
exports and imports-related issues.
India has been a member since
1995.
 Benefits of FTAs
o Zero-duty entry into
partner country markets
helps in the diversification
and expansion of export
markets.

o Level playing field vis-a-vis competitors who may have already entered FTAs with partner countries.
o FTAs enable preferential treatment in the partner country market over non-FTA member country
competitors.
o Attracting foreign investment to stimulate domestic manufacturing.
o Access to raw materials, intermediate products and capital goods for value-added manufacturing.
o Long-term efficiency and consumer welfare goals.
What is Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA)?
 TEPA is a modern and ambitious Trade Agreement.
 The agreement has 14 chapters, including trade in goods, rules of origin, intellectual property rights (IPRs),
trade in services, investment promotion and cooperation, government procurement, technical barriers to trade
and trade facilitation.
Highlights of TEPA
 EFTA has committed to promote
investments to
o increase the stock of foreign direct
investments by USD 100
billion in India in the next 15 years
o facilitate the generation of 1 million
direct employment in India,
through such investments (except
foreign portfolio investment)
 EFTA covers 99.6% of India’s exports. The
EFTA’s market access offer covers 100% of
non-agri products and tariff concession on
Processed Agricultural Products (PAP).
 India covers 95.3% of EFTA exports of
which more than 80% import is Gold.
 Sectors such as dairy, soya, coal and sensitive agricultural products are kept in exclusion list which means there
won’t be any tariff cuts by India on these sectors.
 TEPA has provisions for Mutual Recognition India runs a trade deficit with most of its top trade
Agreements in Professional Services like partners, except for the US. India also runs a trade
nursing, chartered accountants, architects etc.
deficit with EFTA at USD 14.8 billion in the last fiscal.
 Commitments related to Intellectual Property
Rights in TEPA are at TRIPS level. India’s interests in generic medicines and concerns related to evergreening
of patents have been fully addressed.
The European Free Trade Association (EFTA)
 Origin - It is the intergovernmental organisation founded by the Stockholm Convention in 1960.

 Members - Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
 Aim - Promotion of free trade and economic integration between the
members.
 Committees - EFTA has 3 committees with an advisory role whose
mandate is to provide advice to its member states on all issues of
relevance to the organisation.
o The EFTA Parliamentary Committee
o The EFTA Consultative Committee
o The EEA EFTA Forum
 EFTA is one important economic block out of the 3 (other two - EU & UK) in Europe.
 Among EFTA countries, Switzerland is the largest trading partner of India followed by Norway.

What is the significance of the deal?

For EFTA Countries
 Market access - EFTA countries gain market access to a major growth market (India).
 Diversify the supply chain - India will strive to diversify the EFTA’s supply chains while rendering them
more resilient.
For India
 Attract FDI - India will attract more foreign investment from EFTA, which will ultimately translate into an
increase in good jobs.
 Boost the service sector - It is expected to stimulate India’s services exports in sectors such as IT services,
business services, sporting and recreational services, education services and audio-visual services.
 Promote exports - It will empower exporters access to specialized inputs and create conducive trade and
investment environment thereby providing opportunities for services sector to access more markets.
 Opportunity to integrate with EU - TEPA paves way for Indian companies to look into Switzerland as a
base for extending its market reach to EU.
 Encourage domestic manufacturing - TEPA will give impetus to “Make in India” and Atmanirbhar Bharat
in sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food processing, transport,
financial services and insurance.
 Creates employment - TEPA would accelerate creation of direct jobs for India’s young aspirational
workforce, including better facilities for vocational and technical training.
 Facilitates technology collaboration - TEPA facilitates tech collaboration and access to world leading
technologies in precision engineering, health sciences, renewable energy, Innovation and R&D.
What are the issues?
 Abolition of tariffs by Switzerland - Switzerland, which is India’s biggest trade partner among EFTA
countries, decided to eliminate import duties on all industrial goods for all countries from January 1, 2024.
 This concerns India as industrial goods accounts for 98% of India’s merchandise exports to Switzerland in 2023.
 Agricuture tariffs - Exporting agricultural produce to Switzerland remains challenging due to the complex
web of tariffs, quality standards, and approval requirements.
G.S PAPER I
2. GEOGRAPHY
2.1 Dubai Flood
Why in news?
Recently a storm hit Oman and UAE, with UAE experiencing its
heaviest rainfall in 75 years, raising questions about the role of cloud
seeding in this unusual weather event.
Why Dubai experienced heavy rainfall?
 Strong low pressure system-A low-pressure system in the
upper atmosphere, combined with low pressure at the surface,
acted like a pressure “squeeze” on the air.
 Heavy thunderstorm-This intensified squeeze, along with
the contrast between warmer ground-level temperatures and
colder temperatures higher up, created the conditions for the
powerful thunderstorm.
 Climate change- Rising global temperatures, driven by
human-led climate change, are leading to more extreme
weather events worldwide, including intense rainfall.

 Mesoscale convective system- It is a series of medium-sized thunderstorms caused by massive

thunderclouds, formed as heat draws moisture up into the atmosphere which can create large amounts of rain.
 Rapid urbanisation- In a recent study, Sharjahthe capital of the third-largest emirate in the U.A.E., found
that the city’s rapid growth over the past half century had made it vulnerable to flooding at far lower levels of
rain than before.
 Cloud seeding- There were speculations about cloud seeding contributing to the rainfall, however the
metrology department clarified that no cloud-seeding operations were dispatched before or during the turbulent
weather episode.
What is cloud seeding?
 Cloud seeding- It is a weather
modification technique that improves
a cloud’s ability to produce rain or
snow, it can be done from ground
based generators or aircraft.
 Origin- It was started in 1946 in USA
by using silver iodide and dry ice
(solid carbon dioxide) to improve the
creation of ice crystals in clouds.
 UAE approach- The country
experiences less than 100 mm of
annual rainfall, which is significantly
low, this scarcity is exacerbated by
high evaporation rates and a low
groundwater recharge rate hence
UAE adopts cloud seeding.
 Seeding agents- Salts like silver
iodide, potassium iodide, sodium
chloride, or dry ice (solid carbon
dioxide), they are released into the
targeted clouds. These seeding particles facilitate the formation of larger water droplets thereby augmenting
rainfall.
 Working mechanism – A tiny ice nuclei is introduced into certain types of subfreezing clouds, these nuclei
provides a base for snowflakes to form which grow and fall from the clouds back to the surface of the Earth.
 Hygroscopic cloud seeding – It disperses salt
Cloud seeding a technique used to enhance
particles to speeds up droplet coalescence in liquid clouds to
produce of large droplets to start precipitation. precipitation by dispersing substances
into the air has been part of the UAE's
 Glaciogenic cloud seeding – It disperses ice nuclei to efforts to combat water scarcity since
trigger ice production in super cooled clouds, leading to
1982.
precipitation.
Applications Challenges
 It can create more winter snowfall and provide relief to  The chemicals used in seeding can cause potential side
drought stricken areas and support agriculture. effects to living organisms.
 It enhances the natural water supply to communities.  It can change climatic patterns of the earth.
 It lessens hailstorms by reordering water vapour in  It involves huge costs and logistics preparations.
clouds to breakdown large hailstones
 There is no way to ensure the exact area or duration of
 It is used to tackle air pollution. rainfall.
 Early stage targeting- Cloud seeding is most effective when clouds are in their developmental stages, but in
Dubai the cloud has already developed into severe thunderstorms hence it’s not a reason for recent Dubai flood.
What are the consequences of heavy Dubai flood?
 Heavy rainfall- Al Ain, a city in UAE bordering Oman recorded 10 inches of rainfall, the largest ever in a 24-
hour period since records started in 1949.

 Disrupt daily life- Heavy downpours have caused flooded homes, power outages, and emergency responses,
Dubai Airport, the world's second busiest, was brought to a standstill following the rainfall.
 Infrastructure damages- The roads were collapsed, residential communities were hit by heavy flooding and
many householders reported leaks from roofs, doors and windows.
Cloud seeding in India
 CPCB- Central Pollution Control Board has mulled the use of cloud seeding to tackle Delhi’s air pollution.
 CAIPEEX phase-4- Cloud Aerosol Interaction and Precipitation Enhancement Experiment was a scientific
investigation conducted in Solapur city by IITM to investigate the efficacy of hygroscopic seeding in deep
convective clouds and to develop a cloud seeding protocol.
 Varshadhare project- It is a cloud seeding project in Karnataka government to enhance the amount of
precipitation from the clouds to generate more rain.
2.2 Glacial Lake Outburst Floods
Why in news?
Recently Birendra glacial lake in Nepal collapsed due to avalanche.
What is the glacial lake outburst flood?
 Glacial lakes- They are large bodies of water that sit in front
of, on top of, or beneath a melting glacier.
 Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)- They are
sudden and often catastrophic events that occur when water
contained within or underneath a glacier or a moraine-
dammed glacial lake is released rapidly.
 Causes- These floods typically result from the failure of
natural dams made of ice, moraine (a mixture of rock, soil,
and other debris), or both.
 Ice and debris avalanches- Avalanches of ice, rock and
debris can impact glacial lakes, causing the release of large
volume of water, avalanches occur due to various factors such as seismic activity, steep slopes or destabilization
of ice and rock masses.
 Ice dammed lakes- Some glacial lakes are dammed by ice instead of moraine, when the ice dam melts or
collapse, it can release large volumes of water downstream triggering GLOF.
 Earthquake- Seismic activity, including
earthquakes can destabilize glacial lakes and
their surrounding terrain, leading to failure of
natural dams and release of water.
 Volcanic eruption- It can trigger GLOFs by
melting ice, causing landslides or generating
lahars (volcanic mudflows) that can impact
glacial lakes.
 Anthropogenic activities- Activities such as
mining, construction, and deforestation can
destabilize the landscape, increase erosion, and
contribute to the risk of GLOFs.
 Vulnerable- GLOFs pose a significant risks to
communities living downstream of glacial lakes,
especially in mountainous regions like
Himalayas, Andes and Alps, where such lakes are
common.
Why Himalayas are more prone to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods?
 High glacial activity- The Himalayas are called as Third Pole it harbours world’s largest glaciers after Arctic
and Antarctic ice sheets.

 Glacial melting- As temperatures rise due to climate change, these glaciers are melting at an accelerated rate,
leading to the formation of numerous glacial lakes which increases the risk of GLOFs.
 Glacial lake formation- Glacial lakes in
the Himalayas are often dammed by ISRO said that 130 of the 676 lakes are situated in India,
unstable moraines, ice, or bedrock, these in the Indus (65), Ganga (7), and Brahmaputra (58) river
natural dams are susceptible to erosion, basins have expanded as glaciers are retreating at an
melting, and other forms of degradation, ever faster rate due to global warming.
increasing the likelihood of failure and the
release of floodwaters downstream.
 Steep terrain- The Himalayan region is characterized by rugged, steep terrain, which can contribute to the
destabilization of glacial lakes and their surrounding moraines.
 Unstable movements-Avalanches, landslides, and rockfalls Instances of GLOFs in
Location
are common in this environment, posing risks to the stability of Himalayas
natural dams and increasing the likelihood of GLOFs.
Uttarkhand flash flood
 Seismic activity- The Himalayas are seismically active, with
(2013), South Lhonak lake India
frequent earthquakes and tectonic activity, they can trigger
GLOF (2023)
landslides, avalanches, and the destabilization of glacial lakes,
leading to GLOFs.
Lugge Tso GLOF (2015) Tibet, China
 Monsoon climate- The Himalayan region experiences heavy
monsoon rains during the summer months, which can increase Birendra Lake GLOF (2024),
the volume of water in glacial lakes and contribute to the Nepal
Imja Lake GLOF (2016),
weakening of natural dams.
 Population density- The Himalayan region is densely populated, with communities living in valleys
downstream of glacial lakes. This increases the potential impact of GLOFs on human lives, infrastructure, and
livelihoods.
Steps taken by India to prevent GLOFs
 Sendai Framework (2015-2030) – It is a global blueprint for disaster risk reduction and prevention.
 Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure - CDRI is an international climate initiative by India in
2019 to promote resilient climate-proof critical infrastructure in member countries.
 National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) - NDMA, headed by the Prime Minister of India, is the
apex body for Disaster Management in India.
 Institutional mechanism- Central Water Commission (CWC)/ National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA)/
State governments also check for landslides and blockages in rivers with the help of satellite imageries.
 Aapda Mitra – Launched in 2016, it is a central sector scheme implemented by NDMA to train community
volunteers in disaster response in selected 30 most flood prone districts of 25 states including Sikkim.
 Doppler radars - The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been using Doppler radars, a flash floods
forecasting and warning systems.
What can be done to mitigate GLOFs?

 Artificial drainage- Lowering the water level of glacial lakes can reduce the risk of outburst floods.
 Study of Ghepan Gath lake, Himachal Pradesh- It showed that lowering lake levels by 10 to 30 meters
had a significant impact reduction on Sissu town, the risks were not completely eliminated but still can minimize
potential consequences of GLOF.
Satellite remote sensing technology by ISRO
 High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes- In 2016,
proves to be an excellent tool for monitoring
Sikkim used HDPE pipes to reduce water levels in South
Lhonak Lake. due its wide coverage and revisit capability.
 Risk assessment- Researchers need to continuously

monitor the lakes for signs of instability and potential outburst events, this includes using satellite imagery and
developing models to predict GLOF risk.
 Early warning systems- Establishing effective early warning systems is critical for minimizing damage and
casualties, these systems should utilize real-time monitoring data to provide timely alerts to downstream
communities in the event of a GLOF threat.

 International cooperation- The GLOFs in the Himalayas can affect multiple countries, international
cooperation is essential which can foster collaborative efforts such as sharing data, resources and expertise to
better understand and mitigate the risks posed by glacial lakes.
 Research- Continued research into glacial dynamics, climate change impacts, and GLOF mitigation strategies
is necessary to develop innovative approaches that reduce GLOF risk.
2.3 Strategic significance of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Why in news?
The new thrust on developing strategic infrastructure, both civilian and military, on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
has been long awaited.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
 Location- It consists of two groups of islands at the south

eastern edge of the Bay of Bengal.
 Strategic arc- The islands form an arc stretching
southward between Myanmar and the island of Sumatra,
Indonesia. The arc constitutes the boundary between the
Bay of Bengal to the west and the Andaman Sea to the east.
 Territorial capital- Port Blair (South Andaman
Island).
 British rule- The Andamans were visited by the navy of
the English East India Company in 1789 and in 1872 they
were linked administratively to the British to the Nicobar
Islands.
 Post-Independence- The two set of islands became a
union territory of the Republic of India in 1956.
 Tribes-
o Andaman- The Great Andamanese, the Onges,
the Jarawa and the Sentineles,
o Nicobar- The Nicobarese and the Shompen
What is the strategic importance of Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

 Geopolitical location- Situated at the mouth of the Malacca Strait, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer a
strategic vantage point for monitoring and controlling maritime traffic passing through one of the world's
busiest waterways.
Strategic location Significance
Sabang in Indonesia It is 90 nautical miles southeast of Indira Point (on Great Nicobar island)
Coco Island in Myanmar It is barely 18 nautical miles from the northernmost tip of the Andamans.
Kra canal to be built by The canal would connect the Gulf of Thailand with the Andaman Sea, its mouth would be
Thailand about 350 nautical miles east of Port Blair.
Malacca strait It connects the Indian Ocean to the Pacific, is less than a day’s steaming from Port Blair.
 Strategic chokepoints- The islands are positioned near several strategic chokepoints, including the Malacca,
Sunda, Lombok, and Ombai-Wetar straits. Control over these chokepoints is essential for maritime security and
trade flows in the region.

 Significance of Maritime boundary- The islands share maritime boundary with neighbouring countries
like Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, and Bangladesh, giving India significant influence over maritime activities
in these regions under UNCLOS.
 Military importance- The development of military Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC),
infrastructure on the islands enhances India's ability to project established as a tri-services command in
power and deter potential threats from the eastern direction, 2001, plays a crucial role in safeguarding
particularly from China. India's maritime interests.
 Economic potential- The islands offer economic
opportunities, including maritime trade, tourism, and fisheries. Developing infrastructure to support these
sectors can contribute to islands' economic growth and reduce their dependence on mainland India for essential
supplies.
Why the pace of developing strategic infrastructure in the islands has have been slow?
 Slow realisation- The unprecedented expansion of China’s navy has prompted the island’s strategic criticality
for India’s security.
 Infrastructure deficit- The distance
from the mainland and the inherent
difficulties in developing infrastructure
have been cited as reasons for delays in
various projects.
 Complex procedures- Obtaining
environmental clearances, even for small
projects, has been a complex process.
 Land acquisition- Regulations related
to forest conservation and the protection
of native tribes have further complicated
land acquisition issues.
 Multi-dimensional project-
Developing the islands and their strategic
infrastructure involves coordination
across multiple ministries, departments, and agencies. This multi-dimensional effort presents significant
challenges.
 Political impact - Seeking immediate political gains takes precedence over long term strategic vision.
What should strategic infrastructure development in these islands focus on?
 Surveillance- Establishing robust surveillance systems to monitor the vast maritime area stretching 420
nautical miles from north to south is essential to deter potential threats.
 Maritime infrastructure- Construction of ports and fuel storages in both the northern and southern groups
of the islands is crucial for the operational turnaround of ships without returning to Port Blair.
 Military infrastructure- Building military bases, airfields, and naval facilities to enhance defence capabilities
and ensure a rapid response to security challenges.
 Enhance connectivity- Improving transportation infrastructure, including airports, ports, roads, and ferry
services, to facilitate the movement of people and goods within the islands and with the mainland.
 Economic development- Promoting economic activities such as tourism, fisheries, and maritime trade
through the development of ports, logistics facilities, and tourist amenities.
 Sustainable development- Balancing development with environmental conservation by obtaining necessary
clearances and implementing eco-friendly practices.
 Great Nicobar Project- Accelerating the development of the Galathea Bay transhipment port on Great
Nicobar Island is vital. Maritime services such as repair and logistics for both international and Indian shipping
need to be established.
 Incentivise habitation- Consideration should be given to the planned habitation of uninhabited islands by
providing incentives like free or subsidized land to encourage eco-friendly entrepreneurial activities.
 International cooperation- Leveraging international partnerships, such as the QUAD and the Indo-Pacific
Oceans Initiative (IPOI), to support development efforts and enhance regional stability.

3. SOCIAL ISSUES
3.1 Income and Wealth Inequality
Why in news?
According to the World Inequality Lab, the top 1% in India earned 22.6% of the national income in 2022-23, the highest
share in the last 100 years.
What are the key highlights of the study?
Income inequality Wealth inequality
 In 2022-23, 22.6% of India's national income went  The top 1% in India held 40.1% of the national
to the top 1%, 50% higher than China marking the wealth in 2022-23, the highest level since 1961.
highest level in the last 100 years.
 The share of wealth among the top 10% increased
 The top 0.1% of the population earned nearly 10% significantly, reaching 65% in 2022-23.
of the national income.
 The share of bottom 50% and middle 40% in
 India's income inequality ranks among the highest wealth declined, indicating a widening wealth
globally, surpassing even countries like South gap.
Africa, Brazil, and the U.S.
 India's wealth inequality, while not as extreme as
 The high income inequality of India contributes to Brazil and South Africa, increased significantly
widening wealth disparity. over the years.
 Inequality trends- Between 1960 and 1980, inequality in India was decreasing, which was attributed to the
growth pattern and economic objectives of that era. However, the trend reversed with the economic
liberalization that began in the 1980s and accelerated after the economic reforms of 1991.
 Wealth concentration- The period 2014-
15 to 2022-23 seen a pronounced rise in China’s economic growth
wealth concentration, often referred to as
the ‘Billionaire Raj’, indicating that the
 Until 1975, India’s average income (adjusted for inflation
wealthiest individuals have amassed a large
and purchasing power) was comparable to that of China
portion of the nation’s wealth.
and Vietnam.
 Historical comparison- The report makes
 However, in the subsequent 25 years, China and Vietnam
a comparison with the British Raj, indicating
experienced income growth of 35-50% compared to India.
that the modern economic elite in India have
created a more unequal society than what  Post-2000, China’s income surged significantly, becoming
existed under colonial rule. 2.5 times that of India.
 Impact on society- The report suggests  China’s growth has been broad based, benefiting a larger
that rising inequality has negative segment of its population.
implications for both economic growth and
poverty reduction efforts.  China has maintained a higher growth rate while keeping
economic inequality in check.
What are the challenges faced by India in
achieving income and wealth equality?
 Moderate economic growth- China has maintained a higher growth rate with moderate inequality, while
India’s growth has been moderate with extreme
inequality.
Despite being the fifth largest economy, India
 Dual challenge- India faces the dual challenge of lags behind Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and
achieving high economic growth and reducing inequality, Bangladesh in terms of human development.
human development and poverty reduction are crucial
for achieving the twin objective.
 Poor human development- Human Development Report (HDR) 2023-2024 has ranked India 134 out of 193
countries, this shows that economic growth has not translated into growth in human development.
 Economic inequality- HDR 2023-2024 reveals that India's human development score decreases by 31.1%
when economic inequality is taken into account, this underscores the detrimental effect of inequality on the
overall well-being and capabilities of the population.

 Regional disparity-
Advanced human States with over 7% GSDP growth per year, like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh,
development Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, and Delhi.
Lag in human States like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and
development Rajasthan, they have registered less than 5% growth post-liberalization
 Policy limitations- Existing policies, such as the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana are insufficient
to address the scale of economic inequality.
o Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana launched in 2020 aims to provide free food grains to the
poor and needy through the Public Distribution System.
What lies ahead?
 There is a need for a balanced approach to economic policy, where human development is a precursor to and a
component of economic growth, leading to more equitable outcomes.
 Human development is essential for high economic growth and reducing inequality.
 Sustainable and inclusive growth requires comprehensive policy interventions that focus on enhancing human
capabilities, reducing poverty, and creating meaningful employment opportunities.
 Addressing inequality is not just a matter of economic policy but also crucial for maintaining social cohesion
and political stability.
4. INDIAN POLITY
4.1 Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule
Why in news?
The candidates of all parties in the Assam’s tribal majority Diphu Lok Sabha constituency have promised the
implementation of Article 244(A) of the Constitution.
Diphu
 It is the headquarters of Karbi Anglong district in Assam.

 Diphu- The world came from Dimasa language, meaning White Water (Di for Water, and Phu for White).
 Major tribes- Karbi (3rd largest tribe in the State), Dimasa Kachari, Garo Kachari, Boro Kachari, Rengma Naga.
 Sixth Schedule- The three tribal-majority hill districts of Assam are administered under the provisions of the
Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which describes the “Provisions as to the Administration of Tribal Areas in the
States of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram”.
 Autonomous council- The region is managed by autonomous council namely
o Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) and the
o North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council
 Diphu pass- A mountain pass around the tri-point borders of India, China, and Myanmar in Arunachal Pradesh
What is Article 244 of the Constitution?

 It is in Part X of the Constitution that deals with the application of the provisions of the Fifth Schedule and Sixth
Schedule.
Key aspects Fifth Schedule Sixth Schedule
It shall apply to the administration and control of the It shall apply to the administration of the
About Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in any State tribal areas in Assam Meghalaya, Tripura and
other than Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram Mizoram.

 To protect the interests and rights of the tribals in Considering the distinct life and outlook of
their land, habitat and economy the tribals in the North-East (erstwhile State
of Assam), the Constituent Assembly
Purpose  To preserve the communities customs and tradition recognised the necessity of a separate
and to ensure a faster socio-economic development administrative structure for the tribals in the
in the “Scheduled Areas”. region
Scheduled areas are predominantly inhabited by tribes

specified as “Scheduled Tribes” and located in Andhra
Currently there are 10 Autonomous District
Application Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat,
Councils in North East
Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand,
Maharashtra, Orissa and Rajasthan
The President is the authority to declare any area as a Governor of the State is empowered to
Scheduled Area or renounce a Scheduled Area or part determine the area or areas as administrative
Power
of it as a non-Scheduled Area in consultation with the units of the Autonomous Districts and
Governor of the concerned State Autonomous Regions.
Tribal Advisory Council is constituted by Governor of a Autonomous District Councils, and Regional
Special
State having Scheduled Areas to deal with the welfare Councils endowed with certain legislative,
mechanism
of Scheduled tribes in states. executive, judicial and financial powers
 Criteria for Fifth Schedule- It is recommended by the First Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes
Commission also known as Dhebar Commission.
 Autonomous District Councils (ADCs)- The Governor has the power under the Sixth Schedule to create a
new Autonomous District/Region or alter the territorial jurisdiction or the name of any Autonomous District or
Autonomous Regions.
Autonomous districts Pre Independence Autonomous districts Post-Independence
 Bardoloi committee- It recommended to adopt

 Colonial rule- When the British took over the-then
GoI Act 1935 with improvements into the Sixth
Assam, their imposition of formal laws on the land was
Schedule of the Constitution.
resisted ferociously by tribal populations living in the hills,
who had their own customary laws.  ADCs- It had recommended creation of
autonomous district councils (ADCs) in the 6 hill
 Government of India Act 1935- To avoid confrontation
districts of Assam.
the British divided the hill regions of Assam into
“excluded” and “partially excluded” areas as they were only  Regional council- The Committee recommended
interested in economic exploitation of the region. creation of regional councils under ADCs to cater
to the needs of minor tribes in the jurisdiction of
 Aim- To allow tribal populations to govern themselves.
those ADCs.
 Limitations- In these areas, federal or provincial laws
 Sixth Schedule- It contains provisions related to
would not apply until the Governor felt they were needed
the administration of tribal areas in the states of
for peace and development.
Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.

What is Article 244(1) of the Constitution?

 Origin- It is introduced by 22nd Constitution Amendment Act, 1969 that provides a framework for
creation of an autonomous state within Assam.
 Provision- It deals with the formation of an autonomous state that comprises certain tribal areas of Assam and
having a council of ministers.
 Autonomous state- It could include all or other part of the tribal areas specified such as Karbi Anglong.
 Function- The autonomous state would be endowed with its own legislature or Council of Ministers or both
offering a degree of self-governance beyond what is available under the Sixth Schedule.
 Need- To enhance the autonomy of these region by potentially allowing for a more comprehensive governance
structure that could address these limitations under Sixth Schedule.
4.2 Rules for Star Campaigners
Why in news?
Sunita Kejriwal, wife of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, was appointed as a ‘star campaigner’ by the Aam Aadmi
Party (AAP) for its campaign in Gujarat.
What are the legal provisions of star campaigners?
 Representation of People’s Act, 1951- Section 77 of the Act There’s no specific law defining
provides for law relating to expenditure incurred by ‘leaders of a political
who can be a star campaigner.
party’. These ‘leaders of a political party’ are popularly known as ‘star
campaigners’.
 About- Star campaigners are prominent individuals appointed by political parties to attract more votes during
elections. They are usually top leaders of a party but can also include other celebrities.
 Guidelines- The Election Commission has issued guidelines Political parties Star campaigners
the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) regulating poll campaign by
star campaigners.
Recognized parties Up to 40
 Eligibility- These campaigners must be members of the
political party that appoints them. Unrecognized parties Up to 20
 Communication- The names of star campaigners must be
communicated to the Election Commission (EC) and the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the relevant states
within seven days from the date of election notification.
 Multi-phase elections-In multi-phase elections, a political party can submit separate lists of star
campaigners for different phases. However, major parties often provide a single list applicable to the entire
state.
 Role of Election Commission- The Supreme Court has stated that the Election Commission does not have
the authority to decide who can be a star campaigner.
What are the financial regulations for star campaigner?
 Travel expenses- Expenditure incurred by star campaigners on travel for party campaigning is not counted
as part of a candidate's election expenditure.
 Election expenditure limits- Representation of the People Act (RP
o Larger States- Rs 95 lakh per constituency Act) outlines the financial regulations
for election campaigning in India.
o Smaller States- Rs 75 lakh per constituency.
 General campaigning- Star campaigners' expenses remain separate from candidates' expenses only if they
limit themselves to general party campaigning.
 Rally/meeting participation- If a star campaigner explicitly seeks votes for a candidate or shares the stage
with them, the rally/meeting expense is added to the candidate's expenditure.
 Multiple candidates- When multiple candidates share the stage with a star campaigner, the rally’s
expenditure is divided equally among them.
 Candidate promotion- If a candidate’s posters or photographs are displayed at a star campaigner’s rally in
their constituency, the entire expense of the rally is allocated to the candidate’s election expenses.

 Boarding/ Lodging expenses- Any boarding or lodging expenses incurred by a star campaigner for
campaigning are included in the candidate's expenditure account, regardless of who pays for it.
 Joint travel- If a candidate travels with a star campaigner, 50% of the star campaigner's travel expenditure is
apportioned to the candidate's expenditure.
 Special provision- MCC guidelines says that if Prime Minister or Former Prime Minister as star campaigner
then the expenditure incurred on security including on the bullet-proof vehicles will be borne by the government
and will not be added to the election expenses of the party or the individual candidate.
o If another campaigner travels with the prime minister or former minister, the individual candidate must
bear 50% of the expenditure incurred on security arrangements.
 Fair election- These rules ensure that while star campaigners can be effective vote-fetchers, their activities are
regulated to maintain fair election expenditure practices.
What are the issues with star campaigning?
 Expenditure assessment- Assessing expenditure for star campaigner’s rallies often underestimate actual
costs it is due to the rate card used by the Election Commission.
 Inefficiency- The expenditure assessment challenges is due to EC’s rate card as it does not reflect current
market rates for various items which results in lower apportionment of expenditure to contesting candidates.
 Advisory- Election Commission (EC) issued an advisory to all political parties, emphasizing decorum and
issue-based debates during campaigning. Star campaigners were put on notice regarding violations.
 Inappropriate language- Star campaigners from various parties have used inappropriate and abusive
language against leaders of opposing parties. Appeals to caste or communal feelings and unsubstantiated
allegations have been observed.
 Madhya Pradesh Assembly By-Election 2020- The Supreme Court stayed the EC’s decision to revoke
Kamal Nath’s star campaigner status for derogatory remarks against a woman candidate.
What lies ahead?
 RP Act, 1951 could be amended to authorize the EC to revoke the ‘star campaigner’ status of a leader in case of
serious violations of the Model Code of Conduct. This action would prevent party candidates from receiving
expenditure relief for their campaigns.
 Such an amendment would encourage a sense of responsibility among star campaigners, ensuring that
campaigns maintain necessary decorum and restraint.
4.3 States’ Jurisdiction over Liquors
Why in news?
The Supreme Court’s 9 judge bench is considering if the States have the power to regulate and levy excise duty tax
on industrial alcohol.
Excise Duty
 It refers to the taxes levied on the manufacture of goods within the country, as opposed to custom duty that is
levied on goods coming from outside the country.
 Indirect tax- It is generally collected by a retailer or an intermediary from its consumers and then paid to
the government
 Legal framework- The excise duty is governed by the two acts-
o Central Excise Act, 1944
o Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985
 Collection- The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) is responsible for collecting excise duty.
 Payment of excise duty- Electronic Accounting System in Excise and Service Tax (EASIEST), the payment
gateway of CBEC, through this the excise duty can be paid.
 With the introduction of GST, several indirect taxes have been subsumed, including excise tax.
 Nonetheless, it is still applicable to a few items like petroleum, liquor, etc.,

What is the current case before Supreme Court?

 The Supreme Court is considering whether state governments have the power to regulate and control the sale,
distribution, pricing and other factors relating to ‘industrial’ alcohol.
o Industrial alcohol serves as a raw material for various products and is not intended for human
consumption.
Centre’s Jurisdiction over liquor State’s Jurisdiction over liquor
 State list (Entry 8)- It grants States authority to

 Union list (Entry 52) and Concurrent List
legislate on matters related to the production,
(Entry 33)- It mentions industries whose control
manufacture, possession, transport, purchase, and
is deemed expedient in public interest
sale of intoxicating liquors.
by Parliament.
 The subjects mentioned in the Concurrent List
 Industrial alcohol is listed in the Industries
(Entry 33) can be legislated by both States and
(Development and Regulation) Act, 1951 (IDRA).
Centre.
 Due to prevailing Central law in this subject, it will
 But if a central law exists, State laws cannot
exist over the State law.
contradict it.
 Ch Tika Ramji vs State of UP, 1956- The Court upheld a legislation enacted in UP to regulate the supply
and purchase of sugarcane.
 It was challenged on the grounds that under Section 18-G of the IDRA, the Centre had exclusive jurisdiction
over regulation of the sugar industry.
 The court held that Section 18-G is not meant to “cover the entire field” and the state still had power to legislate
on matters relating to the sugar industry under Entry 33 of the Concurrent List.
 Synthetics & Chemicals Ltd v. State of Uttar Pradesh, 1989- The Court held that States’ powers, as per
Entry 8 of the State List, were limited to regulating “intoxicating liquors” which are different from industrial
alcohol.
 The Court said that only the Centre can impose levies or taxes on industrial alcohol, which is meant for human
consumption.
 Uttar Pradesh Excise Act, 1910- In 1999 the State has introduced a 15% fee for sales made to license holders,
this fee was applied to alcohol used directly or a solvent for vehicles even if it appeared in the final product to
some extent.
 It was challenged as the Centre had exclusive jurisdiction over industrial alcohol under Section 18-G of IDRA,
1951.
 The Allahabad High Court declared the State’s notification as invalid, the court held that the state legislature’s
authority extended only to the regulation of drinkable alcohol not denatured spirits or industrial alcohol.
 It was appealed in Supreme Court for further examination.
What is the stand of Uttar Pradesh?
 The phrase “intoxicating liquors" in Entry 8 of the State List encompasses all liquids containing alcohol, the
terms like liquor, spirit and intoxicant were already used in excise laws before the Constitution came into force.
 The Centre’s power under the Union list doesn’t extent to finished products such as industrial alcohol, instead
it falls under Concurrent list.
 To exercise exclusive control over the regulation of industrial alcohol, the Centre would need to issue an order
under Section 18-G of IDRA, 1951.
 ITC vs Agricultural Produce Market Committee, 2002- The Supreme Court emphasized that States not
mere appendages of the Centre and that their reserved powers should not be undermined.
4.4 Unregulated Soil Extraction for Linear Projects
Why in news?
Recently, the Supreme Court has set aside Environment ministry notification that exempted extraction of ordinary earth
for linear projects such as road and railway extraction.

What was the 2020 exemption?

 In 2006, the Environment Ministry had issued notification under The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, on
activities that would require prior Environmental Clearance (EC).
 In 2016, another notification exempted certain categories of projects from EC.
 In 2020 the ministry added “Extraction or sourcing or borrowing of ordinary earth for the linear projects such
as roads, pipelines etc., to the list of exempted activities.
 The general purpose of the notification was to conform to the amendments made to the Mines and Minerals
(Development to Regulation) Act, 1957 allowing lessees to continue mining for 2 years with statutory clearances
and licences issued to their predecessors.
 The exemption was challenged in National Green Tribunal.
What are the grounds of challenge in NGT?
 Violation of Article 14- The exemption was deemed arbitrary and violative of Article 14 of Constitution of
India, as it allowed indiscriminate extraction of earth without defining clear guidelines or safeguards.
 Arbitrary- It was argued that the exemption favoured private miner and contractors, rather than serving public
interest.
 Bypassing legal procedures- The petitioner contended that the Ministry wrongly exercised its powers under
the pretext of public interest during the COVID- 19 lockdown to serve the interests of private entities.
 Lack of environmental safeguards- The exemption failed to incorporate necessary safeguards and
standards for environmental protection, the absence of defined limits on the quantity of extraction or
specification of areas for extraction posted risks to environmental conservation.
 Absence of justification- The Ministry provided no
justification for waiving the requirement of public notice Article 14 guarantees equality before law and
or for issuing a blanket exemption without considering equal protection of the law to all persons.
environmental concerns or applying proper scrutiny.
 Deepak Kumar vs State of Haryana (2012)- The exemption violated the requirement of prior EC in the
leases as laid by the top court in this case.
 NGT ruling- It held that the Ministry “should strike a balance and instead of being a blanket exemption, it
needs to be hedged by appropriate safeguards such as the process of excavation and quantum”.
 Review the exemption- NGT asked the Ministry to review it within three months, due to the Ministry's delay
in reviewing the exemption, the issue escalated to the Supreme Court.
Judicial scrutiny of exemptions under Environment Protection Act, 1986
 The NGT nullified a 2016 notification that exempted certain building and construction activities from needing
EC, citing no evidence of environmental quality improvement1.
 The NGT invalidated two Office Memorandums 2012 and 2013 that allowed for retrospective EC under the
2006 notification, emphasizing that the Environment Protection Act (EP Act) requires prior approval.
 A Ministry notification aimed to extend an amnesty period ( It is a fixed period of time during which people
are not punished for committing a particular crime) in 2017 for projects categorized as violations, granting
them ex-post facto approval, this was halted by the Supreme Court.
 The Kerala High Court quashed a 2014 notification that exempted educational institutions and industrial
sheds from the EC requirement if they had built-up areas over 20,000 square metre.
What is the stand of Supreme Court?

 Lack of guidance- The exemption was deemed arbitrary and against Article 14 of the constitution because it
did not clearly define ‘linear projects’ or the amount and area of earth extraction allowed.
 Absence of justification- The Ministry did not provide a valid reason for removing the requirement of public
notice, which is considered essential for such exemptions.
 Inadequate details- A subsequent notification was made by the ministry in 2023 which also failed to clarify
the definition of linear projects, the responsible authority for environmental safeguards or set limits on the
amount of earth that could be extracted.

 Rushed exemption- The Court highlighted the flaws in 2020 exemption, it expressed confusion over the
government’s rush to issue the exemption, since it coincided with a nationwide lockdown that halted
construction.
National Green Tribunal (NGT)
 Statutory body- It is established under National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.

 Ministry- Ministry of Law and Justice
 About- It is a specialized body equipped with the necessary expertise to handle environmental disputes
involving multi-disciplinary issues.
 Its dedicated jurisdiction in environmental matters shall provide speedy environmental justice.
 Mandate- To endeavour for disposal of applications or appeals finally within 6 months of filing of the same.
 Governing principles- The Tribunal shall not be bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil
Procedure, 1908, but shall be guided by principles of natural justice.
 NGT applies the principles of sustainable development, precautionary principle, and polluter pays
principle.
 New Delhi- It is the Principal Place of Sitting of the Tribunal.
 India is the 3rd country in the world, after Australia and New Zealand, to set up a statutory body for
environmental protection.
4.5 Right Against Climate Change
Why in news?
Recently the Supreme Court has ruled that people have a “right to be free from the adverse effects of climate change”,
which should be recognised by Article 14 and Article 21 of the Constitution.
What was the case before Supreme Court?
 A writ petition was filed for the protection of critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB) and Lesser
Florican.
 The plea included measures like bird diverters, halting new projects, and dismantling harmful structures in
critical habitats and also referred to India’s commitment to transition to non-fossil fuel energy sources in Paris
climate treaty.
 In 2021, the Supreme Court had restricted the setup of The court noted that environmental aspects of
overhead transmission lines and proposed conversion the Directive Principles should be interpreted
of existing overhead low and high voltage lines into
in conjunction with the right to life and
underground power lines across a vast area of GIB
habitats in Rajasthan and Gujarat. personal liberty under Article 21.
 The government has sought to modify the order due to

its impact on India’s power sector and the challenges of undergrounding power lines.
 Recently the court revised its previous order to allow for the assessment of underground power lines in specific
areas, considering various factors like population density and infrastructure requirements.
What are the key highlights of recent Supreme Court ruling?
A healthy environment, free from the
 Fundamental right- The court connects the fight against adverse effects of climate change, is
climate change to the constitutional right to life and equality
deemed a fundamental human right.
asserting that these cannot be fully realized without a clean and
stable environment.
 Right to health- The judgement recognised that the right to health is compromised by environmental issues
like air pollution and climate change, disproportionately affecting underserved communities.
 Human rights- The court emphasized the interplay between climate change and various human rights,
including health, indigenous rights, gender equality, and development.
 Huge impact- Environmental rights violations have wide-reaching impacts across multiple rights domains,
including life, health, water, housing, and procedural rights.

 Gendered impact of energy access- The judgment noted that unequal energy access affects women and
girls more due to traditional gender roles.
 Role of solar power- The court highlighted solar power as a key solution in combating the adverse effects of
climate change.
Need of solar energy
 Growth of energy demand- India’s expected contribution to global energy demand growth is substantial,
and solar power can provide energy security and environmental benefits.
 Air pollution- The need for cleaner energy sources is underscored by severe air pollution, and solar power
offers a pollution free alternative.
 Water conservation- With falling groundwater levels and rainfall, solar power presents an advantage as it
does not deplete water resources.
 Thus the court has highlighted solar power as a critical solution for India’s energy future.
 Environmental preservation- Articles 48A and 51A(g) of the Indian Constitution emphasizes the State's
and every citizen's responsibility towards environmental conservation, although these provisions are not
enforceable in a court of law, they signify the constitutional recognition of the importance of protecting the
natural world.
 Expert committee- The court proposed to constitute 9 member expert committee to examine the problem
faced by the bird species whose natural habitat and flight routes collide with power transmission lines in Gujarat
and Rajasthan.
 Renewable energy goals- The court recognized India’s goals to achieve 175 GW of renewable energy capacity
by 2022 and 450 GW by 2030, emphasizing the importance of clean energy for environmental preservation.
 Inclusive growth- The promotion of renewable energy sources plays a crucial role in promoting social equity
by ensuring access to clean and affordable energy for all segments of society, especially in rural and underserved
areas.
 Energy security- It is essential to harness power from sources of renewable energy in Rajasthan and Gujarat
to meet the rising power demand in the country in an expeditious and sustainable manner.
 Technical complexities- Underground power transmission cables are only available in 400 KV with lengths
of 250 meters, necessitating more joints, which could lead to leaks.
 Transmission loss- There is a significant transmission loss in these cables, about five times higher than
overhead cables, as they are less efficient in transmitting AC power.
 Land acquisition-The Electricity Act does not account for land acquisition for laying underground cables,
unlike overhead transmission lines, which only require the right of way.
 Environmental concerns- The bench also noted potential environmental issues, such as the impact on
vulnerable species and the risk of forest fires.
Supreme Court’s interpretation of Article 21
 Article 21 has been interpreted expansively by the court to encompass various rights that are essential for
dignified human existence.
 The court emphasized that the right to life is more than mere survival or animal existence, it includes the right to
live with human dignity.
 In 1987, right to a clean environment was recognised as part of life under Article 21 was a significant step in
recognizing environmental preservation as integral to human well-being.
 Over the years, the Supreme Court has included a range of rights under Article 21, such as right to education,
shelter, clean air, livelihood and medical care which are seen as essential components of a dignified life.
What lies ahead?

 The Supreme Court affirms that Indian citizens have a right against the adverse effects of climate change, despite
the lack of specific legislation on the issue.
 The Supreme Court has, from time to time, expanded the fundamental rights chapter to include various facets
of a dignified existence. However, this is the first time that it has included the “right against the adverse effects
of climate change”

Great Indian Bustard
 Scientific name – Ardeotis nigric

 It is the State bird of Rajasthan.
 Habitat – Dry grasslands and scrublands on the Indian subcontinent.
 Its largest populations are found in Rajasthan in the arid grasslands of Thar Desert National Park and Pokhran
Field Firing Range.
 They are omnivores and considered as an indicator of the health of grassland ecosystem.
 Reproduction – They are a slow-reproducing species and lay few eggs and have almost a year-long parental
care of chicks.
 Threat – Habitat loss, Hunting and poaching.
 Conservation Efforts – In 2012, Project Bustard,
a national conservation program was launched to
protect the GIB along with Bengal florican
(Critically endangered) and lesser florican
(Critically endangered).
 GIB has also been identified as one of the species for
the recovery programme under the Integrated
Development of Wildlife Habitats of Ministry of
Environment, Forests and Climate Change.
4.6 Climate Litigation
Why in news?
Recent Supreme Court’s ruling on right against climate change could energise climate litigation in India.
Climate Litigation
 Climate litigation means legal action that aims to combat climate change and involves arguments which
are related to climate change.
 It is one tool communities and individuals are using to force governments and corporations to do more to
prevent dangerous climate change.
 Categories-
o Cases relying on human rights enshrined in international law and national constitutions
o Challenges to domestic non-enforcement of climate-related laws and policies
o Litigants seeking to keep fossil fuels in the ground
o Advocates for greater climate disclosures and an end to greenwashing
o Claims addressing corporate liability and responsibility for climate harms; and
o Claims addressing failures to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
What is the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on right against climate change?
 The Supreme Court of India has made a significant ruling that acknowledges the fundamental right of people to
be free from the adverse impacts of climate change, it is seen as an extension from the right to life (Article 21)
and equality (Article 14) under Indian Constitution.
Global Climate Litigation Report 2023 by
 The court has recognized that the right to a clean
environment is well established in Indian jurisprudence, UNEP identified 2,180 climate-related cases
and given the increasing damage caused by climate being heard by courts, tribunals and other
change, it is essential to establish a distinct right to be adjudicatory bodies in 65 countries.
protected against its negative effects.

 The central government sought to modify a 2021 order related to the bird's conservation, arguing that it was
impractical and could hinder India's renewable energy development and its climate change commitments.
 The Supreme Court agreed to amend the order but also took the opportunity to address the broader issue of
climate change risks.
 The ruling is expected to energize climate litigation in India, as it sets a precedent for the legal recognition of
the right to be protected from climate change.
 It also reflects a global trend where courts are increasingly being UN General Assembly’s recognises
approached to address climate-related issues. the human right to a clean, healthy
Why there is global surge in climate litigation? and sustainable environment.
 Diverse actors- Children and youth, women’s groups, local
communities, and Indigenous Peoples are taking prominent role in bringing climate litigation cases.
 Awareness generation- Due to involvement of diverse actors, it fosters climate change governance reforms
in many countries around the world.
 Environmental rule of law-Access to justice enables the protection of environmental law and human rights,
promoting accountability in public institutions.
 Connection with human rights- Many cases brought before the courts show concrete links between human
rights and climate change.
 Global impact- While most cases have been brought in the United States, climate litigation is taking root
worldwide. About 17% of cases are now reported in developing countries, including Small Island Developing
States.
 Vulnerable voices- Vulnerables, including children and youth, are making their voices heard globally. Cases
have been brought by and on behalf of children as young as 7 and 9 years old in Pakistan and India.
 Role of judiciary- Sensitization of courts due to climate
related issues due to increased litigation, it further enhances the As per Global climate litigation report
accountability in government and corporate climate actions. India ranks 14th globally with 11 cases.
What is the status of climate litigation in India?
 Role of judiciary- National Green Tribunal deals exclusively with environmental matters, is the main forum
for climate related cases but petitions routinely land in the High Court and Supreme Court.
 Potential for new jurisprudence- Supreme Court’s ruling on right against climate change could lead to a
new jurisprudence that balances human and socio-economic development with environmental and climate
considerations.
 Effectiveness of court rulings- There is a question about the effectiveness of court rulings on climate
change, particularly in enforcing rights related to climate change impacts.
 Challenges- The court may not be proactive in climate change cases as they are with other environmental
issues due to complex nature of climate change and its socio economic implications.
What lies ahead?
 Climate change is a complex issue that may not be fully addressed through litigation alone, as it involves multi-
dimensional problems that exceed the capabilities of local, regional, or national governments.
 Courts may encourage the government to develop mitigation and adaptation strategies but are less likely to
enforce such measures strictly.
5. GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND INTERVENTIONS
5.1 Maritime Anti-Piracy Act, 2022
Why in news?
Recently the Navy Chief Admiral R. Hari Kumar has said that the new maritime anti-piracy act, 2022 has been a great
enabler as the Indian Navy completed 100 days of ‘Operation Sankalp’.

What are the key provisions of the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act, 2022?
Key aspects About
 It will apply to all parts of the sea adjacent to and beyond the limits of the Exclusive Economic
Applicability Zone of India.
 It will be applicable beyond 200 nautical miles from the coastline.
 Piracy is defined as any illegal act of violence, detention, or destruction committed against a
ship, aircraft, person or property, for private purposes, by the crew or passengers of a private
ship or aircraft.
Definition of
 Inciting or intentionally facilitating such acts would also qualify as piracy. It includes any other
piracy
act that is considered as piratical under international law.
 Piracy also includes voluntary participation in the operations of a pirate ship or aircraft used for
piracy.
Definition of  The Act defines ship as vessel or water craft, and

ship  Seaplanes and other aircraft capable of being used as means of transportation in water.
 A warship or military aircraft of the Indian Navy,

Personnel
authorised for  A ship or aircraft of the India Coast Guard, or
arrest and  Ships or aircraft on government service, and authorised for such purpose.
seizure
 Coastal police stations are now empowered to handle piracy cases.
 Attempt to cause death- Life imprisonment or death.

Offences and  Attempt to commit or aid piracy- up to 10 years of imprisonment, or fine, or both.
penalty
 Participating, organising or directing others to commit piracy- up to 14 years of imprisonment
or fine or both.
 The accused can be transferred to any country for prosecution with which India has signed an
Extraditable extradition treaty.
offences
 India has an agreement with Somalia where Somalian pirates have been extradited since 2017
 Designated courts- The central government, in consultation with the Chief Justice of the
Jurisdiction of concerned High Court, can notify Sessions Courts as the designated courts under this Act.
designated
court  Port or place of disembarkation within India of the person suspected or accused will be taken
into account while deciding jurisdiction of the Court.
 The designated court will try offences committed by a person in the custody of the Indian Navy
or Coast Guard, regardless of nationality.
Offences  A citizen of India, a resident foreign national in India, or a stateless person.

covered  The court may try a person even if they are not physically present in the court.
 Exemptions- Warships and government owned ships employed for non-commercial purposes
are not under jurisdiction of the court.
 The Court does not have jurisdiction over offences committed on a foreign ship unless an
intervention is requested by
Offences over o The country of origin of the ship
foreign ship
o The ship owner
o Any other person on the ship

What is the significance of the Act?

 It is the first domestic law to empower Indian authorities and courts to deal with piracy and pirate ships on
the high seas.
 Maritime security- The Act ensures maritime security which is the key to safeguarding India’s security and
economic well-being.
 Navigation security- More than 90% of India’s trade takes place by sea routes and over 80% of the country’s
hydrocarbon requirements was sea-borne, security of these routes and lanes of communication is critical.
 Increased authority- Earlier only allocated police station in Mumbai was
handling piracy cases, now it empowers all coastal police authorities which has India ratified
been a great enabler for the security forces particularly for Navy. UNCLOS in 1995.
 Align with UNCLOS, 1982- It is an essential step for India to fulfill its
international obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and enhance
its maritime security which has defined piracy and given a uniform international legal framework for combatting
acts of piracy.
Operation Sankalp
 Launch year- 2019

 Origin- It was started as there were explosions in oil tanker ships in the Gulf of Oman amid tensions between
Iran and the US.
 Aim- To ensure safe passage of Indian Flag Vessels transiting through the Strait of Hormuz.
 Need- Based on the threat assessment in the region, the Indian Navy is conducting maritime security
operations in
o Gulf of Aden and adjoining areas,
o Arabian Sea and
o Off the East Coast of Somalia
 IFC-IOR- Information Fusion Centre- Indian Ocean Region of the Indian Navy at Gurugram has played a
transformative role as a principal hub for enabling information exchange in Indian Ocean Region.
 Significance- It has played a pivotal role as the ‘First Responder’ and ‘Preferred Security Partner’ in the
Indian Ocean Region.
 Role- The naval ships, aircraft and Special Forces have demonstrated an unflinching resolve to ‘secure the
seas’ and protect the maritime community from various non-traditional threats present in the region.
6. GOVERNANCE
6.1 Technology to Advance Criminal Justice
Why in news?
Recently the Chief Justice of India emphasized the critical role of technology in advancing criminal justice on Central
Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Raising Day.
What are the applications of AI in criminal justice reforms?
 Predictive policing- AI can assist law enforcement
agencies in identifying potential crime hotspots and The National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) is
patterns, which can aid in the deployment of resources the integrated intelligence master database
and personnel. structure for counter-terrorism purposes
 Case management- AI-driven systems can connecting databases of various core security
streamline case management processes by automating agencies under the Government of India.
scheduling, reminders, and document management.
 Evidence analysis- AI can assist in the analysis of evidence, including fingerprint matching, facial recognition,
and voice analysis.

 Legal research- AI-powered legal research tools can help lawyers and judges access relevant case law, legal
precedents, and statutes quickly, aiding in the interpretation and application of legal provisions of CrPC, Indian
Penal Code, 1860 and Indian Evidence Act, 1872 provisions during trials and hearings.
 Judicial decision making- AI can provide data-driven insights to assist judges in making informed decisions
regarding sentencing and parole.
 Data management- AI can help manage vast volumes of data and evidence, ensuring that it is securely stored
and easily accessible.
 Risk assessment algorithms- AI driven risk assessment tools can be used for bail, sentencing, and parole
decisions.
 Forensic analysis- AI is being used in forensic analysis, including the examination of digital evidence,
fingerprints, and DNA.
 Facial recognition- It can be used in identifying suspects and improving surveillance.
 Legal aid- AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants can provide legal information and assistance to individuals
who may not have access to legal counsel, helping them understand their rights and responsibilities under the
legal framework such as Criminal Procedure Code, 1973.
What are the benefits and challenges of technology in criminal justice reforms?
Benefits Challenges
 Enhanced efficiency- AI can automate routine  Biased data- If historical criminal justice data
tasks, leading to quicker case processing. contains biases, AI algorithms may reinforce those
biases, leading to unfair outcomes.
 Cost effective- It would lead to potential cost
savings for law enforcement agencies.  Data privacy- The use of AI in criminal justice
necessitates the collection and analysis of large
 Reduced bias- AI can help minimize human biases datasets, raising concerns about the privacy and
in decision-making processes. security of sensitive information.
 Improved resource allocation- AI can optimize  Lack of transparency- The deployment of AI in
resource allocation by identifying crime hotspots and law enforcement may raise ethical questions and
allocating police resources accordingly. concerns among the public, requiring transparent
 Reduce case backlog- By automating routine tasks policies and communication to build and maintain
and document processing, AI can help reduce the trust.
backlog of cases in the criminal justice system,  Technical limitations- The technical limitations
ensuring that justice is delivered in a timely manner. may result in errors and misinterpretations which
 Reduce complexities- Creation of Network for needs human oversight.
Evidence Tracing, Research, and Analysis (NETRA)  Skewed data- It could lead to community-based
is a significant leap forward in CBI which is designed profiling of marginalized social groups, potentially
to handle complex criminal investigations by violating privacy rights and disproportionately
analysing digital evidence. targeting specific communities.
How to address the ethical considerations in criminal justice reforms?

 Equitable distribution- The benefits of digitization should reach everyone regardless of their background is
essential, mechanism should be in place to address the digital divide.
 Digitilization of foundational processes- Paying attention to foundational processes, such as filing of First
Information Reports (FIRs) is crucial which would enhance transparency and allow for tracing back the
sequence of events.
 Synchronization with court procedure- Investigations should align with court procedures to ensure
effective and time bound prosecutions, the complexities of cases undertaken by Central Bureau of Investigation
necessitates meticulous adherence to legal parameters.
 Institutional commitment- It involves dedicated financing for infrastructure upgrades, synergies across
different wings of criminal justice administration and calibrated strategies to keep personnel informed about
rapid environmental changes.
 Integrating technology- A multi-pronged approach to integrate technology with court procedures is
recommended, it aims to prevent the severity of accusations and excessive delays in CBI courts from leading to
a presumption of guilt.

 Virtual court model- The e-committee of the Supreme Court has developed a virtual court model, once
implemented it will enable simultaneous conversion of speech into text.
What lies ahead?
 CJI has emphasized that importance of establishing adequate safeguards to prevent the misuse of AI and other
advanced technologies.
 AI should be wielded within ethical boundaries to uphold the integrity of the justice system.
NETRA Lab
 Ministry- Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions

 Vision- To further strengthen investigative processes of CBI in the digital domain.
 Mission- To extract data from the electronic footprints, process it into actionable intelligence and aid
investigation process
 Purpose- It is designed to handle complex criminal investigations by analysing digital evidence.
 It covers a wide range of sources, including mobile devices, cloud storage, and e-Discovery data.
 It plays a crucial role in expediting the investigation process and contributes to deliver justice efficiently.
7. HEALTH
7.1 The WHO Pandemic Agreement
Why in news?
Recently the 9th meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) was convened to develop a revised draft of
the negotiating text of the WHO Pandemic Agreement.
How Intergovernmental Negotiating Body evolved?
The ‘pandemic treaty’ was first proposed by
 Launch year- 2021, Chile and the European Union (EU).
 Established by -World Health Assembly
 Aim-To draft and negotiate a convention, agreement or other international instrument under the Constitution
of the World Health Organization to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.
 Need- In light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, World Health Organisation’s 194 Member States
established a process to draft and negotiate a new convention, agreement, or other international instrument on
pandemic preparedness and response.
 Principles- The INB’s work is based on the principles of inclusiveness, transparency, efficiency, Member State
leadership and consensus.
What are the key features of the treaty?
 Aim- To strengthen global defences against pandemics and prevent catastrophic crises by addressing systemic
failures revealed by COVID- 19.
 Pathogen surveillance- Strengthening surveillance for pathogens with pandemic potential.
 Workforce capacity- The health care workforce should be enhanced to respond to pandemics effectively.
 Improve logistics- The supply chain resilience should be improved for medical products and equipment.
 Technology transfer-Facilitating the transfer of technology to support the production of vaccines, diagnostic
tests, and treatments.
 Intellectual Property (IP) Waiver- Address the issue of intellectual property rights to ensure equitable
access to medical products.
 WHO PABS System- Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system establishes a mechanism for sharing
pathogen information while ensuring equitable access to benefits derived from research.
 Accountability- Robust governance, enforcement and accountability measures within the treaty framework.

What is the significance of the treaty?

 Equitable access to benefits- In PABS system, countries would share genome sequence information and
samples with WHO-coordinated networks and databases .
 In exchange, manufacturers of diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines would be required to provide
o 10% of their products free of charge
o 10% at not-for-profit prices The COP suggests that the Agreement could be a
classic international treaty adopted under Article
 Legal obligation- The legal obligation on 19 of the WHO Constitution as opposed to the
provision sharing aims to establish legal obligations
alternative Article 21 opt-out regulations.
for all users of biological materials and genetic
sequence data under PABS.
 Importance of robust PABS system- It is useful for particularly low- and middle-income countries,
including some African nations, as it promotes equitable access to medical countermeasures.
 Establishment of COP- It proposed for establishment of the Conference of Parties (COP) to oversee the
implementation of the Pandemic Agreement.
What are the concerns with the treaty?
 Concern of developed countries- Countries such as Australia, Canada, UK, US and European Union have
termed the proposed text as step backwards particularly regarding the financing and IP.
 Hesitancy to share information- Developing countries are cautious about sharing information on pathogen
spread and evolution, especially if they perceive little benefit in return, it is exacerbated during COVID-19
pandemic due to vaccine nationalism.
 Global governance challenges- The absence of adequate Vaccine nationalism is a scenario where
enforcement mechanisms hampers coordinated efforts for the wealthy countries sign deals with
pandemic countermeasure stockpiles. pharmaceutical companies directly to
 Lack of enforcement- The Pandemic Agreement faces secure vaccines for their own populations
significant challenges due to the absence of robust limiting the stock available for others.
enforcement mechanisms.
 Risk of ineffectiveness- Even if the Global North reaches consensus on key issues like technology transfer,
the PABS System, and intellectual property waivers, the Agreement could still be rendered ineffective without
robust enforcement.
 Concern with existing regulations- The international health regulations are legally binding but they fail to
prevent unjust travel or trade restrictions and the hoarding of vaccines and other medical countermeasures
during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 Issue with COP- The COP model mirrors the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
summits where all nations receive equal voting rights but it remains uncertain whether negotiators will reach
consensus on this structure.
 IP requirement- The firms that received public financing need to waive or reduce their IP royalties remains
a critical point of debate as pharmaceutical industry is not satisfied with this provision.
What lies ahead?
 The pandemic agreement underscores the understanding that no single government or institution can
effectively combat the threat of future pandemics in isolation.
 India underscores the importance of clarity in defining roles and responsibilities especially between developed
and developing nations to achieve equitable outcomes.
International Health Regulations
 The International Health Regulations was adopted after the 2002-2003 SARS outbreak.
 In 2005, it set out countries’ obligations where public health events have the potential to cross borders.
 These include advising the WHO immediately of a health emergency and measures on trade and travel.
 These regulations are still considered appropriate for regional epidemics, such as Ebola but inadequate for a
global pandemic.

7.2 Youth Suicide in India
Why in news?
India’s suicide rate reached a record high in 2022, with a significant portion of these tragedies involving the youth,
indicating a critical public health issue.
Status of suicide in India
 National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reports that 1.71 lakh people died by suicide in 2022.
 The suicide rate has increased to 12.4 per 1,00,000 — the highest rate ever recorded in India since 1967.
 The report reveals that 41% of all suicides are by young people below the age of 30.
 As per NCRB 2021 data the highest number of student suicides is reported in Maharashtra followed by
Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
 Suicide is the leading cause of mortality for young women in India.
 A Lancet study stated that suicide death rates in India are among the highest in the world and a large
proportion of adult suicide deaths occur between the ages 15 and 29.
 A young Indian dies by suicide every 8 minutes, which is a loss to family, society, the economy and future of
the country.
What are the causes of suicide in young people of India?

 Mental health issues- Depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders are significant contributors to suicidal
behavior among young people.
 Family issues- Negative or traumatic family dynamics, including domestic violence, parental pressure and
intergenerational conflicts, can exacerbate stress and contribute to suicidal ideation among youth.
 Academic stress- The intense pressure to perform well academically, driven by societal expectations and a
competitive education system, can lead to feelings of inadequacy and hopelessness among students.
 Social factors- Peer pressure, social isolation and unhealthy lifestyle habits can increase vulnerability to
suicidal behaviour among young people.
 Exposure to violence- It can be in the form of physical or sexual abuse which can have long lasting
psychological effects and increase the risk of suicide among youth.
 Gender specific factors- Early marriage, gender based violence, and rigid gender roles contribute to highest
rate of suicide among young girls and women.
 Addiction- Substance abuse, alcohol and excessive internet use particularly among college students are
associated with increased suicidal behaviour.
 Media influence- Sensationalized media coverage of suicide especially when involving celebrities, can
contribute to suicidal ideation among vulnerable individuals.
How to address the issue of suicide among young people in India?
 Mental health awareness- Schools, colleges, and community organizations can play a crucial role in
providing support services and promoting mental well-being among students.
 Early intervention- Identifying and addressing mental health problems at an early stage is essential in
preventing suicidal behavior. Schools should have counsellors or mental health professionals who can provide
support to students facing academic stress, family issues etc.,
 Family support- Providing parents with education and resources on parenting skills and communication can
help prevent conflicts and
enhance family One-third of young people are cyber-bullied.
relationships.
And of this sub-set, one third are suicidal.
 Educational reforms-
The education system Teens who used social media for more than 2 hours a day are more suicidal.
should focus on holistic
development rather than solely academic achievements.Alternative assessment methods, career guidance, and
opportunities for exploring diverse interests can reduce the pressure on students and alleviate the fear of failure.

 Regulate media reporting- Implementing guidelines for responsible reporting of suicide and promoting
positive narratives of resilience and hope can mitigate this risk.
 Prevent substance abuse- Addressing substance abuse issues through awareness campaigns, access to
treatment services, and regulation of alcohol and drug sales can help reduce the risk of suicide among young
people.
 Community engagement- Building strong support networks within communities and empowering local
organisations to provide mental health services and interventions can enhance resilience and prevent social
isolation among youth.
 Implementation of National Suicide Prevention Strategy- It was launched by the Ministry of
Health should be effectively disseminated and implemented across all states.
 Research- Continual research and data collection are essential for understanding the evolving trends and risk
factors associated with youth suicide.
 Crisis intervention services- Establishing helplines, crisis intervention centers, and online support
platforms can provide immediate assistance to individuals in distress and prevent suicidal acts.
Steps taken by India to tackle mental health related issues
 National Mental Health Program, 1982- It focuses on ensuring the availability and accessibility of
minimum mental healthcare for all.
 National Mental Health Policy, 2014- A policy designed to promote mental health, prevent mental illness,
and ensure socio-economic inclusion of those affected by mental illness.
 Mental Health Act, 2017- It provides for mental healthcare and services for persons with mental illness and to
protect, promote and fulfil the rights of such persons during the delivery of mental healthcare and services.
 NIMHANS: The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences in Bengaluru, a premier institution for
mental health and neuroscience education and research.
 Training - Online capacity building of health workers by NIMHANS in providing psychosocial support and
training through (iGOT)-Diksha platform
 KIRAN- A toll-free, 24/7 helpline providing support for individuals facing mental health issues.
 MANAS Mitra: A mobile application aimed at promoting mental well-being.
 Tele-MANAS helpline, 2022- A telecommunication service that offers mental health support to those in need.
7.3 Sugar Processed Foods
Why in news?
As per recent report Nestle’s products for babies in Asia, Africa and Latin America were found to contain added sugars,
while the same products sold in Europe did not have it.
Regulation of sugar
 Sugar- It is the generic name for sweet-tasting, soluble carbohydrates, many of which are used in food.
 Artificial sweeteners- They are sugar substitutes that are used to sweeten foods and beverages with very little
to no calories.
 Regulation- Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations 2018, the FSSAI said that only if
total sugar is less than 5g per 100g in a product, it can claim to be ‘low on sugar.’ Any product which is ‘low on
sugar,’ can potentially be healthy.
 WHO- World Health Organisation has advised against the introduction of added sugars before the age of 2, it
also recommends limiting free sugar intake to less than 10% of total energy intake with future benefits by
reducing intake to less than 5% of total energy.
What are the key highlights of recent report on Nestle’s products?

 Report by- Public Eye in collaboration with the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN)

 Discrepancy in nutritional standard- Nestle was criticized for applying different nutritional standards in
different countries.
 High level of sugar- Baby food products marketed in low and middle-income countries as healthy and
essential for children’s development were found to contain high levels of added sugars, similar products sold in
Switzerland where Nestle is headquartered did not contain added sugars.
 Lack of transparency- The report pointed out that Nestle did not provide clear information about the
quantity of sugar content on the packaging of its products, this could mislead parents into believing that these
products are healthier than they actually are.
 Health risks- The presence of added sugars in baby food products poses risks to children’s health, excessive
sugar consumption can contribute to various health issues including obesity, diabetes and dental problems.
 Poor diet habits- Introducing babies to sweet tastes at a young age may also reinforce a preference for sugary
foods, leading to poor dietary habits later in life.
What are the harmful effects of added sugars particularly for babies?
 Nutritional impact- Consuming foods high in added sugars can lead to imbalances in the diet, potentially
displacing more nutritious foods and nutrients.
 Impact on health- Excessive sugar intake is associated with an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes,
cardiovascular disease, and dental caries. Babies and young children are especially vulnerable to these health
risks due to their developing bodies and eating habits.
 Long term effects- Experts warn that high sugar intake can put Indian Council of Medical Research
pressure on baby’s pancreas potentially leading to diabetes and study estimates that 101.3 million
obesity in the future, excess sugar can turn into triglycerides, people in India could be diabetic.
leading to fatty liver and insulin resistance.
 Regional health disparity- World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning about the
alarming increase in obesity rates, especially in low and middle-income countries, where it has escalated to
“epidemic proportions.”
 Surge in NCDs- The rise in obesity is contributing to a surge in non-communicable diseases
like cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes. One of the primary culprits behind this epidemic is the
heightened consumption of highly processed foods that are often
loaded with sugar. Glycemic index is a measure used to
 Impact of Maltodextrin- Maltodextrin is used to enhance the determine how much a food can
flavour and texture but has higher glycemic index than a table affect your blood sugar levels.
sugar, which can quickly raise blood sugar levels.
 Addictive nature- Sugar has addictive properties and can lead to carvings for sweet foods, this may predispose
them to develop a preference for sweet tastes potentially leading to overconsumption of sugary foods in the
future.
 Tooth decay- Early exposure to sugar, especially through frequent consumption of sugary foods and beverages
can increase the risk of tooth decay and dental cavities in infants and young children.
What lies ahead?
 Government authorities are warning against branding items with added sugar as “healthy” and have called
out misleading promotion and marketing tactics.
 The impact of high sugar processed food is a global health concern, hence it underscores the need for better
dietary practices and policies to combat these trends.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
 Establishment - It is a statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
 Ministry - Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Headquarters - Delhi
 Function - To regulate and monitor, manufacture, processing, distribution, sale and import of food while
ensuring safe and wholesome food to the consumers.
 To protect and promote public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety.
 State Food Safety Index- It is released annually by FSSAI to measure the performance of states on parameters
of food safety.

8. INTERNATIONAL ISSUES
8.1 Rohingya Refugee Crisis
Why in news?
Recently Rohingya refugees are rescued in the waters of West Aceh, Indonesia has once again drawn attention to the
plight of the refugees who are increasingly embarking on dangerous sea journeys to seek a better life.
Who are Rohingya refugees?
 The Rohingya are a Muslim minority ethnic
group with historical ties to the Arakan kingdom in
Myanmar (formerly known as Burma).
 The term "Rohingya" is derived from the word
"Arakan" in the Rohingya dialect, with "ga" or "gya"
meaning "from."
 Despite claiming generations of residence in
Myanmar's Rakhine State, the Rohingya face
challenges due to successive governments labelling
them as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.
 Unique tradition- Their cultural and religious
distinctiveness sets them apart from the majority
Buddhist population in Myanmar, and they speak a
Bengali dialect different from the common Burmese
language.
 Unfortunately, Myanmar has denied them recognition as an ethnic group, rendering them the world's largest
stateless population, devoid of fundamental rights and security.
 Myanmar's 1982 citizenship law- Rohingya community members (along with other ethnic minorities) can
only attain citizenship if they can prove their ancestors resided in Myanmar before 1823.
 Otherwise, even if one of their parents is a Myanmar citizen, they are classified as "resident foreigners" or
"associate citizens".
 Forced displacement- The Rohingya have been fleeing Myanmar in large numbers since violence erupted in
2012 and escalated dramatically in 2017, resulting in what the UN described as "ethnic cleansing."
 2017 crisis- A massive wave of violence erupted in Rakhine,
forcing over 750,000 people to seek sanctuary in Bangladesh.
 The brutality of security forces resulted in entire villages being
razed, families torn apart, and severe human rights violations,
including mass rape.
 Over the years, Rohingya seeks refuge in neighbouring countries
such as Bangladesh, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and India.
 UN fact finding commission- In 2018, the commision
accused Myanmar of having genocidal intent against the
Rohingya, it uncovered clear patterns of abuse by the military,
including systemic targeting of civilians, sexual violence etc.,
 Refugee camps in Bangladesh- An estimated
960,000Rohingya live in refugee camps in Bangladesh where they are primarily located near Myanmar border
in Cox’s bazar which houses some of the world’s largest and most densely populated refugee camps.
 Overcrowded camps- The refugee camps lack basic human necessities
What are the issues that Rohingya face in high sea journeys?
 Risk high sea journeys- Returning to Myanmar is virtually impossible and worsening conditions in
Bangladeshi relief camps, many Rohingya risk dangerous journeys.
 Reach other countries-They undertake treacherous voyages across the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea
to reach Muslim-majority nations like Indonesia and Malaysia.

 Exploitation- Human traffickers exploit their desperation, charging exorbitant amounts to ferry, they are
often given inadequate space and basic supplies, violence against women have been documented.
 Stranded refugees- Some
Rohingya remain stranded at
sea for weeks because countries
are reluctant to accept refugees.
 Illegal immigration- Some
countries detain the refugees
along the route on illegal
immigration charges, enduring
lengthy incarceration without
resolution.
 Deadliest stretch of waters-
UN has estimated that 1 in 8
Rohingya individuals
attempting the sea route either
dies or disappears rendering
Andaman sea and Bay of Bengal
among the deadliest stretches of water globally.
What lies ahead?
 The UN refugee agency urgently calls upon regional coastal authorities to take timely action, emphasizing that
saving lives and rescuing those in distress at sea is both a humanitarian imperative and a longstanding duty
under international maritime law.
 Rohingya crisis requires concerted efforts from the international community to ensure the safety, dignity, and
rights of Rohingya refugees are upheld.
 This includes providing adequate humanitarian assistance, addressing the root causes of the crisis in Myanmar,
and holding accountable those responsible for human rights violations against the Rohingya population.
8.2 Iran Israel Conflict
Why in news?
Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, in retaliation for an Israeli attack on its consulate that occurred in
Damascus, Syria.
History of Iran and Israel relations
 Iran was one of the first countries in the region to recognise Israel after its formation in 1948.
 First Arab Israeli war- In 1948, the opposition of Arab states to
Israel led to the first Arab-Israeli war. Iran was not a part of that
conflict, and after Israel won, it established ties with the Jewish
state. It made Iran the second Muslim-majority country after
Turkey to take such a step.
 Israel’s diplomacy- It was part of Israel’s “periphery doctrine”,
a strategy that aims to build alliances with non-Arab countries in
the Middle East.
 Pahlavi dynasty- Under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Iran
maintained close ties with the US and Israel, even selling oil to
Israel during Arab economic boycott.
 Islamic Revolution, 1979- The overthrow of the Shah led to the
establishment of a religious state in Iran, altering its stance on Israel to view it as an occupier of Palestinian
territories.
 Iran’s regional ambitions- Post revolution, Iran aimed to expand its influence, challenging regional
powers like Saudi Arabia and Israel, both US allies.
 Iran Iraq accord, 1975- Iran ceased support for Kurdish-Iraqi separatists, reduced hostilities and affected
Israel’s strategic value to Iran.

 Nuclear facility attack- Israel periodically targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities to hinder Iran’s potential
development of nuclear weapons.
 Stuxnet cyberattack, 2010 US and Israel reportedly created Stuxnet, a computer virus that disrupt
Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility, marking a significant moment in cyber warfare.
 Iran’s proxy support- Iran's support for militant groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, which oppose Israel
and the US further escalate tensions between two countries.
What is the current issue?

 Hamas attack- On October 7, 2023 Hamas-led militants storm across the border into Israel, Hamas hopes
that other regional adversaries of Israel would join the conflict.
 Militants involvement- Hezbollah, Houthi which are backed by Iran have involved in Israel-Hamas, they
pressure Israel to cease war with Hamas.
 Damascus strike- Israeli war jets targeted an Iranian consulate in Syria, resulting in the death of senior
Iranian military commanders.
 Iran aerial assault- Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles on Israel as a response to Damascus strike,
a significant attack that was largely neutralized by Israel’s defence system and international support.
 Support from US- US played a significant role in countering the attack, deploying air defence missiles and
aircraft in the region.
Regional groups supported by Iran
 Hamas- It originated during the first Intifada in 1987 to establish a Palestinian state, it has governed the Gaza
Strip since 2007.
 Palestine Islamic Jihad, 1979- It is the second-largest militant group in the Gaza Strip and the West
Bank, it receives financial assistance and training from Iran.
 Hezbollah- It means “Party of God” set up by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in 1982 to fight Israeli forces that had
invaded Lebanon that year.
 Houthis- They have been engaged in Yemen’s civil war for over a decade, they attacked ships in the Red Sea
during Israel Hamas conflict disrupting a major shipping route between Europe and Asia it is supported by Iran.
 Popular mobilisation Forces- It is Iraq’s state sanctioned coalition of paramilitary groups they
maintain close ties with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.
What is India’s stake in Iran Israel conflict?

 Strategic balance- India has managed to maintain diplomatic ties with both Iran and Israel, balancing its
interests in the region for decades.
Israel Iran
 India and Iran established diplomatic links in

 India recognised Israel in 1950 and full diplomatic
1950.
relations were established after the opening of
embassies in 1992.  Iran has been a significant supplier of crude oil to
India, although this has been affected by
 India has benefited from Israeli expertise and
international sanctions.
technologies in agriculture such as horticulture
mechanization, protected cultivation etc.,  In 2018, India and Iran signed an Agreement for
the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the
 The relationship with Israel is particularly strong
Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to taxes
in defence and security, with Israel being a major
on income.
arms supplier to India.
 Both India and Iran share concerns
 India-Israel cooperation in S&T is overseen by the
over terrorism, particularly from Pakistan and
Joint Committe on S&T, established under the S&T
Afghanistan and the situation with Taliban.
Cooperation Agreement signed in 1993.
 India over the years has emerged as one of the
 There are approximately 85,000 Jews of Indian-
favourite tourist destinations for Iranian tourists
origin in Israel (with at least one Indian parent),
and every year around 40,000 Iranians visit India
who are all Israeli passport holders.
for various purposes.

 Chabahar port project in Iran is backed by India,

it is crucial for India’s access to Afghanistan and
Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.
What lies ahead?

 India's consistent call for calm and restraint underscores its desire to maintain peace and prevent the escalation
of hostilities within its borders and in the region.
 India’s stance is a reflection of its broader foreign policy approach, which seeks to navigate complex
international relations while upholding its national interests.
8.3 Baloch - Pakistan Issue
Why in news?
The Majeed Brigade of the separatist group Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for recent attack
on a complex outside Pakistan’s strategic Gwadar Port.
Why Balochistan remains problem in Pakistan?
 Balochistan, in Pakistan’s southwest, is the country’s largest and most sparsely populated province.
 Population- Ethnic Baloch live
in Pakistan, Iran and
Afghanistan, the Baloch
nationalism traces its roots to the
early decades of the 20th
century, when new international
borders came to be drawn in the
region.
 Accession of Balochistan- At
the time of Partition, Balochistan
was composed of multiple
chiefdoms under British
influence. Ahmed Yar Khan,
chief of Kalat, sought
independence for his people but
was compelled to accede in 1948
after Pakistan’s invasion of Kalat.
 Insurgency- The forced
accession of Balochistan led to a
series of insurgencies
characterized by violent
confrontations between Baloch
nationalists and the Pakistani
state.

 State repression- Pakistani security forces have been accused of brutal repression, including extrajudicial
killings, torture, and enforced disappearances of Baloch activists, journalists, and civilians.
 Ethnic differences- The conflict’s persistence can be attributed to ethnic differences as Balochistan’s people
have a distinct history, language, and culture, which sets them apart from Punjabis or Sindhis.
 Power imbalance- Pakistan’s formation is based on religion led to skewed power dynamics among different
Muslim ethnicities this could be witnessed from Punjab landlords as they held significant influence over the
bureaucracy.
 Economic injustice- Despite Balochistan's significant natural resources, including oil reserves and strategic
locations such as Gwadar Port, the Baloch people have not reaped the benefits.
 Marginalization- Economic disparities, including unemployment and preferential treatment of outsiders in
job opportunities, have fueled resentment among the Baloch population.
 Growing militancy- Baloch nationalist groups, including the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), have formed
alliances with Islamist organizations like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Islamic State.
 Political turmoil- In 1974 then Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was assassinated as he was unwilling to
grant significant autonomy to Balochistan situation, this marked the significant violence for nationalism.
 Majeed Brigade- It is a dedicated suicide squad within the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) which has been
responsible for carrying out high-profile attacks targeting security personnel, government officials, and
infrastructure, including Chinese interests in Pakistan.
Why India’s role is significant in in Baloch-Pakistan issue?
 Strategic location- Balochistan is a region that spans across Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan, and has a
strategic position at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, a vital
waterway for global oil trade. Amnesty International report from
 Maritime connectivity- Balochistan also has access to the 2011 highlighted the use of 'kill and
Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, making it a potential hub for dump' strategies by Pakistani forces.
maritime connectivity and trade.
 Geopolitical dynamics- Balochistan is home to Baloch minority which is strategically important for the
global powers that are competing for influence in Central Asia and the Middle East.
 New great game- It refers to the rivalry and competition among regional and global powers for influence and
resources in Central and South Asia, especially in Afghanistan and its neighbouring countries.
 China factor- China has a strategic interest in Gwadar, a port city in Balochistan, as part of its Belt and Road
Initiative and its naval ambitions in the Indian Ocean.
 Security concerns- Balochistan’s proximity to Afghanistan, where the Taliban regime has recently taken over,
adds to the complexity and uncertainty to the regional security dynamics.
 Change in foreign policy- India as a rising power with growing economic and security interests in the region,
needs to rethink its traditional neutrality and passive approach in the Middle East and Central Asia.
 Chabahar port- It is situated in Iran, the port is developed by India, it directly competes with Pakistan’s China
Gwadar port
 Location- It is situated on the Arabian Sea at

Gwadar in Balochistan province of Pakistan.
 Strategic connectivity- It is deep sea port that
connects South Asia with Central Asia, Middle East,
Africa and Europe.
 Operational control- China since 2013.
 Significance- It is the lynchpin of China–Pakistan
Economic Corridor (CPEC) plan, and is considered
to be a link between the Belt and Road Initiative
and the Maritime Silk Road projects.
 CPEC- It aims to connect the deep-sea Pakistani ports of Gwadar and Karachi to China’s Xinjiang province
and beyond by overland routes.

8.4 Shahpurkandi Dam Project
Why in news?
As the Shahpurkandi barrage on the river Ravi in the Indian state of Punjab nears completion, there are fears in
downstream Pakistan regarding the restriction of water flow.
River Ravi
 Location - Ravi is a trans-border river that flows through India and Pakistan.
 It is one of the 5 tributaries of the Indus River that gives the Punjab region its name and identity.
 Origin - In the Himalayas within Himachal Pradesh
 Length – Has a total length of 720 km, of which 320 km are in India and 400 km are in Pakistan.
 Other names - Iravati, Hydraotes, Parushani, The river of Lahore (since Lahore is situated on its eastern
bank).
 Tributaries - Seul, Saiwa, Nai, Ujh, Budhil, etc.
 Dams and barrages built on Ravi - Ranjit Sagar Dam, Chamera Dam, Madhopur Headworks, Sidhnai
Barrage and Shahpur Kandi barrage
 Historical significance - The Battle of the Ten Kings was fought on the banks of the Ravi River, which was
then called Parushani.
 Religious significance - Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was believed to be born on its banks in the
village of Rai Bhoi di Talwandi, now known as Nankana Sahib.
 The Hindus believe that it as one of the Sapta Sindhu, or the seven holy rivers of India.
What is the project about?

 Location - It is a 55.5-metre-
high dam constructed on
the river Ravi.
 It is located downstream
of Ranjit Sagar dam and
upstream of Madhopur
barrage in Punjab, India.
 Project - It is a part of the Rs
3,300 crore Shahpurkandi
multipurpose river valley
project, which also comprises
two hydropower plants with
an installed capacity of 206 MW.
 Year - 1st ideated in 1979 between Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir and was declared a national project in
2008.
 Implemented by – Punjab
 Objective – To minimise some of the water of Ravi that is currently going waste through the Madhopur barrage
downstream to Pakistan.
How significant is Shahpurakandi Dam Project to India?
 Irrigation - It will facilitate irrigation of 5,000 hectares in Punjab and over 32,000 hectares in Jammu and
Kashmir.
 Power - J&K will get 20% share of power and Punjab will get 80%.
 Full utilization of river - It will also check uncontrolled flow of water (approximately 2 MAF) to Pakistan.
 Boosts defence potential - Regulated water supply in canals will also bolster defence potential of the
vulnerable Kathua-Samba corridor.
 Ensures water supply - Balancing the reservoir will also optimise water supply to Upper Bari Doab
Canal, which was erratic and dictated by power generation considerations.

 The earlier, tedious method of lifting water into Tawi Lift Canal will get simplified with gravity feed.
How is the usage of Ravi river water regulated?
 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) administers how river Indus and its tributaries that flow in India and Pakistan
will be utilised.
 The IWT is one of only two major transboundary water
treaties in South Asia (the other being the 1996 Ganges India, with the lowest per-capita freshwater
treaty). availability, has barely 4% freshwater
reserves for 17% of the world’s population.
 Signed in 1960 between between India and Pakistan.
 It was brokered by the World Bank.
Rights of water usage
River segment India’s rights Pakistan’s rights
Eastern Rivers - Sutlej,

Unrestricted use over the Eastern Rivers -
Beas and Ravi
Obligation to let flow the western rivers unrestricted. However, since

Indus flows from India, it is allowed to use 20% of its water for
Western rivers - Indus, Unrestricted use
Chenab and Jhelum  Irrigation of the Western
 Power generation rivers.
 Transport purposes
 Rights of water usage - Both India and Pakistan have the right to non-consumptive use and rights of
drainage issues and river conservation aspects.
 Pakistan also has the right to object to the design of the Indian projects.
 India is currently utilising around 94-95% of its share of water in the eastern rivers through a network of dams,
including the Bhakra on Sutlej, Ranjit Sagar on Ravi, and Pong and Pandoh on Beas.
Shahpur Kandi dam project, a proposed multipurpose project on the Ujh river in J&K and the 2 nd Sutlej-Beas
link project in Punjab are the 3 key projects of India to utilise the water guaranteed under the IWT.
What is the issue over water sharing?

 Since signing the treaty, one of India’s biggest grievances has been China is building Yarlung-Zangbo
that does not allow it to build storage systems on the western rivers. dam on Tsangpo (Brahmaputra)
 According to the treaty, such systems can be built under with plans to build a 1,100-km long
exceptional circumstances but India complains that any such channel to Takaltaman desert.
attempts are blocked by Pakistan.
 In 2023, India had issued a notice to Pakistan for the modification of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).
G.S PAPER III
9. ECONOMY
9.1 90 Years of RBI
Why in news?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently celebrated its 90th year in Mumbai.
What is the history of RBI?
 About- RBI is India’s central banking institution, which controls the monetary policy of the Indian rupee.

 Hilton Young Commission-RBI was set up based on the recommendations of the Royal Commission on
Indian Currency and Finance, which was appointed by Lord Reading, then viceroy of India.
 Established year- April 1, 1935 in accordance with RBI Act, 1935.
 Headquarters- It is moved from Calcutta to Mumbai in 1937.
 Nationalisation- The bank was nationalised (fully owned by government) in 1949.
What are the functions of RBI?
 Monetary authority- It controls the supply of money in the
economy to stabilize exchange rate, maintain healthy balance of
payment, attain financial stability, control inflation, and
strengthen banking system.
 Issuer of currency- RBI is the sole authority to issue currency,
it also takes action to control the circulation of fake currency.
 Issuer of banking license-As per Section 22 of Banking
Regulation Act, 1949 every bank has to obtain a banking license
from RBI to conduct banking business in India.
 Banker to the government- It acts as banker to both the
Central and the State governments, by providing short term credit
and advises the government on banking and financial subject
 Banker’s Bank- RBI is the bank of all banks in India as it
provides loan to banks, accept the deposit of banks, and rediscount
the bills of banks.
 Lender of last resort- The banks can borrow from the RBI by keeping eligible securities as collateral at the
time of need or crisis, when there is no other source.
 Act as clearing house- For settlement of banking transactions, RBI manages 14 clearing houses. It facilitates
the exchange of instruments and processing of payment instructions.
 Custodian of foreign exchange reserves- Manages foreign exchange reserves, administers Foreign
Exchange Management Act (FEMA), and maintains exchange rate stability.
 Regulator of economy- It controls the money supply in the system, monitors different key indicators like
GDP, Inflation, etc.,
 Regulator and supervisor of Payment and Settlement Systems- The Payment and Settlement Systems
Act of 2007 (PSS Act) gives RBI oversight authority for the payment and settlement systems in the country.
 Developmental role- RBI promotes development of quality banking system, ensures credit availability to
productive sectors, establishes financial infrastructure, expand access to financial services and promotes
financial literacy.
 Exchange manager and controller- Represents India in international monetary organizations like IMF,
authorizes commercial banks as dealers.
 Banking Ombudsman Scheme- RBI introduced the scheme in 1995 to address complaints against banks,
allows complainants to file grievances and appeal decisions.
 Banking Codes and Standards Board of India (BCBSI) - To measure the performance of banks against
Codes and standards based on established global practices, the RBI has set up the BCSBI.
Major contributions of RBI
Initiatives About
It played a pivotal role in supporting this initiative by providing credit facilities to

Green Revolution
farmers, promoting agricultural mechanisation, and implementing policies to enhance
Package (1960s-1970s)
rural credit accessibility.
It was implemented under the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of

Nationalization of
Undertakings) Act of 1970, to better serve the needs of development of the economy in
banks, 1969
conformity with national policy objectives.

Priority Sector Lending, It provides timely and sufficient credit to key sectors of the economy that might
1972 otherwise face difficulties in accessing funds
Liberalization of Indian It refers to the series of policy changes aimed at opening up the country's economy to the
economy, 1991 world, with the objective of making it more market-oriented and consumption-driven.
It is an electronic platform where MSMEs can sell their receivables at a competitive rate
TReDS, 2014 to financiers, including banks and non- banking financial companies (NBFCs), through
an auction mechanism.
Unified Payment It was launched by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to provide
Interface (UPI), 2016 seamless and instant experience to users across India.
Under this framework, the RBI set a target for inflation and adjusted monetary policy
Inflation Targeting
instruments to achieve it, the banking regulator has set an inflation target of 4%, with a
Framework, 2016
tolerance band of +/- 2%.
It was launched by NPCI, which is an integrated bill payment system that offers
Bharat Bill Payment
interoperable and accessible bill payment services to customers through a network of
System (BBPS), 2019
agents or online channels.
Aadhar-based eKYC, The Aadhaar eKYC process enables financial institutions to authenticate customers’
2019 identities remotely, without the need for physical documentation.
Emergency Credit Line

To provide immediate credit assistance to small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
Guarantee Scheme
affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
(ECLGS) , 2020
Account Aggregator, The framework allows customers to manage their financial data from various financial
2021 entities in a secure and seamless manner through a consent-based mechanism.
What are the challenges of RBI?

 Global financial crises- RBI has had to navigate through various global financial crises, such as the Asian
financial crisis (late 1990s) and the global financial crisis of 2008 which posed challenges to India's financial
stability and required coordinated policy responses from the RBI and other authorities.
 Domestic disruptions- During demonetization in 2016 certain currency notes were invalidated overnight
which presented significant logistical and economic challenges.
 COVID-19 pandemic- RBI implemented various measures to support the economy, such as liquidity
injections, regulatory relaxations, and interest rate cuts, to mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic.
 Bad loans- Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) or bad loans have been a persistent challenge for the Indian
banking sector, RBI has implemented measures to address this issue, including asset quality reviews, prompt
corrective action frameworks, and resolution mechanisms like the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).
 Inflation management- India has experienced periods of high inflation, RBI implemented monetary policy
measures to manage inflation.
 Crypto regulations- Despite a Supreme Court ruling overturning the RBI’s ban on cryptocurrency trading,
regulatory clarity on crypto remains ambiguous
9.2 RBI’s Surge in Gold Reserves
Why in news?
RBI has increased gold purchases to diversify reserves, with gold value contributing to a 3 billion dollars rise in forex
reserves to 648.5 billion dollars.
What is the status of RBI’s gold reserves?
 The Reserve Bank of India has increased its gold purchases, significantly boosting its foreign exchange reserves
with 3 billion dollar rise reaching a record 648.5 billion dollars.

 The RBI has bought approximately 13.3 tonnes of gold (between January-February 2024), accounting over 80%
of its total purchases in 2023.
 RBI has consistently buying gold since 2017 to diversify
its foreign currency assets and hedge against inflation
and forex risks.
 The proportion of gold in India's total foreign exchange
reserves has increased from around 7.9% in early April
2023 to approximately 8.41% in early April 2024.But
it's important to note that the central bank holds only a
portion of these reserves domestically.
 A significant portion is held abroad, with custody
arrangements in institutions such as the Bank of
England and the Bank of International Settlements
(BIS).
Why RBI is buying gold?
 Safe haven asset- Gold is traditionally viewed as a safe haven asset during times of economic and political
instability, gold’s intrinsic value and status as a globally recognized store of wealth contribute to its appeal as a
reserve asset.
 Russia-Ukraine conflict- Heightened uncertainty in the global geopolitical landscape has diminished US
dollar as stable currency, this underscores the importance of diversification and risk management in reserve
management strategies.
 Surge in gold price- The surge in international gold prices has bolstered the value of the Reserve Bank of
India's (RBI) gold reserves as this increase in value reflects both the quantity of gold held by the RBI and the
prevailing market price of gold.
 Volatility in Forex market- Gold historically has The RBI's gold reserves are typically valued
served economic uncertainty, geopolitical tension etc., based on prices quoted on the London Bullion
compared to currencies hence gold is perceived as more Market Association (LBMA), one of the
stable stores of value. world's leading precious metals markets.
 Raising interest rate in US- When interest rate rise in
the United States, it can affect global financial market as they reduce liquidity in emerging markets and increase
borrowing costs. Hence central banks diversify their reserve assets, including their holding of gold to hedge
against potential adverse effects of rising US interest rates.
 Diversify asset classes- Gold offers diversification benefits because its price movements often behave
differently from those of other asset classes, such as equities or
bonds. RBI aims to diversify its reserves with
 Global economic shifts- The move reflects a broader trend of gold accounting for about 8.41% of
declining confidence in dollar assets among central banks, with a total foreign exchange reserves in
noticeable drop in US treasury bond holdings from 50.1% to value as of early April 2024.
47.2%.
 Weakened dollar- Currently, US bonds are at their highest yields, indicating a weakened dollar compared to
its past strength, despite being the dominant currency in global trade.
Foreign Exchange Reserve
 About- Forex reserves are assets maintained by monetary authorities to check the balance of payments, deal
with the foreign exchange rate of currency and to maintain financial market stability.
 Governed by- RBI Act, 1934 and the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999.
 Composition- India’s forex reserves can be broken into four categories.
o Foreign currency assets
o Gold
o Special drawing rights
o IMF’s Reserve Tranche Position

Why gold is an important component in foreign exchange reserve?

 Commodity-linked currencies - Gold has performed even better when expressed in terms of commodity-
linked currencies.
 Increasing value of gold - The rate of the gold has been increasing more than the US dollar.
 Weak global financial system - The financial system is expected to face several crisis because of more
volatility.
 Foundation for the rupee - Gold reserves coupled with a strong economy, balanced current account deficit
and good balance of payment lay the foundation for the rupee in long term.
What lies ahead?
 RBI by maintaining a diversified reserve portfolio that includes gold alongside other assets, aims to enhance the
stability and resilience of their reserves, ultimately supporting their broader monetary and financial stability
objectives.
 RBI can reduce exposure to any single asset class or currency due to diversified reserves, this strategy helps
safeguard reserves against volatility, economic shocks, and geopolitical uncertainties.
Bank of International Settlements (BIS)
 Established year- 1930.

 Ownership- It is owned by 63 central banks including RBI that account for 95% of the GDP.
 Head office- Basel, Switzerland.
 Representative offices- Hong Kong and Mexico City.
 Mission- To support central banks pursuit of monetary and financial stability through international
cooperation and to act as bank for central banks.
 Basel Committee on Banking Supervision- It provides the Basel norms.
9.3 Global Financial Stability Report 2024
Why in news?
Recently International Monetary Fund has released Global Financial Stability Report 2024
Global Financial Stability Report 2024
 Released by- International Monetary Fund

 Publication- Semi-annual (Twice per year in April and October)
 Theme- The Last Mile: Financial Vulnerabilities and Risks.
 About- It provides an assessment of the global financial system and markets, and addresses emerging market
financing in a global context.
 Focus- The report focuses on current market conditions, highlighting systemic issues that could pose a risk to
financial stability and sustained market access by emerging market borrowers.
 Frequent assessment- It replaced two previous reports by the IMF, the annual International Capital
Markets Report and the quarterly Emerging Market Financing Report.
 World Economic Outlook- The Report draws out the financial ramifications of economic imbalances
highlighted by the IMF's World Economic Outlook.
 Chapters-
o High Inflation
o Unregulated credit market
o Cyber-attack on financial institutions

What are the key highlights of the report?
Issues Recommendations
 Investor optimism- The report warns the investor  Central banks should avoid easing monetary
optimism about the end of high inflation and potential policy prematurely and push back against overly
interest rate cuts by central banks may be premature as optimistic market expectations for rate cuts.
inflation has stalled in some economies.  In jurisdictions displaying ample evidence of
 Geopolitical risks- Ongoing conflicts in West Asia and inflation moving towards target, policy should
Ukraine could disrupt supply and keep prices high, gradually move to a more neutral stance.
preventing central banks from reducing rates soon.  Emerging and frontier economies should
 Market correction risks-If central banks do not act as strengthen efforts to contain debt vulnerabilities.
investors expect, there could be a significant market  Regulatory authorities should use supervisory
correction, resulting in substantial losses for those who have tools to ensure that banks and NBFCs are
invested in anticipation of rate cuts. resilient to the credit cycle downturn.
 Private credit market- The IMF is concerned about 2.1

trillion dollars unregulated private credit market where non-
bank financial institutions lend to corporate borrowers,
potentially affecting the broader financial system.
 Higher returns- The investors are drawn to the private  Consider a more proactive supervisory and
credit market due to the potential for higher returns regulatory approach.
compared to traditional investments.  Close data gaps and enhance reporting
 Concerns of financial soundness- The IMF is requirements to comprehensively assess risks.
concerned that many borrowers in the private credit market  Strengthen cross-sectoral and cross-border
may not be financially robust, with some unable to cover regulatory cooperation
even their interest costs.
 Benefits borrowers- Borrowers who may not have access
to long-term funds through conventional channels find
opportunities in the private credit market.
 Cyber risks- With growing digitalization, evolving  Strengthen response and recovery procedures to
technologies, and increasing geopolitical tensions, cyber boost resilience against cyber incidents.
incidents— especially those with malicious intent—are a  Enhance data reporting and information
rising concern for macro financial stability. sharing.
 Economic loss- Although most losses from cyberattacks  Develop national cybersecurity strategies and
are modest, the risk of extreme losses has been increasing. effective regulation and supervisory frameworks
What does it mean for India?

 Foreign capital flows- Emerging markets, including India, have experienced strong fund flows due to
optimism surrounding central banks easing interest rates, but this could change rapidly if western central banks
signal their intention to maintain high interest rates for an extended period.
 Risk of capital outflow- If investors perceive that interest rates will In 2023, India ranked as the
remain elevated in western economies, they may withdraw money from second-largest recipient of
emerging markets like India this would exert pressure on Indian currency foreign capital after the U.S.
leading to further depreciation of Indian rupee.
 Rupee depreciation- The Indian rupee has already been depreciating, trading at a new low of 83.57 against
the U.S. dollar recently.Despite likely intervention by RBI, external factors continue to impact the rupee’s value.
 Effects on the financial system- A severe outflow of capital could have consequences on India’s financial
stability, the RBI may need to take measures such as curbing liquidity or raising interest rates.
 India’s private credit market-India has seen the emergence of a small
but growing private credit market with the rise of Alternative Investment Investments through AIFs in
Funds (AIFs). India have more than tripled
 Regulatory scrutiny- Both the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the from 2018 to 2022-23.
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) have increased their
scrutiny over these funds to ensure financial stability.

9.4 Drop in Private Investments
Why in news?
The decline of private investment, indicated by the Gross Fixed Capital Formation has been a concern for the Indian
economy since 2011-12.
Status of private investment in India
 Private investment in India began to significantly pick up after the economic reforms of the late 1980s and
early 1990s, which improved private sector confidence.
 Pre-Liberalization era- Prior to economic liberalization, private investment remained either slightly below
or above 10% of GDP.
 Post-Liberalization- After liberalization, private investment took on the leading role in fixed capital
formation.
 Public investment- Public investment as a percentage of GDP steadily rose over the decades, from less than
3% of GDP in 1950-51 to eventually overtake private investment in the early 1980s.
 Global financial crisis- The growth in private investment continued until the global financial crisis of
2007-08, during which it rose to around 27% of GDP.
 Current status- From 2011-12, private investment began to decline and hit 19.6% of GDP in 2020-21.
 Recent Trends-However, from 2011-12 onwards, private investment began to decline and hit a low of 19.6%
of GDP in 2020-21.
Why there is a need of private investment for an economy?

 Multiplier effect- Private investments create both direct and indirect employment opportunities, stimulate
consumption, and contribute to overall development.
 Effective collaboration- Faster development can be achieved when the public and private sector
collaborate effectively, especially in critical areas such as infrastructure and long term investments.
 Essential development- India has established public-private partnerships to channel private sector
funds effectively, it is crucial for directing investments into essential development areas like airports, industrial
parks, higher education, and skill development.
 Long term growth- Countries with higher private investment tend to experience greater rates of growth over
the long term. To boost economic growth and welfare, it’s essential to implement public policies that encourage
sustained increases in private investment rates.
 Foster innovation- The investments are driven by competition, contribute to economic progress and
technological advancement by enhancing efficiency, output, and innovation.
 Environment efficiency- It is crucial for both ecological conservation and economic growth, with resources
like cash, budgets, communication systems, and infrastructure playing a significant role.
Gross Fixed Capital Formation
 It is the spending towards investments in boosting the productive capacity of the economy which typically
accounts for 30% of the GDP.
 It is used as an indicator of the level and quality of investment in a country, its competitiveness & innovation.
 GFCF refers to the growth in the size of fixed capital within an economy. Fixed capital includes assets like
buildings and machinery, which are essential for production and require investment to be created.
 Private GFCF serves as a rough indicator of how much the private sector in an economy is willing to invest. It
reflects the private sector’s commitment to expanding its productive capacity.
 Overall GFCF also includes capital formation resulting from government investment. Government spending
on infrastructure, education, and other areas contributes to the overall fixed capital base.
 Fixed capital plays a crucial role in boosting economic growth. By enabling workers to produce more goods
and services each year, it improves living standards.
 Developed economies possess more fixed capital per capita than developing economies such as India.

Why private investment has fallen?

 Low private consumption- It is the key reason for the lack of growth in private investment, especially since
the pandemic as robust consumption is necessary to assure businesses of demand for their products, which
would encourage investment in fixed capital.
 Challenges in financial sector- Issues in financial sector such as non-performing assets (NPAs) in banks
and liquidity constraints can hinder private investments.
 Reluctance of bank- They resist to lend to businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can
restrict access to capital needed for investment.
 Infrastructure deficit- The cost and risk of investment is increased due to unreliable power supply, poor
transportation networks and bureaucratic delays in obtaining permits which limits efficiency and
competitiveness of businesses.
 Global economic factors- Economic downturns or slowdowns in major global economies can impact
investor sentiment and lead to reduced investment flows into emerging markets like India.
 Policy inertia- Delays or lack of progress in implementing structural reforms and policy initiatives aimed at
improving the business environment, enhancing ease of doing business, and attracting investment can
contribute to declining private investment.
What are the consequences of low private investment?
 Slower economic growth- When private investment remains low, it hampers the expansion of the fixed
capital base. This, in turn, leads to slower economic growth.
 Crowding out effect- It is a scenario where the increased government spending ultimately decreases private
sector spending.
 Impact on capital allocation- Private investors are often considered better allocators of capital than public
officials as they are driven by profit motives, hence if low private investment this could mean less efficient capital
allocation.
 High taxation- If private investment is low, the government may need to raise taxes to make up for the
investment shortfall, which can further slow economic growth.
 Financial instability- Low levels of private investment can be associated with greater instability, increasing
the risk of firms going bankrupt or experiencing slower growth.
 Impact on Infrastructure- It can lead to a decline in private capital, which might affect wages and
productivity.
What lies ahead?
 The government should increase consumption by transferring more money to the people, which could, in turn,
stimulate private investment.
 A healthy balance between private and government investment is crucial for sustainable economic growth.
 Private investments is crucial as it is profit driven hence encourages efficient resourceful utilization and help
avoid wasteful spending.
4.7 Asset Attachments by ED
Why in news?
Prime Minister Modi is considering legal options to return nearly Rs 3000 crore seized by the Enforcement Directorate
to the people of West Bengal.
Enforcement Directorate (ED)
 About- It is a premier financial investigation agency and economic law enforcement agency of the
Government of India. Headquarters - New Delhi
 Ministry- Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
 The ED currently draws its statutory powers from 3 different acts
o Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA)

o Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA)

o Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 (FEOA)
 Director - Director is the head of the Enforcement Directorate assisted by special directors.
 The director is appointed in accordance with the provisions of the Central Vigilance Commission Act 2003.
 The Centre appoints the director on recommendation of a high-level committee headed by the Central
Vigilance Commissioner.
 Tenure- The director has a fixed tenure of 2 years and a maximum 3 annual extensions.
How are seizures made?

 Enforcement Directorate- It is responsible for handling cash and other assets it seizes or attaches during
investigations under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
 Conduct search- ED conducts searches at the premises of suspects with a search warrant under PMLA.
 Seizure- Any cash or assets recovered during these searches are seized in the presence of independent
witnesses who sign a seizure memo.
Seizures Prior to 2018 System rationalised in 2018
 It was deposited into fixed deposit accounts

 The money gets deposited directly in the
opened by the concerned administrative zones.
treasury through personal deposit
 The money remained in the account until the accounts.
case was decided.
Seized cash  The concerned zones now open PD
o If convicted- The cash attached would be accounts in the name of Enforcement
deposited in the government treasury. Directorate with State Bank of India.
o If acquitted- The entire amount along with  These accounts do not generate any
interest would be returned to the accused. interest on deposits.
 The rest of the procedure for both gold
Seized gold or
It would be deposited in a locker. and cash remains the same.
other valuables
What happens after seizure or attachment?

 Purpose of attachment- To deprive the accused of the benefits associated with the attached asset, the law
ensures that the property remains off-limits to the accused until the trial is complete.
 Confirmation from adjudicating authority- After the seizure, ED has 180 days to obtain confirmation
from the adjudicating authority regarding the seizure.
 Once the attachment is confirmed, the ED gains the right to take possession of the seized property.
 Appeal- The Adjudicating Authority’s order can be challenged in PMLA Appellate Tribunal and subsequently
in the high court which may either stay the order, restore the property to the owner, or allow ED’s possession.
How ED is handling various attachments?
Attachments by ED Handling of ED attachments
 Some properties may have limited utility for the agency or other government
departments while the trial is ongoing.
 In such cases, the special director of the ED becomes the custodian and administrator
Unused
of the property.
properties
 After the trial concludes, the government may auction these properties, but they may
detoriated due to lack of maintenance as the properties left unused for extended
periods.
 In the case of immovable property (such as land or buildings), the ED can issue an
Immovable eviction notice to the property owner.
property
 Upon compliance, the ED assumes physical possession of the property

 As a rule, running businesses are not shutdown following the confirmation by

adjudicating authority.
 If the accused does not receive legal protection from the tribunal or the high court,
Running the ED has the authority to claim all profits generated from the operation of
businesses commercial premises (e.g., hotels).
 These profits are deposited into PD accounts of the agency.
 If the accused is acquitted, the entire amount is returned to them.
 If a residence is attached by the ED and the attachment is confirmed by judicial

authorities, the agency gains the right to seek eviction of the accused from the
Residences premises.
 However, if the accused is unable to move out, the ED has an alternative of seeking
rent from the accused.
 Earlier the attached vehicles were sent to warehouses owned by the Central
Warehousing Corporation.
 Unfortunately the case dragged for years, at the end of the trial neither the accused
Vehicles nor ED could recover anything substantial from the vehicle.
 To address the issue, the rules were recently amended which allows the ED to use the
attached vehicle during the trial, the ED still seeks rent fixed by the local transport
department.
10. AGRICULTURE
10.1 Need of Agroforestry
Why in news?
Agroforestry has gained popularity after decades of mono-cropping inspired by Green Revolution as it enhances farmer
livelihoods and benefits the environment.
What are the features of agroforestry?
 Integration of trees and shrubs- It is a comprehensive land use system that goes beyond traditional
agriculture by integrating trees and shrubs into farmlands and rural
landscapes. Agroforestry is the interaction of
 Enhanced productivity- It diversifies agricultural production by agriculture and trees, including
incorporating trees and shrubs alongside traditional crops and livestock the agricultural use of trees.
that can lead to increased yields and overall productivity of the land.
 Improved profitability- It can provide additional source of income for farmers through products such as
fruits, nuts, timber, and medicinal plants hence contribute to greater economic stability and resilience for
farming communities.
 Increased diversity- It can promote biodiversity by creating habitats for various plant and animal species
that not only supports ecosystem health but also provides ecological services such as pollination and pest
control.
 Sustainability- By mimicking natural ecosystems, agroforestry enhances the sustainability of agricultural
practices. Trees help to conserve soil, improve water retention, and mitigate the impacts of climate change by
sequestering carbon.
 Resilience- Agroforestry systems are adaptable and responsive to ecological conditions, allowing farmers to
adjust their practices based on factors like soil type, climate, and landscape characteristics.
 Built social institutions- It encourages community participation and cooperation in natural resource
management. It can foster social cohesion and empower local communities to collectively manage their
landscapes for mutual benefit.

Why there is a need of agroforestry?

 Weather induced changes- Challenges like the Gaja cyclone-induced damage prompted farmers in Tamil
Nadu to transit agroforestry by planting trees like jackfruit and mangoes, leading to increased profits.
 Diverse agro climatic
zones- Agroforestry provides
a flexible and adaptable
approach that can be tailored
to suit the specific needs and
conditions of different regions,
from the humid tropics to the
arid deserts.
 Climate resilience- Indian
agriculture faces increasing
incidences of extreme weather
events such as droughts, flood
and cyclone, agroforestry can
built resilience against such
shocks by providing buffers
and diversifying income
sources for farmers.
 Enhance small landholders- The majority of farmers in India are small landholders who depend on
agriculture for their livelihood, agroforestry offers them opportunities to improve their income and food
security through diversified production systems that include crops, trees, and livestock.
 Water management- Agroforestry-based watershed management can help conserve water, recharge
aquifers, and improve water-use efficiency in agriculture as erratic rainfall patterns and overexploitation of
groundwater resources is a cause of concern for India.
 Biodiversity conservation- India is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, it promotes biodiversity
conservation by providing habitats for native species preserving genetic diversity and restoring degraded
ecosystems.
 Rural development- It can contribute to rural development by generating employment opportunities,
fostering entrepreneurship, and revitalizing local economies.
 Food security- It can integrate food crops with fruit and nut trees can contribute to diversified diets and
improved nutrition outcomes, thereby enhancing food security at the household and community levels.
Steps taken by India to promote agroforestry
 Sub-Mission on Agroforestry- It was launched in 2016-17 to encourage tree plantation on farm land
alongside crops/cropping systems under the scheme "Har Medh Par Ped".
 National Agroforestry Policy- It was launched in 2014 that aims to support and expand agroforestry
practices.
 Trees Outside of Forests India- It is a joint initiative by USAID and India’s Ministry of Environment to
increase tree covers in 7 states (Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Haryana, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar
Pradesh) to expanding the area under trees outside forests for the benefit of livelihoods and the ecosystem.
 AICRP- All India Coordinated Research Project on Agroforestry (AICRP) was established to conduct
systematic research on tree-crop interactions.
 Greening and Restoration of Wasteland (GROW) with Agroforestry- It is a NITI Aayog
initiative that focuses on using agroforestry for greening wastelands and carbon sequestration.
 Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme- It was launched in 2023 by Ministry of Environment,
Forest and Climate Change to promote sustainable management of forests and agroforestry.
What lies ahead?

 There is a need of tools like Jaltol which is an open source water accounting tool that helps assess water needs
for different tree-crop combinations, enabling informed decision making in water stressed region.
 The need of the hour is to choose native species that is crucial for sustainability, tools like Diversity for
Restoration aid in selecting climate-resilient species.

 Potential incentive mechanisms such as payment of ecosystem services would strengthen the ideology of nature-
centred economics.
 There is a need to ensure economic viability through market linkages while meeting the criteria of sustainable
agroforestry which is crucial to empower small land holders.
 Agroforestry presents a potential solution to foster healthy ecosystems and resilient livelihoods in India
requiring collaboration among conservationists, agro-economists, and policymakers.
11. ENVIRONMENT
11.1 Elephant Corridors in India
Why in news?
The Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change recently directed Arunachal Pradesh and Assam to prepare a
proposal to notify the Dulung-Subansiri elephant corridor.
Status of elephants
 Elephants are the natural heritage animal of

India, elephant calves are able to walk within 1
or 2 hours of birth.
 The Asian elephant is the largest mammal
living on the land of Asia.
 Scientific name - Elephas maximus
 Gestation period - 22 months
 IUCN Red List – Endangered
 Wildlife Protection Act 1972 - Schedule I
 CITES - Appendix I
 Population -There are about 50,000-60,000
Asian elephants in the world.
 Elephant reserves- There are 33 elephant
reserves in India, latest being Terai Elephant
Reserve in Uttar Pradesh.
 Elephant corridors- About 101 elephant
corridors have been identified in the country
which need to be secured for conservation of
elephants.
 West Bengal- It has the highest number of
identified elephant corridors in India,
accounting for over 17% of all the reported
elephant corridors in the country.
 World elephant day- It is an international
annual event, celebrated on 12th of
August every year.
 Status of elephants- More than 60% of the world’s elephant population is in India., Karnataka has the highest
number of elephants (6,049), followed by Assam (5,719) and Kerala (3,054).
How elephant corridor is designated in India?

 Elephant corridor is that it is a strip of land that facilitates the movement of elephants between two or more
viable habitat patches.
 Wildlife Protection Act, 1972- It empowers the state governments to declare areas that link protected
regions as “conservation reserves” under Section 36A.

 Community reserves- It can also be designated as “community reserves” according to Section 36C of the
wildlife protection act, 1972.
 Role of ministry- The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change collaborates with state forest
departments to identity and validate elephant corridors.
 State level designation- State governments play a crucial role in demarcating and designating these corridors
as “ State Elephant Corridors”.
 Legal protection- These designations subject the corridors to legal protection under relevant laws, such as
the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
 National Elephant Corridor Project- It aims to ensure and manage these vital pathways for elephant
movement, this project identifies and conserves corridors to ensure the long term survival of Asian elephants
within India’s political boundaries.
Why India needs elephant corridor?
 Legal protection- The corridors will legally protected, potentially designating it as a wildlife sanctuary or
conservation reserve.
 Reduce habit isolation-It allow elephants to continue their nomadic mode of survival, despite shrinking
forest cover, by facilitating travel between distinct forest habitats.
 Keystone species- Supreme Court in elephant corridor case said that its State’s duty to protect a “keystone
species” like elephants, which are immensely important to the environment.
 Forest conservation- Animal paths are blocked as forests have been
turned into farms and unchecked tourism, these elephant corridors would Kerala is the first state to
check the negative impacts on wildlife habitats and migration routes. declares man-animal conflict
as a state-specific disaster.
 Man-animal conflict- Animals are forced to seek alternative routes
resulting in increased elephant-human conflict, these particularly affect
animals that have large homes like elephants, a dedicated elephant corridor would reduce the fatalities.
 Forest regeneration- They would help regenerate forests on which other species, including tigers depend.
 Preserve migratory corridors- The negative
impacts of forest fragmentation on ecosystems Supreme Court upheld the Tamil Nadu
highlight the necessity of preserving and restoring government’s authority to notify an ‘elephant
migratory corridors to mitigate these effects. corridor’ and protect the migratory path of the
animals through the Nilgiri biosphere reserve.
 Hydropeaking risks- Worldwide Institute of India
report highlighted the dangers of hydropeaking in
lower Subansiri hydroelectric project which could lead to flash floods and pose threat to elephants, particularly
calves.
Monitoring of Illegal Killing

Project elephant
of Elephants (MIKE)
 Established by- CITES (The

 Launch year- In 1992 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. Convention on International Trade in
 Objectives Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Flora).
o To protect elephants, their habitat and corridors
 First implementation- It was started
o To address issues of man-animal conflict in South Asia (Bangladesh, Bhutan,
o Welfare of captive elephants India, Nepal and Sri Lanka) in the year
2004.
 Ministry - Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change provides financial and technical support to major  Objective- It is an international
elephant range states in the country. collaboration that tracks trends in
information related to the illegal killing
 MIKE- Monitoring of Illegal Killing of Elephant is launched of elephants to monitor effectiveness of
in 10 elephant reserves since 2003. field conservation efforts.
 Project Elephant completed 30 years in 2022.

11.2 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
Why in news?
The University of Arizona hosted a symposium focusing on the rights of indigenous people that put spotlight on the
Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)
Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
 Theme- Ecological Civilization: Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth.
 Adopted- At UN Convention on Biodiversity Diversity (COP-15)
 Aim- To halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 while respecting the rights of indigenous and local
communities.
 Paris agreement for nature- It is being referred as the “Paris moment” for biodiversity, as 196 countries
(excluding, significantly, the US) signed this historic deal.
 Goals- GBF contains 4 global goals ("Kunming-Montreal Global Goals for 2050").
 Targets- The framework contains 23 targets ("Kunming-Montreal 2030 Global Targets").
 '30 by 30' target- 30% of the Earth’s land and oceans protected status by 2030.
 Reduce harmful subsidies - Reduce environmentally harmful subsidies by at least 500 billion dollar a
year
 Restore ecosystem - Restore at least 30% area of degraded ecosystems.
 Increase protected areas- It sets target to increase terrestrial, inland water, and coastal and marine areas,
especially those of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services,” to at least
30% of the world’s terrestrial area.
 Currently, protected areas cover approximately 16% of the world’s terrestrial area .
Who are indigenous people?

 World Bank states that Indigenous Peoples are distinct social and cultural groups that share collective ancestral
ties to the lands and natural resources where they live, occupy or from which they have been displaced.
 The land and natural resources on which they depend are inextricably linked to their identities, cultures,
livelihoods, as well as their physical and spiritual well-being.
 ILO- In 1989 International Labour Organization Convention on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples protects
Indigenous peoples from discrimination and specifies their rights to development, customary laws, lands,
territories and resources, employment, education and health.
 UN- It adopted a declaration on the rights of indigenous people Around 84% of India's national parks
including their rights to self determination and to protect their have been established in areas
cultures, identities, languages, ceremonies and access to inhabited by indigenous peoples.
employment, health, education and natural resources.
What are the implications of GBF on indigenous communities?
 Threat to tribal lands- The ambitious targets of the framework particularly the expansion of protected areas,
pose a significant threat to indigenous communities in India.
 Expansion of protected areas- The proposed upgrades and expansion of wildlife sanctuaries and reserves,
such as Kumbalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary and the Nauradehi Sanctuary, directly impact tribal villages and their
inhabitants.
 Marginalization- The implementation of GBF targets risks further marginalizing indigenous people who have
historically lived in harmony with their natural environment.
 Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023- It includes provisions for zoos, safaris and ecotourism
demonstrates a shift towards prioritizing commercial interests over the rights of indigenous communities.
 Human rights violation- Indigenous communities within protected areas often face human rights violation,
including denial of basic amenities such as housing, healthcare and education.
 Displacement- In South Asian countries like Indonesia and Cambodia, the establishment of national parks
and wildlife sanctuaries has led to the displacement and disenfranchisement of indigenous people.

Impact in India
 Kumbalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan- Upgrading the Wildlife Sanctuary to tiger reserve would
impact around 160 tribal villages located inside and outside the sanctuary.
 Nauradehi Sancutary, Madhya Pradesh- Expansion of the sanctuary would affect 60 villages primarily
inhabited by tribal people.
 Barak Bhuban Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam- The notification for the sanctuary poses a threat to
indigenous groups such as the Khasis and Dimasas.
 Despite the gazette notification claiming the area to be free from encroachment, indigenous communities, like
the Khasis, possess historical documents demonstrating their ancestral presence in the region since 1914.
 Denial of basic rights- The indigenous people in Ujungkulon National Park have been denied basic rights
such as housing, health, education, electricity and security.
 Recreational space- The UN special Rapporteur on Indigenous People emphasized that protected areas
which was created for recreational spaces and hunting ground for western colonial elites, it still prevails as
certain ecotourism projects depict indigenous people as mere animals in zoo presenting them in model replicas
of traditional homes, clothing and musical instruments.
How the tribal lands should be protected?
 Recognition of indigenous rights- There is a need for India to recognize and uphold the rights of indigenous
communities, including the right to free, prior and informed consent.
 Custodian of protected areas- Amendments to the existing laws, such as Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled
Areas) Act should ensure that tribal communities are acknowledged as custodians of protected areas.
 Inclusive development- India must adopt policies that prioritize environmental protection without
disproportionately impacting indigenous populations.
 Equitable conservation policies- The conservation efforts should be equitable and inclusive, considering
biodiversity conservation in non-tribal regions as well.
 Address human rights violations-It is imperative for the Indian government to address human rights
abuses within protected areas seriously.
 Provide basic services- Indigenous peoples' access to essential services and their rights to education,
healthcare, and housing should not be neglected or left solely to wildlife or forest departments.
What lies ahead?
 The Kunming-Montreal GBF aims to enhance global biodiversity conservation efforts, its implementation must
consider and safeguard the rights and livelihoods of indigenous communities in India.
 Balancing conservation goals with respect for indigenous rights is essential for achieving sustainable and
inclusive environmental stewardship.
11.3 National Clean Air Program
Why in news?
The National Clean Air Program targets to achieve reductions up to 40% of PM 10 concentrations by 2025-26.
National Clean Air Program
 Year- 2019
 Ministry- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
 About- The program is a pollution control initiative, the government committed funds as well as set targets
for 131 (non-attainment cities) of India’s most polluted cities.
 Non-attainment cities- They are called as non-attainment cities as they did not meet the national ambient
air quality standards (NAAQS) for the period of 2011-15 under the National Air Quality Monitoring Program
(NAMP).

 Goal- To meet prescribed annual average ambient air quality standards at all locations in the country in a
stipulated timeframe (long-term).
 Objectives
o Stringent implementation of mitigation measures for prevention, control and abatement of air
pollution.
o Augment public awareness and capacity building measures.
o Augment and strengthen air quality monitoring network across the country
 Tenure
o Mid-term- 5 years action plan to begin with keeping 2019 as base year.
o Long term- The program is further extendable to 20-25 years after mid-term review of the
outcomes
 Phase-I - It proposes a tentative national target of 20%-30% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations
by 2024, with 2017 as the base year for comparison.
 Phase-II-The government set a new target of a 40% reduction in particulate matter concentration, by 2026.
 Fund- The program is backed by 15th Finance Commission.
 Cities responsibilities- Cities are required to take measures to improve air quality inter-alia include solid
waste management, control of pollution from biomass burning and air pollution from construction &
demolition activities.
 Non-binding- The program is considered as a scheme rather than legal binding document hence there are
no specified penal actions against cities that fail to meet the targets outlined in the program.
 PRANA– Portal for Regulation of Air-pollution in Non-Attainment cities, is a portal for monitoring of
implementation of National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
 Status of air quality- Out of 131 identified cities, decrease in PM10 Concentration has been observed in 88
cities during 2022-23 as compared to levels during FY 2017-18.
What is the approach of NCAP?

 Collaborative approach- The NCAP emphasizes collaborative, multi-scale, and cross-sectoral coordination
among relevant central ministries, state governments, and local bodies, it ensures a comprehensive approach to
air quality management.
 Integration with existing policies- The
program seeks to integrate existing policies and
programs, including the National Action Plan on
Climate Change (NAPCC). By
mainstreaming NAPCC initiatives, the focus is on
five national missions
 Enhancing effectiveness- The NCAP aims to
enhance the effectiveness of the policies and
programmes that are already in place, this involves
adjusting directions, expanding scope, and
accelerating implementation within specified time
frames.
 Smart cities framework- The program
leverages the smart cities framework to launch its
initiatives. Specifically, it targets the 43 smart cities among the 102 non-attainment cities—areas where air
quality standards are not met.
 Dynamic and evolving- The program is designed to be dynamic, adapting to new scientific and technical
information as it emerges. It remains responsive to international best practices and experiences in air quality
management.
How India can make significant impact in NCAP phase-II?
 Emission inventory database- NCAP should prioritize the development of an official emission inventory
database covering all major cities and sources of pollution, this will ensure accurate reflection of emission trends
and facilitate targeted interventions.

 Transition to PM2.5 monitoring- PM10 has been the primary focus in the initial phase, transitioning to
PM2.5 monitoring is essential due to its more severe health impacts.
 Holistic sectoral actions- Parameters under framework like Swacch Vayu Survekshan should be considered
to promote initiatives such as reducing biomass burning, industrial emissions compliance, and improving public
transportation density.
 Innovative financing mechanisms- Urban Local Graded response action plan is a set of
Bodies play a significant role in implementing clean air measures drafted by the Centre’s Commission
initiatives hence NCAP should explore innovative for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to tackle
mechanisms such as municipal bonds and social air pollution in Delhi and NCR region.
impact bonds to empower ULBs and overcome
resource shortages.
 Shift to airshed level planning- Transitioning from city-level to airshed-level planning will extend NCAP's
reach beyond urban centers, encompassing rural areas for a more inclusive impact.
 Delhi model- Initiatives like the Commission on Air Quality Management in the Delhi-NCR region can serve
as models for effective governance structure and collaboration mechanisms at the airshed level.
What lies ahead?
 NCAP’s recognition of the far-reaching impacts of particulate matter pollution on public health and the economy
underscores its urgency.
 With a targeted reduction of particulate matter concentration by 40% by 2026, the NCAP signifies a determined
push towards tangible improvements.
 The road to cleaner air is challenging, but the NCAP exemplifies India’s potential to overcome the odds, fostering
a future where breathability and well-being prevail.
11.4 New Green Credit Programme Rules
Why in news?
Recently the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued further guidelines on its Green Credit
Programme that will prioritise the restoration of ecosystem.
Green Credit Program (GCP)
 About- It is an innovative market-based mechanism introduced under LiFE ( Lifestyle for Environment)
 Goal- To lay an emphasis on sustainability, reduce waste and improve the natural environment
 Objective – Incentivize voluntary environmental actions across diverse sectors by various stakeholders like
individuals, communities, private sector industries, and companies.
 GCP's governance framework – Inter-ministerial Steering Committee and GCP administrator.
 GCP Administrator – Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), it implements, manage,
monitor and operate the program.
 Focus – Water conservation and afforestation.
 Digital platform – It will streamline registration of projects, its verification, and issuance of Green Credits.
 Green Credit Registry and trading platform – It allows buying and selling of Green Credits.
 Green Credit Rules, 2023- It empowers the Central Government to notify the methodology for calculating
green credit based on the Administrator's recommendations.
What are the concerns with Green credit program?

 Commodification of conservation- The program turns environmental conservation into a commodity, this
is because the industries that clear forests for non-forestry purposes are required to compensate by afforesting
an equivalent area.
 Impact on Forest ecology- The GCP’s method of identifying ‘degraded land parcels’ for tree plantation is
criticized for potentially disrupting local ecosystems and biodiversity. The term ‘degraded’ is considered vague
and could lead to soil degradation and loss of ecosystem services.

 Risk of ‘Green Deserts’-The program might lead to the creation of ‘green deserts,’ or monoculture
plantations, which lack the ecological complexity of natural forests. This could result from a forest measurement
approach that focuses solely on tree count.
 Loss of biodiversity hotspot- The emphasis on afforestation in areas labelled as ‘wastelands’ is worrisome
as these areas might include grasslands and other habitats that are crucial for carbon sequestration and species
conservation, and their transformation into forested areas could result in biodiversity loss.
 Impact on ecosystem- India has diverse forest types, including grasslands and shrub-dominated areas hence
inappropriate tree planting could introduce invasive species or hinder the development of a sustainable
ecosystem.
 Carbon trading issues- The program’s provision of using green credits in carbon trading is contentious due
to the unclear methodology for equating stored carbon from trees with carbon credits.
How the government responded to the concerns with the new green credit programme rules?
 Afforestation rules- It allowed entities to fund reforestation in designated degraded areas.
 Role of States- The State forest departments are responsible for the tree planting. After two years and an
evaluation by the ICFRE, each tree earns one ‘green credit.’
 Afforestation- Currently, 13 States have been offered 387 parcels totalling 10,983 hectares for this purpose.
Entities meeting the criteria will receive cost estimates for afforestation.
 Updated guidelines- The Environment Ministry issued Previously, there was a requirement of a
guidelines for States to calculate the cost of restoring minimum of 1,100 trees per hectare for an
degraded forest landscapes. area to qualify as reforested. However, the
 Flexibility- The new guidelines allow flexibility new guidelines allow flexibility, recognizing.
recognizing that not all degraded forests can support such
tree density. In some areas, shrubs, herbs, and grasses may be suitable for ecosystem restoration.
 Preference for indigenous species- The new rules emphasized using indigenous species, and naturally
growing seedlings will be retained during restoration efforts.
 Role of public sector- Several public sector companies, including Indian Oil, Power Grid Corporation,
National Thermal Power Corporation, Oil India, Coal India, and National Hydropower Corporation, have
registered to invest in the programme.
 Pilot project mode- The programme is currently in a “pilot project” mode and questions about quantifying
shrubs and grasses in terms of green credits are still being addressed.
 Partial offsets of obligations- Companies won’t be able to fully offset their compensatory afforestation
obligations using green credits but can claim a portion of it.
 Equivalence issues- The relationship between green credits and carbon credits is still being determined as it
is important for integrating the programme with broader carbon trading markets and ensuring that the credits
represent meaningful carbon sequestration.
What lies ahead?
 Green Credit Program represents a commendable step towards fostering environmental stewardship and
sustainability.
 However, to achieve its objectives effectively, it must address the identified challenges and incorporate nuanced
strategies that prioritize ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation.
11.5 Conserve Soil for Food Security
Why in news?
India did not sign the agriculture agreement in COP 28 as it would involve significant changes in agricultural policies
and farming practice.
Major outcomes of COP28
 Host- Dubai, United Arab Emirates

 Loss and Damage Fund- World Bank will host the L&D facility as a financial intermediary fund (FIF) for
an interim period of 4 years.It was 1st announced during COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.

 Global stocktake- It is the first ever global stocktake that is designed to assess the collective progress
towards achieving the purpose of Paris Agreement.
 UAE Declaration on a New Global Climate Finance Framework- It aims to make finance available,
accessible and affordable bridging the trust gap between the Global North and Global South.
 ALTÉRRA- It is the world’s largest private investment initiative to attract more climate investment to Least
Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
 Global Roadmap on Food and Agriculture- It is a first of its kind non-binding global roadmap for food
systems to be finalized at COP30 in Brazil, for the first time agriculture was brought into agreement.
 Emirates Declaration on Resilient Food Systems, Sustainable Agriculture, and Climate Action-
Its aim is to promote food security while combatting climate change, India refrained from signing as it
conflicted with its longstanding policy of not committing to climate.
What are the challenges of food security?

 Population growth- Homo sapiens took over 200,000 years to reach a population of 1 billion in 1804,
however the next billion was added in just 123 years by 1927.
 Climate change- It leads to extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves, which can
devastate crops and livestock.
 Limited natural resource- Land degradation, water scarcity, and depletion of natural resources pose
significant challenges to food production. Soil erosion, pollution, and overexploitation of water resources
diminish agricultural productivity and threaten long-term food security.
 Poverty- It limits people’s access to food by constraining their purchasing power and reducing their ability to
produce or purchase food.
 Income inequality - It heightens disparities in access to food, with marginalized communities often facing
the greatest barriers to food security.
 Conflict- It disrupts food production, distribution, and access, leading to food shortages, displacement, and
humanitarian crises.
o Example- Gaza and Haiti on the brink of famine due to ongoing war and crisis by criminal gangs
respectively
 Trade barriers-Practices such as tariffs, and subsidies distort global food markets and can hinder access to
affordable and nutritious food.
 Environmental degradation- Deforestation, biodiversity loss, and pollution degrade ecosystems and reduce
their capacity to support agriculture.
 Food waste- Significant amounts of food are wasted or lost throughout the supply chain, from production and
processing to distribution and consumption.
Steps taken by India to provide food security
 Green revolution (1960s)- It refers to the large increase in production of food grains resulting from the
use of high yielding variety (HYV) seeds especially for wheat and rice, Dr. M.S, Swaminathan was the key
architect for this movement in India.
 Integrated Management of Public Distribution System (IMPDS) – The scheme entitles food grains
from any Fair Price Shop (FPS) of their choice anywhere in the country.
 National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA) - Provides a legal right to persons belonging to eligible
households to receive foodgrains at subsidised price.
 Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) - States were required to identify the poor for delivery of
food grains and for its distribution in a transparent and accountable manner.
 Antyodaya anna yojana (AAY) - Aims at reducing hunger among the poorest segments of the Below
Poverty Line population.
 Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) -A food security welfare scheme announced
during covid-19 where the centre provides provides 5 kg of free food grains per month to the poor.

What are the impact of food security policy on environment?

 Soil degradation- Heavy subsidies on chemical fertilizers, particularly urea, have led to imbalanced use of
nitrogen (N), phosphate (P), and potash (K). which made soil deficient in organic carbon.
 Poor Soil Organic Carbon (SOC)- The optimal SOC level should be between 1.5% and 2%, but 60% of Indian
soils have SOC levels below 0.5% due to excessive use of chemical pesticides.
 Loss of biodiversity- The use of HYV seeds displaced indigenous species and agricultural system that has led
to loss of biodiversity and agricultural genetic resources aggravating the genetic vulnerability of many valuable
gene pools.
 Groundwater depletion- Groundwater levels are falling in many Indian states, with critical conditions in
Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. This is attributed to free electricity for irrigation, minimum support prices,
and unrestricted procurement of paddy, leading to excessive groundwater use.
 Ecological impact- The overuse of groundwater has resulted in an ecological crisis, with the water table
dropping annually and paddy fields emitting about 5 tons of carbon per hectare.
 Loss of crop diversity- Policies have caused a shift in crop patterns, particularly in Punjab where rice
cultivation increased from 4.8% in 1960 to over 40% today, replacing other crops like maize, millets, pulses, and
oilseeds.
 India’s status- India, with only 2.4% of the world’s geographical area, 4% of global freshwater resources, and
18% of the world’s population, is under huge stress, be it its soils, water, air (GHG emissions) or biodiversity.
What lies ahead?
 The need of the hour is to implement policies that are beneficial to both peasant and the planet to save future
generation.
 A holistic approach must be implemented to handle the climate change and extreme weather events are likely
to increase causing massive damage to lives and livelihoods.
 Immediate action must be taken to create climate-resilient food systems, restore soil health, halt groundwater
depletion, significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and incentivize biodiversity conservation through
green credits.
12. SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
12.1 ISRO's role in India’s private space sector boom
Why in news?
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is expanding its missions with private sector involvement boosted by
100% Foreign Direct Investment in the space sector.
ISRO
 Dr.Vikram Sarabhai is known as father of Indian space programme.

 Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the space agency of India.
 Role- It is involved in science, engineering and technology to harvest the benefits of outer space for India and
the mankind.
 Formation - It was formed in 1969 and superseded Indian National Committee for Space Research
(INCOSPAR), set up in 1962 by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai with an expanded role to harness space technology.
 Department of Space (DoS) was set up and ISRO was brought under DoS in 1972.
 Objective- Development and application of space technology for various national needs.
 Space system- ISRO has established major space systems for
o Communication, television broadcasting and meteorological services
o Resources monitoring and management;
o Space-based navigation services.

What are the steps taken by India to promote private participation in space sector?
Antrix corporation Ltd.
 Launch year- 1992.
 Administrative control- It is a wholly owned Government of India Company under Department of Space.
 Marketing arm of ISRO- It is the commercial and marketing arm of ISRO.
 Primary role- To promote, market, and deliver ISRO's commercial products to international clients.
 It serves as a conduit between ISRO and private industry partners, facilitating technology transfer, etc.
New Space India Limited (NSIL)
 Administrative control- It is a schedule A category company under Department of Space (DoS).
 Role– Responsible for commercialising space technologies and platforms created through public expenditure.
 Business areas- PSLV & SSLV manufacturing, launch services, satellite based services, satellite building.
 It will help in transferring technologies developed by ISRO to industries for commercialisation.
IN SPACe
 About- Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre is a single window autonomous
body established under Department of Space.
 Aim- To create an eco-system of industry, academia & start-ups to attract major share in global space economy.
 Role- The Centre is responsible to promote enable authorize and supervise various space activities of the Non-
Government Entities (NGEs).
National Geospatial Policy, 2022
 About- The policy issued guidelines for private companies to acquire geospatial data and maps from
government agencies without licenses, permissions, or clearances, except for certain categories.
 Aim - To develop a geospatial ecosystem, democratize data, and strengthen integrated interfaces for digital data
with location.
 The policy promotes private sector participation in collecting geospatial data and allows the Survey of India to
maintain high-resolution orthoimagery.
India Space Policy, 2023
 Vision- To enable, encourage and develop a flourishing commercial presence in space economy.
 NGEs shall be allowed to undertake end-to-end activities in space sector through establishment and operation
of space objects, ground-based assets and services, such as communication, remote sensing, navigation, etc.,
 IN-SPACe will be the single window clearance and authorisation agency providing guidelines and regulations
for NGEs.
The Centre aims to boost Indian space economy from its current worth of 8 billion dollars (2% of global space
economy) to 100 billion dollars by 2040.
Revised FDI guidelines
FDI in % Allowed for
74% Satellite manufacturing and operation
49% Launch vehicles, spaceports, and associated systems.
To manufacture components and systems/sub-systems for satellites, ground, and user

100%
segments
Investments beyond the specified limits is allowed via government route

What are the private players that are involving in space sector?
Private
About Successful outcomes
players
 It is in Hyderabad which is specialized in

designing customized satellites, ground  Successfully tested and launched its
stations, and launch services. indigenously developed satellite orbital
Dhruva deployers in ISRO's PSLV missions.
space  It manufactures satellites for missions in Low
Earth Orbit (LEO) and beyond, orbital  Currently building a spacecraft manufacturing
deployers, ground stations, antennas, and space facility in Hyderabad after securing funding
operations command systems.
 It became the first private Indian startup to

 It is in Hyderabad which focuses on
successfully test liquid propulsion engines and
manufacturing space launch vehicles.
Skyroot a 3D printed cryogenic engine.
 It is developing and testing three space vehicles
 It launched India's first private
and various rocket engines.
rocket, Vikram-S, in 2022.
 It tested its single-piece 3D printed engine

 It is incubated at Indian Institute of Madras. Agnilet in 2022.
Agnikul  It specializes in manufacturing space launch  It inaugurated India's first private mobile
cosmos vehicles. launchpad and mission control center.
 It partenerd with ISRO for technology support.  It raised 11 million dollars in Series A funding
and established the Agnikul Rocket Factory–1.
 It is a Mumbai based space startup that

 It has signed deals with UK and French
specializes in green tech for space and debris
startups.
Manastu collision avoidance systems for CubeSats.
Space  In 2023, the company raised 3 million dollars
 Offers in-space services such as refueling
in pre-series A round funding led by Indian
satellites and removing expired satellites from
Angel Network.
orbits to reduce space debris.
12.2 The Hypothesis of Dark Energy
Why in news?
The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) aims to uncover clues about dark energy by mapping the universe in
three dimensions.
Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI)
 It is a scientific research instrument for conducting spectrographic astronomical surveys of distant galaxies.
 Location- The DESI is retrofitted onto the Mayall Telescope on top of Kitt Peak in the Sonoran Desert, US.
 International collaboration- Over 900 researchers, including a team from the Tata Institute of
Fundamental Research in Mumbai, are involved in this global project
 Goal- To measure the effect of dark energy on the expansion of the universe.
 3D map- By obtaining optical spectra for tens of millions of galaxies and quasars, DESI constructs a 3D map
spanning the nearby universe to a staggering 11 billion light years.
 Components- Focal plane and a bank of spectrographs.
 Focal plane- DESI houses an impressive array of 5,000 fiber-positioning robots which work together to
precisely position optical fibers on celestial objects, allowing for efficient spectroscopic observations.
 Spectrographs- DESI employs a bank of spectrographs that receive light from the fibers, it analyze the
spectra of galaxies and quasars, providing valuable information about their composition and other properties.

What is dark energy?

 Everything we see - the planets, moons, galaxies, organisms - makes up less than 5% of the universe.
 Dark energy is an invisible, repulsive energy that counteracts the gravitational attraction between matter, it
causes the Universe’s expansion to accelerate.
 Discovery-The existence of dark energy was inferred from observations of distant supernovae in the late 1990s,
these observations revealed that the expansion of the Universe was accelerating, contrary to expectations.
 Cosmic expansion- Dark energy is responsible for the cosmic acceleration observed in the expansion of the
Universe, it dominates the energy content of the Universe, accounting for about 68% of its total energy density.
 Baryon Acoustic Oscillations (BAO)- Scientists use baryon acoustic oscillations as a “standard ruler” to
study dark energy, these oscillations are imprints left in the distribution of galaxies due to sound waves in the
early Universe.
 Despite its importance, dark energy remains one of the greatest mysteries in astrophysics, hence its origin,
nature, and behavior are still not fully understood.
Dark Matter Dark Energy
Dark matter is a hypothetical form of matter thought to Dark energy is an unknown form of energy that is
account for approximately 85% of the matter in the hypothesized to permeate all of space, tending to
universe. accelerate the expansion of the universe.
It is the second largest constituent of the universe, 27% of It is the single largest constituent of the universe, 68% of
the universe is dark matter. the universe is dark energy.
Dark matter works like an attractive force that holds our Dark energy is a repulsive force that causes the expansion
universe together. of our universe.
It interacts with normal matter like gravity. There is no interaction with normal matter.
Xenon1T is designed to detect dark matter. Euclid mission will study dark energy and dark matter.
What are the key highlights of the new 3D map by DESI?

 Unprecedented data- DESI has captured light from 6 million galaxies, some dating back 11 billion years to
create most detailed map of the universe yet.
 Study dark energy- DESI examines dark energy’s impact on cosmic expansion, using baryon acoustic
oscillations (BAO) as a “standard ruler.”
 Precision in expansion- The experiment has achieved better than 1% precision in measuring the Universe’s
expansion, enhancing our understanding of cosmic evolution.
 Measured expansion rate- The team has measured the universe’s expansion rate at 68.5 km/s per
megaparsec, which could provide insights into the nature of dark energy.
 Mystery of dark energy- The map has led to measurements of the universe’s expansion with unprecedented
accuracy, suggesting that dark energy may not be constant over time, challenging the standard model.
 Scientific surprise- The vast empty spaces between stars and galaxies have been measured to be expanding
at an accelerating pace, despite the countervailing force of gravitation that pullthings together.
 Hypothesis- Scientists have been unable to find any explanation for this rapid expansion, and have been forced
to hypothesis that there must be some “dark” energy causing this expansion.
 Future insights- With 4 more years of data collection, DESI may reveal changes in dark energy over time,
refining our cosmological model.
XENON1T
 It is the world’s most sensitive dark matter experiment.

 Operation- It is operated deep underground at INFN Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso, Italy.
 Objective- It have been designed to directly detect dark matter, by searching for signs of dark matter
‘hitting’ ordinary matter.

Euclid mission
 Objective- To understand the evolution of the Universe by looking at the light emitted from galaxies 10
billion years ago.
 Euclid Telescope- It was launched by European Space Agency from Cape Canaveral in Florida.
 Cosmology survey mission- It is optimized to determine the properties of dark energy and dark matter on
universal scales.
 The telescope will also focus on gleaning more information on dark energy and dark matter and will scan
more than 1/3rd of the sky.
12.3 Data Embassies
Why in news?
The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), a regulatory body for the GIFT City, is readying a
framework for setting up a single window clearance system for data embassies.
What is a data embassy? Estonia is the world’s
first data embassy
 A data embassy is a solution implemented by nation-states to ensure a
country's digital continuity with particular respect to critical databases.
 It consists of a set of servers that store one country's data and are under that country's jurisdiction while being
located in another country, the data archives stored are inviolable and thus exempt from search, requisition,
attachment or execution.
 Purpose- To provide uninterrupted government services, even in challenging circumstances such as natural
disaster, military invasion, cyberattacks, geopolitical conflicts etc.,
 Estonia- It has a stringent paperless policy and crucial databases existing only in digital format it explored data
embassies after cyberattacks disrupted its digital infrastructure.
 Diplomatic agreement- It enables the home country and the host country to establishes three pillars of
sovereignty on the recovery site
Pillars of sovereignty About
The home country retains access and control over its data, which is protected through
Data sovereignty
encryption keys and not subject to the host country’s jurisdiction
The home country has continuous visibility and control over the provider operations
Operational sovereignty
and can maintain its services even during extreme scenarios.
The home country can choose the technical stack on which it operates, without
Software sovereignty
depending on the provider’s software.
What are the advantages of data embassies?

 Resilience and continuity- If a country faces extensive denial-of-service attacks or a military invasion that
disrupts its data centers, having a backup in a data embassy abroad allows for swift recovery.
 Security- Data embassies provide data sovereignty while mitigating threats as keeping data localized within a
single facility or geographical boundary can pose security risks.
 Collaboration- Data embassies foster
A denial-of-service (DoS) is a type of cyber-attack in
collaboration among nation-states and
stakeholders, they creatively interpret law and which a malicious actor aims to render a computer
technology to protect and backup data or other device unavailable to its intended users by
effectively. interrupting the device's normal functioning.
 Efficient infrastructure- Holding data in
state-of-the-art data centers managed by service providers in other countries ensures efficient synchronization
and service recovery.

 Cost effective- Setting up and maintaining data embassies can be cost-effective compared to building and
managing redundant infrastructure within the home country.
 Back up infrastructure- Countries consider them as a cital back-ups for critical government collected data,
copies of which already exist in the territory of the host country.
 Jurisdiction- Data embassies like traditional embassies operate as per the law of the country whose data is
being stored in the data centre, not that of the host country. Data stored in these centres is also off-bounds from
host state access, much like physical embassies.
 Data security- Hosting of Data and Information System agreement signed by Estonia and Luxemburg allows
the establishment of data embassy along with immunity and inviolability of the data centre premises by any
officials from Luxemburg while granting a right of access to authorized representatives of the Republic of
Estonia.
Global legal framework for data embassies
 Estonia- It entered into a bilateral treaty with Luxembourg in 2017 on the Hosting of Data and Information
Systems.
 Bahrain- In 2018, it passed a legislative decree which encourages foreign parties (both private and public
actor) to enter into an agreement with Bahrain to set up data centres there.
 Monaco- In 2021 Monaco’s e-embassy was established in Luxembourg which finalized the storage of the
Monaco’s sensitive sovereign data.
 India- In Budget 2023, the government proposed for data embassies in the country to facilitate seamless
digital transfers and continuity for other nations.
What are the challenges with data embassy?

 Legal complexity- Establishing data embassies involve navigating complex legal framework, it raises crucial
questions regarding juridcition, sovereignty and the applicability of local laws.
 Operational challenges-It include setting up and maintaining physical infrastructure, ensuring robust
security measures, and addressing communication and coordination between countries.
 Security risks- The risk of data breaches or unauthorized access ramins a challenge hence data embassies
must have a secure, resilient infrastructure to protect against cyber threats and physical risks.
 Privacy- Countries may have differing privacy laws and regulation, hence the data stored must comply with
privacy requirement which is critical.
 International cooperation- Data embassies require cooperation and trust among nations, establishing
bilateral agreements and frameworks can be time-consuming.
 Public acceptance- Convincing citizens and stakeholders about the benefits and necessity of data embassies
can be challenging.
How India aims to make it as a global hub in data embassies?
 Policy formulation- MeitY is reportedly working on formulating a bespoke policy to allow countries and
international companies to establish data embassies within Indian territory.
 Diplomatic immunity- The proposed policy is expected to offer diplomatic immunity to the data stored
within these embassies, shielding it from Indian regulations.
 Align with data protection legislation- The policy on data embassies may be integrated into the existing
Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2022 (DPDP), or drafted separately.
 National cloud ecosystem- MeitY aims to develop a national government cloud to store sensitive sovereign
data locally, particularly related to national security.
 State level policies- Gujarat have introduced policies to attract investment in IT infrastructure including data
centres.
What lies ahead?
 By establishing data embassies, India can attract foreign and private sector investments, boost its digital
economy, and highlight the quality of its IT sector.
 The initiative can create employment opportunities, contributing to India’s efforts to become a global hub for
data storage.

12.4 Cyber Slavery
Why in news?
Over 5,000 Indians have been trapped and forced to commit cyber frauds, with victims in India losing approximately
Rs 500 crore in the last six months.
What is cyber slavery?
 It is also known as digital slavery is an organized crime which refers to the practice of exploiting individuals
through digital means for labor or other purposes, often under coercive or deceptive conditions.
 While traditional forms of slavery involve physical captivity, cyber slavery occurs in the virtual realm, where
individuals are manipulated, controlled, and exploited through various online channels.
 Coercion- Cyber slavery involves coercing or deceiving individuals into exploitative situations, it includes false
promises of employment, threats, manipulation, or other forms of coercion to compel individuals to perform
certain tasks or activities.
 Online exploitation- It typically involves the use of digital platforms, technology, and communication
channels for exploitation.
 Virtual captivity- While individuals may not be physically confined, they may be effectively held captive
through digital means. For example, their personal information, financial assets, or reputation may be
controlled or threatened, making it difficult for them to escape or seek help.
 Global presence- Cyber slavery is not confined by geographical boundaries and can occur on a global scale,
perpetrators may operate from different countries, targeting vulnerable individuals worldwide through the
internet.
 Diverse forms- Cyber slavery can manifest in various forms, including but not limited to forced labour
in online scams, coerced participation in cybercrime activities, exploitation in the digital gig economy, or
involuntary servitude through online platforms.
What is the recent issue of cyber slavery in Cambodia?
 Over 5,000 Indians are reported to be trapped in Cambodia, where they are allegedly being coerced into carrying
out cyber frauds.
 Individuals are lured to Cambodia under false pretenses, often promised data entry jobs. However, upon arrival,
they are forced to engage in cyber fraud activities, including posing as law enforcement officials or using fake
social media profiles to scam people.
 The scams involve various tactics, including posing as women on dating apps to convince targets to invest in
cryptocurrency trading or fake stock investments.
 The Indian government, particularly the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), is actively engaged in addressing the
issue, they have held meetings with various ministries and security experts to devise a strategy for rescuing those
trapped in Cambodia.
 Law enforcement agencies, such as the Rourkela Police in Odisha, have taken actions against cyber-crime
syndicates involved in this scam. They have made arrests and are coordinating with immigration authorities to
detain suspects attempting to return from Cambodia.
 Some individuals have been successfully rescued with the help of government agencies and organizations like
the Non-Resident Indian Forum of the Government of Karnataka (NRIFK).
 Authorities are considering seeking assistance from Interpol to arrest key players involved in the scam.
What are the challenges in cyber slavery?
 Challenges in detection- Cyber slavery operates in the digital shadows, making it difficult to track down
perpetrators, their anonymity allows them to hide behind pseudonyms, encrypted communication channels,
and virtual private networks (VPNs).
 Jurisdictional challenges- The internet transcends national borders, complicating legal jurisdiction.
Perpetrators can operate from one country while victimizing individuals in another.
 Pseudonymity- Perpetrators often use fake identities, making it challenging to identify and trace them.
 Ephemeral evidence- Digital evidence can vanish quickly due to data deletion, encryption, or rapid changes
in online platforms.

 Resource constraints- Law enforcement agencies face resource limitations, both in terms of personnel and
technology.
What lies ahead?
 Raising awareness about cyber slavery is crucial, it can be done through public campaigns, educational
programs and media coverage can inform people about the risks and signs of exploitation.
 Governments must enact and enforce robust legislation specifically targeting cyber slavery, these laws should
cover both domestic and international cases, addressing jurisdictional challenges.
 The need of the hour is international cooperation it can be facilitated through Mutual legal assistance treaties
(MLATs) that fosters information sharing, extradition, and joint investigations.
 The victims should be empowered through establishing helplines, counselling services, safe spaces etc., this
would make them come forward.
 Technology companies should adopt ethical supply chain practices, ensuring their products and services are
not inadvertently linked to cyber slavery.
Steps taken by India to combat cyber attacks
 Indian Computer Emergency Team (CERT- In)- It is operational since 2004, it collects, analyses, and
disseminates information on cyber incidents.
 National Cyber Security Coordinator -It is under the National Security Council Secretariat, it
coordinates with different agencies at the national level on cybersecurity issues.
 National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre - It has been set up for the
protection of national critical information infrastructure.
 Cyber Swachhta Kendra - It is a Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis Centre that has been launched for
detection of malicious software programmes and to provide free tools to remove them.
 Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)- It is an initiative of the Ministry of Home Affairs
(MHA) to combat cyber-crime in the country.
 Cyber Crisis Management Plan - It has been formulated by the government to counter cyber-attacks
 Cyber Surakshit Bharat- It aims to ensure awareness about cybercrime and adequate safety measures for
Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and frontline IT staff across all government departments.
 Cyberdome- It is Kerala State police department’s premier facility dedicated to prevent cybercrime and
mitigate security threats to the State’s critical information infrastructure.
12.5 Green Hydrogen
Why in news?
Recently the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has introduced pioneering scheme to advance green hydrogen
adoption though pilot projects.
Green Hydrogen
 Hydrogen is an abundant, cheap

and clean-burning which is
described as the fuel of the future.
 It is produced using electrolysis of
water with electricity generated by
renewable energy.
 The carbon intensity ultimately
depends on the carbon neutrality of
the source of electricity (i.e., the
more renewable energy there is in
the electricity fuel mix, the
"greener" the hydrogen produced).

What are the advantages of green hydrogen?
 Reduction of emissions- Green hydrogen, produced from renewable energy sources, offers a clean
alternative to traditional fossil fuels it will significantly reduce harmful emissions such as carbon dioxide and
particulate matter.
Panchamrit
 Curbing pollution- The adoption of hydrogen fuel
in transportation can play a crucial role in curbing
pollution in Indian cities, which are grappling with By 2030, India will
severe air quality issues. o Reach its non-fossil energy capacity to 500
GW
 Meet climate goals- India has committed to
ambitious climate targets under the Paris Agreement o Meet 50% of its energy requirements from
and Panchamrit was adopted by India at COP26. renewable energy
 Reducing fossil fuel imports- By developing a o Reduce the total projected carbon emissions
domestic green hydrogen industry, India can reduce by 1 billion tonnes
its dependence on costly fossil fuel imports, enhance
o Reduce the carbon intensity of its economy by
energy security, and diversify its energy sources,
less than 45%
thereby bolstering its resilience to supply disruptions
and price fluctuations in the global energy market. By 2070, India will achieve the target of Net Zero.
 Business opportunity- The transition to green
hydrogen presents a significant business opportunity for India, both domestically and internationally. emerging
hydrogen economy, attracting investment, creating jobs, and driving economic growth in key sectors such as
manufacturing, energy, and transportation.
 Zero carbon emission- Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles utilize hydrogen through combustion (similar to diesel
and petrol cars) but emit no carbon
 Energy efficiency- The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles convert hydrogen stored in a high-pressure tank
into electricity via electrochemical reactions, research indicates that burning hydrogen in ICE vehicles is less
energy-efficient than using it in fuel cells.
Steps taken by India to promote green hydrogen
 Scheme for green hydrogen in transportation- It validate technical feasibility and performance of
green hydrogen as a transportation fuel.
 Pilot projects for mobility- It will assess the practicality of green hydrogen as a fuel in buses, trucks and
four wheelers that will help bridge the viability gap arising from the relatively higher capital costs associated
with hydrogen powered vehicles.
 National green hydrogen mission- It aims to position India as a global hub for green hydrogen
production, usage and export, this would make India self-reliant in clean energy and inspire a global
transition towards cleaner energy sources.
 SIGHT- Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition includes financial incentive mechanisms for
manufacturing electrolysers, green hydrogen production to promote green hydrogen adoption.
 Green hydrogen hubs- It will identify and develop regions capable of supporting large-scale green
hydrogen production and utilization which will serve as green hydrogen hubs.
 Enabling policy framework- The mission will waive interstate transmission charges for renewable energy
in green energy production, facilitate renewable energy banking and time bound grant of open access and
connectivity to facilitate green hydrogen production.
 India's 1st Green Hydrogen plant in stainless steel sector is recently inaugurated in Haryana, it will be the
world’s 1st off-grid Green Hydrogen plant for the stainless-steel industry and the world’s 1st Green Hydrogen
plant with rooftop and floating solar.
What are the challenges in green hydrogen?

 High cost- The high cost of producing green hydrogen, primarily due to the energy-intensive electrolysis
process, remains a major barrier.
 Logistical challenges- Green hydrogen requires specialized infrastructure for storage and transportation,
which adds to the overall cost and complexity of the hydrogen supply chain.

 Infrastructure deficit- The high cost of infrastructure deployment and limited consumer demand pose
significant challenges.
 Market dynamics- Green hydrogen currently faces stiff competition from conventional fuels and battery
electric vehicles (BEVs), particularly in terms of fuel costs and infrastructure availability.
 Storage concerns- The lack of suitable storage solutions for high-pressure hydrogen cylinders presents a
significant technical barrier.
 Safety concerns- Hydrogen's flammability requires stringent safety standards and protocols for handling and
storage, especially at refueling stations.
 Stiff competition- Advances in battery technology and the decreasing cost of electric vehicle batteries pose a
long-term challenge to the viability of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, particularly in the heavy-duty commercial
vehicle sector.
12.6 Extraction of Hydrocarbon
Why in news?
Over millions of years, organic materials from deceased organisms undergo geological processes such as heat and
pressure within the Earth’s crust that transforms these into hydrocarbons.
Where hydrocarbons are located?
 Rock formation- The most common forms in which these hydrocarbons exist in subterranean rock formations
are natural gas, coal, crude oil, and petroleum.
 Reservoirs- Hydrocarbons are typically found in underground Rock formation are crucial as they
reservoirs, they are created when a more resistant rock type overlays prevent hydrocarbons from floating
a less resistant one, effectively creating a “lid” that traps the to the surface and dissipating.
hydrocarbons below it.
 Kerogen-The primary source of hydrocarbons in the underground formations called kerogen, which
consists of lumps of organic matter.
Sources of kerogen About Benefits
Lacustrine Remains of a lake ecosystem It yields waxy oils.
Marine Remains of a larger marine ecosystem It produces oil and gas.
Terrestrial Remains of a terrestrial ecosystem It results in light oils, gas and coal.
Extraction of
About
Hydrocarbons
 After drilling, the well undergoes completion, which prepares it to drain

hydrocarbons.
Completion stage
 Engineers remove the drill string and punch holes in the casing to allow
hydrocarbons to flow into the well.
 Often, the pressure inside the well is lower than in the surrounding rock, causing
Natural pressure flow hydrocarbons to flow upward naturally.
 A narrower tube at the top directs the fluids to flow out in one direction.
 The flow of hydrocarbons signifies the end of the completion stage and the start of
Production stage production.
 Systems at the wellhead control the outflow using valves.
 If the pressure difference is insufficient, pump jacks may be used to mechanically

Pump jacks
lift hydrocarbons from the well.

 Long-standing wells might need workovers, which involve adding or replacing

Work-overs
components to enhance hydrocarbon recovery.
 Primary phase-Relies on natural processes like pressure differences and

buoyancy.
 Secondary phase- Involves inducing artificial pressure to maintain flow (e.g.,
Production phases
water injection).
 Tertiary phase- Uses enhanced recovery methods like steam injection to force
remaining hydrocarbons out.
 During petroleum recovery, a well might yield approximately 15% in the primary
Yield percentages
phase, 45% in the secondary, and 15% in the tertiary phase
 Stopping extraction- The contractor may cease extraction activities if the well is not producing enough to be
profitable.
 Plugging the well-The well must be plugged to prevent hydrocarbons and gases from escaping into the
environment. Plugs can be temporary (if there's a possibility of recommissioning the well) or permanent.
 Plugging issues- Improperly plugged wells can lead to
environmental issues. Plugs may deteriorate or fail due to A study from 2018 estimated that 9,000
quality issues or external disturbances. oilfields across 90 countries released 1.7
 Decommissioning- The most thorough method of billion tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2015.
concluding operations is decommissioning the well. The
process is comprehensive but can be expensive and sometimes commercially unfeasible.
 Environmental concerns- Improperly abandoned wells can be significant sources of methane emissions.
The production and use of equipment for hydrocarbon extraction also contribute to emissions.
12.7 Indian Patent System
Why in news?
Centre’s Patent (Amendment) Rules, 2024 has raised concerns about public health implications.
Status of patents in India
 A patent is an exclusive right granted for an invention.

 To get a patent, technical information about the invention must be disclosed to the public in a patent
application.
 Once a patent expires, the protection ends, and an invention enters the public domain.
 Patent publications-There has been a 56% increase in patent publications in 2023 compared to 2019.
 Patent
grants-The
number of
patents
granted in
2023 has seen
a 220% jump
since 2019.
 Application
refusal-
There was a
94% increase
in application refusals in 2023 compared to the previous years.
 Bangalore- It has emerged as an innovation hub, overtaking Delhi in patent fillings.
 Global Innovation Index- It is released by World Intellectual Property Organization, India has
moved up the Global Innovation Index rankings from 81 in 2015–16 to 46 in 2021.

What are the legal provisions that govern patent system in India?
 Indian Patents and Designs Act, 1911- The Controller of Patents and Designs was responsible for patent
administration.
 Patent Act, 1970- It is India’s first independent patent law Patent Act, 1970 is based on the
which palyed vital role in the growth of industries, notably the recommendations of Bakshi Tekchand
pharmaceutical sector, earning India the title “the pharmacy of Committee (1949) and the Justice
the world.” Rajagopal Ayyangar Committee
 GATT- In 1991, India liberalized its economy and adhered to the
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT 1947), which was succeeded by the WTO, resulting in
amendments being introduced in line with the TRIPS Agreement.
 Patent (Amendment) Act, 2005- It extending product patents in all areas of technology including food,
medicine, chemicals and microorganisms.
 Patent (Amendment) Rules, 2024- The aim of the amendments was to streamline the working of the Indian
Patent Office, enhance protection and support innovation in India.
International obligations of India in patent system
 TRIPS agreement- The Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects

of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) is an international legal
agreement that establishes minimum standards for the
regulation by the national governments of different forms of IP
between all the member nations of the WTO.
 Doha declaration- In 2001, the WTO Ministerial Conference
in Doha, Qatar emphasized interpreting the TRIPS Agreement
to support public health. Developing economies like India
stressed the importance of expanding health coverage at low
and affordable costs.
 Patent Cooperation Treaty- India signed and acceded in
1998, Patent (Amendment) Act, 2002 has incorporated
provisions for PCT applications into Indian law.
 Receiving offices- India (New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and
Mumbai) and International Bureau in Geneva were designed to
receive international applications.
 Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH)- It facilitate the sharing of search reports and other relevant
information, Indian Patent Office launched its first bilateral PPH program with Japan Patent office.
What are the key provisions of Patent (Amendment) Rules 2024?

 Expedited examination- Applicants can request an examination within 31 months of the priority date to
accelerate the patent process.
 Digitalization- Transition to digital platforms for submissions and communications, with revised deadlines
for providing information on foreign applications.
 Certificate of inventorship- Inventors can now request a certificate via Form 8A, which will include their
name, recognizing their contribution.
 Pre-grant opposition process- The process has been streamlined, representations must be considered by
the Controller within one month, and an official fee is introduced, discouraging frivolous oppositions.
 Advance payment discount- Patentees are offered a 10% discount for advance payments covering atleast 4
years, made electronically.
 Simplification- The patentees are no longer required to submit value or sales data for the patent in India
annually.
What are the issues in India’ patent system?
 Manpower shortage- The major reason for delays in the patents is the lack of sufficient manpower in patent
office.
 Limited application- The number of patents applied and granted in India is still a fraction compared to the
patents granted in China, USA, Japan, and Korea.

 Special 310 report- India continues to be on the ‘Priority Watch List’ of the United States Trade
Representatives for lack of adequate IP rights protection and enforcement, this would impact US investments
in India.
 Lack of transparency- Recent 2024 amendment has been made without parliamentary discussion or
transparent justification, have drawn criticism for potentially compromising public health and access to
essential medications.
 Dilution of patent provisions- The government has been making concessions to meet the demands of
industrialized countries and pharmaceutical companies, which may have influenced the dilution of certain
patent provisions.
 Lack of accountability- The companies no longer need to file Form 27 that compelled patent holders to
disclose every year if their patents are being worked in India or not, with details of quantity and value.
***************

Current Affairs Magazine April 2024

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Current Affairs Magazine April 2024

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Current Affairs Magazine April 2024

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

www.shankariasacademy.

1. IMPORTANT TOPICS OF THE MONTH3 8. INTERNATIONAL ISSUES ................ 33

2. GEOGRAPHY ..................................... 8 G.S PAPER III ....................................... 39

4. INDIAN POLITY ............................... 15 10. AGRICULTURE ................................ 48

CHENNAI | SALEM | MADURAI | COIMBATORE DELHI | BANGALORE | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

1. IMPORTANT TOPICS OF THE MONTH

1.1 Supreme Court Judgement on EVMs

Control Unit Balloting Unit

 It is placed inside the voting compartment, one

 Manufacturing- It is designed by the Election

CHENNAI | SALEM | MADURAI | COIMBATORE DELHI | BANGALORE | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

 VVPAT- The Conduct of Elections Rules,

CHENNAI | SALEM | MADURAI | COIMBATORE DELHI | BANGALORE | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

Key aspect Petitioner’s demand Supreme Court’s verdict

 The court stated that while voters’ right to know

 The court countered this suggestion by highlighting

What lies ahead?

CHENNAI | SALEM | MADURAI | COIMBATORE DELHI | BANGALORE | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

Symbol Loading Unit

1.2 India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement

CHENNAI | SALEM | MADURAI | COIMBATORE DELHI | BANGALORE | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

The European Free Trade Association (EFTA)

 Origin - It is the intergovernmental organisation founded by the Stockholm Convention in 1960.

CHENNAI | SALEM | MADURAI | COIMBATORE DELHI | BANGALORE | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

What is the significance of the deal?

2.1 Dubai Flood

CHENNAI | SALEM | MADURAI | COIMBATORE DELHI | BANGALORE | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

 Mesoscale convective system- It is a series of medium-sized thunderstorms caused by massive

CHENNAI | SALEM | MADURAI | COIMBATORE DELHI | BANGALORE | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

Cloud seeding in India

2.2 Glacial Lake Outburst Floods

CHENNAI | SALEM | MADURAI | COIMBATORE DELHI | BANGALORE | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

Steps taken by India to prevent GLOFs

What can be done to mitigate GLOFs?

 Risk assessment- Researchers need to continuously

CHENNAI | SALEM | MADURAI | COIMBATORE DELHI | BANGALORE | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

2.3 Strategic significance of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

 Location- It consists of two groups of islands at the south

What is the strategic importance of Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

Strategic location Significance

CHENNAI | SALEM | MADURAI | COIMBATORE DELHI | BANGALORE | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

CHENNAI | SALEM | MADURAI | COIMBATORE DELHI | BANGALORE | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

3.1 Income and Wealth Inequality

Income inequality Wealth inequality

CHENNAI | SALEM | MADURAI | COIMBATORE DELHI | BANGALORE | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

4.1 Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule

 It is the headquarters of Karbi Anglong district in Assam.

What is Article 244 of the Constitution?

Key aspects Fifth Schedule Sixth Schedule

CHENNAI | SALEM | MADURAI | COIMBATORE DELHI | BANGALORE | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

Scheduled areas are predominantly inhabited by tribes

Autonomous districts Pre Independence Autonomous districts Post-Independence

 Bardoloi committee- It recommended to adopt

CHENNAI | SALEM | MADURAI | COIMBATORE DELHI | BANGALORE | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

What is Article 244(1) of the Constitution?

4.2 Rules for Star Campaigners

CHENNAI | SALEM | MADURAI | COIMBATORE DELHI | BANGALORE | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

4.3 States’ Jurisdiction over Liquors