Articulate March 2023 v3 Final

March, 2023
Articulate
An Initiative by Unacademy
MONTHLY CURRENT AFFAIRS FOR UPSC CSE
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CONTENTS
POLITY 7
CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
• CONSTITUTION BENCH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH PARLIAMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
• DEFENCE RELATED: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
» THE INTER-SERVICES ORGANISATIONS BILL, 2023. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
» 10% RESERVATION FOR EX-AGNIVEER IN BSF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
• OTHER RIGHTS ISSUES:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
» NO 100% RESERVATION FOR WOMEN IN CHHATTISGARH NURSING COLLEGE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
» ODISHA TO START BACKWARD CLASSES SURVEY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
» DEMAND IN JHARKHAND: SARNA AS A RELIGION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
JUDICIARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
• GUJARAT HIGH COURT ASKED OREVA TO PAY MORBI VICTIMS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
• LAND ACQUISITION: SC REJECTS GODREJ PLEA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
• CAVEAT IN SUPREME COURT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
• FOREIGN LAWYERS IN INDIA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
FEDERAL ISSUES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
• FEEDBACK UNIT AND CASE ON SISODIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
• GUJARAT GOVERNOR HANDS OVER POLITICAL PENSION TO KINGS IN DANG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
• RENAMING CITIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
• ONE NATION ONE CHALLAN INITIATIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
ELECTORAL ISSUES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
• APPOINTMENT OF CEC AND EC: SC RULING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
• E-POSTAL BALLOT FOR OVERSEAS VOTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
• CORRUPT PRACTICES UNDER RPA, 1951. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
GOVERNANCE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
• MPLADS: CHANGE IN SC/ST PROVISION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
• SAFE HARBOUR RULES (DIGITAL INDIA BILL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
• MARIJUANA CONSUMPTION ON HOLI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
MCQS AND PROBABLE MAINS QUESTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
• PROBABLE MAINS QUESTION:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
ECONOMY 22
MONEY, BANKING, FINANCE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
• CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
• HARD VS SOFT LANDING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
• DIGITAL CURRENCY AND REFERENDUM IN SWITZERLAND. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
• CITI BANK MERGED WITH AXIS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
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• SBI’S SOCIAL LOAN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
• FRONT RUNNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
• RBI 75 DIGITAL VILLAGE PROGRAM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
• QUALIFIED STOCK BROKERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
• MIXED PAYMENT SYSTEM FOR MGNREGA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
GOVT BUDGETING, TAXATION, AND GST. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
• PAN-AADHAAR LINK DEADLINE: CBDT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
• PMLA AMENDED RULES: NGOS AND PEPS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
BALANCE OF PAYMENTS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
• SILICON VALLEY BANK COLLAPSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY, GDP, INFLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
• WHITE HAT JR SHUT DOWN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
• CRASH IN ONION PRICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
• VALUATION FOCUS OF STARTUP AND PONZI SCHEME. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
• RBI HOME PRICE INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
INFRASTRUCTURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
• FRIENDSHORING STRATEGY (INFRASTRUCTURE). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
• PREPAID CARDS FOR POWER TO FARMERS (5TH PILLAR). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
• PARAKH IN NEP 2020. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
• NAAC CONTROVERSY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
• AUSTRALIA UNIVERSITY IN GIFT CITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
• HINDU RATE OF GROWTH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
• PM BHARTIYA JANAUSHADHI PARIYOJANA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
• E-SANJEEVANI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
• RAISE THE MINIMUM AGE FOR CLASS-I TO 6 AND LINK WITH NEP. (6TH PILLAR). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
MCQS AND PROBABLE MAINS QUESTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
• PROBABLE MAINS QUESTIONS: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
IR/DEFENSE 35
INDIA AND WORLD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
• JAPAN PM VISIT AND ITS MAJOR OUTCOMES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
• VISIT OF GERMAN CHANCELLOR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
• ANTIQUITIES ABROAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
• CASTE DISCRIMINATION BAN IN SEATTLE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
• KAILASA COUNTRY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
GLOBAL ISSUES: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
• TORKHAM BORDER: PAK AFGHAN TRADE RESUMPTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

• US COURT DEBATES STUDENT LOANS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
• IRAN NUCLEAR ENRICHMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
• FRENCH GOVT PENSION REFORM BILL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
DEFENSE AND SECURITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
• EXERCISE DESERT FLAG VIII: HELD IN UAE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
• NAVAL COMMANDERS’ CONFERENCE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
• EXERCISE SEA DRAGON-23 IN GUAM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS, CONFERENCES, AGREEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
• WINDSOR FRAMEWORK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
• AJAY BANGA PRESIDENT OF WORLD BANK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
• WAGNER GROUP AND HARM ACT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
• RUSSIA AND IRAN TO TAKE PART IN UNS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL MEETING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
MCQs AND PROBABLE MAINS QUESTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
• PROBABLE MAINS QUESTIONS: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENT 44

ORGANISATIONS AND AGREEMENTS:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
• FOREST CERTIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
• UN ‘HIGH SEAS TREATY’ TO PROTECT MARINE LIFE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
• INTERNATIONAL BIG CAT ALLIANCE (IBCA). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
NATIONAL LEVEL ISSUES:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
• COMPENSATORY AFFORESTATION CONTROVERSY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
• DEER PARK DELHI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
• BUXWAHA DIAMOND MINE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
CLIMATE CHANGE RELATED ISSUES:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
• MEETING CARBON SINK TARGETS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
• VENICE CANALS HAVE DRIED UP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
• IPCC SYNTHESIS REPORT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
FLORA AND FAUNA:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
• WHISKEY FUNGUS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
• PROBABLE MAINS QUESTION:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 51

SPACE TECHNOLOGY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
• ALMA TELESCOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
• ISRO MEGHA SATELLITE BROUGHT DOWN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
• MOON TIME ZONE NEEDED: ESA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
BIOTECHNOLOGY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

• AFTER: AIIMS FACIAL TOOLBOX FOR EMOTIONAL RECOGNITION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
• BIO-COMPUTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
• H3N2 INFLUENZA VIRUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
WEAPON TECHNOLOGY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
• DIRECTED ENERGY WEAPONS (DEW) AND HYPERSONIC WEAPONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
• PROBABLE MAINS QUESTION:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
HISTORY/CULTURE 56
SANT SEVALAL MAHARAJ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
AMBEDKAR CIRCUIT TRAIN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
DAKOTA AIRPLANE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
HIDDEN CORRIDOR GIZA PYRAMID. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
THIS DAY IN HISTORY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
ESSAY 60
“FOOD IS THE MORAL RIGHT OF ALL WHO ARE BORN INTO THIS WORLD”- NORMAN BORLAUG. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
“ALL WAR IS A SYMPTOM OF MAN’S FAILURE AS A THINKING ANIMAL” - JOHN STEINBECK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
“HAPPINESS IN INTELLIGENT PEOPLE IS THE RAREST THING I KNOW” - ERNEST HEMINGWAY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
“NO GOVT CAN BE LONG SECURE WITHOUT FORMIDABLE OPPOSITION” - BENJAMIN DISRAELI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
“THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO DESTROY PEOPLE IS TO DENY AND OBLITERATE THEIR OWN UNDERSTANDING
OF THEIR HISTORY.” - GEORGE ORWELL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
“IF WE DON’T END WAR, WAR WILL END US” - H.G. WELLS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
“IF YOU WANT TO CONTROL SOMEONE, ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS TO MAKE THEM FEEL AFRAID.” -PAULO
COEHLO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
ETHICS 65
RISE IN HOAX CALLS TO POLICE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
EXAM PAPER LEAKS AND ITS SOLUTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
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POLITY IN NEWS: 2023 - MARCH
CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES
ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH PARLIAMENT
JUDICIARY
FEDERAL ISSUES
ELECTORAL ISSUES
GOVERNANCE
LEARN POLITY FROM THE BEST EDUCATORS
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CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES About Constitution Bench:
• A Constitution bench of the Supreme Court of India
CONSTITUTION BENCH
comprising at least five judges is formed for deciding
matters which involve a substantial question of law
Why in the news? regarding the interpretation of the Constitution.
The Supreme Court used the provision under Article • Such matters are usually of great public importance.
145(3) of the Constitution to refer the issue of same-sex • Article 145 of the Constitution of India provides for
marriages for hearing before a five-judge bench. the establishment of a Constitutional bench.
Some important issues previously referred to constitution benches:
• Validity of the Aadhaar Act • Justice K.S. Puttaswamy vs Union of India, 2017
• Scope of Parliament’s amending power • Kesavananda Bharati vs State of Kerala, 1973
• Interpretation of Article 19 • Maneka Gandhi vs Union of India, 1978
• Maharashtra political crisis & Anti-defection law • Subhash Desai v. Principal Secretary, Governor of
Maharashtra, 2022
• Federal disputes under Article 131 • State of West Bengal vs Union of India, 1964
News source: Indian Express
ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH PARLIAMENT

DEFENCE RELATED:
THE INTER-SERVICES ORGANISATIONS BILL,

2023
Why in the news?
The government introduced a bill to give more

disciplinary powers to the Commander-in-Chief of an
Inter-service organization.
What is an Inter-Service Organization?

• These are organizations that have personnel from
more than one of the three services- Army, Navy, and
Air Force.
• Examples- Andaman and Nicobar Command,
Defence Space Agency, and joint training
establishments like National Defence Academy.
BEFORE AFTER
Officers are governed by their own service acts (Air This act will provide legal sanction for disciplinary
Force Act 1950, the Army Act 1950, and the Navy Act powers, irrespective of service.
1957).
The Commander-in-Chief of a tri-service organization Direct command, control, and discipline-related
cannot exercise disciplinary or administrative powers powers will be given.
over the personnel belonging to other services.
Personnel needs to be reverted to their parent service Now it will become faster and less expensive as the
unit for disciplinary action. Commander-in-Chief can take action.
News Source: Indian Express

10% RESERVATION FOR EX-AGNIVEER IN BSF • Male candidates had requisite educational
qualifications prescribed in the advertisement, but
were discriminated against on grounds of gender.
Why in news?
• The Centre issued a gazetted notification proclaiming • Therefore, 100% reservation for female candidates is
10% reservation for ex-Agniveers in recruitment “irrational and arbitrary”.
to the position of constable in the Border Security
Force (BSF). Observation by the High Court:
• The provision for 100% reservation was
Agnipath Scheme: unconstitutional, and violative of Articles 14 and 16.
• The youth who join the army under this scheme will
be known as Agniveer. News source: Indian Express
• Young people will be able to join the army for a four

year period.
ODISHA TO START BACKWARD CLASSES
• Under the new programme, approximately 45,000 to SURVEY
50,000 soldiers will be recruited each year, with the
majority leaving the military within four years.
Why in news:
• The Odisha government is set to begin its first state
survey of the social and educational conditions of
OTHER RIGHTS ISSUES: people from backward classes.
NO 100% RESERVATION FOR WOMEN IN CH- • Odisha will be the second state after Bihar to collect
HATTISGARH NURSING COLLEGE data on the socioeconomic conditions of people
from backward classes.
About:
1. A survey will be conducted on the social and
educational conditions of the people belonging to
backward classes.
2. In Odisha, they are 54% of the population. Their
Why in the news? occupation, education standard, and other
parameters will be covered.
The Chhattisgarh High Court struck down a government 3. Over 209 communities are considered to be
decision to provide 100% reservation for direct members of the socially and educationally
recruitment of women in certain posts in all nursing disadvantaged strata (SEBCs).
colleges in the state.
More about the news: Refer to ‘CASTE CENSUS IN BIHAR’ in January 2023
magazine for more information.
• Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CPSC)
had put out a notice whereby only female
candidates were eligible as assistant professors and
demonstrators in nursing colleges. DEMAND IN JHARKHAND: SARNA AS A
RELIGION
Argument by petitioners:
• The advertisement was violative of: Why in news?
» Article 14 (equality before the law) • A large number of tribals from Jharkhand and other
areas of the country press their demand that ‘Sarna’
» Article 15 (prohibition of discrimination on grounds be recognised as a separate religion for indigenous
of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth) people in the upcoming census.
» Article 15(3) provides that the state is not prevented
from making any special provisions for women and Sarna Religion:
children. • Followers of Sarna worship nature.
» Article 16 (equality of opportunity in matters of • The faith’s holy grail is “Jal (water), Jungle (forest),
public employment) Zameen (land),” and its adherents worship trees and
hills while believing in the protection of forest areas.

Recent Developments:
What is the Public Liability Insurance Act (1991)?
• Under Rashtriya Adivasi Samaj Sarna Dharm Raksha
• Victims of hazardous substances used by
Abhiyan (RASSDRA) and representatives of many
industry may file a claim in case of an accident for
such organizations from Odisha, West Bengal,
compensation under the Public Liability Insurance
Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Assam demanded Sarna
Act, of 1991.
religion.
• The compensation is payable irrespective of
• In November 2020, the Jharkhand Assembly passed
the company’s neglect and is in addition to any
a resolution calling for the creation of a separate
amount awarded by the Courts.
‘Sarna’ code for tribals.
• In Feb 2023, a similar resolution was passed in the Source: Indian Express
West Bengal Assembly and sent to the Government
for approval. Odisha and Chhattisgarh are also
planning to submit similar petitions to the Union in
LAND ACQUISITION: SC REJECTS GODREJ
the near future. PLEA
JUDICIARY
GUJARAT HIGH COURT ASKED OREVA TO PAY
MORBI VICTIMS
Why in the news?
The Gujarat High Court ordered Oreva Group to pay Why in the news?
the same amount as paid by the government to Morbi
suspension bridge collapse victims. The Supreme Court rejected a plea by Godrej & Boyce
Manufacturing Company, which had challenged the
More about news: acquisition of its plot for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad
bullet train project.
• The high court quoted precedents set by Supreme
Court judgments, including that of Union Carbide in
More about the news:
the Bhopal Gas Tragedy.
• The Bombay High Court had said that:
• The court said that the company will take
responsibility for the seven children who were » “the project is of national importance and in the
orphaned after the accident. public interest”
» “paramount public collective interest would prevail
Major tragedies in the past: over private interest”.
• Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984): • The Supreme Court observed the Solicitor General’s
» Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) gas leaked in the pesticide submission that the dispute was over the amount of
plant of Union Carbide. compensation and not about land acquisition.
» After the tragedy, the government of India enacted • SC allowed for a request for enhancement of
the Public Liability Insurance Act (1991). compensation by the State Government within a
given deadline.
• Oleum gas leak case (1986): A fertilizer plant of
Shriram Food and Fertilizers Ltd. complex at Delhi
Right to Property in India:
faced leakage of Oleum or fuming sulfuric acid.
• The right to Property ceased to be a fundamental
• Vizag Gas Leak Incident (2020): right after the 44th Constitutional Amendment in
» Leak of styrene gas at the polymer plant of LG group 1978.
in Visakhapatnam. • It was made a Constitutional right under Article
» This ignited the debate about “Strict Liability” vs 300A.
“Absolute Liability”. • Article 300A requires the state to follow due
procedure and the authority of law to deprive a
person of his or her private property.

• Who can file a caveat?
Right of way for public projects:
• Many public works, like establishing telecom lines, » Only a person who can be affected by the decision
passage through public/ private property. of the Court
• Right of Way Rules aim to provide nominal one- » Third party / stranger – who has nothing to do with
time compensation and uniform procedure for the case – cannot file the caveat
the establishment of overground telegraph lines. • It is not a provision in the constitution. But, section
• It provides a legal framework for setting up 148A of the civil procedure code 1908 allows for the
telecom towers, laying optical fiber cables (OFC), filing of a caveat petition.
improving coordination among companies, and
settling disputes.
FOREIGN LAWYERS IN INDIA
News source: Indian express
CAVEAT' IN SUPREME COURT
Why in the news?

• The Supreme Court reprimanded (formally scolded)
a student for filing a caveat in a petition seeking Why in news?
menstrual leave for female students and working • The Bar Council of India (BCI) has granted permission
women across Indian institutions. for foreign lawyers and law firms to practice in India.
• CJI D Y Chandrachud said that “this is a publicity- • Foreign lawyers and law firms cannot appear in
oriented caveat” and the student had “no business court, but they can advise clients on foreign law
here.” and assist with corporate transactions.
What is a caveat? Bar Council of India (BCI):

• It refers to “warning” or “caution”. • The Bar Council of India is a statutory body formed
• Formal notice / warning application to the court – to under Section 4 of the Advocates Act of 1961 to
hear the petition of the person before delivering the oversee legal practice and education in India.
final decision. • It establishes professional conduct standards,
• Why should the court allow the person to file a etiquettes, and has disciplinary authority over the
caveat? bar.
» Because the person might be impacted by the • It also establishes standards for legal education
decision of the court and recognises universities whose law degrees will
qualify students to practise as advocates upon
» To prevent ex parte decisions (One sided decisions) graduation.
– Caveat is important
» Expectation from the court – the person filing the New Rules:
caveat will be allowed to be heard by the court • Foreign lawyers and law firms may register with
» Part of principles of natural justice the BCI to practise in India if they are authorized
to practise in their home countries. They cannot,
• When can a caveat be filed? however, practise Indian law.
» Only in civil cases • They are permitted to engage in transactional/
» Not allowed in criminal cases corporate activity (Non-Litigious Practice) such as
joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual
property problems, and contract drafting.

What is allowed for Foreign lawyers and law firms What is not allowed for Foreign lawyers and law
firms
• Advise Clients on foreign law Practice law
• Assist with Non-litigation issues
• Assist with Corporate transactions
Example: joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions,

intellectual property problems, and contract drafting.
FEDERAL ISSUES News Source: Indian Express
FEEDBACK UNIT AND CASE ON SISODIA

GUJARAT GOVERNOR HANDS OVER
POLITICAL PENSION TO KINGS IN DANG
Why in news?
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) allows the CBI

to investigate Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi Manish
Sisodia in the prevention of a corruption case related
to a ‘Feed Back Unit’ (FBU) created in 2015.
More about news:

• Dy.CM of Delhi Manish Sisodia presided over the
Delhi government’s vigilance department.
• It is suspected that money from a division under the
“Secret Service Fund” was used to establish an extra
constitutional Intelligence Agency.
• It carried out illegal surveillance against political
party opponents, judges, etc.
Why in the news?
What is the “Secret Service Fund”?
Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat felicitated and
• It is a secret fund used to make cash payments to presented the annual political pension to five former
the “sources” of “secret operations.”. tribal kings of Dang.
• Disbursements from this fund were made only
after the approval of ‘an advisor’ attached to the Dang:
Chief Minister of Delhi’s office and the Deputy
• 1842: As per the agreement with the British Raj,
Director in charge of finance and administration
the five Kings of Dangs are the only hereditary
of the FBU.
royals in India whose titles are still recognized by
the government.
Problems pointed out in FBU:
• 2011 Census: Scheduled tribes account for 94% of
• It is alleged to:
the population.
» Covert Operations and targeted espionage.
» Unfair and malafide political content. More about the news:
• These tribal kings were also recognised for their
» Improper checks and balances.
efforts to safeguard and preserve forests and natural
» Ignorance of laid down provisions and opaque waterways in their own territories.
working.

• The kings were joined by 452 Nayaks and bhav-bandhus, who were also honored.
Privy Purse: It was a payment provided to the reigning families of former princely states as part of their
agreements to integrate with India in 1947.
• The former rulers received ‘privy purse’ payments under constitutional provisions Art. 291 and Art. 362.
• It gave a ‘special status’ to the erstwhile kings.
• It violated the concept of equality entrenched in the Preamble and Part 3 of the Constitution.
• It was abolished by the 26th Amendment to the Indian Constitution in 1971, and Articles 291 and 362 were
repealed.
• The titles of the 5 kings of Dang are currently recognized by the government owing to an agreement made
during the British Raj in 1842.
RENAMING CITIES
Why in the News?

• The Union Government allowed the renaming of Indian cities.
Old Name New Name
Osmanabad is named after the 20th-century ruler of Dharashiv

the princely state of Hyderabad.
Aurangabad (Named after Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb) Chatrapati Sambhji Nagar

• Chatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj is the eldest son of
Shivaji Maharaj.
• The escape from Agra along with his father was a
very famous event in Maratha’s history.
• He sacrificed his life to oppose conversion to Islam
and he was killed by Aurangzeb.
Allahabad Prayagraj
Gurgaon Gurugram
Procedures to be followed for renaming cities:

About Chatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj:
• For renaming any city name the procedure is
• He is the eldest son of Shivaji Maharaj.
different from state to state.
• The escape from Agra along with his father was a
• There is no constitutional provision which talks
very famous event in Maratha’s history.
about changing the name of a city or any area in a
state • He sacrificed his life to oppose conversion to
Islam and he was killed by Aurangzeb.
• But the cabinet of the state government has to pass
the resolution for the initiating process.
Supreme Court Observation- “History can’t haunt
present”
The following regulations need to be followed:
• The Supreme Court dismissed a petition to restore
• Raising a request in the form of a resolution by any the names of historic places that were changed by
member of the Legislative Assembly. foreign invaders.
• In the second step due deliberation takes place in • It also pointed out that the country cannot remain a
the house. prisoner of the past and court should not be used to
• To rename the city a proposed resolution shall be create problems.
passed by a simple majority. • The petition had pointed out that Delhi had places

named after invaders like Ibrahim Lodhi, Mahmud of the CCTV network.
Ghazni, Muhammad Ghori, etc.
• The integrated system obtains the registration
• The court pointed out : number of the offending vehicle using programmes
such as VAHAN (which detects the car’s ownership
» India is a secular country also guided by the
details) and SARATHI (compilation of driving
constitution.
licenses).
» There are other major problems on which India
• An e-challan with a penalty amount is delivered to
should focus its energy and resources.
the cellphone number associated with the car.

How will virtual traffic courts work:
• If someone doesn’t pay the challan amount within
90 days, the challan will be automatically forwarded
ONE NATION ONE CHALLAN INITIATIVE
to a virtual court and proceedings will be initiated.
• Summons will be sent on the mobile phone of the
offender. If the fine is still not paid, further legal
proceedings will follow.
ELECTORAL ISSUES
APPOINTMENT OF CEC AND EC: SC RULING
Why in the news?
The Gujarat government recently informed the High

Court of the setting up of virtual traffic courts in the
state under the ‘One Nation One Challan’ initiative.
One Nation, One Challan initiative:

Why in the news?
• One Country, One Challan is a Ministry of Road
Transport and Highways project. • The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election
• It aims to put all connected agencies, such as traffic Commissioners must be chosen by a high-power
police and the Regional Transport Office (RTO), committee.
onto a single platform to enable seamless challan
collection and data transfer. • The Committee should be composed of the Prime
Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok
• The integrated system detects traffic offences using Sabha, and the Chief Justice of India (ECs).
EC Appointment:
Before After
The appointment was made by the President on the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election
suggestion of the Union Council of Ministers, which Commissioner must be chosen by a high-power
was chaired by the PM. committee composed of the PM, Leader of Opposition
in Lok Sabha, and the Chief Justice of India.

Constitutional Provisions: branches of government could arise which would
• Part XV (Article 324-329) of the Indian Constitution, breach the separation of powers.
deals with the election commission. • There is no need for judicial intervention because
• The Constitution does not specify a legislative the elections were held on schedule and there was
procedure for appointing the CEC and ECs. no misuse of authority by the Election Commission.
SC in ‘Mohinder Singh Gill Case’ (1977):

• Article 324 “operates in areas left unfilled by E-POSTAL BALLOT FOR OVERSEAS VOTER
legislation”.
• The words ‘superintendence, direction, and Why in the news?
control’ as well as ‘conduct of all elections’ are to be • Election Commission’s proposal to facilitate an
interpreted in the broadest meaning. electronically-transmitted postal ballot system for
overseas Indian voters is under discussions with
Pros: the Ministry of External Affairs, as informed in Lok
Sabha.
• The judgment recognises the fine distinction
between conventional democracy and constitutional
democracy. Present system for overseas voters:
• The total number of overseas electors is over 1.15 lakh.
• The decision brings back the practice of judicial
activism and guarantees a more impartial Election • Overseas voters are not issued a photo identity card
Commission. but they are allowed to vote in person at the polling
station by producing their original passport.
Cons:
• However, it is difficult and expensive for them to fly
• Conflicts between the executive and judicial back to India for the purpose of voting.
Various voting alternatives in India:

Proxy voting: Allows a registered elector to delegate their voting rights to another person (nominee).
• Only “classified service voters” (those in armed forces/ paramilitary) can avail of this.
• Nominees must be a voter of the same constituency.
Postal Ballots: Votes are sent by post. This facility is enjoyed by:
• person deputed in election duty away from their constituency,
• armed force personnel, the armed police force of a state serving in another state,
• ambassadors and high commissioners and their staff,
• Spouse of above persons.
Present System New system (if proposal is implemented)

Overseas electors must physically travel to India to Overseas electors can vote in elections by
vote in elections. electronically transmitting postal ballots.
Verification is done at the regular polling booth of their Additional verification may be needed with the help of
constituency by showing a passport. Embassy staff in the respective countries.
Pros and Cons of e-postal ballot system in India:
Pros Cons
1. Greater accessibility for remote voters 1. Security concerns and potential for hacking
2. Faster and more efficient vote counting 2. Limited internet access in rural areas
3. Reduced logistical costs and manpower 3. Digital illiteracy and difficulty in usage
4. Environmentally friendly (less paper usage) 4. Possibility of technical glitches
5. Encourages higher voter turnout 5. Loss of anonymity in the voting process
6. Real-time monitoring of results 6. Susceptibility to manipulation or coercion
CORRUPT PRACTICES UNDER RPA, 1951 GOVERNANCE
MPLADS: CHANGE IN SC/ST PROVISION
Why in the news? Why in the news?

• The Supreme Court observed that people in India • The government made changes in the guidelines for
usually do not cast votes based on the educational the use of MPLADS funds, which was later retracted.
qualifications of a candidate.
• So, providing false information about a candidate’s About MPLADS (Member of Parliament Local Area
qualifications cannot be considered a “corrupt Development Scheme):
practice” under Sections 123(2) and 123(4) of the • 1993: It is a Central Sector Scheme (fully funded by
Representation of People’s Act, 1951. the central government).
• It is under the control of the Ministry of Statistics &
What are ‘corrupt practices’?
Programme Implementation.
• Section 123 of the RPA, 1951 defines ‘corrupt
practices’. • MPs receive Rs. 5 crores every year, and these
funds are non-lapsable (The unspent balances
• It includes bribery, undue influence, false of a particular year can not be utilized in the
information, and spreading enmity for political subsequent years).
gain.
• Funds are used to create durable assets like physical
• Under the provisions of the Act, an elected infrastructure for health, education, etc.
representative can be disqualified if convicted of
certain offenses: • MPs can recommend projects to the district
authorities:
» corrupt practices;
» Lok Sabha MPs must spend it in their own
» failing to declare election expenses; constituency.
» interests in government contracts or works. » Rajya Sabha MPs have to spend it in the state they
represent.
» Nominated MPs can recommend works anywhere in
India.
• The district authority must inspect at least 10% of
all works under implementation every year.
Original Provision Change Made Final (after correction)

Out of total funds every year, a minimum This provision was made It has been made mandatory
of 15% and 7.5% should be used for ‘advisable’ (therefore, not again.
projects in SC and ST inhabited areas, mandatory).
respectively.
High flexibility in using funds. Government-aided institutions Funds can be spent on creating
are excluded from the ambit of assets in government-aided
MPLADS. institutions.
UPSC PYQ:
Q. With reference to the funds under Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS),
which of the following statements are correct?
1. MPLADS funds must be used to create durable assets like physical infrastructure for health, education,
etc.

2. A specified portion of each MP’s fund must benefit SC/ST populations.
3. MPLADS funds are sanctioned on yearly basis and the unused funds cannot be carried forward to the
next year.
4. The district authority must inspect at least 10% of all works under implementation every year.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 4 only
Ans: D
SAFE HARBOUR RULES (DIGITAL INDIA BILL)

Proposed Digital India Bill:
• The IT Act needs an update since it was framed for
an Internet era that looked very different from the
Internet of today.
• Core objectives:
» Ensure an open and safe Internet in the country to
ensure users’ rights.
Why in the news?
» Reduce risks for people online.
The government is expected to replace the IT Act 2000 » Accelerate the growth of technology innovation.
with a new Digital India Act, and ‘safe harbour rules’ for
intermediaries may be modified. • The Bill is expected to classify different types of
intermediaries and make regulations for each of
them.
What is ‘Safe Harbour’?
• It will regulate a range of offences that are unique to
• Safe harbour is legal immunity that online
the online space, such as cyberbullying, doxxing, and
intermediaries enjoy against content posted by users
identity theft.
on their platforms. Eg; Google, Meta and Twitter.
• An effective adjudicatory mechanism is expected
• It was originally prescribed under Section 79 of
to be explored under the Digital India Bill.
the IT Act, 2000.
» Also influenced the US Communications Decency Regulation of Social Media:
Act.
Challenges Solutions/ Steps Taken

Inaction by Social Media platforms on • Information Technology Rules(2021) were released.
legal requests
• It mandated due diligence such as appointing India-based liaison
officers and addressing users’ queries.
The ineffective mechanism for • Three government-appointed appellate committees were formed
grievance redressal to adjudicate unresolved user grievances.
The weaponization of misinformation • Regulate a range of offences by defining and classifying them under
under the garb of free speech the new Digital India Bill.

MARIJUANA CONSUMPTION ON HOLI
About Bhang:
• It is a green-coloured paste made from seeds and
leaves of the female cannabis plants.
• It contains Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a
psychoactive compound that gives feelings of
euphoria or relaxation.
• It is consumed in India on Holi and Maha Shivratri Plants for narcotic purposes:
festivals.
Cannabis • Marijuana, weed, and bhaang are all terms that are often used to refer to the
same plant.
Opium (Also called ‘Afim’) • It is derived from the sap of the opium poppy plant.
• It is dried and processed into various forms, including raw opium, opium
powder, and morphine.
Legal issues: Q. Who among the following was the first deputy
• Cultivation, possession, consumption, or speaker of Lok Sabha in India?
transportation of Cannabis is banned under the (a) S. V. Krishnamoorthy Rao
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances
(b) Sardar Hukum Singh
(NDPS) Act of 1985, except for certain authorized
research purposes. (c) Madabhushi Ananthasayanam Ayyangar
» However, leaves and seeds, which are used for (d) George Gilbert Swell
preparing bhang are excluded.
Answer: (c)
» In Madhukar vs the State of Maharashtra, 2002, and
Arjun Singh vs State of Haryana, 2004, courts ruled
that bhang is not ganja, and is not covered under the
NDPS Act. Q. Who among the following will be the member
of the high-power committee to pick the Chief
• Opium cultivation is legal in India, but strictly under Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election
regulations and licensing by the government. Commissioners (ECs), as directed by the Supreme
Court?
News source: Indian express
1. Prime Minister of India
2. Home minister
MCQs AND PROBABLE MAINS QUESTIONS 3. Chief Justice of Supreme Court
Q. Which of the following statements is correct 4. Attorney General of India

related to the “One Nation One Challan” initiative? 5. Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha
(a) It aims to make payment of tax, interest, late fee How many of the given above are correct?
and penalty under the GST law.
(a) Only two
(b) It is a single platform for the seamless collection
of traffic fines by the Ministry of Road Transport. (b) Only three
(c) It’s a single window payment of court fees, fines, (c) Only four
penalties and judicial deposits by the Supreme (d) All five
court.
Answer: (b)
(d) It’s a land Records Information System by the
Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
Q. Which of the following statements is correct
Answer: (b)
about ‘Safe harbour’ rules, recently seen in the
news?

(a) It is related to legal immunity that online Q. According to Article 145 of the Indian Constitution
intermediaries enjoy against content posted by the minimum number of Judges who are to sit
users on their platforms. for the purpose of deciding any case involving a
“substantial question of law” is:
(b) It is immunity to tax evaders to disclose their
unaccounted income (a) 3
(c) It is a berthing facility provided to foreign ships (b) 5

to enter Indian ports. (c) 7
(d) These are rules related to political asylum (d) 9
provided to foreign nationals in India.
Answer: (b)
Answer: (a)
The Supreme Court recently decided that a batch
of petitions demanding legal validation for same-
Q. With reference to Prevention of Money Laundering sex marriages will be decided by a Constitutional
Act (PMLA) consider the following statements. bench.
1. It is an act of Parliament that was enacted in Article 145(3) lays down that the cases that involve
the year 2002. a substantial question of law in the matter relating
to the interpretation of the Constitution should be
2. Enforcement Directorate is nodal agency to heard by at least five judges.
investigate cases of money laundering under
the act.
3. Virtual Digital Currency transactions have been Q. With reference to ‘Members of Parliament Local
brought under the ambit of the act. Area Development Scheme (MPLADS)’ consider
the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct? 1. MPs are to recommend works costing at least
15% of the annual MPLADS entitlement for
(a) 1 and 2 only areas inhabited by SC populations.
(b) 2 and 3 only 2. MPs are to recommend works costing at least
(c) 1 and 3 only 7.5% for areas with ST populations.
(d) 1, 2 and 3 3. MPs are to recommend works costing at least

3% of the annual MPLADS entitlement for the
Answer: (d) areas inhabited by Minority populations.
4. The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs has been
Q. Consider the following pairs: responsible for the implementation of the
Scheme.
List I (Abbreviations List II (Full form)
How many statements given above are correct?
of acts)
A. PMLA 1. Prevention of Money (a) Only one statement
Laundering Act, 2002 (b) Only two statements
B. FCRA 2. Forest (Conservation)
(c) Only three statements
Rights Act 2006
(d) All four statements
C. FEMA 3. Foreign Exchange
Management Act, 1999 Answer: (b)
D. FRBMA 4. Fiscal Responsibility
and Budget
Management Act, 2003 Q. Which of the following statements is correct
about ‘Prem Behari Narain Raizada’?
How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) He started the Hindi weekly Darpan in the
(a) Only one pair 1870s.
(b) Only two pairs (b) He was one of the writers who returned their
(c) Only three pairs awards in protest against the atrocities of the
British during the Quit India Movement.
(d) All four pairs
(c) He was one of the famous poets in Akbar's
Answer: (c) courts.

(d) He is notable for being the calligrapher who Answer: (c)
hand-wrote the Constitution of India.
Answer: (d)
Q. With reference to Overseas Voter in India consider
the following statements:
Q. Which of the following statements is/are correct 1. An overseas voter is not issued a photo identity
about ‘Vasant Krishna Vaidya’? card.
1. The Calligraphy of the Hindi version of the 2. They are allowed to vote in person at the polling
Original Constitution was done by Vasant station by producing their original passport.
Krishan Vaidya.
3. They can also cast their vote by postal ballots.
2. He is a Hindi author who was awarded the most
number of Jnanpith awards.
correct?
Select the correct answer using the codes given
(a) 1 and 2 only
below:
(b) 2 and 3 only
(a) 1 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) Both 1 and 2
Answer: (a)
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a)
Q. ‘Lily Thomas v Union of India’ case, sometimes
appears in newspapers, in the context of:
Q. In the context of the ‘Registration and Regulation
(a) Reservation of seats in the Lok Sabha and State
of Foreign Lawyers and Foreign Law Firms’ in India
Legislative Assemblies for women
consider the following:
(b) Disqualification of Members of Parliament or
1. Foreign lawyers and law firms are now allowed
the Legislature
to appear in any Court.
(c) Prohibition of sexual harassment of women at
2. Foreign lawyers would be allowed to appear
any workplace
for their clients in International Commercial
Arbitration. (d) Decriminalization of all consensual sex among
adults, including homosexual sex.
correct? Answer: (b)
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only Q. With reference to the Mahatma Gandhi National
Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA),
(c) Both 1 and 2
consider the following statements :
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
1. Only the adult members of below-poverty line
Answer: (b) (BPL) households are eligible to benefit from
this act.
2. The MGNREGA wage rates are fixed according
Q. Consider the following regarding the Bar Council to changes in the Consumer Price Index-
of India: Agriculture Labour(CPI-AL).
1. It is a statutory body. 3. For the financial year 2023-24, the highest rate
of MGNREGA wage has been fixed for Rajasthan.
2. It sets standards for legal education in India. 4. MGNREGA is a demand-driven wage
employment Scheme .
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 only
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

(d) 1, 2 and 3 only
2. Describe the evolution of the Right to Property
Answer: (b) in India along with key legislation made in this
regard.
3. Discuss the objectives and impact of the
PROBABLE MAINS QUESTION: Agnipath scheme launched by the Government
of India. What are the challenges faced in the
1. What do you understand by the term ‘Constitution implementation of the scheme and what measures
Bench’ in reference to India? While enumerating can be taken to overcome them?”
some prominent judgments by a constitution
bench, also elaborate when the cases are referred 4. How is the appointment of the Chief Election
to the Constitution bench. Commissioner done in India? Highlight the recent
Supreme Court pronouncement in this matter.

ECONOMY IN NEWS: 2023 - MARCH
MONEY, BANKING, FINANCE
GOVT BUDGETING, TAXATION, AND GST
BALANCE OF PAYMENTS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE
SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY, GDP, INFLATION
INFRASTRUCTURE
HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
LEAEN ECONOMY FROM THE BEST EDUCATORS

MONEY, BANKING, FINANCE Who can Issue a Certificate of Deposit?
• A Certificate of Deposit in India can be issued by:
CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT
» All scheduled commercial banks excluding Regional
Rural Banks (RRBs) and Local Area Banks (LABs)
» Financial Institutions permitted by RBI.
HARD VS SOFT LANDING
Why in news?
A certificate of Deposit (CD) is the money market

instrument that was in the news during the discussions
about the Adani-Hindenburg case.
What is a CD?
• CD is a fixed-income financial instrument governed
by the Reserve Bank and India (RBI).
• The amount at payout is assured from the beginning
and is issued at a discount provided at face value.
• A CD is negotiable and equivalent to a promissory
note. Why in the news?
• CD is a secure, flexible, and cost-effective way of Inflation is rising and tight monetary policy is being
parking funds for short-term investments. pursued by both the RBI (India) and the Federal
• For example:- Axis Bank offers a Certificate of Reserve(USA). Thus, both countries are looking at a
Deposit (CD) with a maturity period of 3 months phenomenon called ‘hard landing’.
to 1 year. The interest rate offered depends on the
Hard Landing and Soft Landing:
amount invested and the tenure chosen.
• If inflation is too high, a central bank will increase
interest rates with the goal of slowing down spending.
Hard Landing Soft Landing

If the central bank raises interest rates too high or If the central bank raises interest rates slowly or by a
too soon, then GDP growth will fall drastically, this small amount, that is a soft landing.
phenomenon is called hard landing.
DIGITAL CURRENCY AND REFERENDUM IN introduce a rule for maintaining a “sufficient”

SWITZERLAND minimum amount of physical currency.,
• Switzerland is a country where the rules of direct
democracy say that a referendum must be held
if supporters manage to muster over 100,000
signatures for any issue.
What is a Referendum?
• A referendum is a direct vote in which an entire
electorate is asked to either accept or reject a
Why in the news? particular proposal or question.
• There may be a referendum in Switzerland to • It is a form of direct democracy.

Notable referendums around the globe:
Year Country Referendum Result
2016 United Kingdom Brexit Leave: 51.9% Remain: 48.1%
2014 Scotland Scottish Independence No: 55.3% Yes: 44.7%
1994 South Africa End of Apartheid Yes: 68.7%
1991 Soviet Union Preservation of the Soviet Union No: 76.4%
Peace agreement between

2016 Columbia Columbia and the Revolutionary No: 50.2
Armed Forces of Columbia (FARC).
To decide whether Catalonia should

2017 Spain become an independent state from Yes: 90%
Spain.
Held in 1948 in the princely state of

99.97% of the population voted to
1947 India Junagadh (present-day Gujarat) on
join India.
the question to join India.
1945 Switzerland United Nations membership Yes: 85.8%
Why such a referendum in Switzerland? CITI BANK MERGED WITH AXIS

• In Switzerland citizens’ holdings of cash is among
the highest in economies and physical cash is used Why in the News?
for one in every three transactions. • India’s private sector bank, Axis Bank acquired Citi
• But presently, The Swiss authorities are proactively Bank India’s consumer business.
moving towards digital currency.
Key Points:
Indian attempts for Digital Money: • Axis Bank also acquired a non-banking financial
• Central Bank Digital Currency: CBDC is a digital company (NBFC) consumer business from Citicorp
form of currency that can be transacted online and is Finance (India) Limited.
backed by blockchain. RBI conducting experiments • Under this deal, Citi Banks Institutional client
for this. business in India has been excluded.
• The consumer banking business of Citi Bank includes
home loans, credit cards, and retail banking.
Institutional client business Consumer Business

Purpose To provide financial services to organisations and To provide financial services to
institutions individual customers
Risk High risk, due to the large sums of money involved Low risk, as the sums of money are
smaller
Other recent mergers:

• 2019: Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank were merged with Bank of Baroda.
• 2020: Oriental Bank of Commerce and United Bank of India merged into Punjab National Bank.
Source: Business Today

SBI’S SOCIAL LOAN • This involves the use of confidential information by
a broker or analyst to purchase shares or engage in
Why in the news? futures or options contracts for their own benefit,
knowing that the price of the security will change as
SBI announced that a $1 billion Syndicated Social Loan expected after the information is made public.
Facility is now complete.
• Tailgating is another name for front running.
• The second-largest social loan in the world, the
• Since it requires having intimate knowledge about
largest Environmental and Social (ESG) credit made
upcoming trades, front running is a form of insider
by an Asian commercial bank.
trading.
• Example: In 2022, HDFC bank signed $1.1 billion
social loan for affordable housing.
RBI 75 DIGITAL VILLAGE PROGRAM

Significance:
• First social loan and the first syndicated credit made
Why in the News?
in the previous five years.
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced the
• It highlights SBI’s dedication to humanitarian efforts
adoption of 75 villages to make them digital payment-
in India.
enabled.
Syndicated Loan Facility Key Points:

• Loan provided by a group of lenders (syndicate), • Payment operators will aid Indian villages by hosting
used for large-scale finance of large corporations. two camps in each to raise awareness.
• Syndicate comprises commercial banks, • The program launched at ‘Har Payment Digital’ event
investment banks, insurance companies, and for digital payment awareness week.
other large investors.
• Har Payment Digital aims to simplify digital
• Example: Loan provided to the Reliance Industries payments for Indians.
Group by a consortium of 24 banks, including
• The program will also encourage the involvement of
State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis
local rural entrepreneurs.
Bank, etc. in 2019.
Source: The Indian Express
FRONT RUNNING
QUALIFIED STOCK BROKERS
Why in news:
• In the latest case about Axis mutual fund front- Why in the news?
running, SEBI has blacklisted 21 firms, including the
former chief dealer of Axis Mutual Fund. The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has listed HDFC
Securities, ICICI Securities , Zerodha and others as
Qualified Stock Brokers (QSB).
Definition of QSB:
• Sebi defines QSBs as entities with the potential to
influence investors and the securities market, as
well as governance and service standards, due to
their size and scope of activities.
• These stock brokers serve a wide number of
investors’ needs.
Other designated QSBs:

• Zerodha Broking, 5paisa Capital, HDFC Securities,
About: ICICI Securities, Anand Rathi Share and Stock
Brokers, Angel One, IIFL Securities, Kotak Securities,
Front running is the unlawful act of buying securities and Motilal Oswal Financial Services.
using insider knowledge in order to profit from the
ensuing price movement.

QSB Significance: Why in the news?
• QSBs are significant for their trading volumes, and • The government has allowed a mix of the Aadhaar
quantity of customer funds handled. Based Payment System (ABPS) as well as the
National Automated Clearing House (NACH) for
• They dominate the stock market.
MGNREGA workers.
• The failure of such stock brokers may significantly
impact the securities market. More about the news:
• There were widespread protests by worker’s groups
and activists, as the government had decided to
MIXED PAYMENT SYSTEM FOR MGNREGA make the use of the ABPS mandatory from February
1, 2023.
• The protestors have asked for three things:
» Get rid of the National Mobile Monitoring System
App
» Cancel the rule that says Aadhaar Based Payment
System must be used.
» Pay workers on time and give them the money
they’re owed
Comparing NACH and ABPS:
National Automated Clearing House (NACH) Aadhaar Based Payment System (ABPS)
Fund clearing platform set up by the National Aadhaar-based identification of beneficiaries for fund
Payments Corporation of India (NPCi). transfers is also done by NPCi.
Electronically facilitates recurring transactions from It uses bank account details mapped to a specific
bank to bank. NACH eliminates the need to use Aadhaar, every time authentication is made.
Aadhaar numbers for authentication.
Problems raised about ABPS:

• It is done by clicking on the “Link Aadhaar” option
• Technical issues, for example - authentication errors,
available on the official website www.incometax.
and network issues.
gov.in.
• Delays in payments due to bank account and KYC-
related problems.
New Mechanism:
• A mixed payment route will allow MGNREGA workers
to be paid through both mechanisms.
• It also enables recurring transactions which eliminate
the risk of delays in payments subsequently.
News Source: Indian Express More about the news:

• Need for De-duplication: Multiple PAN numbers
have been found to be allotted to a single person.
GOVT BUDGETING, TAXATION, AND GST » Linking to aadhaar will be possible for only one PAN.
PAN-AADHAAR LINK DEADLINE: CBDT • Exemptions: Senior Citizens above 80 years of age,
non-residents (As per Income Tax Act), and non-
Why in the news? citizens are not required to link compulsorily.
• The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has asked

all taxpayers to compulsorily link their permanent
account number (PAN) with their Aadhaar number
by 30th June 2023.

PMLA AMENDED RULES: NGOS AND PEPS
Why in news?
• The government has amended the Prevention of
Money Laundering Act (PMLA) rules.
What is PMLA?
• The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 is a
What is a bank run?
criminal statute that was enacted to prohibit money
laundering and to provide for the confiscation • It is a situation in which a large number of customers
of property derived from or implicated in money of a bank withdraw their deposits simultaneously
laundering and associated problems. due to fear that the bank may be insolvent or unable
to pay back their deposits.
• This act’s provisions apply to all financial
institutions, including banks (including the RBI), • This can lead to a rapid depletion of the bank’s
mutual funds, insurance companies, and their reserves and cause the bank to become insolvent.
financial intermediaries. • Bank runs can be caused by rumours, news of
financial difficulty, or other economic events.
Recent Amendments:
• The Finance Ministry has amended money Reasons for the collapse of SVB:
laundering rules to require more disclosures for • SVB’s investments in bonds were affected due to an
non-governmental organisations from reporting increase in interest rates.
entities such as financial institutions, banks, and
intermediaries. • Customers, mainly startups and other tech-centric
companies, began withdrawing their deposits due
• It has classified “politically exposed persons” to reduced venture capital funding and unprofitable
(PEPs) under the Prevention of Money Laundering businesses.
Act (PMLA) in accordance with the Financial Action
Task Force’s recommendations (FATF). • SVB then started selling its own assets to meet
customer withdrawals.
Definition of Politically Exposed Persons (PEP) • The bank’s losses accumulated to the point of
according to the new clause: insolvency.
• “Politically Exposed Persons” are individuals • SVB attempted to raise additional capital but was
who have been entrusted with prominent public unsuccessful.
functions by a foreign country, including the heads • So, bank regulators seized the bank’s assets to
of States or Governments, senior politicians, protect the remaining assets and deposits.
senior government or judicial or military officers,
senior executives of state-owned corporations, UBS bank to buy rival Credit Suisse:
and important political party officials.
• Since 2022, Credit Suisse had been losing the
trust of investors and customers due to its record
Note: The provision only applies to overseas PEPs,
losses and its material weaknesses.
not domestic ones.
• Switzerland’s biggest bank, UBS, has agreed to buy
its rival Credit Suisse in an emergency rescue deal.
BALANCE OF PAYMENTS AND • UBS and Credit Suisse are also expected to merge
their India operations.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
SILICON VALLEY BANK COLLAPSE Foreign Banks in India:
• 45 foreign banks are present in India with a
Why in the news? 6% share in total assets, 4% in loans and 5% in
deposits.
Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) in California, USA, faced a
• They are more active in the derivative markets
“bank run” situation that led to its failure.
(forex and interest rates).
• The top five foreign banks in India by assets are
HSBC, Citibank, Standard Chartered, Deutsche
Bank, and J.P. Morgan Chase.

News source: Financial Express
Issues of Corporate Governance:
SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY, GDP, • The white hat Jr involves the substantial issue of
INFLATION corporate governance.
WHITE HAT JR SHUT DOWN • These include instances of misleading advertising

and a large number of layoffs.
Why in the News?

• The coding platform and one of the subsidiaries of
Byju are going to shut down their operations.
Key Point:
CRASH IN ONION PRICES
• Wolf Gupta is a student who was widely advertised

by White hat Jr that student got a job in companies
like Google and Apple.
• But the controversy started on this when an activist
raised questions over it and the latter company
admitted the advertisement character is just
fictional. Why in the news?
Lasalgaon, in Nashik district ( India’s largest wholesale

market for onions) was stalled for trading due to a price
crash.
Understanding the onion agricultural cycle:
Season Kharif Late- Kharif Rabi

Transplanting June- July September-October December-January
Harvesting September- October January-February March-April
Nature of Crop High moisture High moisture Low moisture
Price crash explained in steps: Impact of climate change on Indian agriculture:

• Farmers store their harvested crops and sell them in • Changes in rainfall patterns and frequency
parts to maintain prices.
• Increased frequency of droughts and floods
• Onions from Kharif and late-Kharif can be stored for
• Heatwaves affecting crop yields and productivity
up to 4 months and sold till May.
• Increased prevalence of pests and diseases
• Due to sudden heat in February, late-Kharif onion
bulbs are drying up abruptly and cannot be stored • Loss of soil fertility and erosion due to extreme
any longer, forcing farmers to sell them. weather events
• This extra stock is leading to a fall in onion prices. • Changes in crop suitability and shift in cropping
patterns
• Good monsoon rains in other states like Madhya
Pradesh and Karnataka have led to bumper production, • Water scarcity affecting irrigation and crop
causing an imbalance in demand and supply. cultivation
• Threats to food security and livelihoods of small farmers
Government measures to address the problem:
• Increased cost of production and reduced
• NAFED(National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing
profitability in agriculture sector.
Federation of India Ltd) announced that it would
open procurement centres in Nashik.
• This will create a buffer stock, and provide relief to
farmers.

VALUATION FOCUS OF STARTUP AND PONZI crunch. This causes a panic situation as more people
SCHEME start demanding returns.
• Market forces prompt mass withdrawals of funds,
creating an issue for the promoter.
RBI HOME PRICE INDEX
An entity is considered a startup when it meets the

Why in the News?
following criteria:
• It should be incorporated as a private limited The All India Home Price Index recorded a 2.79% y-o-y
company or registered as a partnership firm or a growth in Q3 FY23.
limited liability partnership.
• Turnover should be less than INR 100 Crores in any of Definition of Home Price Index:
the previous financial years. • The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Home Price
Index is a quarterly report based on all-India price
• 10 years: Time for which an entity will be considered
movement from data collected in a few locations.
as a startup from the date of its incorporation.
• The RBI data is based on ten major cities.
• Scope of work: Working towards innovation/
improvement of existing products, services and • The Home Price Index should not be confused with
processes. NHB Residex.
• Should have the potential to generate employment/
create wealth. RESIDEX:
• It is the first official housing price index of India,
How Startup ventures are valued? created by the National Housing Bank (NHB), with
• Valuation by Stage: The development stage FY 2017-18 being taken as the new base year.
valuation approach, is frequently employed by
angel investors and venture capital organisations
to swiftly arrive at a rough range of company value.
Depending on the level of commercial growth of the INFRASTRUCTURE
enterprise, such “rule of thumb” figures are often set FRIENDSHORING STRATEGY (INFRASTRUC-
by investors. TURE)
Ponzi Scheme:
Why in the news?
• A Ponzi scheme is an investment plan in which the
operator or the operating company pays returns to The US Treasury Secretary discussed a ‘friendshoring’
investors from the new capital coming in from new approach toward India to diversify supply chains.
investors instead of the profits of the business.
• The Investors get attracted to these schemes
because of the unusually high rate of return offered
within shorter time spans compared to other
conventional investment options.
Ponzi schemes can create problems due to any of the

below-mentioned reasons:
• The promoter vanishes with the entire investment
fund without giving payouts to investors.
• New investments stop flowing in, creating a liquidity

More about friendshoring (also called ‘allyshoring’): State % of Groundwater Extraction
• It involves partnering with like-minded developing Tamil Nadu 92%
countries to grow local industries and connect them Haryana 90%
to the global supply chain.
Uttar Pradesh 90%
• COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine Karnataka 89%
led global supply chains into chaos, so new strategies Punjab 97%
are needed.
Rajasthan 86%
India-US economic cooperation:

• USA is India’s biggest trading partner. In 2021,
HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
bilateral trade was over USD 150bn.
• Partnership for Global Infrastructure and
PARAKH IN NEP 2020
Investment: US is investing in digital technologies • PARAKH is a new assessment system in India that
that will drive inclusive, resilient growth in India. aims to set standards for exam difficulty and paper
• I2U2 Grouping (India, Israel, UAE, and USA): joint evaluation.
investments and new initiatives in water, energy, • It will also hold learning outcome tests and work on
transportation, space, health, and food security. three major assessment areas.
• Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity • PARAKH comes under AICTE, Ministry of
(IPEF): Economic initiative by the USA to build Education.
cooperation and economic integration.
• The system is in the news because it is considering
News Source: Indian Express using “similar types of questions” in exams across
school boards in the country, which is a key goal of
the National Education Policy 2020.
PREPAID CARDS FOR POWER TO FARMERS • However, experts have warned against using
(5TH PILLAR) standardization to promote one ideology over
another and there are concerns about the lack of
Why in news? experts from the domain of school education in the
assessment and policy making.
• Groundwater: A Valuable but Diminishing
Resource- Report by the Parliamentary Standing
Committee.
• Reason for overexploitation of groundwater: NAAC CONTROVERSY
Cultivation of sugarcane and paddy crops, for which
farmers get subsidized water, power, fertilizers, and Why in the news?
assured markets.
The National Assessment and Accreditation Council
Recommendations: (NAAC), a UGC-affiliated body, has been facing
allegations of improper functioning.
• Discourage the use of electric pumps by making it
more expensive to use them, like by using prepaid
cards for power. About NAAC (National Assessment and
Accreditation Council)
• Limit the number of hours per day that power is
available. • It is an autonomous body under the University
Grants Commission (UGC).
• Ask the Power Ministry, Department of Agriculture,
and state governments to take these steps. • It makes assessments and then certifies Higher
Education Institution (HEIs) by giving gradings.
• Some states already give farmers free power, but if
we start charging them for it, they will be less likely • The NAAC grade denotes performance as very
to use so much groundwater. good, good, satisfactory, and unsatisfactory
(A,B,C,D respectively).
• The CGPA varies from less than 1.5 to 4 (Grade D
to A++)
• This helps to promote the quality of teaching-
learning and research in higher education
institutions.

More about the news: • He also mentioned “conflict of interest” in the
• A top official of NAAC resigned on grounds of assessment process.
malpractices being done to give “questionable • There was also an allegation of bribery during the
grades” to some institutions. accreditation process in 2022.
UGC (University Grants Commission) AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education)
Founded in 1953 Founded in 1945
Looks after coordination, determination, and It primarily looks after the regulation and promotion
maintenance of standards of university education in of technical education (Engineering, Management,
India. Architecture etc.) in India.
Both are statutory bodies under the Ministry of
Education.
AUSTRALIA UNIVERSITY IN GIFT CITY HINDU RATE OF GROWTH
Why in news? Why in the news?

• Deakin University in Australia is scheduled to
Former Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram
become the first foreign university to open an
Rajan mentioned the term “Hindu rate of growth”. He
independent campus in Gujarat’s GIFT City.
was referring to the slowdown in the quarterly growth
in the December-ended quarter.
More About News :
• Deakin has already filed to the International Financial
Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), the GIFT City
regulator, to establish a campus, and operations are
likely to begin next year.
• Deakin University will be governed by Australian
laws.
• UGC Rules on Minimum Qualifications for
Appointment of Teachers and Other Academic
Personnel in Universities and Colleges would not
apply to them.
• New Education Policy has allowed foreign
universities to set up campuses.
GIFT City:
• GIFT City is a global financial and technology hub
that offers single-window clearances and approvals
under one umbrella.
• It consists of a multi-service Special Economic Zone
(SEZ) and India’s first International Financial Services About:
Centre (IFSC) and Domestic Tariff Area (DTA). • It is related to the yearly growth rate of the Indian
• GIFT City intends to establish a suitable business economy before 1991 or slow growth in the country
eco-system on par with or better than leading global from 1950s to 80s.
financial hubs.

• The Hindu rate of growth is a term coined by Indian
economist Raj Krishna in 1978 to refer to the yearly
growth rate of the Indian economy before the 1991
economic reforms, which averaged 4% from the
1950s through the 1980s.
• According to liberal economists, the Indian
government’s protectionist and interventionist
policies are to blame for the “hindu growth rate”.
• Since economic liberalisation began in the 1990s,
India’s economy has surged and grown at a rate of
roughly 3-9% per year.
Source: Mint
PM BHARTIYA JANAUSHADHI PARIYOJANA
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana

(PMBJP)
About • A scheme to make available generic drugs, consumables, and surgical items at
affordable prices.
• It also provides menstrual health services (Janaushadhi ‘Suvidha’ sanitary
napkins).
Comes under • Bureau of Pharma PSUs in India (BPPI), a body under the Ministry of Chemicals
and Fertilizers.
Progress • BPPI helps in setting up Janaushadhi Kendra, of which over 9,000 have been
opened across India.
Why in the news?

• The 5th Jan Aushadhi Diwas was celebrated recently.
• It is a campaign to generate awareness about the usage of generic medicines and the benefits of the Jan
Aushadhi Pariyojana.
Generic vs Patented Drugs:
Generic Drugs Patented Drugs

• The drug which is protected by a patent is a branded • The drug which is a copy of branded drug and is
drug (Patent Medicine). equivalent in terms of safety, efficacy, dosage, and
use is called a generic drug.
• They can be manufactured by companies that own
the patent. • Patent has expired, and can be produced by
manufacturers other than the patent-holder.
News source: The Hindu
E-SANJEEVANI
Why in the News?

• In a recent ‘Man Ki Baat’ PM Modi hailed the digital health app ‘ e-sanjeevani’.

About E-sanjeevani:
What is it • A telemedicine app by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Purpose • provide medical services to people living in far-flung areas and remote
locations of the country.
Developed by • Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) Mohali.
• It is an R&D organisation of the Ministry of Electronics and Information
Technology (MeitY)
Platforms • eSanjeevani: doctor to doctor telemedicine system.
• eSanjeevaniOPD: patient-to-doctor tele-consultations.
Benefits of eSanjeevaniOPD • It is free of cost
• Makes convenient for the people to avail without having to travel
• Enables two-way interaction and even generates a prescription slip.
Source: The Hindu
More about News:

RAISE THE MINIMUM AGE FOR CLASS-I TO 6 • There are 14 states and Union Territories that
AND LINK WITH NEP. (6TH PILLAR) allow Class 1 admission for children who have not
completed six years.
» Eg. Assam, Gujarat, Puducherry, Telangana, and
Ladakh - Admission Age is 5 years.
» Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand,
Haryana, Goa, Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Kerala-
Admission Age is 5+ years.
• NEP 2020 provides for Classes 1 and 2 corresponding
to the age group of six-eight years.
Why in news?
• Having different age rules in different states affects
The Ministry of Education has urged all States and UTs the calculation of net enrolment ratios, due to
to adopt six years as the minimum age for admission underage and over-age children.
to Class 1 so that there is no discrepancy in calculating • It also impacts students moving from one state to
Gross Enrolment Ratio, and bring uniformity as per another for education.
NEP-2020.
• The states and UTs should prepare a plan for this
change.
What changed in NEP-2020?
New Education Policy - 2020 National Policy on Education - 1986

• By 2035, the goal is to have a gross enrollment ratio • By 2018 it had a gross enrollment ratio of 26.3% and
of 50% with a 5+3+3+4 educational structure. a 10+2 educational system.
• Break up of age in years: 6-16, 16-18.
• Age division in years: 3–8, 8–11, 11–14, and 14–18.
• Schooling starts from class 1.
• Class 1 should have kids who are 6 years old.
• No provision of mandatory subjects and lacks
• Focus on preschool as part of schooling. holistic development framework.

MCQs AND PROBABLE MAINS QUESTIONS (a) 1 only
Q. Who among the following has initiated the 75 (b) 1 and 2 only
digital villages programme? (c) 1 and 3 only
(a) Investor education and Protection Fund (d) 2 and 3 only
(b) Ministry of Electronics and Information Answer: (b)
Technology
(c) Department of Financial Services
Q Consider the following pairs:
(d) Reserve Bank of India
Institution Inflation
Answer: (d)
A. All India Home Price 1. RBI
Index
Q. With reference to Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya B. Residex 2. National Housing
Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) consider the Bank (NHB)
following statements:
C. Consumer Price 3. Ministry of
1. Under the scheme, the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Index for Agriculture
Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJK) provide generic Agricultural
medicines at a much lesser price. Labourers (CPI-AL)
2. The potency of these medicines is relatively D. Wholesale Price 4. Office of
less compared to expensive branded medicines Index (WPI) Economic
available in the open market. Adviser, Ministry
of Commerce
3. The Ministry of Health is the implementing
agency of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi How many pairs given above are correctly
Pariyojana (PMBJP). matched?
Which of the statements given above is/are (a) Only one pair
correct? (b) Only two pairs
(a) 1 only (c) Only three pairs
(b) 2 and 3 only (d) All four pairs
(c) 3 only Answer: (c)
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
PROBABLE MAINS QUESTIONS:
Q. With reference to National Assessment and 1. Discuss the RBI’s ‘75 Digital Village’ program and
Accreditation Council (NAAC) consider the how it assists in the Digital India initiative.
following statements: 2. Discuss the key provisions of the Prevention of
1. It was established in 1994 as an autonomous Money Laundering Act, 2002, and the recent
institution of the University Grants amendments made to it. Analyze the effectiveness
Commission(UGC). of the Act in combating money laundering.
2. The rating awarded by NAAC ranges from D to 3. What can be the impact of the failures of large
A++. banks in foreign countries on the Indian economy?
Illustrate with suitable examples.
3. It provides accreditation to colleges,
Universities and Schools. 4. What do you understand by ‘’Ponzi Schemes’?
What regulatory measures have been taken in this
Which of the statements given above is/are regard?
correct?

IR IN NEWS: 2023 - MARCH
INDIA AND WORLD
GLOBAL ISSUES
DEFENSE AND SECURITY
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS, CONFERENCES, AGREEMENTS
LEARN IR FROM THE BEST EDUCATORS

INDIA AND WORLD VISIT OF GERMAN CHANCELLOR
JAPAN PM VISIT AND ITS MAJOR OUTCOMES
Why in the news?
Why in news? • German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited India, and the
two countries discussed bilateral ties and issues of
Recently, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida global concern.
visited India.
Key Highlights and Outcomes of the Visit:

• JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) loan
for $300 billion for Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed
railway project was agreed upon.
Image Source: Germany Pension Refund and Deccan
Herald
Key outcomes of the visit:

• Green and Sustainable Development Partnership
(GSDP), an existing umbrella partnership between
India and Germany, was upgraded.
» Germany will also place €10 billion in new and
additional commitments under their development
cooperation portfolio in India.
• Indo-German Green Hydrogen Task Force (set up in
2022) will be finalized with an Action Plan.
• “Triangular Development Cooperation” where
• 2023: Declared as India-Japan year of tourism. India and Germany work on development projects
• Commitment to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous in third countries, was reviewed. Such projects are
Indo-Pacific region was reiterated by both countries. being implemented in:
• Japan announced a $75 billion investment to » Cameroon (Potato Seed Production),

support Japan’s free and open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) » Malawi(Agri-Business Incubator Models for Women),
strategy.
» Ghana( Developing Bamboo-Based Enterprises),
• Japan outlined its strategy for a “free and open Indo-
Pacific,” emphasising India’s growing importance in » Peru (Development of a geospatial portal).
the area. • Germany to join Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative
• Free and open Indo-Pacific policy: 4 pillars (IPOI), which was launched by India in 2019, to
ensure security and maritime stability in the region.
» achieve peace and rules for prosperity.
» addressing difficulties in Indo-Pacific. News Source: Economic Times
» Multi-layered connectivity.
» extending efforts for security and secure air travel to ANTIQUITIES ABROAD
the sea.
• Japan will push the Bay of Bengal-northeast India Why in news?
value chain concept in collaboration with India and
Bangladesh for regional development. According to an RTI, of the 3,696 monuments that the
• Renewal of MOC (Memorandum of Cooperation) Archaeological Survey of India protects and maintains,
in the Japanese language, focusing on higher-level 486 antiquities have been reported missing since
learning. Independence.
What is antiquity?
The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972, defines it

as:

» coin, sculpture, painting, epigraph or other work of • It has been in existence for not less than:
art or
» one hundred years for an object.
» article, object or thing illustrative of science, art,
» seventy-five years for a manuscript, record, or other
crafts, literature, religion, customs, of the ancient
documents.
past.
What are Indian laws related to antiquities?
Antiquities (Export Control) Act, 1947 • No antiquity could be exported without licence.
Ancient Monuments and Archaeological • Protection of ancient monuments, archaeological sites, and
Sites and Remains Act, 1958 remains.
Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972 • Prohibition of export of antiquities, selling of antiquities with
(AATA) licence.
• Declaration of antiquities by traders and individual owners.
What are international developments regarding CASTE DISCRIMINATION BAN IN SEATTLE

antiquities?
• UNESCO 1970 Convention on the Means of Why in the news?
Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export,
and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property: It Seattle became the first US city to make caste
defined “cultural property” and raised concerns discrimination illegal.
about illicit traffic of cultural items.
• UN General Assembly and UN Security Council in
2015 and 2016 also raised concerns on the issue. • The law will recognise caste as a unique basis of
discrimination.
What is the procedure to bring back antiquities to • It will prohibit discrimination based on caste in
India? public places and with respect to jobs and wages.
• Filing a complaint (FIR) with the police. Sometimes,
other proofs, like details mentioned by reputed Significance of this move:
scholars, are also used. • It recognizes that social discrimination is a reality
• Establish a claim for recovery and return with among the large Indian diaspora.
documentation and other evidence. • It shows effect of diaspora on foreign nations laws.
• Register antiquity with the Archaeological Survey of
India (ASI). Criticisms of this law:
• Raise an issue bilaterally with proof of ownership • Hindu Americans might face additional legal hurdles
and with the help of the UNESCO convention. to comply with new laws in the name of preventing
discrimination.
• Use the conviction of any smuggler/thief to bring
back smuggled antiquities. • Legal changes are possible in other states of USA,
making the situation more complex.
Caste Discrimination Racial Discrimination

Basis Based on the hereditary caste into which Based on physical characteristics like skin
person is born colour.
Origin Dates back to the Hindu caste system in Dates back to the colonial period in Europe and
India. America.
Found in Prominently in South Asia- India, Mainly in countries that have colonial history
Bangladesh, and Nepal, etc. like United States, Canada, and Australia

Provisions against caste-based discrimination in Trade resumed on Torkham border (between Pakistan
India: and Afghanistan) one week after clashes.
• Article 15 prohibits discrimination on the basis of
caste.
• Article 17 abolishes untouchability and prohibits its
practice in any form.
• National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)
and National Commission for Backward Classes
(NCBC) are constitutional bodies to investigate and
monitor all matters relating to the safeguards. • Taliban and Pakistani forces exchanged fire,
wounding a Pakistani soldier.
• Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
(Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989: prohibits • Since then, the trade was closed across the border.
discrimination and atrocities against members of
• Trade resumed after talks between Army officers
the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
from both sides.
• Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955: prohibits
discrimination in matters of access to public places Other international borders:
and employment.
Durand line Between Afghanistan and Pakistan
Maginot line Germany and France
38th parallel South and North Korea
KAILASA COUNTRY Radcliffe line
India and Pakistan
Why in News?
• Nithyananda’s fictitious country Kailasa’s’sister-city’
scheme defrauds 30 American cities.
US COURT DEBATES STUDENT LOANS
About: • Loan waivers are a type of debt relief offered by the
• Who is Nityananda: Nithyananda i is an Indian government to those who are unable to repay their
Hindu guru, godman and cult leader. His trust owns loans.
temples, gurukulas, and ashrams in many countries. • In the US, the Supreme Court is currently hearing
• Location of Kailasa: Kailasa is located off the coast arguments regarding Joe Biden’s plan to waive
of Ecuador, has its own passport, flag and even a student loans worth close to 400 billion dollars.
“Reserve Bank of Kailasa” • Other countries like India have provided similar
• Nithyananda’s “United States of Kailasa” had forged waivers in the past, such as the 2008 Agricultural
a “cultural alliance” with over 30 US communities. Debt Waiver and Debt Relief Scheme, 2014-15 Crop
Loan Waiver Scheme, and 2017 Uttar Pradesh Farm
• The fictitious nation of Kailasa has established Loan Waiver Scheme.
cultural partnerships with over 30 American cities,
including Richmond, Dayton, and Buena Park.
• However, Kailasa is not recognized by any
IRAN NUCLEAR ENRICHMENT
government and is considered a con by the Anti-
Defamation League (ADL).
Why in news?
• Nithyananda and his followers use social media to
spread false information about Kailasa and solicit Iran called claims of its nuclear enrichment to 84%
donations. purity a ‘conspiracy’ against Tehran amid tensions over
its nuclear program.
What is Nuclear Enrichment and why is it needed?

GLOBAL ISSUES:
• Uranium found in nature consists largely of two
TORKHAM BORDER: PAK AFGHAN TRADE RE- isotopes, U-235 and U-238.
SUMPTION
• Nuclear ‘fission’ requires splitting of the U-235
atoms, but natural uranium contains 0.7% of the
Why in news?
U-235 isotope. Nuclear Fission and Fusion:
• Nuclear enrichment is the physical process using a
centrifuge to concentrate (‘enrich’) or increase the
percentage of one isotope (U-235) relative to others.
• Usage: This enriched Uranium can have different
uses based on the level of purity of Uranium in
the healthcare sector, industrial sector, research
purposes, or weapons-grade.
Source: energy.gov
Nuclear Fission Nuclear Fusion

Definition Fission is the splitting of a large atom Fusion is the fusing of two or more lighter
into two or more smaller ones. They do atoms into a larger one. Fusion occurs in
not normally occur in nature. stars, such as the sun.
Byproducts of the Fission produces many highly radioactive Few radioactive particles are produced by
reaction particles. fusion reactions, but if a fission “trigger” is used,
radioactive particles will result from that.
Conditions A critical mass of the substance and A high density, high-temperature
high-speed neutrons are required. environment is required.
Energy It takes little energy to split two atoms in Extremely high energy is required to bring
Requirement a fission reaction. two or more protons close enough so that
nuclear forces overcome their electrostatic
repulsion.
Energy Released The energy released by fission is a million The energy released by fusion is three to
times greater than that released in four times greater than the energy released
chemical reactions. by fission.
Nuclear weapon One class of nuclear weapons is the One class of nuclear weapons is the
fission bomb, also known as the atomic hydrogen bomb, which uses a fission
bomb. reaction to “trigger” a fusion reaction.
Energy production Fission is used in nuclear power plants. Fusion is an experimental technology for
producing power.
Fuel Uranium is the primary fuel used in Hydrogen isotopes (Deuterium and Tritium)
power plants. are the primary fuel used in experimental
fusion power plants.
FRENCH GOVT PENSION REFORM BILL
Why in news?
• France has announced reforms to its pension system which will raise the retirement age. The French trade
unions have called for a nationwide strike against the same.

What key reforms are suggested:
• Earlier retirement age was 62, which is now been
raised to 64.
• People may have to work longer to qualify for a
pension now.
Why reforms are made?

• The proposed reforms aim to ensure that there’s less
financial burden on the French government.
• French government These reforms will lessen the
fiscal load of pension payments on the state.
Criticism:
• Workers opposed to the idea of having to work for
more years to earn a pension.
• Many women leave employment to raise a family, and
when they return after a long break, they must still
work 43 years or turn 67 to qualify for full retirement
benefits
DEFENSE AND SECURITY

EXERCISE DESERT FLAG VIII: HELD IN UAE
Why in news?
LCA Tejas participated in an International exercise for

the first time. Held in AL Dhafra Air Base, UAE.
• For the first time, LCA Tejas participated in a global NAVAL COMMANDERS’ CONFERENCE
air exercise.
• Other participants: UAE, France, Kuwait, Australia, Why in the news?
the UK, Bahrain, Morocco, Spain, Republic of Korea,
and the US. The Naval Commanders’ Conference-2023 was held
aboard the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.

• The Sea Dragon is an annual, multinational anti-
submarine warfare (ASW) exercise conducted by
the United States Navy.
• The Exercise Sea Dragon-23 focussed on coordinated
anti-submarine warfare among participating
countries.
• From India’s side, a P8-I anti-submarine warfare
plane took part.
• The Exercise aims to achieve high levels of synergy
and coordination between the participating
countries.
Image source: PTI
Source: PIB
• It is a bi-annual conference. (Held twice every year)
• It was the first edition of 2023 and was held on the INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS,
sea aboard INS Vikrant. CONFERENCES, AGREEMENTS
WINDSOR FRAMEWORK
EXERCISE SEA DRAGON-23 IN GUAM
Why in the news?
Why in the News? Recently, the UK government and the European Union
• Recently the Indian Navy has taken part in the 3rd (EU) secured a historic agreement about the post-
edition of Exercise Sea Dragon. Brexit trade rules that will apply to Northern Ireland.
Key Points:
Before (Under Northern Ireland Protocol) After (Under Windsor Framework)

• Goods are checked at ports in Northern Ireland on The goods are split into two different lanes:
arrival. • Green Lane: Goods going to Northern Ireland go
• They can then be moved into the Republic of Ireland through Green Lane and require a small amount of
once checked. paperwork.
• Red Lane: When goods are going to Ireland and the
EU, they are checked in the Red Lane.

AJAY BANGA PRESIDENT OF WORLD BANK Indians at the World Bank and IMF:
• January 2022: Gita Gopinathan was appointed
Why in the News? First Deputy Managing Director of the International
• US President Joe Biden nominated Ajay Banga to Monetary Fund (IMF).
lead the World Bank, and the nomination is subject • July 2022: Indermit Gill was appointed as chief
to the approval of the Board of Directors of the bank. economist at World Bank, who is 2nd Indian after
Kaushik Basu.
WAGNER GROUP AND HARM ACT
Why in news?
• Under Holding Accountable Russian Mercenaries
(HARM) Act, US lawmakers want to designate the
Wagner Group as a Foreign Terrorist Organization
(FTO).
Image Source: Financial Express
What is the Wagner group?
Key Points:
• Wagner Group is a secret private militia fighting as a
• Ajay Banga was the CEO and President of Mastercard. terrorist organisation for Russia against Ukraine.
• He was awarded Padma Shri in 2016. • The Wagner Group first emerged in 2014, following
Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
About WB President:
• The group, which supplies soldiers has not registered
• The President is ex-officio chair of the Executive
anywhere and its financing source is unclear.
Board of Directors of the International Bank for
Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and
International Development Association (IDA).
RUSSIA AND IRAN TO TAKE PART IN UNS HU-
• The president also chairs UN bodies like
MAN RIGHTS COUNCIL MEETING
IFC(International Finance Corporation), MIGA
(Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency) , and the
Administrative Council of the International Centre About UN Human Right Council (UNHRC):
for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).
What is it • Intergovernmental body within the United Nations system.

Membership • 47 member states elected by the UN General Assembly.
• Members are elected for three-year terms
• Countries cannot serve more than two consecutive terms.
Headquarter • Geneva, Switzerland
Function • Monitoring and reporting on specific human rights issues, such as freedom of
expression, torture, and the rights of women and children.
Why in the news? • Russian attendance in the backdrop of Russian -

Ukraine conflict.
Russia, Iran, France, etc. are sending top envoys to the
• New violence between Palestinians and Israelis.
UN’s human rights council in Geneva, Switzerland.
• Efforts to solidify a peace deal in Ethiopia that
Major points of focus in meet: ended two years of conflict between the national
• Iran’s visit in the backdrop of protests that erupted government and rebels in the Tigray region.
in Iran and the country’s morality police.
News Source: abcnews.go.com

MCQs AND PROBABLE MAINS QUESTIONS Convention of 1914.
Q. Consider the following about the Agnipath 3. Sir Arthur Henry McMahon was the foreign
scheme recently seen in the news. secretary of British India at Delhi.
1. It will consist of 4 years of service as Agniveer in Select the correct answer using the codes given
the Armed Forces. below:
2. It is short service hence it will not have provision (a) 1 and 2 only
for conversion to a permanent service.
(b) 2 and 3 only
3. Graduation is the minimum educational
qualification for Agniveer. (c) 1 and 3 only
Which of the statements given above is/are (d) 1, 2 and 3

correct?
Answer: (b)
(a) 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only PROBABLE MAINS QUESTIONS:
(c) 1 only
1. To what extent have the India-Japan strategic
partnership and their economic cooperation
(d) 1, 2 and 3
deepened over the years? Analyze the key areas
Answer: (c) of collaboration between the two countries and
their potential for further development.
2. Discuss the role and effectiveness of the

Q. Which of the following statements are correct United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)
about “McMohan line”? in promoting and protecting human rights
worldwide. Analyze the challenges faced by the
1. It represents the boundary between Arunachal UNHRC in fulfilling its mandate and the criticisms
Pradesh and Tibet, from Nepal in the west to leveled against it.
Myanmar in the east.
3. What are the implications of Iran’s nuclear
2. The McMahon Line was drawn during the Simla enrichment program for regional and global
security?

GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENT IN NEWS: 2023 - MARCH
ORGANISATIONS AND AGREEMENTS
NATIONAL LEVEL ISSUES
CLIMATE CHANGE RELATED ISSUES
FLORA AND FAUNA
LEARN GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENT FROM THE BEST EDUCATORS

ORGANISATIONS AND AGREEMENTS: • Forest certification provides a way for companies
and consumers to support responsible forestry
FOREST CERTIFICATION practices and promotes the development of
sustainable forest management.
• Forest certification is a process that verifies whether
a forest is being managed sustainably, in terms of • There are several forest certification schemes,
environmental, social, and economic factors. including the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest
• It involves a third-party assessment of a forest’s
Certification (PEFC).
management practices and ensures that the forest
is being harvested in a responsible manner that • These schemes have gained widespread acceptance
conserves biodiversity and protects the rights of and are used by companies and governments
local communities. around the world to promote sustainable forest
management.
UN ‘HIGH SEAS TREATY’ TO PROTECT MARINE LIFE
What are the high seas?
Image source: Researchgate Why in the news?

• The above classification is done as per the United
The United Nations (UN) inked the first ‘High Seas
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
Treaty’ to protect the ocean bodies of the world that lie
(UNCLOS), 1982.
outside the national boundaries.
• The water column beyond the Exclusive Economic
Zone(EEZ) is referred to as the high seas. More about the treaty:
• High Seas make up about 2/3rd of the world’s oceans. • It will create a new body to manage the conservation
of marine life.
• Countries can conduct activities in the High Seas
as long as they are for peaceful purposes, such as • It will help to establish marine protected areas in
transit, marine science, and undersea exploration. 30% of the world’s international waters.
• Biodiversity in this zone is called the Biodiversity • Aims to protect against potential impacts like deep
Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ). sea mining.
• Fishing, shipping and mineral exploration in this
zone will now be better regulated.

• Arrangements will be made for sharing marine India is Leftover funds, inappropriate land for forests.
genetic resources, such as biological material from
plants and animals in the ocean. Compensatory Afforestation:
• The programme is meant to ensure that when
News Source: The Hindu forested areas are cleared for non-forest activities,
an equal area of land is set aside for afforestation.
• This is now a legal requirement under the
INTERNATIONAL BIG CAT ALLIANCE (IBCA) Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act of 2016.
• The programme recognizes that newly afforested
Why in the news? land may not provide the same benefits as the
original forest, such as wood, bamboo, and carbon
India has proposed to launch an International Big Cat sequestration.
Alliance (IBCA) to protect seven big cats - tiger, lion,
leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar, and cheetah. • Developers who clear forests are required to pay for
the Net Present Value (NPV) of the removed forests,
which is determined by an expert committee.
Challenges:
• With over 55,000 cr money received for
compensatory afforestation has remained mainly
unutilized.
• The scarcity of suitable land for afforestation
• The area made available for afforestation cannot
usually be used for anything else and is frequently
unsuitable for producing plantations.
Image Source: Travel for Wildlife
More about the news: DEER PARK DELHI

• International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) will work
towards the protection and conservation of the Why in the News?
seven major big cats.
• The increasing number of deer in Delhi’s deer park
• It will be open for 97 “range countries” - where these (in Hauz Khas), the forest department is thinking of
big cats species are naturally found, as well as other moving around 300-400 deer to Asola Bhatti Wildlife
interested countries and international organizations. Sanctuary.
• India has also announced a grant of $100 million for • The relocation of these deer is to promote eco-
five years for IBCA. tourism and curb the possible in-breeding
depression at the deer park.
NATIONAL LEVEL ISSUES:

COMPENSATORY AFFORESTATION
CONTROVERSY
About Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary:

• It is located in the Delhi NCR region and is also known
as a water recharge zone for these areas.
• This sanctuary has an eco-sensitive tag given by the
Environment Ministry.
Why in news?
The problems with Compensatory Afforestation in

BUXWAHA DIAMOND MINE CLIMATE CHANGE RELATED ISSUES:
MEETING CARBON SINK TARGETS
Why in the News?
• The Buxwaha mining site is located in Chhatarpur What is a carbon sink?
of MP where villagers started protesting against the
mining and falling of trees. • A carbon sink is anything that absorbs more carbon
from the atmosphere than it releases – for example,
plants, the ocean, and soil.
Key Points:
• The forest is located 120 km from Khajuraho
and where people depend on the forest for their
sustenance.
• The mining project was awarded to Essel Mining &
Industries Limited.
Issues with the Project:

• Diamond mining in Bundelkhand would worsen
water scarcity as it’s a water-intensive industry.
• Chhatarpur was categorised as a semi-critical region Image source: Indian Express
by the Central Ground Water Authority.
India’s commitment to the carbon sink:
• The issue of waste generation from mining and its
disposal etc are critical issues being raised by the • India has pledged to increase its carbon sink by 2.5
villagers. to 3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by
2030 through the creation of additional forest and
Source: The Indian Express tree cover.
• As per the updated NDC, India aims to reduce the
Emissions Intensity of its GDP by 45 percent by
2030, from the 2005 level.
• Achieve about 50 percent cumulative electric power
installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy
resources by 2030.
INDC targets Before After

Emissions Intensity 33-35% from the 2005 levels 45% from the 2005 level
Renewable Energy 40% of total installed capacity 50% of total installed capacity
Updated announcements for the 2021 Glasgow VENICE CANALS HAVE DRIED UP
Summit:
• Reducing the emissions intensity (emissions per Why in the news?
unit of GDP) by 45% from 2005 levels (updated from
33 to 35 percent earlier at the Paris Summit). Some Canals of Venice have dried up due to changes in
climate.
• Ensuring Renewable energy is to be 50% of total
installed electricity generation capacity. (earlier it
was 40%).

• 2007: IPCC Fourth Assessment Report (AR4)
• 2014: IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5)
• 2018: IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of
1.5°C (SR15)
• 2019: IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and
• A prolonged long spell of low tides and lack of rain is Land (SRCCL)
responsible for the drying up of the canals of Venice. • 2021: IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6)
• A high-pressure system over Venice created low
tides, which has led to low water levels. Key findings in the IPCC report:
• In 2022, Italy experienced its worst drought in 70 • Human activity is ‘unequivocally’ driving global
years and is yet to recover from it. temperature rise, which has reached approximately
1.1° C above pre-industrial levels.
• Italy’s longest river, the Po, has 61 percent less water
than normal at this time of year. • There is a more than 50% chance that global
temperature rise will reach or surpass 1.5 degrees
• Italy’s largest lake, Lake Garda, is also suffering from Celsius between 2021 and 2040.
low water levels.
• Taking steps to adapt against Climate Change can
make us stronger, but we need more finance to make
these solutions work for everyone.
IPCC SYNTHESIS REPORT
What is the report?
The synthesis report is a summary of the key findings

from the three special reports of the Assessment FLORA AND FAUNA:
Report-6 cycle of the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel WHISKEY FUNGUS
on Climate Change).
About IPCC and its Assessment Reports: Why in the news?

• Headquarters: WMO headquarters in Geneva
A local US court stopped the construction of a new
• Chairperson: Hoesung Lee warehouse for Jack Daniel’s, the world’s biggest-
selling brand of American whiskey, due to the spread of
• Established in 1988 by the United Nations
“Whiskey Fungus”.
Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World
Meteorological Organization (WMO).
• About: It is an intergovernmental body tasked with
providing the world with scientific assessments of
climate change, its impacts, and potential response
options.
• Works with: in collaboration with governments,
scientific institutions, and other organizations to
assess the current state of knowledge of climate
change.
• Members: It comprises 195 member countries and Image Source: BBC
is supported by a Scientific and Technical Support
group, which is composed of experts from all over What is Whiskey Fungus?
the world. • Whiskey fungus, or Baudoinia compniacensis, is a
black, sooty fungus that feeds on alcoholic vapours.
Reports so far:
• It is found near bakeries and distilleries around the
• 1990: IPCC First Assessment Report (FAR) world.
• 1992: IPCC Supplement to the FAR
Problems created by it:
• 1995: IPCC Second Assessment Report (SAR)
• Whiskey fungus is a black substance that grows on
• 2001: IPCC Third Assessment Report (TAR) things like houses, trees, and outdoor furniture near

alcohol-making places. Q. Find the correct statement about the Buxwaha
region.
• It can lower the value of the property and make life
difficult for people living there. 1. It is a forest land.
• Polluted the water in surroundings. 2. Large amounts of lithium deposits have been
found here.
• In humans, it can cause inflammation of the
respiratory tract and may lead to coughing, sneezing, 3. It is located in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh.
and respiratory difficulty.
correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
MCQs AND PROBABLE MAINS QUESTIONS (c) 1 and 3 only
Q. India has proposed to launch the International (d) 1, 2 and 3

Big Cat Alliance (IBCA). It will work toward the Answer: (c)
protection and conservation of:
1. cheetah
Q. Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is located in
2. Jaguar which of the following states?
3. puma 1. Delhi
4. Leopard 2. Haryana
5. tiger 3. Punjab
Select the correct answer using the codes given Select the correct answer using the codes given
below: below.
(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only (a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 5 only (c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2,3, 4 and 5 (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) Answer: (a)
Q. With reference to Compensatory Afforestation Q. With reference to India’s Climate Commitments

(CAMPA) Fund consider the following statements: consider the following statements.
1. It was established under the Forest 1. India had committed to create an additional
(Conservation) Act, 1980. carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2
2. The CAMPA funds are utilised for compensating equivalent through additional forest and tree
the loss of forest land and ecosystem services. cover by 2030.
3. The audit of the accounts of CAMPA Authorities 2. India’s total carbon sink in CO2 equivalent has
is done by the Comptroller and Auditor-General been on a decreasing trend in the last 5 years.
of India (C&AG). Which of the statements given above is/are
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
correct? (a) 1 only
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only (c) Both 1 and 2
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: (a)
Answer: (b)

Q. Consider the following statements about (a) Exploration of Polymetallic Nodules
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(b) Safe Passage of Essential Commodities on Sea
(IPCC):
Lines of Communication
1. It is an intergovernmental body of the United
(c) Protection of trans-continental Sea Cables
Nations charge with advancing Unacademy
scientific Margdarshak - Your guide to
knowledge about anthropogenic success! climate (d) Protection of Biodiversity
Unacademy has always
change.
envisioned helping learners to crack their
Answer: (d)
dream exams. And in this mission, we bring
2. It was established by the World Meteorological
Organization (WMO) and the UnitedtoNations
you this new channel that will help you
Environment Programme (UNEP). to plan, choose andMAINS
PROBABLE prepare for the right
QUESTION:
3. It does not conduct original research career
but and its path to success based on
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1. Question: power,
Discuss the significance of the United
all relevant scientific publications. competitive strength,
Nations ‘High attitude,
Seas Treaty’ forskills,governance
the
interests,
Which of the statements given above is/are and passion.
and conservation of marine biodiversity.
correct? 2. Question: Compensatory Afforestation has
(a) 1 andWhether
2 only you are in class 10th or UG, whether you are preparing
been increasingly forfor
used as a tool a balancing
Govt. job exam or already working in environmental
an MNC, we conservation
will bring career
and economic
(b) 2 and 3 only
guiding videos for all of you with real-life examples.
development Make
in India. the most
Discuss the key features
(c) 1 andwith
3 only
career guidance from experts like bureaucrats, top rankers, and policy and
of the Compensatory Afforestation
Top3 Unacademy Educators that willitsinspire
(d) 1, 2 and impact you
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Answer: (d)
3. Question: Analyze the challenges in setting
and achieving carbon sink targets, including
Q. The recently proposed UN High Seas Treaty is the the potential trade-offs between carbon
associated with which of the following? sinks and other ecosystem services.
UPSC Unstoppables - A channel to help

every UPSC aspirant in preparation for the
Current Affairs. This is a one-stop solution
for current affairs related to every domain
and source, i.e. leading newspapers like
The Hindu, and Indian Express, leading
magazines like Yojana, Kurukshetra, Down
to earth, core subjects like International
Relations, Economy, Polity, Science &
Technology, Environment, and others.

SCIENCE AND TECH IN NEWS: 2023 - MARCH
SPACE TECHNOLOGY
BIOTECHNOLOGY
WEAPON TECHNOLOGY
LEARN SCIENCE AND TECH FROM THE BEST EDUCATORS

SPACE TECHNOLOGY The European Space Agency (ESA) has suggested that a
universal timekeeping system for the moon is needed,
ALMA TELESCOPE just like we have time zones on Earth.
Why in news? Why is a time zone needed for the moon?

• Large number of government and private
ALMA getting software and hardware upgrades, will organisations and space agencies are planning and
help in the collection of more data and sharper images. sending missions to the moon.
• There is no standard system for communication
between them, regarding the timing of missions.
• They usually follow their own local times, which may
create confusion and conflict later.
• ALMA: The Atacama Large Millimetre/submillimetre

Array, a radio telescope.
BIOTECHNOLOGY
• Located 16,570 feet , on the Chajnantor plateau in
AFTER: AIIMS FACIAL TOOLBOX FOR EMO-
the Atacama Desert, Chile.
TIONAL RECOGNITION
• State-of-the-art, studies celestial objects at
millimetre and submillimetre wavelengths.
Why in news?
• Atacama desert: driest place in the world, nights
clear of clouds, perfect location for examining the AIIMS Delhi has developed a facial toolbox for emotion
universe. recognition. Experts hope that using this technology
will make it easier to treat individuals with autism,
schizophrenia, and depression.
ISRO MEGHA SATELLITE BROUGHT DOWN
Why in news?
• ISRO brings down decommissioned weather satellite
Megha-Tropiques-1.
Megha Tropiques (MT) satellite: • AFTER: AIIMS Facial Toolbox for Emotion
Recognition (AFTER).
• Megha-Tropiques is an Indo-French Joint Satellite
Mission for studying the water cycle and energy • Helpful in emotion recognition capability of
exchanges in the tropics. individuals with neuropsychiatric conditions such
as autism, schizophrenia and depression.
• Objective: To understand the life cycle of convective
systems that influence tropical weather and climate. • It will help in developing emotion-recognition-
related tasks in brain imaging studies
It carries the following payloads:
• Microwave Analysis and Detection of Rain and
Atmospheric Structures (MADRAS). BIO-COMPUTERS
• Sounder for Probing Vertical Profiles of Humidity
(SAPHIR). Why in the news?
• Scanner for Radiation Budget (ScaRaB).
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University (USA) have
• Radio Occultation Sensor for Vertical Profiling of proposed the creation of ‘Bio-Computers’ to better
Temperature and Humidity (ROSA). understand the biological basis of human cognition,
learning, and neurological disorders.
MOON TIME ZONE NEEDED: ESA
Why in the news?

Image source: Frontiers in Science
What are bio-computers? • Lab grown Brain organoids are not sophisticated
• They are a new setup involving brain cultures grown enough and also do not have blood circulation.
in the lab combined with real-world sensors and • Establishing long-term memory has not yet been
input/output devices. achieved in the lab.
• Brain organoids, or ‘mini brains’ are grown using • The effects of drugs will be understood through tests
human stem cells. on rats, which may not match the real impact on the
• They have many structural and functional features human brain.
of a developing human brain and need to be given
sensory inputs. News Source: The Hindu
• These lab-grown organoids combined with modern

computing methods like machine learning create
“biocomputers”. H3N2 INFLUENZA VIRUS
What are their uses? Why in news?

• Understand the biological functioning of the human
brain. The spread of H3N2 infection has been reported
throughout India.
• Study brain diseases in a human context, through the
transplantation of human brain organoid cultures About:
into rat brains. • H3N2 is a subtype of the influenza A virus that causes
• Better diagnosis can be made by comparing the seasonal flu in humans.
data on brain structure, connections, and signals • It is an RNA virus, which means that influenza
between ‘healthy’ and ‘patient derived’ organoids. nucleoprotein (NP) binds to the viral genomic RNA
and is essential for its replication.
What are the challenges?
• This subtype of flu virus is known to produce
• In the lab, scaling up the brain organoid is a difficult
more severe illness than other forms of flu viruses,
task.
especially in older people and children.

Spread: » Solid-state (fiber) lasers are the first to be utilised in
• H3N2 influenza virus spreads by respiratory droplets. laser weapons.
• The virus remains on surfaces for several hours, • Radio-Frequency Systems:

it is easily transmitted through contact with » High-powered microwaves and millimetre waves are
contaminated things. included in this group.
• It can mutate, hence it becomes difficult for the » These technologies are more technologically
body’s immune system to identify the virus. advanced than laser-based systems and are already
• When the virus infects animals, the disease is known in use.
as swine flu (pigs) or avian flu (birds), depending on • Particle-Beam Systems:
the species.
» Particle beam systems are the least developed of
• These viruses can occasionally migrate from animals the three forms of DEW; unlike the others, these
to people. systems shoot atomic and subatomic particles.
» Particle beam systems can produce charged or
Symptoms:
neutral particles.
• Fever, Cough, Sore throat, Fatigue, Nasal congestion,
Body Aches, Nausea, Vomiting, or Diarrhea. » Neutral particle beam systems are particularly
appealing since they might be employed outside of
Treatment: the atmosphere.
• Children and adults can be treated with the antiviral

drugs that are used to treat seasonal flu.
• The currently recommended medications are
oseltamivir, zanamivir, peramivir, and baloxavir.
WEAPON TECHNOLOGY
Negative Aspects of Such Weapons:
DIRECTED ENERGY WEAPONS (DEW) AND
• Lasers and particle beam systems can damage
HYPERSONIC WEAPONS.
or destroy equipment. Even weaker lasers can
temporarily blind sensors, like the ones on satellites.
Why in news?
• High-powered microwaves can also harm electronics
Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari said India’s defense and are useful for stopping drones. But, they can also
needs to develop Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) and disrupt lots of other devices, like phones and control
Hypersonic Weapons. systems.
• Finally, millimetre waves can be used as a non-lethal
What are Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs)? weapon that creates a burning feeling on the skin, to
• These are a sort of electromagnetic or particle stop people from entering a certain area.
technology that uses energy to attack a target rather
than a physical projectile. Hypersonic Weapons:
• Hypersonic weapons are weapons that can travel at
There are three main systems of DEW’s: hypersonic speeds, which are characterised as 5 to
• Laser Based Systems: 25 times the speed of sound.
» Chemical, solid-state, and free-electron lasers are

Types of Hypersonic Weapons:
examples of lasers.
• Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV): Missiles that
» The biggest barrier to laser weapons has been the navigate and glide through the atmosphere at high
required power. speeds following an initial ballistic launch phase.
» The most advanced lasers are chemical lasers. • Hypersonic Cruise Missiles: Cruise Missiles that
» However, chemical lasers have a variety of drawbacks, travel at high speeds by using air-breathing engines
including the usage of toxic chemicals. such as scramjets.
» Because free-electron lasers are a more recent • Ballistic Missiles: These travel at speeds more than
discovery, they have received the least attention in of sound.
terms of weapon development.

Significance: (a) Virology
(b) Genetic engineering
Weapons of Hypersonic Speeds give any country a
significant edge because these weapons can avoid (c) Seismology
most of the defense systems that are used today.
(d) Space research
Answer: (d)
MCQs AND PROBABLE MAINS QUESTIONS

Q. Consider the following statements with reference
Q. Consider the following pairs:
to the Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs):
List I (Virus Subtype) List II (Name of disease)
1. DEWs damages its target using focused energy
A. H3N2 1. Influenza by means of lasers, microwaves or particle
beams.
B. Covid-19 2. Coronavirus disease
2. Most DEWs have ulimited range, and their
C. MERS-CoV 3. Haemophilia
effectiveness does not decrease with distance.
D. H5N1 4. Rubella
3. DURGA-II is one of India’s initiative to develop
How many pairs given above are correctly DEWs.
matched?
Which of the above given statements is/are
(a) Only one pair correct?
(b) Only two pairs (a) 2 only
(c) Only three pairs (b) 1 and 3 only
(d) All four pairs (c) 1 and 2 only
Answer: (b) (d) 2 and 3 only
Answer: (b)
Q. Which of the following statements is correct
about a satellite that was brought down by the
PROBABLE MAINS QUESTION:
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)?
(a) Megha-Tropiques-1 1. Discuss the concept of bio-computers and their
potential applications in various fields, including
(b) GSAT-31
healthcare, agriculture, and environmental
(c) Cartosat-3 monitoring.
(d) HySIS 2. “Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) and Hypersonic
Weapons have been identified as potential game-
Answer: (a)
changers in modern warfare. Discuss the key
features, capabilities, and limitations of these
Q. The term ‘Kessler Syndrome’ is often seen in the weapons systems.
news in the context of the discussion of fields
related to:

HISTORY IN NEWS: 2023 - MARCH
SANT SEVALAL MAHARAJ
History/Culture
AMBEDKAR CIRCUIT TRAIN
DAKOTA AIRPLANE
HIDDEN CORRIDOR GIZA PYRAMID
THIS DAY IN HISTORY
LEARN HISTORY FROM THE BEST EDUCATORS

SANT SEVALAL MAHARAJ • 284th Birth Anniversary, celebrated for the first
time at a national level. Year-long commemoration
by the Ministry of Culture.
• Feb 15, 1739: Sevalal Maharaj was born at
Surgondankoppa in Shivamogga district, Karnataka.
• Sevalal Maharaj is a revered figure. Karnataka, Tamil
Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra and
Madhya Pradesh,
• Final resting place: At Pohradevi in Maharashtra’s
Washim district, also known as Banjara Kashi.
AMBEDKAR CIRCUIT TRAIN
Why in news?
The Ambedkar Circuit train will make its inaugural run

to commemorate his birth anniversary.
Key Points:
• The aircraft was used by the former CM of Odisha to
rescue former Indonesian vice-president Mohammad
Hatta and former Prime Minister Sutan Sjahrir.
• Biju Patnaik joined the Royal Indian Airforce in 1936.
• On the Japanese invasion of the southeast Asian
nation, Patnaik flew many sorties to rescue British
officials and families.
• He carried out supply missions to assist China’s
Chiang Kai-Shek during the Battle of Stalingrad
(1942-43) and for which he was honoured by Russians
on the 50th anniversary of the war’s end.
• He supported the Non-Cooperation movement and
• Ambedkar Circuit train was launched on his birth carried out secret ferries to carry freedom fighters
anniversary. like Ram Manohar Lohia and in 1947 he started
Kalinga Airlines.
• Under the ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ initiative, the IRCTC is
operating this train. • In 1996 he was awarded the highest Indonesian
award ‘Bintang Jasa Utama’.
• The Ministry of Tourism is the nodal ministry for the
‘Dekho Apna Desh’ initiative. Source: The Indian Express
DAKOTA AIRPLANE HIDDEN CORRIDOR GIZA PYRAMID
Why in the News? Why in the News?

• Recently Odisha Chief Minister unveiled former • The Egyptian authorities declared they have
CM Biju Patnaik’s renovated Douglas DC-3 Dakota discovered a 9-metre-long corridor in the pyramids
aircraft, on his 107th Birth anniversary. of Giza.
project using cosmic ray muon radiography.
• Construction was started in 2550 BC during the
reign of Khufu.
Additional Point:
• During the Nile expedition, Napoleon Bonapart
spent days at Giza and was supposed to start the
modern field of Egyptology.
Kay Points: Source: Indian Express

• This discovery was made in 2016 by the scan pyramid
THIS DAY IN HISTORY
Topic Significance
Gandhi–Irwin Pact • Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed on March 5, 1931, between Mohandas K. Gandhi,
Signed and Lord Irwin, British Viceroy.
• Congress agreed to withdraw the Civil Disobedience Movement and also agreed
to participate in the next Round Table Conference.
Mahatma Gandhi • On March 12, 1930, Mahatma Gandhi embarked on a historic Salt March from
Embarked Dandi March Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad to the village of Dandi.
for the Salt Satyagraha
• It was a protest against the steep tax the British levied on salt.
• The Salt March continued till April 6, 1930.
• Upon reaching the seashore in Dandi, Mahatma Gandhi broke the law by
producing illegal salt.
Udham Singh • On 13 March 1940, Udham Singh shot dead Michael O’Dwyer at a meeting in the
Assassinated Punjab Caxton Hall of London.
Governor Michael
• O’Dwyer was the Lieutenant Governor of Punjab at the time of the Jallianwala
O’Dwyer
Bagh massacre.
• O’ Dwyer supported the actions of Brigadier-General Reginald Edward Harry
Dyer.
• The Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred in Amritsar on 13 April, 1919.
The Treaty of • The Treaty of Seringapatam was signed on 18 th March 1792.
Seringapatam
• It ended the Third Anglo-Mysore War.
• Signatories: Lord Cornwallis on behalf of the British East India Company, Nizam
of Hyderabad, the Maratha Empire, and Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore.
• Nearly half of the Mysorean territory was taken over by the victors.
• Baramahal, Dindigul, and Malabar went to the English.
Martyr’s Day • Martyrs’ Day or Shaheed Diwas is celebrated in India to remember freedom
fighters
• Martyr’s Day is celebrated across the nation on seven different days.
• These are – January 30, March 23, May 19, October 21, November 17, November
19 and November 24.
• The two most important Martyrs’ Day is celebrated on January 30 (the death
anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi) and on March 23, the day, in 1931, when Bhagat
Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev were hanged by the British in Lahore Jail.

World TB Day • Each year World TB Day is observed on March 24.
• This annual event commemorates the date in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch
announced his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacillus that
causes tuberculosis (TB).
• World TB Day is a day to educate the public about the impact of TB around the
world.
• The theme for this year’s (2023) World TB Day is “Yes! We Can End TB.”
Guru Govind Singh • After the execution of Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, his son Shri Guru Gobind Singh
Founded the Khalsa Ji (formerly known as Gobind Rai) became the Tenth and last Guru of Sikhs.
Panth
• On March 30 in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh gathered his followers to his home in
Anandpur.
• Thousands of devotees gathered at Anandpur Sahib for the auspicious event.

ESSAY IN NEWS: 2023 - MARCH
• “FOOD IS THE MORAL RIGHT OF ALL WHO ARE BORN INTO THIS WORLD”- NORMAN
BORLAUG
• “ALL WAR IS A SYMPTOM OF MAN’S FAILURE AS A THINKING ANIMAL” - JOHN
STEINBECK
• “HAPPINESS IN INTELLIGENT PEOPLE IS THE RAREST THING I KNOW” - ERNEST
HEMINGWAY
• “NO GOVT CAN BE LONG SECURE WITHOUT FORMIDABLE OPPOSITION” - BENJAMIN
DISRAELI
• “THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO DESTROY PEOPLE IS TO DENY AND OBLITERATE THEIR
OWN UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR HISTORY.” - GEORGE ORWELL
• “IF WE DON’T END WAR, WAR WILL END US” - H.G. WELLS
• “IF YOU WANT TO CONTROL SOMEONE, ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS TO MAKE THEM FEEL
AFRAID.” -PAULO COEHLO
LEARN ESSAY FROM THE BEST EDUCATORS

“FOOD IS THE MORAL RIGHT OF ALL WHO • Causes of War: Power imbalances, economic
disparities, political instability, and religious and
ARE BORN INTO THIS WORLD”- NORMAN
ethnic conflicts, all of which display a failure at
BORLAUG solving problems.
Various perspectives on the quotation: • Inability to peacefully coexist: misunderstanding

and mistrust between communities, lack of respect
• Social Justice: Everyone has the right to access food,
for cultural and religious differences.
regardless of their economic or social circumstances.
• Prolonged wars without resolution: Man’s failure to
» SDG Goal 2 to eliminate hunger, and achieve food
think of potential approaches to prevent or resolve
security, stems from this principle.
conflict peacefully, such as mediation, dialogue, and
• Ethical Implications: Recognizing it as a moral right international cooperation.
puts an ethical obligation on people and governments
• Philosophy behind War: Ethical dilemmas posed by
to ensure food security.
war, such as the justification of sacrificing human
» For example- NGOs, agencies, and organizations like lives in pursuit of a greater good, is a failure of man’s
Akshaya Patra, and the World Food Program work on moral thinking.
this principle.
• Role of Technology: Using technological advances
• Political Implications: Political decisions and for the greater good instead of warfare, such as
policies related to food access are influenced by the development of new weapons and battlefield
moral rights. strategies.
» Example- PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana to enhance
food allowance in times of hardship caused by the Examples of how pragmatic thinking can stop war or
COVID-19 pandemic. conflict:
• Diplomacy: Camp David Accords between Egypt
• Environmental Implications: Providing food to
and Israel and the Good Friday Agreement in
everyone requires sustainable and eco-friendly
Northern Ireland.
production.
• Robust International Law: Examples include
• Economic Implications: Such a policy would impact
the Geneva Conventions and the United Nations
different markets and industries.
Charter.
» For example- Justifying Essential Commodities Act
• Humanitarian Intervention: Like the United Nations
that puts certain regulations against free market
peacekeeping missions in Somalia and the NATO
practice.
intervention in Kosovo.
• Examples:
• De-escalation: techniques such as mediation,
» India passed the National Food Security Act, which dialogue, and negotiation can help to resolve disputes
guarantees subsidized food to nearly two-thirds of peacefully. Examples include the negotiations
the country’s population. between North and South Korea.
» Kenya declared a national drought emergency in 2017 • Moral Leadership: Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr.,
and launched a food aid program to help affected and Nelson Mandela, all stressed the need for a more
areas. peaceful and just society and discouraged violence.
Gandhi famously said, “An eye for an eye only ends
» In the United States, the government launched
up making the whole world blind.”
several initiatives in response to the COVID-19
pandemic, including expanding food stamp programs,
increasing funding for school meal programs, and
distributing food boxes to families in need.
“HAPPINESS IN INTELLIGENT PEOPLE IS
» Brazil launched the “Zero Hunger” program, which THE RAREST THING I KNOW” - ERNEST
aimed to eradicate hunger and malnutrition in the HEMINGWAY
country.
Understanding the quotation:
• The quote suggests that despite being intelligent,
“ALL WAR IS A SYMPTOM OF MAN’S people may find it difficult to find true happiness.
FAILURE AS A THINKING ANIMAL” - JOHN • Intelligent people may be more aware of the
STEINBECK challenges and difficulties associated with achieving
true happiness.
How war is a symptom of man’s failure: • It implies that happiness is a complex emotion that

is not necessarily linked to intelligence. can question government policies, hold them
accountable for their actions, and prevent them
• The quote suggests that happiness is something
from overstepping their authority.
that must be sought out and treasured.
• Representation of diverse opinions: This ensures
Various Dimensions and examples: that decisions made by the government are not one-
sided and that the interests of all sections of society
• Definition of Happiness: The Dalai Lama’s definition
are taken into account.
of happiness as “the purpose of life” versus Aristotle’s
happiness as a state of “virtuous activity.” • Improved decision-making: This can lead to better-
informed decisions that are more reflective of the
• Intelligence and Happiness: Intelligent people tend
needs and aspirations of the people.
to have more positive outlooks on life and are more
likely to be able to recognize and appreciate the • Promotes debate and discussion: This helps in the
good things in life. development of new ideas, solutions, and policies
that may not have been considered by the ruling
• The Pursuit of Happiness: Elon Musk’s pursuit of
government.
happiness through his various business ventures.
• Ensures a peaceful transfer of power: By accepting
• Challenges for Intelligent People: Stephen
the results of an election and agreeing to work
Hawking’s struggle with ALS and how it impacted his
constructively with the ruling government, the
ability to pursue happiness.
opposition can help maintain stability and prevent
• Counter Arguments: Bill Gates’ philanthropic work political turmoil.
is an example of how intelligence may not be a factor
• Some examples of failed democracies in the world
in finding true happiness.
include Venezuela, Turkey, Zimbabwe, Egypt, and
• Cultural Influences: The different ways that Myanmar. These countries have experienced
Confucianism and Buddhism define happiness and political turmoil, a crackdown on political opposition
how that affects the search for happiness among and the media, erosion of the rule of law, and human
intelligent people. rights abuses.
• Technology and Happiness: Mark Zuckerberg’s use
of technology to connect people around the world Overall, a formidable opposition is essential for
and promote a sense of global happiness. maintaining the health and vitality of a democratic
government. It helps to ensure that power is not
concentrated in the hands of a few and that the interests
Main counter-arguments:
of all sections of society are taken into account.
• Happiness is not solely dependent on intelligence;
other factors such as life circumstances, personality,
and values can also play a role in finding happiness.
“THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO DESTROY
• Intelligent people can find joy in the simple pleasures
of life, regardless of their intelligence. PEOPLE IS TO DENY AND OBLITERATE
THEIR OWN UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR
• Intelligence can actually be a barrier to happiness, as HISTORY.” - GEORGE ORWELL
it can lead to overthinking and anxiety.
• Intelligent people can be just as unhappy as Understanding the quotation:
unintelligent people, as they may be more aware • Denying local histories and wiping out people’s
of the challenges and difficulties associated with understanding is a tool used to destroy them.
achieving true happiness.
• It is done by erasing or distorting cultural heritage
• Happiness is an emotion that is experienced and traditions, censoring books and media, or
differently by everyone, and it doesn’t necessarily otherwise denying access to their legitimate history.
correlate to intelligence.
Notable examples from history:
• Nazi Germany’s book burnings to obliterate Jewish
“NO GOVT CAN BE LONG SECURE history and culture.
WITHOUT FORMIDABLE OPPOSITION” - • The Soviet Union rewrote history to whitewash
BENJAMIN DISRAELI Stalin’s atrocities.
• During British rule in India, colonizers suppressed
The importance of having a formidable opposition in a
Indian culture and language and emphasized the
democratic government:
racial superiority of the Whites. They made English
• Check on government power: A strong opposition the official language, promoted English education,

and ignored Indian languages and history. British • Example: High level of post-traumatic stress disorder
administrators interfered with Indian religious among veterans of the Vietnam war. (1955-1975)
practices and segregated themselves from the local
population. Moral: War has affected people’s ethical beliefs and
values.
How the tool is used: • Example: Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and
• Psychological impact: Rewriting or reinterpretation Nagasaki in 1945 led to unprecedented destruction
of history to generate feelings of shame and and debate about the possibility of nuclear
embarrassment. catastrophe ending the world.
• Social impact: Weakening people’s sense of identity Environmental: Destruction of ecosystems, pollution,
and pride. and deforestation.
• Economic control: Causing feelings of helplessness • Example: After the Iraq War, the water supply in
and isolation, making them more vulnerable to the war zones have been contaminated by oil
manipulation and exploitation. from military vehicles and depleted uranium from
• Censoring ideas: In the 20th century, the British ammunition.
government censored books and films that presented
alternative interpretations of Indian history.
• Control education: For example, Pakistan’s “IF YOU WANT TO CONTROL SOMEONE,
education system teaches alternative versions of ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS TO MAKE THEM
the events related to the freedom struggle and wars
FEEL AFRAID.” -PAULO COEHLO
with India.
• Discredit evidence: British historians systematically Understanding the quotation:
discredited archaeological evidence that supported • Fear makes people more vulnerable to manipulation
the antiquity of Indian civilization, and imposed and control:
versions of the Aryan Invasion Theory.
» Students comply with the teacher for fear of
punishment.
• Fear is used to manipulate people into making
“IF WE DON’T END WAR, WAR WILL END decisions or taking actions that they would otherwise
US” - H.G. WELLS not take.
Multi-dimensional ways in which war has the » Bosses may threaten to delay promotion if they do
potential to end us: not complete a task by a certain deadline.
• People act out of self-preservation rather than logic
Political: War has been used as a tool of politics since or moral considerations.
ancient times and has destroyed nations and empires.
» Decision to lie or cheat in order to avoid being
• Example: World War-I as a tool to politically isolate punished or getting into trouble.
and destroy Germany, leading to further wars.
• Fear is used to manipulate people into giving up their
Economic: Destruction of infrastructure, disruption of autonomy or rights.
trade and markets, and loss of human capital. » A businessman may be forced to sign a contract that
• Example: American Civil War (1861-65) collapsed is not in their best interests due to the threat of legal
the economy of Southern states and resulted in the action/ harassment.
devaluation of the dollar. • Fear creates a sense of dependency on the person or
group exerting control.
Social: Such as displacement of people, destruction of
cultural heritage, and increased violence and crime. » Fear of economic sanctions force smaller countries
to obey the diktats of developed countries, instead
• Example: At least 8,000 non-combatants have been
of having an independent foreign policy.
confirmed killed, and nearly 13,300 injured in the
Ukraine War since 2022. It displaced approximately
Notable examples from history:
6.6 million people.
• Hitler used propaganda and fear to control people,
Psychological: Trauma, depression, and post-traumatic and portrayed Jews and other minorities as a threat
stress disorder. War affects the mental health of those to the German people.
involved. • The Soviet Union used fear of nuclear war to

maintain control over its citizens. enforced a strict censorship regime, curtailed civil
liberties and rights, and used mass arrests and
• In the United States, the government used fear
intimidation to instill fear among the opposition.
to pass controversial laws, like the Patriot Act,
allowing increased surveillance of citizens in the
Other famous political witch hunting trials:
name of national security.
• The Red Scare in the United States (1947-1957): This
• The Mediaeval empires used public executions
was a period of political repression and persecution
and humiliation of their opponents and those who
in the United States during the Cold War, in which
dared to oppose them, to maintain their rule over the
suspected communists and their sympathizers were
masses. And even till today such occurrences are not
investigated and often blacklisted from employment
rare but can be seen in countries like Afghanistan
in government, entertainment, and other fields.
and some parts of Africa.
• The Soviet Purges (1936-1938): These were a series
• Rituals and customs, like in India’s caste system,
of trials and executions in the Soviet Union in which
use fear of the wrath of Gods or the theory of Karma
thousands of people were accused of conspiring
to avoid people to challenge the system of hierarchy.
against the government.
• During the Emergency of 1975-77, the government

ETHICS IN NEWS: 2023 - MARCH
RISE IN HOAX CALLS TO POLICE
EXAM PAPER LEAKS AND ITS SOLUTION
LEARN ETHICS FROM THE BEST EDUCATORS

RISE IN HOAX CALLS TO POLICE » This is being done by Mumbai Police.
• Establishing a central database of all calls made to
Why in the news? police stations
As per the data provided by the Mumbai Police, the • Increasing public awareness, sensitization and
frequency of hoax calls(prank calls made to deceive or education.
scare the recipient) and bomb threats has been rising
• Police awareness seminars in school/colleges/
recently, leading to a lot of trouble.
social media on how fake calls disrupt the routine
policing activities.
EXAM PAPER LEAKS AND ITS SOLUTION
Why in the news?
The Gujarat Assembly has passed a bill to curb the risk

of paper leaks in government recruitment examinations.

• The Gujarat Public Examinations (Prevention of
Issues with such calls: Unfair Means) Bill, 2023 prescribes punishment for
• Often done as pranks, revenge, or for mischief- “organized crime” of paper leaks.
mongering, under alcoholic effect. • The bill prescribes punishments ranging
• Wastes “several hundred days of manpower” as imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine up to Rs
every call is considered a credible threat until proven 1 crore.
a hoax. • To protect careers of school or college students, they
• Wastes resources of Bomb Detection and Disposal are exempted from this Act.
Squad (BDDS) and local police.
• Brings a sense of complacency among the police and Similar provisions in other states:
general public, even for genuine calls for help. • Uttarakhand passed an ordinance in 2023-
“Measures for Prevention and Redressal of Unfair
Reasons given by experts: Means in Recruitment”. It addresses cheating and
• Psychologists say it is an issue with people having paper leaks.
difficulty to stop themselves from acting out on their • Rajasthan Public Examination Bill, 2022,
impulse. introduced stiffer penalties for cheating and
• Increasing rage and anger due to widespread impersonation.
injustice and helplessness.
Other solutions to check the risk of paper leaks:
• Mobile phones and WhatsApp are easily available
• Digitalizing the exams: question papers can be
to spread rumors.
stored securely in a centralized database and are
• Rising Mental Health Conditions: As per the Lancet much more secure.
report( 2017), every 1 in 7 people in India suffers from
• Using Secure Printing Machines: Printing the
some kind of mental health condition.
papers with a unique code or barcode, which can
help to identify the source of the paper leak.
Steps that can be taken:
• Keeping a record of all calls received as hoax to avoid • Increased Vigilance in and around the exam centres
future mischief. and use of CCTV Surveillance in the exam centres
and other important buildings
» Pune Police have set up a special task force to
investigate and trace hoax callers. • Ensuring people with integrity in the state PSC and
honest evaluation committee.
• Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Machine
Learning: to identify patterns in calls, and detect News source: The Hindu
fake information.

CURRENT AFFAIRS IN NEWS: 2023 - MARCH
PLACES / PEOPLE IN NEWS

AHMEDABAD
THE BANDI SINGHS
PIN/GK
• KANAK RELE AND MOHINYATTAM
• PARROT LADY
• INDIAN AMERICANS IN THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.
• HAIFA PORT
• PRAGATI PORTAL
• MISSION AMRIT SAROVAR
LEARN CURRENT AFFAIRS FROM THE BEST EDUCATORS

PLACES / PEOPLE IN NEWS
AHMEDABAD • The 612th anniversary of Ahmedabad city was

celebrated.
• Feb 26, 1411: City was founded.
• Baba Manek Nath advised Ahmed Shah I (Muzaffarid
Dynasty) to build this city.
• Situated on Sabarmati River.
• Previous Names: Ashval and Karnavati.
THE BANDI SINGHS
• “Bandi Singh” is a term given to Sikh prisoners who were convicted for participating in militancy in Punjab in 80s
and 90s and are currently serving their sentences in jail.
• More than 20 “Bandi Singhs” are in jail and serving life sentences.
• Activists demand their release because the prisoners have already spent 3 decades in jail.
• Recently Quami Insaaf Morcha organized to seek the release of Bandi Singhs (Sikh prisoners), in Singhu outside
Delhi.
PIN/GK Description
Kanak Rele and Mohinyattam • She was India’s most invented classical dancer.
• She belongs to Gujarat and got academic status in
Mohiniyattam.
• She got Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Kalidas Samman, and
Sangeet Natak Academy Awards.
About Mohiniyattam:
• It is a traditional Indian classical dance form which originated
in Kerala.
• It is accompanied by Carnatic music and the songs are in
Manipravalam language, a combination of Malayalam and
Sanskrit.
Parrot Lady • The sculpture belongs to Khajuraho and it is made from
sandstone.
• It was taken back from Canada in 2015.
• It was showcased at the G-20 Cultural Working Group
exhibition at Khajuraho.

Indian Americans in the Presidential • Vivek Ramaswamy is from Kerala and owns a Biopharmaceutical
Election. company called Roivant Sciences.
• Announced contestant for the 2024 Presidential election of
the US from the Republican Party ticket.
Haifa Port • Recently Israel handed over the strategic Haifa port to the
Adani Group for $1.2 Billion.
• The port is located in the northern part of Israel on the
Mediterranean sea coast
PRAGATI Portal • The 41st Meeting of PRAGATI was chaired by the PM for a
review of the 9 most important projects.
• PRAGATI is ICT based multi-modal platform for pro-active
governance and timely implementation projects involving
Centre and State Governments.
Mission Amrit Sarovar • Launched in 2022 with the aim of conserving water by
rejuvenation of 75 water bodies in all districts of the country.
• Creation of 50000 water bodies through citizen and non-
government resources.
• Whole government approach by involving 6 ministries and
departments.
• Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Application
and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) is appointed as a technical
partner.
• This mission is expected to increase groundwater by 22
million cubic meters.

CORRIGENDUM
• Articulate Feb 2023 magazine (Page no 28) mentions
that Sec 67 A of the IT Act, 2000 deals with the
religiously explicit online content, however, the
Bare Act of the same nowhere mentions about
the religious misconduct. It mentions only sexual
misconduct.
• Articulate Feb 2023 magazine (Page no 28) uses the
term ad-hoc judge for High Courts. However, as per
the Constitution, the term of Ad Hoc judge is used
only in the case of Supreme Court judges.
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March, 2023

MONTHLY CURRENT AFFAIRS FOR UPSC CSE

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GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENT 44

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 51

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ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH PARLIAMENT

LEARN POLITY FROM THE BEST EDUCATORS

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Some important issues previously referred to constitution benches:

News source: Indian Express

ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH PARLIAMENT

THE INTER-SERVICES ORGANISATIONS BILL,

Why in the news?

The government introduced a bill to give more

What is an Inter-Service Organization?

News Source: Indian Express

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• Young people will be able to join the army for a four

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Why in the news?

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CAVEAT' IN SUPREME COURT

Why in the news?

What is a caveat? Bar Council of India (BCI):

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Example: joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions,

FEDERAL ISSUES News Source: Indian Express

FEEDBACK UNIT AND CASE ON SISODIA

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) allows the CBI

More about news:

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Why in the News?

Old Name New Name

Osmanabad is named after the 20th-century ruler of Dharashiv

Aurangabad (Named after Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb) Chatrapati Sambhji Nagar

Procedures to be followed for renaming cities:

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News Source: Indian Express

Why in the news?

The Gujarat government recently informed the High

One Nation, One Challan initiative:

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SC in ‘Mohinder Singh Gill Case’ (1977):

Various voting alternatives in India:

Present System New system (if proposal is implemented)

Pros and Cons of e-postal ballot system in India:

Why in the news? Why in the news?

Original Provision Change Made Final (after correction)

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Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 and 4 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 4 only

News source: Indian Express