Mains Daily Analysis 3

General Studies I 3
1. 30 districts to be recognised for containing drug abuse among school children 3
2. Srinagar gets tag of World Craft City 5
3. Cost of Inequality: What India’s 129 Rank in Global Gender Gap Index Means 6
4. Why Caste Should Inform Debates on Inequality in the Country 9
5. Satnamis and their History of Protests 12
6. National Health Claim Exchange 13
7. Decoding Delhi’s Water Crisis: Causes, Impact and Solution 15
8. Relationship Between the Harappan and the Vedic Age 17
9. Heatwaves are becoming more deadly 18

General Studies II 21
1. Why has the NTA Failed to Deliver 21
2. 50th Year of the Imposition of Emergency in India 22
3. Tamil Nadu Hooch Tragedy Points to the Need for a Public Health-Centred Approach to Alcohol 25
4. Role of a Lok Sabha’s Leader of Opposition 27
5. New project to fix water deficit in flagship Jal Jeevan Mission 29
6. Role Played by the Office of Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha 31
7. India's position with respect to the G-7 33
8. In the Name of Merit: An Overemphasis on Merit 35
9. India – Bangladesh Bilateral Relationship 37
10. Indian Diaspora in South Africa 39

General Studies III 41

1. Reasi and the Years-Old Issue of Cross-Border Terror 41
2. RBI raises WMA limits of States/UTs 43
3. India Inclusion in JP Morgan EM Bond Index 45
4. Impact of Coal Mining Pollutants on Workers 47
5. What Government Must Understand: In Andamans, It Can Protect National Security and Ecology 49
6. Human-Animal Conflict 51
7. India’s First Joint Doctrine for Cyberspace Operations 53
8. India Growth Story Has a Beneficial Ownership Hurdle 55
9. Heatwaves have not been included as a notified disaster 58
 10. Is Redistribution a Tool for Lowering Inequality 60
PRELIMS BOOSTER- THE HINDU & INDIAN EXPRESS 62
PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU (PIB) 75
PLACES IN NEWS 94
PRELIMS AND MAINS EDUBYTES 99
EDUFACTS 108
Mains Daily Analysis

General Studies I

1. 30 districts to be recognised for containing drug abuse among school children

Why in news?
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) will honor 30 top-performing districts for
successfully implementing a Joint Action Plan to curb substance abuse among school children. The
awards will be presented on June 30 by Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai. The event coincides with a
national review and consultation organized by NCPCR and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on preventing
drug and substance abuse and illicit trafficking.

National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)

 About
o The NCPCR is a statutory body established in 2007 under the Commission for Protection of Child
Rights Act, 2005.
o Its primary objective is to ensure the protection of child rights as enshrined in the Indian
Constitution and various international conventions.
o The NCPCR's mandate is to monitor and promote the rights of children, defined as individuals below the
age of 18 years, and ensure their well-being in all aspects of their lives.
o The Commission envisages a rights-based perspective, which flows into national policies and
programmes.

 Some of the notable Works of NCPCR

o Elimination of Corporal Punishment
 NCPCR has actively worked to eliminate corporal punishment in schools by issuing guidelines and
creating awareness about the negative impacts of such practices on children's mental and physical
health.
o Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act
 The commission plays a crucial role in the effective implementation of the POCSO Act, which
provides stringent measures to address sexual abuse and exploitation of children.
o Child Labour
 NCPCR has been instrumental in addressing child labor issues by monitoring and advocating for the
strict enforcement of laws that prohibit child labor and ensure the rehabilitation of affected children.
o Education
 The commission monitors the implementation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, ensuring that
children receive free and compulsory education.
 It also addresses issues related to school infrastructure, teacher quality, and child-friendly learning
environments.
o Juvenile Justice

3
  NCPCR oversees the implementation of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act,
ensuring that children in conflict with the law receive proper care and rehabilitation.
o Combating Substance Abuse
 NCPCR has launched initiatives and action plans to prevent and address substance abuse among
children.
o Child Trafficking
 The commission works to prevent child trafficking by collaborating with various stakeholders,
conducting rescue operations, and ensuring the rehabilitation and reintegration of trafficked children.
o COVID-19 Response
 During the COVID-19 pandemic, NCPCR launched various initiatives to support children affected by the
crisis, including those who lost parents or guardians.
 It worked on ensuring continuity in education, providing mental health support, and safeguarding
children's rights during lockdowns and school closures.

Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)

 About: NCB is the apex drug law enforcement and intelligence agency of India, established in 1986 under
the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act), 1985.
o The NCB is responsible for combating drug trafficking and the abuse of illegal substances.
 Nodal ministry: The NCB operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

Fight against drug menace – India’s regulatory framework

 Article 47 of the Indian Constitution
o The National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances is based on the Directive
Principles, contained in Article 47 of the Indian Constitution.
o The Article directs the State to endeavour to bring about prohibition of the consumption, except for
medicinal purposes, of intoxicating drugs injurious to health.
 Signatory to international conventions
o India is a signatory to:
 the single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961, as amended by the 1972 Protocol, the Conventions on
Psychotropic Substances, 1971 and
 the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic
Substances, 1988.
 Existing Laws
o The broad legislative policy is contained in the three Central Acts:
 Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940,
 The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, and
 The Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988.

30 districts to be recognised for containing drug abuse among school children

 About Joint Action Plan (JAP)
o JAP was developed by the NCPCR and the NCB based on deliberations with the concerned Ministries
in 2021.
o It streamlines efforts made by different agencies to bring paradigm shifts in prevention.
o The JAP is a framework to:
 wean children away from drug abuse;

4
  stop the sale of drugs in areas surrounding educational and children care institutions; and
 prevent the reach of pharmaceutical drugs and other goods used as intoxicants by children.
 ‘Prahari’ (sentry) portal to be launched
o During the vent, a new portal called ‘Prahari’ (sentry) to be launched.
o The portal aims to conduct quarterly awareness activities on drugs and substance abuse in schools.
These activities will be organized by children and teachers nominated by special ‘Prahari’ clubs.
o These clubs are managed and run by children to achieve shared goals.

2. Srinagar gets tag of World Craft City

Why in news?
Srinagar has become the fourth Indian city to be recognized as a ‘World Craft City’ by the World Craft
Council (WCC), following its designation as part of the UNESCO Creative City Network (UCCN) for crafts
and folk arts three years ago.
Jaipur, Malappuram and Mysore are the other Indian cities that have previously been recognised as World
Craft Cities.

World Craft Council (WCC)

 About
o WCC is a non-profit, non-governmental organization affiliated with UNESCO.
o Established in 1964, it aims to promote the preservation, protection, and development of traditional
crafts and foster economic development through crafts.
 World Craft City Recognition by WCC
o World Craft City recognition by the WCC is an esteemed designation given to cities that excel in the
promotion and development of traditional crafts and artisanship.
o This recognition acknowledges the city's commitment to preserving and promoting its unique craft
heritage and supporting local artisans.
 Significance of World Craft City Recognition
o International Prestige: The recognition elevates the city's status on a global platform, enhancing its
reputation as a center of excellence for crafts.
o Economic Benefits: This designation can boost the local economy by attracting tourists, investors, and
buyers interested in authentic crafts, thereby increasing market opportunities for artisans.
o Cultural Preservation: It highlights the city's dedication to preserving traditional crafts, ensuring that
these cultural practices are passed down to future generations.
o Support for Artisans: The recognition often leads to increased support for local artisans, including
funding, training, and opportunities for international collaboration and exchange.
o Promotion of Innovation: It encourages innovation within the craft sector by blending traditional
techniques with modern designs, fostering creativity and sustainability.
o Enhanced Visibility: The city and its crafts receive greater visibility through international media
coverage, exhibitions, and events associated with the WCC.
 Criteria for Recognition as a World Craft City, a city typically needs to demonstrate:
o A rich tradition of crafts and a significant population of skilled artisans.
o Active promotion and development of craft traditions.
o Commitment to preserving cultural heritage & supporting sustainable practices.
o Evidence of innovation and creativity in craft practices.

5
 o Strong community involvement and support for the craft sector.

UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network (UCCN)

 About
o The UCCN was created in 2004 to promote cooperation among cities that have identified creativity
as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development.
o It now includes 350 cities in over a hundred countries.
o It was launched to promote UNESCO’s goals of cultural diversity and strengthen resilience to threats
such as climate change, rising inequality, and rapid urbanisation.
 Aim
o The network is aimed at leveraging the creative, social, and economic potential of cultural
industries.
o It encourages a culture of creativity in urban planning and solutions to urban problems.
 Objective of the CCCN
o It allows member cities to recognise creativity as an essential component of urban development, notably
through partnerships involving the public and private sectors and civil society.
o It envisages to develop hubs of creativity and innovation and broaden opportunities for creators
and professionals in the cultural sector.
o These cities have to achieve the UN agenda of sustainable development.
 Areas of action
o The objectives of the network are implemented both at the level of the member cities and at the
international level, notably through sharing experiences, knowledge and best practices.
o There are professional and artistic exchange programmes, research and evaluations on the experience of
the creative cities, among other activities.
 The annual conference of network cities
o A highlight of the network is the annual conference of mayors and other stakeholders of network
cities.
o This offers a unique occasion to strengthen ties between creative cities from across the world.
o The last conference was held in Santos, Brazil, and this year’s conference was in Istanbul. The next
conference will be held in July 2024 in Braga, Portugal.
 Responsibilities of members
o Every four years, member cities are required to submit a Membership Monitoring Report.
o This report is presented with an aim of demonstrating their steadfast commitment towards the
implementation of the UCCN Mission Statement.
o They present an action plan for the following four years, providing insights into their achievements and
lessons learnt, as well as the impact of the designation.
 Indian cities in the network
o Apartfrom Kozhikode and Gwalior, Varanasi (music), Srinagar (crafts and folk arts)
and Chennai (music) are part of the network.

3. Cost of Inequality: What India’s 129 Rank in Global Gender Gap Index Means

Context
 The 2024 edition of the Global Gender Gap Index reveals a concerning picture for India, placing the
country at 129th out of 146 surveyed countries.

6
 This position, near the bottom of the rankings, reflects a persistent gender disparity that has seen little
improvement over recent years.
 Comparatively, in 2021, India was ranked 140th out of 156 countries, indicating that the country has
remained entrenched in the bottom 20 percentile of this index.

Understanding the Global Gender Gap Index

 The Global Gender Gap Index, introduced in 2006 (by World Economic Forum), serves as a
comprehensive measure of gender equality across various dimensions.
 It comprises four sub-indices: economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health
and survival, and political empowerment.
 Each sub-index aggregates multiple indicators to provide a summarised score and the overall index ranges
from 0 to 1, where 1 signifies complete gender parity.
 It is crucial to note that this index focuses on the relative position of women to men rather than their
absolute status, thereby highlighting gender gaps.
 While the index does not encompass every aspect of gender equality, it offers valuable insights into
key areas that can be reliably measured and tracked over time.
 It functions as a highlighter of significant statistics rather than a comprehensive analysis.
 The Centre for Economic Data and Analysis (CEDA) has developed an interactive tracker to monitor
India's position over time and relative to other countries across these sub-indices, further enhancing our
understanding of gender parity dynamics.

India’s Performance in Sub-indices

 Health and Survival
o In the Health and Survival sub-index, India's score is 0.951, indicating that 95.1% of the gender gap
in this area has been closed.
o Despite this high score, India ranks 142nd out of 146 countries.
o This paradox suggests that while India has made significant progress, other countries have
advanced further, pushing India lower in the relative rankings.
 Educational Attainment
o Similarly, in the Educational Attainment sub-index, India has closed 96.4% of the gender gap.
However, the country stands at 112th position globally.
o This indicates that despite substantial achievements in education for women, other nations have
outperformed India, highlighting a relative lag in progress.
 Economic Participation and Opportunity
o The Economic Participation and Opportunity sub-index reveals a more troubling scenario.
o India's score here is 39.8%, placing it at 142nd among 146 countries.
o Although this represents an improvement from 32.6% in 2021, it is still significantly lower than the
2012 score of 46%.
o This sub-index is based on labour force participation, share in managerial positions, wage gaps, and
wage parity.
o India's low score underscores the persistent economic barriers women face, including lower labour
force participation and significant wage disparities.
o In comparison, countries with the lowest economic parity levels, such as Bangladesh (31.1%), Sudan
(33.7%), Iran (34.3%), Pakistan (36%), and Morocco (40.6%), share similar challenges.

7
 o These nations exhibit less than 30% gender parity in estimated earned income and less than 50% in
labour force participation.
 Political Empowerment
o On the Political Empowerment sub-index, India has closed only 25.1% of the gender gap, ranking
65th globally.
o This is a significant drop from the 51st position in 2021, with a score of 27.6%. The decline is even
more pronounced when compared to the 43.3% score around 2014.
o This indicates a regression in political participation for women over the past decade.
o Despite the global advances in gender equality in economic, educational, and health spheres,
progress in political participation remains sluggish, both globally and within India.

Regional Comparison and Broader Economic Implications

 Regional Comparison
o India's position is also concerning within the regional context of South Asia, which ranks seventh out
of eight global regions, only ahead of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
o Among the seven South Asian countries, India ranks fifth, with Bangladesh leading at the 99th
position globally.
o This regional comparison underscores India's struggle with gender parity, as it lags several of its
immediate neighbours.
o The persistence of gender gaps in key indicators, despite some improvements, signals a broader
issue.
o A decade ago, India’s gender gaps were narrower, indicating that progress has stalled or reversed in
several areas.
o This raises a critical question whether India should acknowledge these findings and take corrective
action, or dismiss the metrics and blame the messengers.
 Economic Implications of Gender Inequality
o There is substantial research highlighting the economic costs of sidelining women.
o The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) estimates that gender-
based discrimination in social institutions could cost the global economy up to $12 trillion.
o Reducing gender discrimination can significantly boost GDP growth rates.
o This understanding necessitates the mainstreaming of gender equality into economic policy-
making, rather than treating it as a secondary issue to be addressed later.

Social Implications and Long-term Benefits of Gender Equality

 Achieving gender equality is not only an economic imperative but also a social one and empowering
women leads to better outcomes in health, education, and social stability.
 For instance, women who are economically empowered are more likely to invest in their children's
education and health, creating a positive intergenerational impact.
 Furthermore, when women are included in decision-making processes, both in corporate and political
spheres, policies tend to be more inclusive and address a broader range of social issues.
 This inclusiveness leads to more equitable societies where everyone can thrive.

Key Strategies to Address the Gender Inequality

 Educational Investments
o Ensuring equal access to education for girls and women is fundamental.

8
 o Education empowers women with the skills and knowledge needed to participate fully in the
economy.
o Policies that promote STEM education for girls can help bridge gender gaps in high-paying and in-
demand fields.
 Supportive Work Environments: Implementing policies that support work-life balance, such as maternity
and paternity leave, affordable childcare, and flexible working hours, can encourage more women to
enter and remain in the workforce.
 Equal Pay Legislation
o Enforcing laws that mandate equal pay for equal work can help reduce wage disparities.
o Transparent pay structures and regular pay audits can ensure compliance and highlight areas
needing improvement.
 Entrepreneurship Support
o Providing access to capital, training, and mentorship for women entrepreneurs can stimulate
economic growth.
o Women-owned businesses contribute significantly to job creation and economic diversification.

Conclusion
 India’s position in the 2024 Global Gender Gap Index highlights significant challenges and areas
requiring urgent attention.
 Despite progress in health and education, economic participation and political empowerment remain
areas of concern.
 Recognising the economic benefits of gender equality, it is imperative that India integrates gender
considerations into its core economic strategies and creates a societal environment that treats women
as equal stakeholders in all aspects of life.

4. Why Caste Should Inform Debates on Inequality in the Country

Context
 A recent working paper from the World Inequality Lab has rekindled discussions on the persistent
and widening gap between the rich and poor globally.
 Utilising metrics such as the Gini coefficient and percentile ratios, an examination of consumption
inequality for the years 2017-18 and 2022-23 reveals critical insights into the socioeconomic landscape
of India.
 Therefore, it is important to study and focus on the disparities among different social groups, namely
the Scheduled Tribes (ST), Scheduled Castes (SC), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and the General
category.

An Analysis of Consumption Patterns, Caste Disparities and Changes in Gini Coefficient

 Consumption Patterns, Caste Disparities
o In 2022-23, the STs, accounting for 9% of the population, had a consumption share of only 7%. SCs,
comprising 20% of the population, held a 16% consumption share.
o OBCs, representing 43% of the population, had a consumption share of 41%, indicating a more
conservative consumption pattern within this group.
o Conversely, the General category, despite constituting 28% of the population, commanded a
consumption share of 36%.

9
 o These figures highlight persistent disparities in consumption distribution across various social
groups, with SCs and STs consistently lagging the General and OBC categories.
 Changes in the Gini Coefficient
o The overall Gini coefficient, a measure of income inequality, decreased from 0.359 in 2017-18 to
0.309 in 2022-23, signifying a reduction in income inequality by 0.050.
o Among the STs, the Gini coefficient fell from 0.322 to 0.268, a 0.054-point drop, indicating improved
equitable consumption distribution within this community.
o The SC category saw a decrease from 0.312 to 0.273, while the OBC category's Gini coefficient
declined from 0.336 to 0.288, a 0.048-point decrease.
o The General category experienced the most significant reduction, from 0.379 to 0.306, amounting to
a 0.073-point drop.
o This substantial decrease may reflect various socioeconomic changes, including social mobility and
effective policy interventions.

Persistent Economic Disparities

 Consumption Inequality Among Different Deciles
o An examination of the consumption levels among the bottom 20% decile of various social groups
from 2017-18 to 2022-23 reveals marginal decreases for the ST, SC, and OBC
o This slight decline indicates that these communities have not experienced significant
improvements in their economic conditions despite broader economic growth.
o For the ST and SC communities, this trend is particularly concerning as it underscores their
continued vulnerability and marginalization within the Indian economy.
o In stark contrast, the General category witnessed a more pronounced decline in consumption levels
among its poorest segment.
o This indicates that while there might be a general reduction in inequality, the poorest individuals within
the General category are experiencing relative economic declines.
o This could be due to several factors, including the lack of targeted welfare schemes that effectively
reach the most disadvantaged in this group, or broader economic policies that disproportionately
benefit the already affluent.
 Disproportionate Wealth Accumulation
o Conversely, consumption patterns among the top 20% decile of all social groups show slight
increases, with the General category experiencing a significant 10-percentage-point surge.
o This substantial rise among the wealthiest segment of the General category suggests a
concentration of wealth and resources among high-caste elites.
o Such a trend implies that economic gains in the country are not evenly distributed but are instead
disproportionately accruing to those already at the top of the socioeconomic hierarchy.
o The substantial increase in consumption among the top decile of the General category highlights
the potential for wealth accumulation and the perpetuation of economic advantages within this group.
o This phenomenon can be attributed to several factors, including access to better educational and
employment opportunities, social networks that facilitate economic advancement, and policies that,
while ostensibly universal, effectively favour those with existing advantages.
 Caste-Based Economic Exclusion
o The economic exclusion of the ST and SC communities is further evidenced by their lower
consumption shares relative to their population proportions.
o Despite constituting 9% of the population, the STs account for only 7% of total consumption.

10
 o Similarly, the SCs, making up 20% of the population, have a consumption share of just 16%.
o This discrepancy is indicative of systemic barriers that limit the economic opportunities available to these
groups.
o Factors such as limited access to quality education, employment discrimination, and geographical
marginalisation (many ST communities reside in remote, less developed areas) contribute to these
ongoing disparities.
 Intergenerational Transmission of Inequality
o The persistence of these disparities also highlights the intergenerational transmission of inequality.
o Economic disadvantages faced by one generation in the ST and SC communities are often passed
down to the next, creating a cycle of poverty and marginalization.
o This cycle is reinforced by limited social mobility and the lack of effective affirmative action in
practice, despite constitutional guarantees.

Impact of Policy Interventions to Mitigate Economic Disparity and Implications of Persisting Disparity
 Impact of Policy Interventions
o While various policy interventions have aimed to address these disparities, their impact has been
uneven.
o For instance, reservation policies in education and employment have provided some upward
mobility for members of the SC and ST communities.
o However, these policies have not sufficiently addressed the broader economic inequities that affect
daily consumption and living standards.
o Additionally, rural development initiatives and direct benefit transfers, while beneficial, have not
fully reached the most disadvantaged due to implementation challenges and inefficiencies.
 Implications of Economic Disparities on Social Stability
o The underlying economic disparities among India's social groups have broader implications for
social stability and cohesion.
o Persistent inequality can lead to social unrest, as marginalised communities become increasingly
aware of the gaps in wealth and opportunity.
o This can undermine the broader goals of economic development and social harmony.
o Therefore, addressing these disparities is not only a matter of economic policy but also one of social
justice and national stability.

Strategies for Addressing Economic Disparities

 To effectively address these disparities, it is essential to implement comprehensive and targeted
strategies.
 This includes enhancing access to quality education and healthcare for marginalised communities,
creating economic opportunities through skill development and employment programs, and ensuring that
welfare schemes are effectively reaching those in need.
 Additionally, there should be a focus on creating an inclusive economic environment that enables
social mobility and reduces systemic barriers to economic participation for all social groups.

Conclusion
 While India has made significant strides in reducing overall income inequality and lifting millions out
of poverty, the persistent caste-based disparities in consumption and economic status underscore the
need for continued and focused policy interventions.

11
 By addressing the unique challenges faced by different social groups, particularly the ST and SC
communities, India can move closer to achieving a more equitable and harmonious society.
 The reduction in the Gini coefficient and improvements in consumption patterns are promising, but
sustained efforts are necessary to ensure that these gains are broadly shared across all segments of society.

5. Satnamis and their History of Protests

Why in News?
A huge mob from the Satnami community torched dozens of vehicles, pelted police personnel with stones and
set afire the Superintendent of Police office building in Chhattisgarh’s Baloda Bazar district. The protesters
were not satisfied with the police’s handling of a case (and demanding a CBI probe) involving the desecration
of a ‘Jaitkhamb’, a structure of sacred importance to the Satnamis.

Who is the Satnamis Community?

 Satnamis (believes in God whose name is ‘truth’) are a predominant group within the 11% Scheduled
Caste (SC)population in Chhattisgarh and who are believed to be an offshoot of the Ravidassia
community.
 The community was founded on April 21, 1657 by Bir Bhan of Narnaul, Haryana. Udhodas, a disciple of
Saint Ravidas, was the first priest or spiritual guru of the society.
 The community inhabits the plains of the state’s central region, mostly the old districts of Bilaspur, Durg,
Rajnandgaon and Raipur.
 The sect emphasises on three principles - adorn the attire of a Satnami devotee, earn money through
proper means and do not tolerate any injustice or oppression in any form.
 There is a belief that the Satnamis exert political influence by voting collectively.
o The majority of the 10 assembly segments allotted for SCs are occupied by community representatives.
 The community reveres Mini Mata - the first female Member of Parliament from Chhattisgarh, who entered
the Lok Sabha by winning the 1955 by-election.
o Invoking her, political parties appeal to Satnamis for votes.

History of Protest of Satnamis Community - Revolt of 1672:

 The Satnami revolt occurred in the reign of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and around what is today’s
Mahendragarh district of Haryana.
 The revolt began when a Mughal soldier killed a Satnami and the result was that about 5,000 Satnamis
were up in arms.
 They routed the Mughal troops situated in the town, drove away the Mughal administrators and set up their
own administration in its place.
 The uprising gained the enthusiasm of Hindus in Agra and Ajmer also, as they were not happy with
Aurungzeb’s strict Islamic policies, which included
o Reviving the Jizya tax (poll tax on non-Muslim subjects),
o Banning music and art, and
o Destroying Hindu temples.
 When the Satnamis inflicted several defeats on the Mughal forces, Aurungzeb himself took personal
command and sent troops with artillery to suppress the revolt.
 What followed was an attempt to kill every remaining member of the Satnamis. The remnants of the
Satnamis fled in all directions, who remained totally disorganised and leaderless for a long time.

12
Revival of the Satnamis:
 The most important Satnami group was founded in 1820 in the Chhattisgarh region of central India
by Saint Ghasidas, a farm servant and member of the lower (Chamar) caste.
 His Satnam Panth (“Sect of the True Name”) succeeded in providing a religious and social identity for
large numbers of members of Satnamis.
 Saint Ghasidas preached a code of ethical and dietary self-restraint and social equality and wrote Nirvan
Gyan to propagate his teachings.
 As a result of connections with the Kabir Panth at different points in history, Satnamis have complicatedly
navigated their position within a larger Hindu hierarchy.

6. National Health Claim Exchange

Why in news? The Health Ministry and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)
are collaborating to launch the National Health Claim Exchange (NHCX).
This digital platform aims to enable patients to access quality healthcare quickly and reduce out-of-
pocket expenses. NHCX will connect insurance companies, healthcare service providers, and government
insurance scheme administrators to streamline healthcare access and claims.

Current Claim Processing

 Overview
o Currently, patients provide their insurance policy details or a card issued by a Third-Party Administrator
(TPA) or insurance company when visiting a hospital.
o For Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) beneficiaries, the card is issued by the State Health
Agency (SHA).
o Hospitals access specific claim processing portals to upload necessary documents for preauthorization or
claim approval.
o The State Health Agency, insurance company, or TPA authenticates and digitizes the form using
their internal portal, and the claims are adjudicated by the relevant team.
o In India, much of this process is manual, unlike many developed markets where over 90% of claims are
auto-adjudicated.
 Challenges of the Current Process
o The current process of exchanging claims lacks standardization across the ecosystem.
o With most data exchange occurring through PDF/manual methods.
o Additionally, there are no established health standards.
o Processes vary significantly among insurers, TPAs, and providers.

National Health Claim Exchange (NHCX)

 About
o The Health Claim Exchange Specification is a communication protocol that facilitates the
seamless exchange of health claim information between payers (insurance companies, TPAs,
government scheme administrators), providers (hospitals, labs, polyclinics), beneficiaries, and
other entities.
o It is designed to be interoperable, machine-readable, auditable, and verifiable, ensuring accurate and
trustworthy information exchange.

13
 o It is an open standard-based communication protocol.
o It aligns with IRDAI's goal of 'Insurance for All by 2047' and will support streamlined, paperless, and
secure interactions between hospitals and insurers.
o Standardized Healthcare Pricing: Industry experts note that the platform will bring uniform data
presentation and centralized validation of claims, leading to a more standardized approach to healthcare
pricing.
 This will improve efficiency, predictability, and transparency in healthcare costs.
 Expected working
o The NHCX will act as a gateway for exchanging claims-related information among healthcare and health
insurance stakeholders.
o Reduction in Claims Processing Costs: It will centralize health claims, reducing administrative
burdens on hospitals that currently use multiple portals.
o Twelve insurance companies and one TPA have completed NHCX integration.
 Settlement of cashless claims
o A new timeline mandates that all cashless insurance claims must be processed within three hours of
receiving discharge authorization from the hospital.
 The insurance regulator has given providers a deadline of July 31 to implement the necessary systems
and processes.
o The launch of both the National Health Claim Exchange (NHCX) and the time-bound insurance
clearance is expected soon.
 Incentives under NHCX
o To promote digital health transactions and the digitization of patient health records, the National
Health Authority introduced the Digital Health Incentive Scheme (DHIS) in January 2023.
o According to the Health Ministry, under the DHIS, there is a provision that hospitals receive financial
incentives of ₹500 per insurance claim transaction through the NHCX or 10% of the claim amount,
whichever is lower.

Why is NHCX being brought in?

 Finding of a study
o A paper titled ‘Health Insurance Coverage in India: Insights for National Health Protection
Scheme’ highlights the importance of health insurance in providing healthcare services and reducing
high out-of-pocket expenses.
o The paper notes that hospitalization cases are highest for those with private insurance (54.4 per 1,00,000
persons) overall.
o Urban areas seeing the highest cases under government-funded schemes (60.4 per 1,00,000 persons), and
rural areas experiencing higher cases for private insurance purchases (73.5 per 1,00,000 persons).
o Urban areas generally have higher in-patient cases compared to rural areas.

Challenges
 Improving the relationship between hospitals and insurance companies
o Health insurance accounts for about 29% of the total general insurance premium income in India.
o The main challenge is improving the relationship between hospitals and insurance companies,
which requires digitization efforts, IT system upgrades, and workforce training.
 Other issues: Issues like discharge delays and miscommunication that complicate matters.
 Building trust among policyholders depends on efficient service delivery.

14
7. Decoding Delhi’s Water Crisis: Causes, Impact and Solution

Why in News?
The Supreme Court directed the Himachal Pradesh government to release 137 cusecs of water it has in
surplus and asked Haryana to do the needful to resolve the drinking water crisis in Delhi.
This came after the AAP government in Delhi had approached the SC (alleging the BJP-government in Haryana
for stopping Yamuna’s water supply), amidst a surge in water demand during prolonged heatwave.

Where is the Water in Delhi Coming From, and Water Stress in Delhi?
 Delhi gets most of its water from the Yamuna, Ravi-Beas and Ganga rivers.
o From the Ganga, via the Upper Ganga Canal in UP, Delhi receives 470 cusecs/ roughly 254 million
gallons per day (MGD) of water.
o Two channels (carrier lined channel (CLC) Munak and the Delhi sub-branch (DSB) canals) entering
Delhi from Haryana supply Delhi (1094 cusecs) with water from the Yamuna and Ravi-Beas
o The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) also takes water directly from the Yamuna and supplements its river-water
supply with ground water drawn from Delhi’s tubewells and wells.
 According to the Composite Water Management Index released by NITI Aayog in 2019, five of the world’s
20 largest cities under water stress are in India, with Delhi being second on the list.

Reasons for Water Scarcity in Delhi:

 Over-extraction of groundwater: According to the Economic Survey 2023-24, Delhi has a daily water
demand of 1,290 MGD, of which the DJB currently produces 1,000 MGD. The gap is met by Delhi’s
groundwater reserves.
 Pollution of water sources:
o High ammonia levels (more than 2.5 parts per million) in the Yamuna have long contributed to poor
water supply in parts of Delhi.
o Numerous drains and rivulets discharge toxic waste from small and medium industries into the Yamuna
river, eventually affecting Delhi’s clean water supply.
 Impact of climate change:
o According to the draft of the Delhi State Action Plan on Climate Change, the city is projected to incur
economic losses of Rs 2.75 trillion by 2050 as a result of climate change impacts.
o Rising temperatures and erratic precipitation patterns pose significant challenges to the city’s water
supply.
 Inefficient water management:
o The Opposition alleges that the annual water shortage during summers is solely because of the inefficient
water management of the state government.
o The Central Water Commission’s inefficient role in managing the three barrages in Wazirabad, ITO, and
Okhla indicates poor coordination and transparency among Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh
governments.
 Inter-state water disputes: Water disputes between Haryana and Delhi have centred around the allocation
of water from the Yamuna river. Haryana alleges that Delhi is drawing more water than allocated under
various agreements.

15
 Water treatment plant (WTP) capacity: The WTP in North Delhi’s Wazirabad was functioning below its
capacity because the Yamuna did not have enough water (due to deficit rainfalls) for the DJB to draw from
the Wazirabad reservoir.

Challenges Posed by Water Scarcity:

 Health issues:
o With the reduced availability of clean water, marginalised communities living in unauthorised colonies
often have to rely on unsafe water sources, leading to waterborne diseases.
o Insufficient water supply also hampers the maintenance and cleanliness of public toilets. When water is
scarce, sewage systems can fail, which increases the risk of diseases such as cholera.
 Social and economic impact:
o Increased illness due to poor hygiene and sanitation leads to higher healthcare costs for individuals and
the government.
o Frequent illnesses impact productivity as people miss work or school, affecting their economic well-
being and academic opportunities.
o The dependence on water tankers for domestic needs can be unreliable and costly, leading to further
economic strain for the marginalised communities.

What are the Solutions to Address Water Scarcity?

 Water conservation and management:
o Recently, the Delhi government ordered a crackdown on water misuse, authorising inspection teams to
fine offenders using pipes to wash cars, allowing water tanks to overflow, and using domestic water
supply for construction.
o The teams are also authorised to disconnect illegal water connections at construction sites or
commercial establishments.
o To stop waste discharge from entering Yamuna, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the State
Pollution Control Boards need to take the initiatives.
o Water rationing strategies must be announced during summer months.
 Technological interventions:
o The DJB, in collaboration with Hitachi India, is using field sensors and smart metres at the Pitampura
water distribution network.
o Such technological intervention could enable remote and real-time monitoring and control of plant
operations.
 Infrastructure development: The DJB can be more commercially-oriented and customers (households,
businesses and industries) should be prepared to pay for the ‘real cost’ of supply. The DJB has recently
increased infra charges for new water connections.
 Policy and governance reforms:
o State and city governments should consider water resource availability in the region while creating city
plans and providing permits for new establishments.
o They must restrict any development activities that are not sustainable in terms of water
management.
 Community participation in rainwater harvesting:
o Delhi’s rainwater harvesting potential amounts to a staggering 907 billion litres annually.
o To effectively implement rooftop rainwater harvesting, various awareness campaigns can be organised at
the community level.

16
8. Relationship Between the Harappan and the Vedic Age

Why in News? Archaeologists are working with Sanskrit scholars to decipher the Rigveda, carrying on research
that could lead to a relationship between the people of the Vedic age and the Harappan civilization.
Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC)/ Harappa
Civilisation (3300 - 1300 BCE):
 Also known as the Indus Civilisation, the IVC was
a Bronze Age civilisation in the northwestern
regions of South Asia.
o The Indus civilisation is also known as
the Harappan Civilisation, after Harappa
(now in Punjab), which is the first of its
sites to be excavated early in the 20th century.
 Together with ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, it
was one of three early civilisations of the Near
East and South Asia, and the most widespread among the three.
o Its sites stretch over an area spanning from today’s northeast Afghanistan, through much
of Pakistan and into western and northwestern India.
 It flourished in the basins of the Indus River and along a system of rivers that once coursed in the vicinity
of the seasonal Ghaggar-Hakra river in northwest India and eastern Pakistan.
 The civilisation's cities were noted for their -
o Urban planning,
o Baked brick houses,
o Elaborate drainage systems,
o Water supply systems,
o Clusters of large non-residential buildings,
o New techniques in handicraft (carnelian products, seal carving) and
o Metallurgy (copper, bronze, lead and tin).
 The urbanisation that accompanied the civilisation may have started as a result of the region's soil
gradually drying out during the third millennium BCE.
 However, the civilisation eventually declined and its population dispersed eastward and southward due to
weaker monsoons and a lower water supply.

The Vedic Age (1500 - 600 BCE):

 It is the period in the late Bronze Age and early Iron
Age of the history of India when the Vedic literature,
including the Vedas was composed in the northern Indian
subcontinent.
 It lies between the end of the urban IVC and the second
urbanisation, which began in the central Indo-Gangetic
Plain (c. 600 BCE).
 In terms of literature, as well as social and cultural
evolution, Vedic age is divided into two stages

17
 o The Rigvedic period/ Early Vedic period (between 1500 BC and 1000 BC) and
o The Later Vedic period (between 1000 BC and 600 BC).
 The early Vedic Aryans lived in the area known as sapta-sindhu/ an area of seven rivers - in and around
present-day Punjab region.
 During the Later Vedic period, they gradually moved eastward and came to occupy eastern UP (Kosala)
and north Bihar (Videha).

How Archaeologists are Establishing Relationships Between the Harappan and the Vedic Age?

Ongoing debates:
 The NCERT recently made a major addition (based on DNA evidence from the 4,600-year-old remains of a
woman) to the Class 12 History textbook, indicating that the Harappans were an indigenous people.
 The NCERT has added a disclaimer that more research is required to establish this relationship.
 Some historians believe that the Vedas date farther back to 2,500 BC/ 4,500 years ago, which would
coincide with the IVC.

What archaeologists are trying to establish?

Archaeologists are now working to test the hypothesis that the Harappans and the Vedic people were the same.
According to the renowned archaeologist Vasant Shinde, a clear understanding of what is mentioned in the
Rigveda text is important to co-relate archaeological evidence unearthed in excavations of Harappan
settlements.

What evidence shows?

 While excavating the site of Rakhigarhi (Haryana), the archaeologists found evidence of ritual platforms
and fire altars. Fire worship is also mentioned in Rig Vedic texts.
 The mention of the river Saraswati (modern Ghagghar-Hakra river) is recorded at least 71 times in
the Rigvedic text. During archaeological excavations, a majority of Harappan settlements were discovered
along the banks of river Saraswati.
 Another point of reference which may link the Harappans with Vedic times is a set of animal bones
found and studied by archaeo-zoologists in the Surkotada region of Kutch, Gujarat.
 While some researchers stated that these bones belonged to a proper domesticated horse (which finds
mention in Rigvedic texts), another group concluded that these were the bones of a wild ass.

9. Heatwaves are becoming more deadly

Why in news? Large parts of the country are witnessing a searing and longer-than-usual heatwave, with record-
breaking day temperatures. Over the past few days, the heat has claimed lives in multiple states including Delhi,
Bihar, Odisha, and Gujarat.

Heat waves
 About
o A Heat Wave is a period of abnormally high temperatures, more than the normal maximum
temperature.

18
 o Qualitatively, heat wave is a condition of air temperature which becomes fatal to human body when
exposed.
o Quantitatively, it is defined based on the temperature thresholds over a region in terms of actual
temperature or its departure from normal.
 Criteria
o As per IMD, heat wave is considered if maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40°C or
more for Plains and at least 30°C or more for Hilly regions.
o IMD uses following criterion to declare the occurrence of heat wave in the region:
 Based on Departure from Normal Heat Wave:
 Heat Wave - Departure from normal is 4.50°C to 6.40°C;
 Severe Heat Wave: Departure from normal is >6.40degree C
 Based on Actual Maximum Temperature Heat Wave:
 Heat Wave - When actual maximum temperature ≥ 45°C;
 Severe Heat Wave: When actual maximum temperature ≥47
o If above criteria met at least in 2 stations in a Meteorological sub-division for at least two consecutive days
and heat wave occurrence is declared on the second day.
 Heat Wave in coastal region
o When maximum temperature departure is 4.50C or more from normal, Heat Wave may be described
provided actual maximum temperature is 37°C or more.

Heatwaves have become more deadly

 Rising Humidity
o As per the report, the increase in relative humidity in all zones has made heat stress worse in warm-
humid and moderate climate zones.
o This increase has also nullified the fall in air temperatures in composite and hot-dry climate zones,
especially during monsoons.
 Spike in built-up area and corresponding Urban heat island effect
o An increase in the built-up area in cities is another factor contributing to the urban heatwaves.
o The IPCC Working Group-II highlights that the urban heat island effect causes cities to have higher air
temperatures than surrounding areas, particularly at night, which reduces their ability to adapt to climate
change.
o Various studies have shown that cities, in particular, are getting warmer and more humid due to
urbanization and declining green cover.
 Increase in night temperature
o Various studies found that the difference between day and night temperatures in urban areas has
reduced over a period of time.
o These studies also pointed out the fact that an increase in green cover can moderate day-time heat.
o However, it is not that effective in arresting night-time heat due to increased concretization and heat
released by these concretes at night.

Threats Posed by heatwaves

 Human Health
o Extreme heat is one of the leading causes of weather-related deaths in many countries.
 In India, on May 31, at least 61 people died from suspected heatstroke across multiple states.
 Among the victims were 23 poll personnel working during the final phase of the Lok Sabha election.

19
 o High humidity and elevated nighttime temperatures are likely key ingredients in causing heat-related
illness and mortality.
o Heatwaves are also associated with increases in heat-related illnesses, including cardiovascular and
respiratory complications and kidney disease.
 Air quality
o In extreme temperatures, air quality is also affected. Hot and sunny days can increase the production of
ground-level ozone.
 This ozone is a harmful pollutant that is the main component of smog.
 It can damage the respiratory system and is particularly harmful for those with asthma.
o In addition, greater use of air conditioning requires more electricity which, depending on the electricity
source, emits other types of pollution, including particulates that have an impact on air quality too.
 Agriculture
o High temperatures can be damaging to agriculture. Plant growth is negatively impacted by high daytime
temperatures and some crops require cool night temperatures.
o Heat waves also increase the chances of livestock experiencing heat stress, especially when night
time temperatures remain high and animals are unable to cool off.
o Heat waves can exacerbate droughts and wildfires, which can lead to negative impacts on the agriculture
sector.
 Energy
o Warmer temperatures affect many aspects of the energy system, including production, transmission,
and demand.
o While higher summer temperatures increase electricity demand for cooling, at the same time, they can
lower the ability of transmission lines to carry power.
o This can possibly lead to electricity reliability issues like rolling blackouts during heat waves.
o In addition, as rivers and lakes warm, their capacity for absorbing waste heat from power plants declines.
 This can reduce the thermal efficiency of power production.
 This makes it difficult for power plants to comply with environmental regulations regarding the
temperature of their cooling water, and could lead to plant shut-downs.

Building Resilience to Extreme Heat

 Identify vulnerable populations and create heat preparedness plans with all residents in mind
o These include steps like opening cooling centers during periods of extreme heat and adopting workplace
heat stress standards.
 Installing cool and green roofs and cool pavement to reduce the urban heat island effect.
 Planting trees to provide shade and to cool the air through evapotranspiration.
 Pursuing energy efficiency to reduce demand on the electricity grid, especially during heat waves

20
General Studies II

1. Why has the NTA Failed to Deliver

Why in News?
With widespread allegations of cheating, paper leaks and other irregularities impacting flagship examinations
such as the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), the National Testing Agency (NTA) has come
under intense fire.

The National Testing Agency (NTA):

 Background:
o In 2010, a committee comprising directors of IITs recommended establishing an autonomous and
transparent body (NTA) through legislation, modelled after the Educational Testing Service (ETS) of
the US.
o Prior to the NTA’s formation, various government bodies like the UGC, the CBSE, and central
universities such as Delhi University and JNU conducted their own entrance examinations.
 About NTA:
o It was set up in 2017 as a specialist, self-sustaining and autonomous organisation under the aegis of
the Union Ministry of Education.
o It is registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860, and falls under the Right to Information (RTI)
Act.
 Objectives: It aims to
o Address the challenges of assessing candidates’ competence by adhering to international standards,
ensuring efficiency, transparency, and error-free delivery.
o Conduct efficient and transparent tests, Research and development and Expert collaboration
Information dissemination.
 Examinations conducted by the NTA:
o JEE (Main), NEET-UG, Common Management Admission Test (CMAT), Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude
Test (GPAT) and University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET).
o The National Education Policy 2020 envisaged a broader role, recommending that the NTA conduct an
entrance or aptitude test for all universities across the country.
o In all, the NTA now has charge for more than 20 examinations.
 Who runs the NTA?
o Its director general and governing body are appointed by the Union government.
o The core team of the NTA consists of test item writers, researchers, psychometricians, and education
specialists.
o The NTA operates six verticals, each focusing on different examinations.
o Each vertical employs about six researchers, including internationally recognised experts in
psychometrics and statistics.

Issues Faced by the NTA:

 Conduct computer-based tests only:
o This is to ensure that high volume can be processed in a short period of time.

21
 o As the NIC [National Informatics Centre] does not have the capacity or IT infrastructure needed, third-
party technical partners are being engaged.
o However, third-party players take accountability out of the government’s hands and leave loopholes
in the system which can be exploited by unscrupulous players.
 Agency is severely understaffed: The agency was set up with only about 25 permanent staff positions and
its functions have been outsourced to technical partners from the very beginning.
 Absence of robust security mechanisms:
o These are needed to handle a large-scale pen-and-paper examination, including the
 Setting of the question paper and its encryption,
 Selection of external printing presses and exam centres,
 Transportation to printing presses,
 Storage and distribution to examinees at examination centres and
 Then the collection and transportation of answer sheets to evaluation centres.
o Each of these is a stage where malpractice can occur without robust security mechanisms.

 NEET and UGC-NET exams irregularities:

o The NTA faced severe criticism after it awarded grace marks to 1,563 candidates in the NEET exam
due to delays at seven examination centres.
o This decision led to accusations of inflated marks, culminating in a record 67 candidates sharing the
top rank.
o The integrity of the NEET-UG was further compromised when the exam question paper was allegedly
leaked.
o Similarly, the UGC-NET exam was cancelled a day after being conducted, following reports that its
integrity had been breached.

What Needs to be Done to Reform India’s Examination Process?

 Radhakrishnan committee: The high-level panel headed by former ISRO chief K. Radhakrishnan has been
constituted to recommend
o Reforms in the examination process,
o Improve data security protocols, and
o Overhaul the NTA’s functioning.
 Adding manpower and infrastructure to the NTA: To equip it to take on large-scale pen-and-paper
examinations, as these are more equitable, especially for students in rural and remote areas with little access
to technology.
 Dismantling the centralisation process: More decentralised structures are needed to meet the vastly
differing needs of institutions.
 More radical reform of the assessment system: This includes
o Periodic assessments of knowledge,
o Concept-based understanding, and
o Aptitude can be included in the final years of school education as the precursor to the admission process,
etc.

2. 50th Year of the Imposition of Emergency in India

Why in News?

22
A dark chapter in modern Indian history that left a wide-ranging and lasting impact on Indian politics, a state of
Emergency declared by the then-PM Indira Gandhi on June 25, 1975, lasted for 21 months.
India entered the fiftieth year of the imposition of the Emergency, which saw the suspension of civil
liberties, curtailment of press freedom, mass arrests, the cancellation of elections, and rule by decree.

Emergency Provisions - Now and Then:

 Under Article 352 of the Constitution of India, the President may (on the advice of the Council of
Ministers headed by the PM) issue a proclamation of emergency if the security of India or any part of the
country is threatened by -
o War or
o External aggression or
o Armed rebellion.
 Article 358 frees the state of all limitations imposed by Article 19 (“Right to freedom”) as soon as an
emergency is imposed.
 Article 359 empowers the President to suspend the right of people (except under Articles 20 and 21) to
move court for the enforcement of their rights during an emergency.
 In 1975, the ground of “internal disturbance” (instead of armed rebellion) was available to the government
to proclaim an emergency.
o This was the only instance of proclamation of emergency due to “internal disturbance”.
o The other two occasions in which an emergency was proclaimed earlier (on October 26, 1962, and
December 3, 1971), were both on grounds of war.
 This ground of “internal disturbance” was removed by the Constitution (44th Amendment) Act 1978 by
the Janata government that came to power after the Emergency.

Impacts of the Declaration of Emergency on India’s Federal Structure:

 Converts the federal structure into a unitary one:
o Though not suspended, the state governments come under the complete control of the Centre.
o Parliament makes laws on subjects in the State List, and extends the Union’s executive powers to the
states.
o The Union acquires the right to give any direction to state governments.
 Term of Lok Sabha: Parliament may by law extend the (five-year) term of Lok Sabha one year at a time.
 Allocation of financial resources: The President can modify, with parliamentary approval, constitutional
provisions on the allocation of financial resources between the Union and states.

The Political and Social Circumstances in India Leading up to the Emergency:

 January 1966: Indira Gandhi elected prime minister.
 November 1969: The Congress splits after Gandhi is expelled for violating party discipline.
 1973-75: Surge in political unrest and demonstrations against the Indira Gandhi-led government.
 1971: Political opponent Raj Narain lodges complaint of electoral fraud against Indira Gandhi.
 June 12, 1975: Allahabad High Court found Gandhi guilty over discrepancies in the electoral campaign.
 June 24, 1975: Supreme Court granted a conditional stay on the Allahabad HC verdict, declaring
Gandhi's election to the Lok Sabha null and void.
o The SC also asked Gandhi to stay away from parliamentary proceedings.
 June 25, 1975: Declaration of Emergency by president Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed on the advice of Indira
Gandhi.

23
 o According to the government’s press note, certain persons were inciting the police and armed forces
to not discharge their duties.
 June 26, 1975: Indira Gandhi addresses the nation on All India Radio.

End of Emergency and Afterwards:

 January 18, 1977: Indira Gandhi calls for fresh elections and releases all political prisoners.
o The elections of 1977 led to a comprehensive defeat for Indira and Morarji Desai became India’s first
non-Congress (Janata Party) Prime Minister.
 March 23, 1977: Emergency officially comes to an end.
o The Shah Commission, constituted by the Janata government, found the decision to impose Emergency
to be unilateral and adversely affecting civil liberties.
o The Janata government (through the 44th Amendment) reversed many of the constitutional changes
effected by the 42nd Amendment Act 1976.
o For example, it made judicial review of a proclamation of emergency possible again, and mandated that
every proclamation of emergency be laid before both Houses of Parliament within a month of the
proclamation.
o Unless it was approved by both Houses by a special majority (a majority of the total strength of the
House and not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting), the proclamation would lapse.

What Happened During the Emergency?

 Suspension of civil liberties:
o Almost all opposition leaders (including JP) were detained and about 36,000 people were put in jail
under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA).
o Newspapers were subjected to pre-censorship.
o In September 1976, Sanjay Gandhi initiated a mass forced sterilization program in Delhi.
 Legal changes pushed through by Parliament:
o With the opposition in jail, Parliament passed the Constitution (38th Amendment) Act that barred
judicial review of the Emergency.
o The Constitution (39th Amendment) Act said that the election of the Prime Minister could not be
challenged in the Supreme Court.
o The Constitution (42nd Amendment) Act made changes to a range of laws,
 Taking away the judiciary’s right to hear election petitions,
 Widening the authority of the Union to encroach on State subjects,
 Made any law passed by Parliament to implement any or all directive principles of state policy
immune to judicial review, etc.
 Changes pushed through by the Courts: In the famous case of ADM Jabalpur vs Shivkant Shukla
(1976), the SC ruled that detention without trial was legal during an emergency.

How did the Emergency Change Indian Politics?

 Dented the Congress’ reputation: A party that led the struggle for civil liberties against the colonial state.
 First non-Congress government: The Janata experiment gave India its first non-Congress government, but
its collapse also demonstrated the limits of anti-Congressism.
 Emergence of young leaders: The Emergency gave India a crop of young leaders (Lalu Prasad Yadav,
George Fernandes, Arun Jaitley, Ram Vilas Paswan, etc) who would dominate politics for decades to
come.

24
 Coming together of the social forces:
o This resulted in the increase of the representation of OBCs in Parliament.
o As a result, the Janata government appointed the Mandal Commission to look into OBC quotas, which
would go on to make the rise of the OBCs in North India irreversible.
 The Emergency has become a part of political vocabulary in India: Every perceived act of high-
handedness by a government being attributed to an “Emergency mindset”.

3. Tamil Nadu Hooch Tragedy Points to the Need for a Public Health-Centred Approach
to Alcohol

Context
 India faces recurring tragedies, from road accidents to monsoon flooding, often attributed to an
incompetent state unable to enforce laws.
 Among these tragedies, the recurrent calamities due to the consumption of illicit alcohol stand
out, highlighting both legal and moral failures.
 The recent Kallakurichi hooch tragedy in Tamil Nadu, resulting in nearly 60 deaths, underscores the
severe consequences of these failures.

Historical Context of Alcohol Consumption in India

 Ancient and Medieval Periods
o References to alcohol, particularly a fermented drink called soma, appear in the Vedic texts and
soma was considered a divine drink and was consumed during religious rituals and ceremonies.
o The Rigveda, one of the oldest Indian scriptures, speaks of soma with reverence, indicating its
importance in the social and religious life of that era.
o During the Mughal period, despite the Quranic prohibition of alcohol, drinking was not
uncommon.
o The Mughal emperors and their courts indulged in wine and other alcoholic beverages, imported
from Persia and Central Asia, as well as locally produced drinks.
o This period saw a flourishing of a sophisticated drinking culture, with alcohol integrated into the
fabric of elite social life.
 Colonial Period
o The British colonial authorities sought to regulate and control the production and consumption of
alcohol, introducing new forms of liquor and establishing a taxation regime.
o Indigenous alcoholic beverages, which were integral to community celebrations and cultural
practices, were stigmatised and restricted.
o The colonial narrative framed these traditional practices as primitive, promoting instead the
consumption of gin and whiskey, distilled in industrial quantities and heavily taxed.
o This period also saw the birth of the term "Indian-made foreign liquor" (IMFL), which became a
symbol of colonial influence.
o IMFL represented a blend of Western and Indian drinking cultures, embodying the tensions
between colonial control and indigenous practices.
o The British promoted these beverages among the Indian elite, creating a class of brown sahibs who
adopted Western lifestyles and drinking habits.
 Independence and Prohibition Movements

25
 o The temperance movement, which had been gaining momentum since the late 19th century, found a
natural ally in the independence struggle.
o Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, who viewed alcohol as a social evil and a threat to moral
integrity, championed the cause of prohibition.
o Gandhi's vision of a free India included a society free from the vices introduced by colonial rule,
with alcohol being a prime target.
o When India gained independence in 1947, the ideals of the temperance movement were enshrined in the
Constitution.
o Article 47 of the Directive Principles of State Policy urged the state to endeavour to bring about
prohibition of intoxicating drinks and drugs injurious to health.
o This made India the only secular and democratic country to constitutionally mandate such a
directive, reflecting the strong moral undertones of the independence era.
 Modern Era and Contemporary Issues
o In the modern era, state policies on alcohol vary widely, reflecting the ongoing tension between
moral, cultural, and economic factors.
o States like Bihar have experimented with prohibition, driven by concerns over alcohol-fuelled
domestic violence and public health.
o However, these efforts often lead to unintended consequences, such as the proliferation of illicit
alcohol production and consumption.

Contradictory Excise Policies and Their Consequences

 Prohibition and Its Implementation
o After India gained independence, the constitutional directive to promote prohibition of intoxicating
substances was a nod to the moral and cultural values espoused by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi.
o However, the practical implementation of prohibition was delegated to individual states, leading to
a patchwork of policies that reflect a wide spectrum of approaches towards alcohol regulation.
 Economic Considerations
o One of the most significant contradictions in alcohol policy arises from the economic benefits that
alcohol sales provide to state governments.
o Alcohol excise is a major source of revenue, often contributing significantly to the state’s budget.
o For instance, the government of Tamil Nadu generates substantial revenue through the Tamil
Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC), which controls the sale of alcohol in the state.
o This economic dependency creates a conflict of interest, making it challenging to implement strict
prohibition.
 Social and Cultural Dimensions
o The societal perception of alcohol consumption is another area of contradiction.
o On one hand, traditional and moralistic views continue to stigmatise drinking, associating it with
moral decay and social vice.
o On the other hand, urbanisation and globalisation have brought about a shift in attitudes,
particularly among the younger generation and urban elites, who view drinking as a symbol of
modernity and personal freedom.
 Impact on Health and Public Safety
o In states with prohibition, the consumption of illicit alcohol often leads to mass poisoning incidents,
as seen in the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy.

26
 o The lack of regulatory oversight in the production of illicit alcohol results in dangerous
concoctions that can cause severe health issues and fatalities.
 Surge in Illegal Moonshine Industries
o These contradictory policies have perpetuated the illegal moonshine industry, driven by the high
demand for alcohol in regions where it is criminalised.
o Law enforcement agencies and political figures often collude with the mafia or fail to enforce the
law, with the poor bearing the brunt of these policies.
o In Bihar, prisons are overcrowded with poor men arrested for drinking, and most victims of hooch
tragedies are impoverished.

Way Ahead to Address the Issue of Illicit Alcohol

 Need for a National Consensus
o Addressing this issue requires a national consensus to balance public health science and personal
freedoms.
o Lessons from other countries can guide this approach. For instance, revisiting policies on cannabis,
which India criminalized under U.S. pressure, despite its long history of use, could be insightful.
o The U.S. now hosts the largest legal cannabis industry, suggesting potential pathways for India.
 Strict Quality Control
o Legalising alcohol consumption with strict quality controls and permitting indigenous alcohol
production is crucial.
o Concurrently, enforcing zero-tolerance for alcohol-related offenses, such as bars selling to underage
drinkers, is imperative.
o Shifting from the traditional in-patient deaddiction centres to evidence-based psychosocial
interventions within the primary care network would also help treat harmful drinking non-
stigmatising.
 Learning from International Experience
o Reflecting on international experiences, such as the culture change in Britain during the late 1980s and
1990s regarding drink-driving, is instructive.
o The UK extended pub closing hours and strictly enforced drink-driving laws, leading to a societal
shift where drink-driving became socially unacceptable.

Conclusion
 The contradictory policies on alcohol in India reflect a deep-seated tension between moral
imperatives, economic interests, and social realities.
 These contradictions have led to a range of unintended consequences, from the proliferation of illicit
alcohol and associated health risks to the reinforcement of gender and socio-economic inequalities.
 Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive and balanced approach that integrates public
health science, respects personal freedoms, and learns from the experiences of other countries.

4. Role of a Lok Sabha’s Leader of Opposition

Why in News?
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the 18th Lok Sabha, a position that lay vacant
for 10 years because no party had numbers equalling a tenth of the strength of the House.

27
The LoP is the parliamentary chairperson of the largest political party/ coalition in the Lok Sabha that is not
in government.

The Position of Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha:

 Statutory recognition:
o It was officially described in the Salary and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act
1977.
o The Act describes the Leader of Opposition as:
 A member of the Council of States or the House of the People (as the case may be),
 Who is the Leader in that House of the party (having the greatest numerical strength and recognised as
such by the Chairman/ the Speaker) in opposition to the Government.
 Numerical strength: According to a conventional understanding, in order to get the post of Leader of
Opposition a party must have at least 10% of MPs in the House.
 Debate over numerical strength:
o According to the former Lok Sabha Secretary General PDT Achary, the law is clear that the Speaker is
required to recognise the leader of the numerically largest party in opposition as the leader of
opposition.
o There is no such rule, which requires a party to have at least 10% of the members of the House for
recognising someone as the Leader of the Opposition.
o Before the BJP in 2014 and 2019, the Congress (having 415 members in Lok Sabha) in 1984 denied TDP
(with 30 MPs) the post of Leader of Opposition, on the basis of the above mysterious rule.
 Salary and sumptuary allowances: S/he shall be entitled to receive a salary and allowances as are
specified in the Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament Act 1954.

Powers of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the House:

 Order of precedence: The LoP in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha come at No. 7, along with
o Union Cabinet Ministers,
o The National Security Advisor,
o The Principal Secretary to the PM,
o The Vice-Chairperson of the NITI Aayog,
o Former PMs, and Chief Ministers.
 Sitting position in the House:
o The LoP sits in the front row to the left of the Chair, and enjoys certain privileges on ceremonial
occasions like escorting the Speaker-elect to the rostrum (Chair of the Speaker).
o The LoP is also entitled to a seat in the front row during the Address by the President to both Houses of
Parliament.
 The main duty of the LoP:
o It is to serve as the voice of the opposition in the House and is considered as a shadow Prime Minister
with a shadow Cabinet.
o This means, s/he is ready to take over the administration if the Government resigns or is defeated on
the floor of the House.
o Because the parliamentary system is based on "mutual forbearance" (acknowledging that we do not all
have to agree on everything), the LoP is free to disagree while yet allowing the PM to rule.
o His/her proactive role in facilitating smooth functioning of the business of the House is as important as
that of the Government.

28
 Practical role and responsibility:
o Most importantly, the LoP is the opposition’s representative in the high-powered committees headed
by the PM for appointment to key posts such as
 The Director of CBI,
 The Central Vigilance Commissioner and Chief Information Commissioner,
 The Chairperson and Members of the National Human Rights Commission, and
 The Lokpal.
o S/he will also be a member of crucial committees, including Public Accounts, Public Undertakings,
Estimates and several Joint Parliamentary Committees.

5. New project to fix water deficit in flagship Jal Jeevan Mission

Why in news?
Union Jal Shakti Minister has said that the government was conceiving a new project to ensure that rural
households, which were provided taps under the ambitious Jal Jeevan Mission but had not yet been able to avail
water, would soon be provided potable water.

Jal Jeevan Mission

 About
o Jal Jeevan Mission is envisioned to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual
household tap connections by 2024 to all households in rural India.
o It was launched on August 15, 2019.
o The focus of this mission is on assured and regular potable water service delivery at household level,
i.e., water supply in adequate quantity (55 litres per person per day).
o JJM is a decentralized, demand-driven, and community-managed programme that aims to instil a
‘sense of ownership’ among the local community.
 Nodal Ministry
o Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti is the nodal institution
responsible for implementation of this mission.
 Key detail
o The programme also implements source sustainability measures as mandatory elements, such as:
 recharge and reuse through grey water management, water conservation, rain water harvesting.
o The mission is based on a community approach to water and will include extensive Information,
Education and communication as a key component of the mission.
o JJM looks to create a janandolan for water, thereby making it everyone’s priority.

 Focus activities

29
 Measurement process
o To measure water connections provided to households, State or Union Territory water supply
departments collect data from districts and report it to the Jal Shakti Ministry.
 This data shows that 19 crore rural households have been given tap connections.
o To verify this, villages, through their gram panchayats, self-certify if households actually receive water.
This double-checks the state-provided figures.

Performance of the scheme

 Status of tap water supply in rural homes
o As of June 26, 2024, the scheme had encompassed 77% of its target household.
o Households with tap water connections as on June 26, 2024 – 14,91,32,648 (77.22%).
o However, it should be noted that there is a difference between a household getting a tap connection and
the daily quota of 55 litres per person day of water being provided.
 Har Ghar Jal Status
o Achieving the Har Ghar Jal Status means:
 all households have been connected,
 the water supply department has certified water supply to homes, schools, and anganwadis, and
 a gram sabha resolution has confirmed the department's claim.
 Certified States/ UTs (certified by Ministry): Goa, A & N Islands, Puducherry, D&NH and D&D,
Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab.
 Reported States/ UTs: Telangana, Mizoram, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat.
o The Jal Shakti Ministry has a portal showing target achievements by States.
o According to this, out of 2,24,678 villages claiming 100% tap connectivity, only 1,21,974 have self-
certified.
o It is, however, unclear how many of the 19 crore households truly have functional tap water connections.

Challenges to JJM
 Infrastructure Development

30
 o Establishing the necessary infrastructure in remote and rural areas is a significant challenge.
o This includes the construction of pipelines, water treatment plants, and storage facilities.
 Water Quality
o Ensuring the quality of water supplied through the taps is crucial.
o Contaminants like fluoride, arsenic, and nitrates in groundwater sources pose health risks and
require robust treatment solutions.
 Sustainability
o Maintaining the water supply systems and ensuring they remain functional over time is essential.
o This includes regular maintenance, timely repairs, and efficient management of water resources.
 Funding and Resources
o Adequate funding and resource allocation are vital for the success of the mission.
o Ensuring that states and local bodies have the financial and human resources to implement and maintain
the systems is a continuous challenge.
 Community Participation
o Engaging local communities and ensuring their active participation in the planning, implementation, and
maintenance of water supply systems is critical.
o Building awareness and training local stakeholders is necessary for the mission's success.
 Geographical Challenges
o Diverse geographical conditions across India, such as hilly terrains, deserts, and densely populated
areas, present unique challenges in laying pipelines and ensuring a consistent water supply.
 Data Accuracy and Verification
o Accurately reporting and verifying the number of functional household tap connections is challenging.
o The self-certification process by gram panchayats is essential but can be prone to discrepancies.
 Coordination Among Agencies
o Effective coordination between various government agencies at the central, state, and local levels is
crucial.
o Overcoming bureaucratic hurdles and ensuring seamless collaboration can be difficult.

6. Role Played by the Office of Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha

Why in News?
Since the Opposition has become stronger in the 18th Lok Sabha, its members are vying for the office of
Deputy Speaker.
However, the Opposition is forced to run for Speaker for the first time since 1952 because the government has
been unwilling to extend any assurances on the post of Deputy Speaker.

Office of Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha:

 Appointment:
o Article 93 states that the House of the People shall (as soon as may be) choose two members of the
House to be respectively Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
o Article 178 contains the corresponding provision for the Speakers and Deputy Speakers in the state
Assemblies.
o It is a parliamentary convention to elect a Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha from a party other than the
ruling party to run an accountable democratic parliament.
 Time frame to appoint a Deputy Speaker:

31
 o The Constitution does not specify a time frame for making the appointments and it is this gap in the
provision that allows governments to delay or avoid appointing a Deputy Speaker.
o However, constitutional experts have pointed out that both Articles 93 and 178 use the words “shall”
and “as soon as may be”.
o This means, not only is the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker mandatory, it must be held at
the earliest.
 Powers:
o According to Article 95(1), the Deputy Speaker performs the duties of the Speaker if the post is
vacant. For example,
 After the first Speaker (G V Mavalankar) died in 1956 before his term ended, Deputy Speaker M
Ananthasayanam Ayyangar filled in for the remaining tenure of Lok Sabha from 1956 to 1957.
 Again, after G M C Balayogi (Speaker in the 13th Lok Sabha) of the TDP, passed away in 2002,
Deputy Speaker P M Sayeed (of Congress) became acting Speaker for two months.
o The Deputy Speaker has the same powers as the Speaker when presiding over the House.
o All references to the Speaker are deemed to be references to the Deputy Speaker as well for the times
when s/he presides.
 Removal from the office:
o Once elected, the Deputy Speaker usually continues in office until the dissolution of the House.
o Under Article 94 (and Article 179 for state Assemblies), the Speaker or Deputy Speaker shall vacate
his/her office if s/he ceases to be a member of the House of the People.
o They may also resign (to each other), or may be removed from office by a resolution of the House of
the People passed by a majority of all the then members of the House.

Rules for the Election of the Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha:

 Election of the Speaker:
o The practice in both the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies has been to elect the Speaker in the first session
of the new House.
o S/he is usually elected on the third day, after the oath-taking and affirmations have taken place over the
first two days.
 The election of the Deputy Speaker:
o It is generally not delayed beyond the second session unless there are some genuine and unavoidable
constraints.
o However, there is no bar on having this election in the first session of the new Lok Sabha or
Assembly.
o In the Lok Sabha, it is governed by Rule 8 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok
Sabha and shall be held on such date as the Speaker may fix.

Office of Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha Held by the Opposition Since 1952:
 From 1952 to 1969, the first four Deputy Speakers were from the ruling Congress.
 Between 1969 and 1977, G G Swell of the All-Party Hill Leaders Conference served as Deputy Speaker.
 From 1977 to 1979, Godey Murahari of the Congress held the post when the Janata Party government was
in power.
 From 1980 to 1984, the DMK’s (a Congress ally at the time) G Lakshmanan held the post in the Indira
Gandhi government.
 In the 8th Lok Sabha (1984-89),

32
 o AIADMK’s Thambi Durai became Deputy Speaker when Rajiv Gandhi was Prime Minister.
o When Chandra Shekhar was Prime Minister (1990-91), Shivraj Patil (Congress) served as Deputy
Speaker.
 In the 10th Lok Sabha (1991-96), when P V Narasimha Rao was Prime Minister, S Mallikarjunaiah of the
BJP was Deputy Speaker.
 During the Congress-led UPA-I (2004-09) and UPA-II (2009-14) governments, the Deputy Speaker’s
post was with the Opposition - first with Charanjit Singh Atwal of the Shiromani Akali Dal, and then with
Kariya Munda of the BJP.
 The 17th Lok Sabha is the first and the only Lok Sabha which convened (from 2019 to 2024) without a
Deputy Speaker.
o In 2023, a bench led by CJI sought responses on a PIL that contends that not electing a Deputy Speaker is
against the letter and spirit of the Constitution.

7. India's position with respect to the G-7

Why in news?
Leaders from the Group of Seven (G7) countries, which include the U.S., Canada, Germany, France, Japan,
the U.K., and Italy, met in Apulia, Italy, from June 13-15.
The European Union leadership also joined the summit to talk about various issues. India has been invited to
this event 11 times, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended for the fifth time.
The G-7 leaders met to discuss bridging differences between the "West and the Rest," funding the Ukraine war,
investing in Africa, and addressing migration, climate change, and artificial intelligence.
They agreed to provide $50 billion for Ukraine from Russia's frozen wealth funds and held a summit to promote
clean energy in Africa. They criticized China's trade practices and met with leaders from 10 countries,
including India, to discuss Global South concerns.

Group of Seven (G7)

 Origin
o The origin of G7 lies in the oil shocks of 1973 and the corresponding financial crisis.
o In order to address the situation after oil shock, the heads of the world's six leading industrial nations
decided to hold a meeting in 1975.
o These six nations were - the US, UK, France, Germany (West), Japan and Italy.
o These countries were joined by Canada in 1976 and G7 came into existence.
 Current Members
o US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan are the current members of this group.
o It can be said that the members of this group are the most developed and the advanced economies of
the world.
o The European Union is also represented within the G7.

Significance of India for G7

 Key Global South member
o India has been a significant part of the G-7 process for years, gaining attention in the 2000s for its steady
growth during the global financial crisis.
o Though not a G-7 member, India is a key Global South member and has hosted the "Voice of Global
South" conference since 2023.

33
 Part of G-20 troika
o It is also part of the G-20 troika with Brazil and South Africa.
 Economic Growth and Stability
o India gained attention from the G7 in the 2000s due to its steady economic growth during the global
financial crisis, demonstrating its resilience and potential as a major economy.
 Strategic Partnerships
o India is part of the G-20 troika, along with Brazil and South Africa, which adds to its strategic
importance in global economic and political discussions.
 Regional Stability and Development
o India's involvement in the G7's outreach efforts can contribute to regional stability and development,
particularly through investments and cooperation in areas like clean energy, trade, and economic
development.
 Geopolitical Balance
o India's participation helps balance global geopolitical dynamics, especially in the context of rising
concerns about China's influence and trade practices.
o India's strategic position and partnerships are crucial for maintaining global stability.

Significance of G7 for India

 Crucial platform to highlight achievements and perspectives
o For India, the G-7 outreach session is a crucial platform to highlight its achievements and
perspectives.
o During the session, PM Modi emphasized the importance of Indian elections, technology, artificial
intelligence, and addressing climate change.
 Economic Significance
o As per one estimate (2018), the G7 nations account for
 close to 60 percent of global net wealth ($317 trillion),
 30 percent of global gross domestic product, and
 about 770 million people or 10 percent of the world's population.
 Political Significance
o Political heavyweights are capable of shaping the response of Multilateral challenges.
o In 1999, it created the Financial Stability Forum in order to manage the international monetary system
o 47th summit in June 2021 had focused on the recovery from ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It promised
to distribute 1 billion vaccines to poorer countries.
o Its theme was Global Action to Build Back Better.
 Developmental Significance
o G-7 provided $300 million in 1997 to help build the containment of the reactor meltdown at Chernobyl.
o G7 played crucial role in setting up a global fund to fight malaria and Aids in 2002.
o In October 2020, G7 finance ministers backed an extension of a G20 bilateral debt relief initiative for
the world's poorest countries
 Advocacy for the Global South
o India uses the G7 platform to advocate for the concerns of the Global South, such as economic
inequality, climate change, and resource security.
o This advocacy helps ensure that the voices of developing nations are heard in global decision-making
processes.
 Technological and Climate Initiatives

34
 o India's participation in G7 discussions on technology and climate change allows it to contribute to and
benefit from global initiatives aimed at addressing these critical issues.
o It also provides an opportunity for India to share its innovations and approaches.
 Showcasing Democratic Values
o By participating in the G7, India reinforces its commitment to democratic values and principles, aligning
itself with other major democracies and highlighting the importance of democratic governance on the
global stage.

Criticism faced by G7
 Elitist, non-inclusive group
o The G-7 faces increasing criticism for being an elitist, non-inclusive group that excludes three of the
world's top 10 economies: China, India, and Brazil.
o Unlike the G-20, it lacks representation from a broader spectrum of the world.
 Membership Issues
o The G-7 has not expanded its membership and even reduced it by dropping Russia in 2014.
o In contrast, BRICS has expanded, now including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt, and Ethiopia
alongside the original members Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
 Challenges to Relevance
o The G-7's inability to change the course of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, stop Israel’s bombardment of
Gaza, or deter China's global economic influence raises questions about its relevance and effectiveness.
 Future Uncertainty
o The G-7's future effectiveness is uncertain, especially with potential leadership changes due to upcoming
elections in the U.K. and the U.S.
o The next G-7 summit will be in Alberta, Canada, in 2025, and it remains to be seen if India will
continue to participate on the sidelines.

8. In the Name of Merit: An Overemphasis on Merit

Context
 The Indian Constitution embodies the principle of social justice, allowing the state to implement special
provisions for the underprivileged.
 Despite the political motives often driving the expansion of reservation policies, the judiciary has
frequently intervened, emphasising the need for merit and efficiency in administration.
 Therefore, considering the recent Patna High Court order on 65% reservation, it is important to
explore the complexities of India's reservation policies, judicial responses, and the underlying tensions
between constitutional mandates and socio-political realities.

Indian Judiciary’s Response to Reservation Policies

 The Strict Scrutiny Doctrine
o The strict scrutiny doctrine employed by the Indian judiciary mandates that any policy affecting
fundamental rights must be narrowly tailored to achieve a compelling governmental interest.
o In the context of reservation policies, this doctrine has been used to assess whether the reservations
are justified, necessary, and whether they disproportionately affect other groups.
o This rigorous standard has led to the invalidation of several attempts by state governments to
extend reservations to various communities.

35
 The 50 Percent Cap on Reservations
o The judiciary's steadfast adherence to the 50 percent ceiling for reservations is another critical aspect
of its response.
o This cap was first articulated in the M R Balaji case of 1962, where the Supreme Court deemed
that reservations exceeding 50 percent would violate the right to equality.
o This principle has been reaffirmed in numerous cases, such as Devadasan (1964), N M Thomas
(1976), and Indra Sawhney (1992).
o The judiciary has maintained that while exceptions might be made for remote or underdeveloped
areas, the 50 percent limit is generally sacrosanct.
 Recent Verdict of Patna High Court on 65% Reservation in Bihar
o It struck down the 65 percent reservation in Bihar based on the 2023 Caste Survey.
o The court held that the Nitish Kumar government's rationale—that the Backward Classes constitute
a major part of the state's population and are underrepresented in unreserved categories—was
insufficient.
o The judgment reiterated that the term proportionate representation is alien to Articles 15 and
16, which emphasise "inadequacy of representation" rather than strict proportionality.
 Exceptions and Nuances
o Despite the rigid application of the 50 percent rule, the Supreme Court has recognised the need for
flexibility in certain contexts.
o In Indra Sawhney, the court acknowledged that this limit need not be religiously adhered to in
regions that are far-flung or outside the national mainstream.
o However, the Patna High Court did not extend this leniency to Bihar, despite its significant socio-
economic challenges.
o The court's decision underscores the need for governments to present compelling evidence and
context-specific arguments to justify deviations from established limits.

The Reservation Debates on Proportionate vs. Adequate Representation and the Efficiency and Merit
Argument
 Proportionate vs. Adequate Representation
o The judiciary's emphasis on adequacy of representation over proportionate representation is rooted
in the landmark Indra Sawhney case of 1992.
o The Supreme Court in this case opined that adequate representation cannot be read as
proportionate representation, suggesting that reservations should aim to correct significant
underrepresentation rather than mirror the exact demographic composition of backward classes.
o This interpretation has guided subsequent judgments, including the Patna High Court's ruling on
Bihar's reservation policy.
 The Efficiency and Merit Argument
o Another significant judicial concern is the potential impact of reservations on administrative
efficiency and merit.
o Courts have often cited the need to balance affirmative action with the maintenance of standards in
public administration.
o The Patna High Court, for instance, noted that merit should not be completely sacrificed.
o This view reflects a broader judicial apprehension that excessive reservations might undermine the
quality of governance.

36
 o However, critics argue that this perspective is based on unproven assumptions and fails to recognise
the broader social benefits of inclusive policies.

Judicial Flexibility and Recent Trends on Reservation Policies

 Recent judgments, such as the SC’s decision in the EWS case (2023) and Justice D Y Chandrachud's
observations in B K Pavitra II (2019), indicate a gradual shift towards a more nuanced understanding of
merit and efficiency.
 Justice Chandrachud's call for redefining merit in terms of social good highlights the judiciary's evolving
approach.
 Its emphases inclusivity and social equity over rigid adherence to traditional notions of merit.

Conclusion
 The Indian judiciary's response to reservation policies illustrates the ongoing struggle to balance
constitutional principles with the practicalities of achieving social justice.
 While the strict scrutiny doctrine and the 50 percent cap have shaped judicial intervention, recent
trends suggest a growing recognition of the need for more flexible and context-sensitive approaches.
 As India continues to grapple with deep-seated social inequalities, the judiciary's role in shaping and
refining reservation policies remains crucial.

9. India – Bangladesh Bilateral Relationship

Why in the News?

 Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is on a two-day visit to India.

India – Bangladesh Bilateral Relationship:

India and Bangladesh share bonds of history, language, culture, and multitude of other commonalities.
 Historical Ties:
o India's relationship with Bangladesh dates back to the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War when India
provided crucial military and material assistance to help Bangladesh gain independence from
Pakistan.
o However, the relationship deteriorated in the mid-1970s due to boundary disputes, insurgency, and
water-sharing issues, especially after military regimes took control in Bangladesh.
o Stability in bilateral relations was restored when Sheikh Hasina became Prime Minister in 1996, leading
to the signing of the Ganga Water Sharing Treaty.
o Since then, India and Bangladesh have strengthened their cooperation in various sectors, including trade,
energy, infrastructure, connectivity, and defense.
 Economic and Commercial Ties:
o Bangladesh is India's largest trade partner in South Asia, with bilateral trade reaching USD 15.9
billion in FY 2022-23.
o Bangladesh exports approximately USD 2 billion to India annually.
o In 2022, both countries completed a joint feasibility study on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership
Agreement (CEPA).
o This agreement is crucial as Bangladesh will lose its Least Developed Country (LDC) status after 2026,
which will impact its duty-free and quota-free access to Indian markets.
o Consequently, Bangladesh aims to finalize a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India.

37
 Power and Energy:
o Bangladesh imports 1160 MW of power from India.
o Projects like the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant and India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline are
key initiatives.
o India supports Bangladesh's energy sector through various partnerships.
 Development Partnership:
o India has extended four Lines of Credit to Bangladesh amounting to USD 8 billion for infrastructure
development.
o High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) are a significant part of India’s
assistance, focusing on human resource development and capacity building.
 Cultural Cooperation:
o Cultural exchanges are facilitated through the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre and Indian Cultural
Centre in Dhaka.
o Programs in arts, dance, and language promote people-to-people contacts.
o The Bangladesh Youth Delegation program attracts young talent to visit India.

PM Sheikh Hasina’s visit to India:

 Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is on a two-day visit to India.
 This will be the first incoming bilateral State visit by a foreign leader after the formation of the new
government following the Lok Sabha elections.
 Sheikh Hasina was among the seven leaders from India’s neighborhood who attended the swearing-in
ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 9.
 During the bilateral meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sheikh Hasina, Teesta water dispute is
expected to be discussed.

Controversy on the Teesta Water Dispute:

 Background:
o The Teesta River originates in the Pauhunri mountain of Sikkim, flows through West Bengal, and
enters Bangladesh, joining the Brahmaputra.
o It is the second largest river in West Bengal after the Ganga, making it crucial for both West Bengal
and Bangladesh.
 Historical Context:
o India and Bangladesh have been negotiating the sharing of Teesta waters since the early 1980s.
o A water-sharing agreement was almost signed in 2011 during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to
Bangladesh. However, it was halted due to last-minute objections by West Bengal's Chief Minister
Mamata Banerjee.
 Recent Developments:
o In 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Dhaka, accompanied by Mamata Banerjee, and expressed
confidence in finding a fair solution.
o Despite efforts, the issue remains unresolved. In a recent interview, Prime Minister Hasina emphasized
the need for India to be more accommodating to resolve the dispute.
 Current Status:
o Bangladesh seeks an equitable share of the Teesta waters to ensure sufficient water flow during the
dry season.

38
 o India’s internal political dynamics, particularly the stance of the West Bengal government, play a
significant role in the negotiations.
 Importance of Teesta Waters:
o The Teesta River is vital for irrigation and water supply in both countries.
o Sheikh Hasina recently urged India to show greater flexibility to resolve the issue.

10. Indian Diaspora in South Africa

Why in News?
In South Africa's most recent elections, a number of Indian-descent candidates from different political parties
achieved notable success and secured electoral wins in the National Assembly and provincial legislatures.

History of Indian Diaspora in South Africa:

 The Indian diaspora in South Africa has a long and complicated history that dates all the way back to the
19th century.
 The first Indians were sent to South Africa by the British Empire as indentured labourers for the purpose
of working on the sugar cane estates in Natal.
o The indentured labour system was a type of bonded labour where workers were guaranteed a return trip
to India when their contract had expired.
o But in reality, many of them remained imprisoned in South Africa due to debt or other circumstances.
 Between 1860 and 1911, some 152,000 indentured labourers were transferred from India to South Africa.
 Mahatma Gandhi, who spent several years (practising law) in South Africa and formed many of his ideas
about nonviolent resistance there, was one of the most well-known individuals from this era.

Identity Formation of Indian Diaspora in South Africa:

 The indentured labourers endured difficult working circumstances as well as a variety of discriminatory
practises, such as limitations on their freedom of movement and the possession of property.
 During apartheid (from 1948 and until the early 1990s), the Indian community in South Africa was subject
to a number of discriminatory laws and rules, including restrictions on their right to own property and
freedom of movement.
 Notwithstanding these obstacles, the Indian community in South Africa started to expand - in numbers
and in their socio-economic-political status. For example,
o The South African Indian origin community numbers around 1 million today and constitutes about 3%
of South Africa’s total population.
o About 80% of the Indian community lives in the province of KwaZulu Natal.
o South Africans of Indian origin are well-represented in Government, business, media, legal and other
professions.
 One area where the Indian community in South Africa has thrived is education.
o Today, a large number of Indian students in South Africa are pursuing advanced degrees in fields like
law, medicine and engineering.
o This is helping South Africa in developing its knowledge economy.
 In general, the socioeconomic conditions of the Indian diaspora in South Africa are complex and diverse,
reflecting both the challenges and opportunities that the country faces.

Challenges Faced by Indian Diaspora in South Africa:

39
 Economic struggle:
o One of the main problems facing the Indian community in South Africa is poverty.
o The most recent census figures show that many Indians in South Africa live barely over the poverty line,
with about one in four of them living below it.
 Cultural marginalisation: Due to the country’s education system’s historical emphasis on Western culture,
Indian culture and heritage are not adequately represented in schools and institutions.
 Violence and hate crimes:
o For example, a wave of violence that broke out in Durban in 2019 led to the destruction of several
Indian traders’ shops.
o According to reports, the attacks were carried out by locals who claimed that Indian traders were stealing
their jobs and means of subsistence.

Recent Political Gains Made by Indian Diaspora in South Africa:

 Of the 87 parliament members of the Democratic Alliance (DA), four are of Indian descent.
 While Mergan Chetty won his third consecutive stint in parliament, Shara Singh, a member of Provincial
Legislature from KwaZulu-Natal, graduated to national politics and became a member of parliament.
 While most of the elected members of Indian lineage were born in South Africa, Anilkumar Kesava Pillai,
a native of Thiruvalla in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, established himself in the local politics of the
country 40 years ago.
 Meanwhile, some of the independent candidates and political formations that had espoused the cause of
Indians failed to secure enough support.

40
General Studies III

1. Reasi and the Years-Old Issue of Cross-Border Terror

Context
 The Reasi terrorist attack on June 9, coinciding with Prime Minister Modi's third term oath-taking
ceremony, brings back memories of a similar attack on the Consulate General of India in Herat,
Afghanistan, on May 23, 2014.
 Both incidents aimed to disrupt significant political events, revealing the ongoing and pervasive threat
of terrorism that India faces, particularly from groups based in Pakistan.
 Therefore, it is important to explore the historical context, strategic responses, and diplomatic
challenges India encounters in addressing terrorism, especially in the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)

Historical Context of Pakistan Sponsored Terrorism in India

 The Origins of Terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir
o The roots of terrorism in J&K can be traced back to the partition of India in 1947, which led to the
creation of Pakistan.
o The princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, with its strategic location and diverse demographic
composition, became a contentious issue between the two newly formed nations.
o The first Indo-Pak war in 1947-48 resulted in the establishment of the Line of Control
(LoC), leaving J&K divided between India and Pakistan.
 The Afghan Jihad and Its Impact
o The success of the Afghan Jihad in the 1980s, where Afghan mujahideen, supported by the United
States and Pakistan, successfully resisted the Soviet invasion, had significant repercussions for India.
o Pakistan's military and intelligence agencies, emboldened by this success, believed that similar tactics
could be employed to challenge Indian control in J&K.
o This led to the inception of a proxy war strategy, wherein Pakistan began supporting and training
Islamist militants to infiltrate J&K and carry out terrorist activities.
 The Insurgency of the Late 1980s and 1990s
o The insurgency in J&K gained momentum in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
o This period saw a significant rise in violence, with separatist groups like the Jammu and Kashmir
Liberation Front (JKLF) and later, Islamist militant organisations like Hizbul
Mujahideen, receiving substantial support from Pakistan.
o The Pakistani military and intelligence agencies provided training, arms, and logistical support to
these groups, facilitating cross-border infiltration.
o During this time, the region witnessed mass uprisings, targeted killings, and ethnic cleansing,
particularly against the Kashmiri Pandit community, which led to their mass exodus from the valley.
o The Indian state's initial response was marred by a lack of preparedness and coordination,
resulting in significant casualties among civilians and security forces.
 Continued Terrorist Threats and Pakistan's Role
o The Pakistan Army and its political leadership, committed to the Kashmir cause, continued to
sponsor and support terrorist activities in the region.

41
 o High-profile attacks, such as the 1999 Kargil intrusion and the 2001 attack on the Indian
Parliament, underscored the persistent and evolving nature of the threat.
o The Kargil conflict, in particular, highlighted the extent to which Pakistan was willing to escalate
tensions.
o Regular Pakistani troops, disguised as militants, infiltrated Indian positions in Kargil, leading to a full-
scale conflict.
o India's decisive military response, reclaiming the occupied territories, demonstrated its resolve to
protect its sovereignty.

India’s Counter Terrorism and Political Strategies

 Early Responses and Challenges
o In the late 1980s and early 1990s, India was ill-prepared to handle the sudden surge in terrorist
activities in J&K.
o The initial response was largely reactive, with conventional police forces and under-prepared military
units bearing the brunt of the attacks.
o The complexity of the insurgency, characterised by guerrilla warfare, hit-and-run tactics,
and widespread local support for militants, posed severe challenges.
o During this period, India faced significant casualties among civilians and security forces, and there
were instances of human rights violations, which further complicated the situation.
 Development of Counter-Insurgency Strategies
o By the early 1990s, India began to develop more sophisticated counter-insurgency strategies.
o This included the creation of specialised units like the Rashtriya Rifles and the strengthening of
paramilitary forces such as the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Border Security Force (BSF).
o These forces received specialised training in counter-terrorism operations, intelligence gathering,
and urban warfare.
o The Indian Army also played a crucial role in these efforts, conducting operations to flush out
militants from their strongholds and secure key regions.
o The establishment of the Unified Headquarters in Srinagar helped coordinate efforts between the
Army, paramilitary forces, and the J&K police, leading to more effective operations.
 Intelligence and Surveillance Enhancements
o Improving intelligence capabilities became a priority for India and the Research and Analysis
Wing (RAW) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) were tasked with gathering actionable intelligence
on militant activities, both domestically and internationally.
o Enhanced surveillance technologies, including the use of drones, satellite imagery, and electronic
surveillance, were deployed to monitor infiltration attempts along the Line of Control (LoC) and track
militant movements within J&K.
 Socio-Political Engagement and Development Initiatives
o Recognising that a purely military approach would not suffice, the Indian government also focused
on political engagement and socio-economic development in J&K.
o The decision to hold Assembly elections in 1996 marked the beginning of efforts to restore
democratic governance and political normalcy in the region.
o These elections were a significant step towards involving local populations in the political process
and reducing the appeal of militant ideologies.

Diplomatic Engagements and Their Challenges

42
 India and Pakistan's bilateral composite dialogue in 1998 included terrorism as a key issue.
 However, Pakistan's unwillingness to address India's concerns became apparent early on, reflecting its
security doctrine of using terrorist groups against India.
 Despite this, successive Indian Prime Ministers pursued diplomacy.
 Manmohan Singh's attempt to insulate bilateral relations through a joint anti-terrorism mechanism
ultimately failed, as public opinion often demanded military action after severe terrorist attacks, such as
the 2008 Mumbai attack and the 2001 Parliament attack.

The Change in India’s Stance on Pakistan Sponsored Terrorism

 Shift Towards Military Pre-emption
o India's departure from diplomatic restraint occurred after the 2019 Pulwama attack, leading to the
Balakot airstrike and the doctrine of pre-emption.
o Earlier, limited force was used in surgical strikes post-Uri attack in 2016. These actions marked a
shift towards pre-emptive strikes against imminent terrorist threats.
o However, defining what constitutes an "unacceptable" attack remains ambiguous.
 Global Recognition of Pak Sponsored Terror and India's Diplomatic Efforts
o Pakistan’s use of terrorism against its neighbours is generally recognised by the major powers.
o Its reliance on plausible deniability has not been sustainable for years.
o India too has given material linking Pakistani terrorist groups to terrorist incidents but Pakistan has
not taken action against them.
o This was clear after the Mumbai terrorist attack. After the Pathankot airbase attack in January
2016, India allowed a Pakistani team which included an Inter-Services Intelligence officer to visit the
airbase.
o However, Pakistan again did not take the investigation forward.
o Despite these cases, it is important to pursue the practice of sharing information and evidence in
terrorist cases to ensure the credibility of Indian assertions with the international community.

Conclusion
 The persistent threat of terrorism from Pakistan requires India to balance military responses and
diplomatic efforts.
 External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's ambition to address cross-border terrorism highlights the
need for global recognition of the terror threat as a precursor to escalatory conflicts between nuclear-
armed nations.
 India's strategy must continue to evolve, combining force with diplomacy to mitigate terrorism and
promote regional stability.

2. RBI raises WMA limits of States/UTs

Why in news?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased the Ways and Means Advances (WMA) limits of State
governments and Union territories to ₹60,118 crore from ₹47,010 crore.
This decision is based on the suggestions from a group formed by the Reserve Bank, which included some state
Finance Secretaries, and after reviewing the states' recent spending data. This increase will come into effect
from July 1, 2024.

43
The RBI further said that Special Drawing Facility (SDF) availed by State Governments/ UTs will continue to
be linked to the quantum of their investments in marketable securities, issued by the Government, including
Auction Treasury Bills (ATBs).

Special Drawing Facility (SDF)

 SDF is a type of short-term borrowing arrangement provided by RBI to state governments and Union
Territories (UTs).
 This facility is intended to help them manage temporary mismatches in their cash flows, similar to the Ways
and Means Advances (WMA) but with different terms and conditions.
 SDF is provided against the collateral of government securities held by the state governments or Union
Territories.
 The amount available under SDF is directly linked to the value of these securities.

Auction Treasury Bills

 Auction Treasury Bills (T-Bills) are short-term debt instruments issued by the government to meet its
immediate financial needs.
 They are sold through a competitive bidding process, also known as an auction, conducted by RBI on behalf
of the government.

Ways and Means Advances (WMA)

 About
o Ways and Means Advances (WMA) are temporary loan facilities provided by the RBI to the central
and state governments to help them manage temporary mismatches in their receipts and
expenditures.
o These borrowings are meant purely to help them to tide over temporary mismatches in cash flows of their
receipts and expenditures.
o The WMA scheme was introduced on April 1, 1997.
 Legal provision
o Section 17(5) of the RBI Act, 1934 authorizes the central bank to lend to the Centre and state
governments subject to their being repayable “not later than three months from the date of the making of
the advance”.
 Types
o Normal WMA: A fixed limit is set, and borrowing within this limit is charged at the repo rate.
o Special WMA or Special Drawing Facility: Additional borrowing over and above the normal WMA,
backed by the government securities held by the state government.
 After the state exhausts the limit of SDF, it gets normal WMA.

 Key features
o Duration: The advances are typically short-term, with a duration of up to 90 days.
 If the amount is not returned within this period, it would be treated as an overdraft.
 The interest rate on overdrafts is 2 percentage points more than the repo rate.
o Interest Rates: Interest rates on WMA are linked to the repo rate.
 For Normal WMA: interest rate = repo rate
 For Special WMA: interest rate = one percentage points less than repo rate
 For overdraft: interest rate = 2 percentage points more than the repo rate

44
 o Limits: The RBI, in consultation with the government, sets limits for WMA for both the central and state
governments. These limits are reviewed periodically.
o Number of loans: Number of loans under normal WMA is based on a three-year average of actual
revenue and capital expenditure of the state.
 Benefits of WMA
o Liquidity Management: Helps the government manage its day-to-day liquidity requirements, ensuring
that short-term cash flow mismatches do not disrupt essential spending.
o Fiscal Discipline: Encourages better fiscal management as the governments are expected to repay the
advances within a stipulated period, promoting timely receipt and disbursement of funds.
o Interest Cost Savings: The interest rate on WMA is typically lower than market borrowing rates,
reducing the interest burden on the government.
o Flexible Funding: Provides a flexible source of funds for immediate and unforeseen expenditures
without having to resort to market borrowings, which might be time-consuming and more expensive.
o Market Stability: By avoiding sudden large borrowings from the market, WMA helps in maintaining
stability in the government securities market.
 Limitations and Risks
o Short-Term Solution: WMA is only a short-term solution and cannot be relied upon for long-term fiscal
issues.
o Repayment Pressure: The need to repay within a short period might create additional pressure on the
government’s finances.
o Interest Costs: While the interest rate is lower than market borrowings, prolonged use of WMA can still
add to the interest burden if not managed properly.

3. India Inclusion in JP Morgan EM Bond Index

Why in News?
India officially became part of JP Morgan's Government Bond Index-Emerging Markets (GBI-EM). The
inclusion is likely to bring nearly $20-25 billion into the country (over the next 10 months) and will help India
manage its external finances and boost foreign exchange reserves and the rupee.

Indian Bond Market - Challenges and Solutions:

 Importance of bond markets:
o They are a boon for corporate bodies and government entities, providing a flexible and efficient way to
raise capital.
o One of the critical advantages for companies is the avoidance of equity dilution.
o Moreover, the cost of capital is reduced as the interest expenses on debt instruments are tax-deductible,
making it a more attractive option than other forms of financing.
 India's bond market:
o India's bond market is pivotal in the country's economic structure.
o As of September 2023, the government bond market size stands impressively at $1.3 trillion, with
corporate bonds at $0.6 trillion.
 Challenges in Indian bond markets:
o Narrow investment base,
o Insufficient participation by foreign investors,
o Virtually absent secondary market and

45
 o Private placement (a sale of stock shares or bonds to pre-selected investors and institutions rather than
publicly on the open market).
 Panacea:
o Inclusion in the Global Indices
o Presence of market makers on both buy and sell-side
o No credit default swaps
o Bonds bhi ‘Sahi Hain’: A marketing campaign which can catch the eyeballs of all the age groups of the
society.
o Credit enhancement frameworks
o Incentivising the issuer

What is the JP Morgan Emerging Market Index?

 Created in the early 1990s, it is the most widely referenced index for emerging market bonds and has
become benchmarks for local market and corporate EM bonds.
 It began with the issuance of the first Brady bond - denominated in U.S. dollars and issued by developing
countries and backed by the U.S. Treasury bonds.
 It has since expanded to include the GBI-EM (in 2005) and the Corporate Emerging Markets Bond Index
(CEMBI).

What was JP Morgan’s Announcement?

 JP Morgan has announced that it would include Indian Government Bonds (IGBs) to its emerging markets
bond index (starting June 28, 2024).
 There are 23 IGBs that meet the index eligibility criteria, with a combined notional value of
approximately Rs 27 lakh crore or $330 billion.
 Only IGBs designated under the Fully Accessible Route (FAR was introduced by the RBI in 2020 to
enable non-residents to invest in specified Government of India dated securities) are index-eligible.

Impact of IGBs Inclusion:

 India is expected to reach the maximum weight of 10% in the GBI-EM Global Diversified Index (GBI-EM
GD).
 A higher weightage will prompt global investors to allocate more funds (~ $ 2-3 billion flows to India
every month) for investment in Indian debt.
 It will not only result in lower risk premia, but will also help India to finance its fiscal and current
account deficit (CAD).
 It will also help India to enhance the liquidity and ownership base of government securities (G-secs;
debt instruments issued by the central government to meet its fiscal needs).
 The inclusion of certain Indian sovereign bonds will support a diversification of the investor base for
Indian government securities.
 It could help lower funding costs slightly, and support further development of domestic capital markets.

Will Higher Inflows be a Concern for RBI?

 When the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) removes dollars from the market, it must release an equal amount in
rupees.
 This means, while higher inflows will boost the rupee, the RBI will have to use the instruments in its
armoury to check the resultant inflationary pressures.

46
4. Impact of Coal Mining Pollutants on Workers

Why in the News?

Prolonged exposure to coal mining pollutants has resulted in widespread respiratory and skin diseases among
the workers and people in six districts in India, where coal extraction is a major occupation.

About the Study:

 A survey was conducted by the National Foundation for India which is an organisation that works on
social justice issues.
 It conducted a survey, involving 1,200 households, to study the prolonged exposure to coal mining
pollutants on the mining workers.
 The six districts covered for the survey were Koriya and Raigarh (Chhattisgarh), Dhanbad and
Ramgarh (Jharkhand), Angul and Jajpur (Odisha).
 The surveys, on average, spanned 18-20 villages per district.

Key Findings of the Study:

 Impact on Marginalised Communities:
o It was found that 81.5 per cent among those surveyed belonged to the marginalised SC, ST, and OBC
communities and the rest were from the general category.
o The survey found lower levels of income and educational attainment among SC and ST groups compared
to OBC groups, and their higher representation in low-paying, irregular jobs in coal-dumping yards, coal
sidings, coal loading, coal transport, coal washeries and other informal work.
o This disparity, the report said, indicated the challenges that marginalised groups will face as India
gradually phases down coal use, resulting in significant job losses and economic downturns in coal-
dependent regions.
 Impact on Health:
o People living closer to the mines were relatively more vulnerable.
o Dhanbad and Ramgarh, which had more people living in such zones, had higher incidence of lung and
breathing-related diseases as well as skin infections.
o At least 65% of participants interviewed reported issues such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, and
skin ailments such as eczema, dermatitis and fungal infections.
o On average, a household in these districts spent ₹300 to ₹1,000 on monthly medical-related bills.
o The average annual hospitalization expenses in Dhanbad (₹28,461 per household) were the highest.
 Shift from Coal:
o The main goal of the study was to explore the concept of a 'just transition' – finding effective and
sensitive ways to help individuals who depend on coal mining to move away from these jobs.
o As the world moves away from coal, significant job losses and economic declines are anticipated in coal-
dependent regions.
o This shift will affect not only coal miners and workers directly but also the wider local economy.

India’s Dependence on Coal for Energy Supply:

47
 While renewable energy capacity is dramatically increasing, coal still provides around 70 per cent of the
country’s electricity.
 Coal is expected to account for at least 21 per cent of India’s electricity requirements even by 2050.
 Easily Available Source of Power:
o Coal can help the country meet its energy needs without depending on imports as it is abundantly
available domestically.
o Alternatives like nuclear energy have been hampered by high costs and safety concerns.

 India’s Developmental Needs:

o To lift millions of people out of poverty, India needs energy.
o The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that between 2020 and 2040, India will have the
largest growth in energy demand of any country in the world.
o To meet this demand, India will need to rely on a variety of energy sources—both conventional and
renewable.
 Source of Employment:
o Beyond providing desperately needed energy, coal is also a vital source of jobs and economic growth
and a driver of industrialization, just as it was in developed countries.
o Around 4 million people in India are employed either directly or indirectly in the coal sector.
o Other than active workers, another 500,000 Indians rely on the coal sector for their pensions.
 Source of Revenue for the Government:
o Coal India Limited is the largest coal mining company in the world.
o The coal sector is a major source of revenue for States and the Central Government.

48
5. What Government Must Understand: In Andamans, It Can Protect National Security
and Ecology

Context
 India's strategic and economic landscape has been significantly shaped by its geographical features,
among which the Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) Islands hold a crucial position.
 Despite their strategic importance, these islands have historically been neglected by Indian
policymakers.
 Therefore, it is important to delve into the historical oversight, the strategic necessity, and the recent
developmental plans for the A&N Islands, highlighting their potential as a cornerstone of India’s
maritime strategy and economic development.

Historical Context and Strategic Importance of A&N Islands

 Early Recognition of Strategic Value
o Sardar K. M. Panikkar, a visionary historian and diplomat, underscored the significance of these
islands as early as 1945.
o Panikkar argued that control over the Indian Ocean and effective defence of India’s coastline could only
be achieved by establishing advanced bases on the A&N archipelago.
o He pointed out that the islands’ location in the Bay of Bengal provided a strategic vantage point for
maritime operations and coastal defence.
o His foresight highlighted the potential of the A&N Islands to act as a maritime sentinel, overseeing
vital sea lanes and ensuring the security of India’s eastern seaboard.
 Evolution of Strategic Policies
o It was only in the later decades that India began to acknowledge the strategic imperatives of the
A&N Islands.
o The economic opportunities in Southeast Asia and the ASEAN region, coupled with growing
seaborne trade and energy interests in the Asia-Pacific, led to the formulation of the Look East and
Act East policies.
o These policies aimed at strengthening economic and strategic ties with East and Southeast Asian
countries, thereby increasing the importance of the A&N Islands as a strategic asset.
 Military Realisation Post-Kargil
o The realisation of the A&N Islands' strategic importance was starkly brought to the forefront
following the near-disaster of the Kargil conflict in 1999.
o The conflict highlighted the gaps in India's defence preparedness and underscored the need for a
robust military presence in the strategically located A&N Islands.
o In response, the Indian government established the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) in
2001, a joint tri-service command based in Port Blair.
o This move was a significant step towards integrating the defence capabilities of the navy, air force,
and army in the region, although it faced initial resistance and neglect.
 Renewed Focus and Fortification
o Recent years have seen a renewed focus on fortifying the ANC and enhancing the strategic
infrastructure across the A&N Islands.
o Efforts are underway to establish naval and air force bases from Shibpur in the north to Port Blair,
Car Nicobar, Kamorta, and Campbell Bay in the south.

49
 o These developments aim to transform the A&N Islands into a formidable eastern maritime
bastion, capable of guarding the Malacca Straits and ensuring maritime security in the region.

Neglect and Complacency Towards A&N Islands

 Post-Independence Neglect
o Despite Panikkar’s warnings, India’s early post-independence years saw a significant neglect of the
A&N Islands.
o Several factors contributed to this oversight. The nascent nation was preoccupied with more
immediate concerns, such as its adversarial relationship with Pakistan, which required attention to
its western borders and waters.
o Additionally, India had extensive trading links and a large diaspora in the Persian Gulf, drawing its
focus westward.
o The country also maintained traditional ties with Indian Ocean Island nations and the East African
littoral, further diverting attention from the eastern maritime expanse.
 Maritime Remoteness and Tenuous Hold
o One of the primary reasons for the neglect of the A&N Islands was their perceived maritime
remoteness.
o The geographical isolation of these islands posed logistical challenges for their administration and
defence.
o Great Nicobar Island, the southernmost of the A&N group, is situated a mere 140 kilometres from
Indonesia but is almost 2,000 kilometres from Chennai, highlighting the significant distance from the
Indian mainland.
o This remoteness made it difficult for the central government to maintain a strong
administrative and military presence.
o Furthermore, India's hold on the A&N Islands was tenuous in the early years post-independence.
o In 1947, Britain considered retaining the islands as a Crown possession even after Indian
independence, indicating their strategic value.

The Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island, Economic Potential and Development Challenges
 The Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island
o Recently, a plan for the Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island was unveiled by the NITI
Aayog.
o This Rs 75,000 crore project aims to establish infrastructure including an international container
transshipment terminal, an international airport, power plants, new cities, a coastal transport system, and
a free trade zone.
o While this project promises significant economic and strategic benefits, it has faced opposition
from environmentalists and civil society groups concerned about its impact on the local ecology and
indigenous tribes.
 Economic Potential and Development Challenges
o The A&N Islands have vast maritime resources, with an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of
600,000 sq km, accounting for 30% of India’s total EEZ.
o The waters are rich in marine life and potential hydrocarbon resources.
o However, the islands' economic development must balance sustainability and the preservation of
indigenous tribes like the Onge, Jarawa, Sentinelese, and Shompen.
o Traditionally, tourism and fisheries have been the most sustainable avenues for development.

50
Critical Consideration to Balance the Ecology and Development of A&N Islands
 Sustainable Development Practices
o Emphasising sustainable development practices is crucial for the A&N Islands.
o Tourism and fisheries have traditionally been considered sustainable avenues for revenue and
employment generation.
o Any new development projects should integrate sustainability principles, ensuring that the ecological
balance is maintained, and the livelihoods of local communities are enhanced.
o Ecotourism, sustainable fisheries, and renewable energy projects could be prioritised over heavy
industrial and infrastructural developments.
 Replicating Successful Models
o Aspiring to replicate the success of duty-free ports and free trade zones like those in Singapore or
Hong Kong in the remote GNI faces practical challenges.
o These established hubs benefit from robust industrial back-ups, extensive hinterlands, and strategic
locations along major global trade routes.
o GNI, on the other hand, is 2,000 km from Chennai and Kolkata, with limited industrial and logistical
support.
o The travails of Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port and airport projects, which have faced significant
financial and operational challenges, serve as a cautionary tale for such ambitious projects in GNI.
 Viability of a New Transshipment Terminal
o The viability of establishing a new transshipment terminal in GNI is another critical issue.
o GNI is equidistant (1,300 km) from established transshipment hubs and bunkering ports such as
Singapore, Port Klang in Malaysia, and Hambantota in Sri Lanka.
o The proximity to these well-established hubs raises questions about the necessity and economic
feasibility of a new terminal.
o Moreover, India has recently commissioned a transshipment terminal in Vizhinjam, Kerala, with
great expectations.
o The success of this terminal should be evaluated before embarking on a similar venture in the
remote and ecologically sensitive GNI.

Conclusion
 The Andaman and Nicobar Islands hold immense strategic and economic potential for India.
 A balanced approach that addresses both security and sustainable development is essential for
harnessing this potential.
 By considering alternative development strategies and ensuring the protection of the islands’ unique
ecological and anthropological heritage, India can transform the A&N Islands into a strategic asset and
a model of sustainable development.

6. Human-Animal Conflict

Why in the News?

The installation works for the country’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI)- based smart fence project, called ‘Ele-
fence’, is underway in Wayanad to mitigate the accelerating human-wildlife conflict in the region.

51
About Human-Animal Conflict:
 Human-wildlife conflict refers to the unfriendly situation between people and animals, resulting in
undesirable effects not only for animals but also for humans.
 For example, crop loss, livestock predation, injury, or death, as well as the killing of wildlife, can be
some of the aftermath.
 Such conflicts occur when human activities expand into the habitat of animals and the human population
increases and starts to come into contact with wildlife in these dominated areas.
 The man-animal conflict has profound consequences not only on the immediate wildlife but also on the
entire ecosystem and socio-economic systems of the affected areas.
 In addition, farmers who have experienced livestock predation lose an opportunity to feed their families.
Rural and agricultural communities struggle to stay in business due to crop depredation.

High Rates of Human-Animal Conflict in India:

 Several Indian states have reported a significant surge in man-animal conflicts:
 Uttarakhand:
o In 2022, the state reported 700 incidents of man-animal conflict.
o At the beginning of 2024, three fatalities and 15 injuries prompted a high alert in the region.
 Himachal Pradesh:
o The state has experienced a notable rise in such conflicts, with 34 deaths caused by leopard attacks.
o Additionally, 367 injuries were reported, including 99 grievous injuries.
 Karnataka:
o The state is currently facing an intense social movement addressing man-animal conflict.
o In 2022, 92 human fatalities and 126 animal deaths were recorded by the forest department.
o The proximity of urban areas to national parks and reserves, along with rapid urbanization,
exacerbates the issue.
 Kerala:
o In 2022, the state witnessed 58 human deaths and 117 animal deaths due to conflicts.
o Factors such as growing urbanization, shrinking animal habitats, overcrowding, and climate change are
worsening the situation.

Factors Contributing to Rise in Human-Animal Conflict:

 Rapid industrialization and urban development have fragmented and destroyed animal habitats, forcing
wildlife into human settlements in search of food, water, and shelter.
o Expanding human activities increasingly encroach upon natural habitats, heightening the likelihood of
conflict.
 This delicate balance between humans and animals has been further disrupted by climate change and
environmental degradation, intensifying these conflicts.
o Negative interactions are exacerbated by changing weather patterns, depletion of natural resources, and
altered animal migration routes.
 Ineffective enforcement of wildlife conservation and habitat preservation laws contributes significantly
to the rising number of man-animal conflicts across the country.
o Weak law enforcement, insufficient funding, and poor collaboration among stakeholders hinder effective
conflict management.
 Moreover, the growing human population and the corresponding demand for land and resources put
additional pressure on wildlife habitats, leading to more frequent encounters between humans and animals.

52
Legal Provisions w.r.t. Human-Animal Conflict:
 Our Constitution strengthens the bond between every citizen and nature, embedding this relationship as a
fundamental duty under Article 51A(g).
 This principle was reinforced in the Supreme Court cases Animal Welfare Board of India vs. A. Nagaraja
& Ors. (2014) and State of Gujarat v. Mirzapur Moti Kureshi Kassab Jamat (2005).
o In these cases, the Court recognized that animals deserve rights similar to those of humans,
emphasizing their welfare and granting them legal status or "persona."
 The 2006 amendment to the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 indirectly addressed wildlife corridors,
which facilitate the safe movement of tigers and other wild animals.
o However, implementing these corridors has faced numerous challenges, including delays in notification,
inadequate policies and legal frameworks, insufficient funding, and lack of cooperation among
government agencies.

Conclusion:
 Man-animal conflict is a complex issue that necessitates a comprehensive approach, involving
collaboration among government agencies, wildlife organizations, local communities, and legal and
judicial stakeholders.
 By adopting a holistic strategy that balances the rights and interests of both humans and animals, India can
foster harmonious coexistence, preserving its rich biodiversity while ensuring the well-being of its citizens.
 Ongoing monitoring, research, and adaptive management strategies are crucial to addressing the
evolving challenges of sustainable development and wildlife conservation.

Ele-fence in Wayanad:
 The first AI-based smart fence project, named 'Ele-fence,' is being set up in Wayanad to reduce human-
wildlife conflict.
 This pilot project, led by White Elephant Technologies and supported by the Kerala Forest Department, is
located in the Chethalth forest range of south Wayanad.
 The Ele-fence spans 70 meters and combines real-time monitoring with preventive and protective features.
It is designed after studying elephant behaviour in conflict situations.
 The fence includes six-inch-wide steel girders that are 17 feet high and reinforced underground for
strength.
 The AI-based system uses logical trip wires, 4K cameras, and sound and alarm lights to detect and
deter elephants. It also alerts pedestrians and motorists about nearby elephants.
 The lasher belt technology prevents elephants from breaking through the fence. When elephants approach
within 50-60 meters, cameras capture live visuals and trigger alarms, warning local residents and notifying
forest officials and Rapid Response Teams in real time.
 Previous methods like trenches, walls, and solar fencing were not fully effective, so this project aims to
provide a better solution and could be expanded across the state if successful.

7. India’s First Joint Doctrine for Cyberspace Operations

Why in News? The Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan released India’s first joint doctrine for
cyberspace operations, acknowledging that cyberspace has emerged as a crucial and challenging domain in
modern warfare.

53
What is Cyber Warfare?
 Meaning:
o Cyber warfare are actions taken in cyberspace (dynamic and virtual space that connects the different
computer systems) by state or non-state actors that
 Either constitute a serious threat to a nation’s security or
 Are conducted in response to a perceived threat against a nation’s security.
o Unlike territorial limits in the traditional domains of warfare (such as land, sea, and air), cyberspace is a
global common and hence has shared sovereignty.
o Hostile actions in cyberspace can impact the nation’s economy, cohesion, political decision making,
and the ability to defend itself.

 Types of Cyber warfare:

o Cyber terrorism: It can be considered the premeditated use of disruptive activities (against
computers and/or networks), with the intention to cause harm or further social, ideological, religious,
political or similar objectives.
o Cyber fraud: Cyber attacks that are generally aimed at getting monetary or related gains for the
perpetrators.
o Cyber spying: Cyber attacks aimed at gaining information for the perpetrators.
o Cyber stalking or bullying: Cyber attacks which are designed to frightened and intimidate individuals
rather than business or Government.

Vulnerability of India to Cyber Attacks and its Cyber Security Challenges:

 How vulnerable India is to cyberattacks?
o The cyber security threats emanate from a wide variety of sources and manifest themselves in
disruptive activities that target individuals, businesses, national infrastructure and Governments alike.
o In 2023, India recorded 2,138 weekly cyberattacks per organization, a 15% increase from 2022.
o This makes India the second most targeted nation in the Asia Pacific region, after Taiwan.
 Cyber security challenges:
o Lack of adequate human resource, infrastructure, R&D and budgetary allocations to tackle the cyber
threats.
o Threat emerging from servers hosted outside India.
o Challenge posed by imported electronics/IT products.
o Upcoming technology viz. Cloud computing, Big data, Internet of Things(IoT), etc.
o Balance between Cyber Security and Right to Privacy, etc.

Cyber Security Measures Taken by the Indian Government:

 The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In): It acts as the central agency for incident
response, vulnerability handling, and security management in India's cyberspace.
 Cyber Surakshit Bharat: It was launched by the MeitY with National Electronic Governance Division
(NeGD) to ensure more awareness about the latest cybercrimes and the cybersecurity challenges of India.
 Cyber Swachhta Kendra: It provides free tools for malware analysis and helps improve the security of
systems and devices.
 National Cybersecurity Policy 2013: It provides a framework for creating a secure cyber ecosystem and
aims to protect information and other critical infrastructure.

54
 NCIIPC: The National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) was established for
the protection of critical information infrastructure in the country.
 Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C): The Central Government has rolled out a scheme for
establishment of I4C to handle issues related to cybercrime in the country in a comprehensive and
coordinated manner.

India’s First Joint Doctrine for Cyberspace Operations:

 Background:
o China has built major capabilities in the cyberwarfare domain, including cyberweapons to degrade or
destroy an adversary's military assets and strategic networks.
o India has been lagging far behind in this arena, with the government only approving the creation of
only a small tri-service Defence Cyber Agency in 2019 instead of the full-fledged Cyber Command that
the armed forces wanted.
 Formulation of a new joint doctrine for cyberspace operations:
o The doctrine comes at a time when the Army is operationalising dedicated specialised units in each of its
six operational or regional commands to handle the cyberspace domain.
o The doctrine will guide tri-services in planning and conducting cyberspace operations in the current
complex military operating environment.
o It will give impetus to the ongoing process of integration being actively pursued by the Army, IAF and
Navy.
 Significance of the doctrine: This doctrine –
o Lays emphasis on understanding military aspects of cyberspace operations,
o Provides conceptual guidance to commanders, staff and practitioners in the planning, and conduct of
operations in cyberspace, and
o Raise awareness of the Indian war fighters at all levels.

8. India Growth Story Has a Beneficial Ownership Hurdle

Context
 India's ambition to achieve a $5 trillion economy by the end of the financial year 2025-26 heavily relies
on foreign investments.
 However, attracting foreign investments necessitates the removal of significant bottlenecks facing
Indian companies and foreign investors.
 The Indian Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Rules, 2019 (FEMA NDI) while
intended to protect Indian companies during the COVID-19 pandemic, has introduced considerable
challenges that needs to be addressed to develop a conducive environment for foreign investment.

The Indian Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Amendment Rules, 2020
 This amendment stipulates that any investments in Indian companies, whether direct or indirect, originating
from entities located in countries that share land borders with India, or where the “beneficial owner” of the
said Indian investment is situated in, or is a citizen of any of these Neighbouring Countries would
necessitate prior government approval (“PN3 Requirement”).
 The amendment to the 2019 Rules (FEMA NDI) has posed a significant challenge for Indian companies,
especially start-ups and smaller enterprises seeking foreign investments.

55
Amendment Conundrum: Challenges and Complexities Due to the Amendment
 Intent and Implications of the Amendment
o The PN3 Requirement mandates prior government approval for any foreign investments
originating from countries that share land borders with India, or where the beneficial owner of the
investment is situated in these neighbouring countries.
o This stipulation emerged as a protective measure against hostile takeovers during a period of
unprecedented economic instability.
o The rationale was to safeguard strategic assets and businesses from being acquired at undervalued
prices by entities from neighbouring countries, potentially capitalizing on India's temporary economic
downturn.
o However, the amendment's implementation has led to considerable uncertainty due to the lack of a
clear definition for the term ‘beneficial owner’.
o This term is crucial as it determines the necessity of obtaining prior government approval.
o Various Indian laws provide context-specific definitions of beneficial ownership, but none are
universally applicable to the PN3 Requirement, causing interpretative inconsistencies.
 Initial Industry Response
o When the PN3 Requirement was first introduced, the industry generally adopted a lenient view.
o Companies and legal advisors relied on beneficial ownership thresholds defined in other laws, such
as the Companies Act, 2013, and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.
o These thresholds often varied between 10% and 25%, and the industry used these figures to guide
compliance efforts.
o However, the regulatory landscape began to shift in the latter half of 2023.
o The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), responsible for overseeing compliance with FEMA NDI, adopted a
more conservative interpretation of the law.
o This shift was particularly evident in the RBI's scrutiny of Foreign Owned or Controlled
Companies (FOCCs) and their downstream investments.
o Many FOCCs received notices from the RBI questioning their compliance, leading to a re-evaluation
of industry practices.
 Subsequent Regulatory Stance and its Effect
o The RBI's conservative stance suggested that FOCCs might be subject to the same restrictions as
non-resident entities regarding aspects of the law that were previously ambiguous.
o This interpretation prompted investors to reassess their strategies and caused legal firms to advise
clients against relying on beneficial ownership thresholds from other laws.
o This shift in regulatory interpretation created a ripple effect of uncertainty and cautiousness
among foreign investors and Indian companies alike.
 Challenges in Compliance and Approval Process
o The requirement for prior government approval, as stipulated by the PN3 Requirement, poses
significant challenges.
o The approval process is not only time-consuming but also marked by a high rejection rate.
o Although consolidated official data on pending or rejected applications is not publicly available,
statements from government officials indicate a substantial backlog.
o Proposals worth ₹50,000 crore are either pending, withdrawn, or rejected, and 201 applications have
been turned down in the past three years.
o This complex approval process creates a bottleneck for companies seeking foreign investment.

56
 o The uncertainty and delays associated with obtaining approval can deter potential investors,
particularly those looking to invest in fast-growing start-ups and smaller enterprises that need timely
capital infusions to sustain their growth trajectories.
 Legal and Financial Uncertainties
o The PN3 Requirement places the onus of compliance squarely on the Indian companies receiving
foreign investments.
o The regulatory authorities have the discretion to impose severe penalties for non-compliance,
including fines of up to three times the investment received.
o This stringent penalty structure, combined with the inherent vagueness of the legislation, can
create significant legal and financial risks for companies.
o Many start-ups, which often operate with investments far exceeding their current revenues or
assets, face the risk of insolvency if subjected to such fines.
o Non-compliance could also trigger prolonged legal battles, adding to India's already substantial
backlog of court cases.
o This legal uncertainty further complicates the investment landscape, making it less attractive for
foreign investors.

Proposed Solutions to Address the Challenges

 Clear Definition of Beneficial Owners
o Indian companies might consider requiring foreign investors to provide indemnities ensuring
compliance with the PN3 Requirement.
o However, this approach could deter investors due to potential liabilities.
o Therefore, a more practical solution involves amending the PN3 Requirement to include a
comprehensive definition of ‘beneficial owners’, covering ownership thresholds and control tests.
o The definition should specify a clear threshold for beneficial ownership, ranging from 10% (as per
Indian company law) to 25% (as recommended by the Financial Action Task Force).
o This threshold can be adjusted to align with the government's objective of scrutinising varying levels
of foreign investment across different sectors.
o Sensitive sectors like telecom and defence might warrant stricter scrutiny compared to sectors like
manufacturing and construction, which require more foreign capital.
o The definition should also outline control-conferring rights beyond ownership thresholds,
encompassing significant influence indicators such as board meeting quorums or veto powers over
operational decisions.
o However, investor value protection rights, like veto powers over mergers or right of first offer,
should be excluded as they do not constitute control.
 Employment of Time Bound Consultation Mechanism
o To address lingering ambiguities even after defining control-conferring rights, a time-bound
consultation mechanism with regulatory authorities could be instituted.
o This would allow for a determination of whether specific clauses in charter documents confer
control, like mechanisms in Indian competition law.
o Such a system would ensure clarity and reduce legal uncertainties.

Conclusion
 For India to attract the necessary foreign investments to reach its $5 trillion economy goal, it is crucial
to address the bottlenecks posed by the current regulatory framework.

57
 Amendments to the PN3 Requirement, specifically defining beneficial ownership and establishing a clear
consultation mechanism, will provide clarity and confidence to foreign investors.
 By refining these regulations, India can create a more favourable investment climate, encouraging the
influx of foreign capital essential for its economic growth and development.

9. Heatwaves have not been included as a notified disaster

Why in news? The current extreme heatwave across the country has reignited discussions about including
heatwaves as a notified disaster under the Disaster Management (DM) Act, 2005. If this inclusion occurs,
states will be able to use disaster response funds to provide compensation, relief, and manage the effects of
heatwaves. At present, states must use their own funds for these activities.

Disaster Management (DM) Act, 2005

 About
o It is a comprehensive legal framework to establish and manage disaster management policies and
procedures by defining roles and responsibilities at the national, state, and district levels.

 Key features
o Establishment of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
 Chaired by the Prime Minister.
 Responsible for laying down policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management.
o State and District Disaster Management Authorities
 States - Chaired by the Chief Minister, responsible for implementing national policies and plans.
 Districts - Chaired by the District Magistrate, responsible for disaster management at the district level.
o National Executive Committee (NEC)
 Comprises secretaries of various ministries.
 Assists the NDMA in performing its functions and coordinates disaster response and relief measures.
o National Plan and State Plans
 The act mandates the preparation of a National Plan for disaster management by the NDMA and State
Plans by State Disaster Management Authorities.
o Disaster Response and Mitigation Funds
 Establishment of the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund
(SDRF) for immediate relief and response efforts.
 National Disaster Mitigation Fund and State Disaster Mitigation Funds for long-term disaster risk
reduction and mitigation.
o Community Participation
 Encourages community-based disaster management and awareness programs.
 Involvement of local bodies and communities in disaster preparedness and response activities.

What are notified disasters?

 About
o Notified disasters are specific types of disasters that have been officially recognized and listed by the
government for special consideration and management under the DM Act, 2005.
o These disasters are formally acknowledged to ensure systematic and structured response and relief
efforts, often involving the allocation of dedicated funds and resources.

58
 Categories of notified disasters under DM Act 2005
o The Act includes 12 categories of notified disasters, which are: Cyclone, Drought, Earthquake, Fire,
Flood, Tsunami, Hailstorm, Landslide, Avalanche, Cloudburst, Pest attack, Frost and cold waves
o These are eligible for relief assistance under the SDRF and NDRF.
 The states first utilise the funds available in the SDRF, and only if the magnitude of the disaster is
unmanageable with the SDRF, states seek the money from the NDRF.
 While the entire money of the NDRF comes from the central government, states contribute 25% of the
money in the SDRF (10% in case of special category states), the rest comes from the Centre.

Heatwaves - not included as notified disasters

 Heatwaves - a common occurrence during summer
o Though heatwaves are not a new phenomenon in India, these were not viewed as a disaster when the
Act came into being in 2005.
o It was because heatwaves were a common occurrence during summer, and not really an unusual
weather event.
 Increasing demand for including heatwaves as notified disaster
o Over the years, both the severity and frequency of heatwaves have increased.
 Due to increased economic activity, there is a far larger number of people who have to remain
outdoors for their livelihoods or other reasons, exposing them to the risk of a heat-stroke.
o 23 states are vulnerable to heatwaves. These states as well as several vulnerable cities have now
prepared heat action plans (HAPs) to deal with the impacts of extreme heat.
 HAPs involve activities like creation of shaded spaces, ensuring availability of cool water in
public places, distribution of simple oral solutions, and reorganising the schedules of schools,
colleges and office working hours.
o These measures require expenditure but state governments have not been able to use the SDRF for them.
This is the reason for the demand for inclusion of heatwaves as a notified disaster in the DM Act.

Why is the Centre not adding heatwaves as a notified disaster now?

 Reluctance of Finance Commission
o The 15th Finance Commission, whose recommendations are currently in effect, stated that the existing
list of notified disasters already largely meets the needs of the states and did not support including
heatwaves.
o Nevertheless, it endorsed an enabling provision created by the previous Commission that allows states
to use up to 10% of their SDRF for local disasters such as lightning or heatwaves, which states can notify
themselves.
 Using this provision, at least four states — Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Kerala — have
classified heatwaves as local disasters.

 Practical Difficulties
o The main reason behind the reluctance to add heatwaves as a notified disaster is the significant financial
implications.
 The government would have to provide Rs 4 lakh compensation for every life lost due to a notified
disaster, along with compensation for grievous injuries.
 Heatwaves claim many lives annually, and the recorded number of deaths has been increasing,
with over 500 heat-related deaths reported this year.

59
  Mandating compensation could reveal even more deaths.
o Additionally, attributing deaths to heatwaves is challenging because most deaths are due to pre-existing
conditions exacerbated by extreme heat, making it hard to ascertain the direct impact of heat.
 This differs from other disasters where victim identification is straightforward.
 Fund allocated by Finance commission and associated challenges
o 15th Finance Commission recommended allocating Rs 1,60,153 crore to various State Disaster Response
Funds (SDRFs) for 2021-26.
o States like Uttar Pradesh received about Rs 11,400 crore, while Maharashtra received the maximum,
about Rs 19,000 crore.
o This money is intended for all types of disasters during this period.
o There is a concern that these funds could become insufficient if heatwaves and lightning are added to the
list of notified disasters.

10. Is Redistribution a Tool for Lowering Inequality

Why in News? According to the Researchers from the Paris School of Economics, inequality in modern
India surpassed that of colonial periods. In this context, the article tries to analyse the concept of inequality
and how redistribution policies can be used to reduce it.

Argument For and Against Inequality:

 According to some researchers, some form of inequality is actually beneficial, since it encourages
entrepreneurs to launch businesses, boosting employment and well-being for others.
 However, for some researchers, inequality can only have deleterious economic-political effects.
o For example, inequality harms democratic processes and results in the concentration of monopoly power
amongst capitalists relative to labour.
o This can have negative effects on consumption, welfare, and growth.
o To deal with the situation, they suggest wealth taxes and distribution policies can be a good option.

Business Monopoly and Inequality:

 Because they are the dominant players in their specific market, monopolies allow enterprises to set their
own pricing for their goods instead of being determined by the market.
 This may lead to the phenomenon known as "greedflation," which refers to businesses boosting prices to
boost profit margins.
 Thus, the presence of monopolies can lead to lower real wages, resulting in the rise of economic inequality
in the society.

How Business Monopoly Leads to Inequality?

 Condition favourable for workers - Role of ‘multiplier’ effect:
o When a company decides to set up a new factory, wages are paid out to workers to build it.
o This income of the workers is spent on purchasing goods, which increases the income of goods-sellers
and whose increased income results in purchases of other goods.
o Thus, the total increase in the income of workers and goods-sellers is greater than the initial
investment.

60
 o This process is called the ‘multiplier’ effect, wherein investment raises incomes by a greater
proportion than the initial investment.
 Companies exercise monopoly:
o Real wages of workers are lower and they can only purchase lesser items.
o However, companies will enjoy the same amount of profits from the sale of a lesser amount of goods
(because of higher margins).
o The increase in income from a given amount of investment will be lesser under monopoly because
of reduced consumption power.
o Thus, investment will have a weaker effect on growth under monopoly (while the profits earned by the
companies remain the same).
 Can the consumption of the rich help boost growth?
o Wealthy people consume more in total, but they consume a lesser percentage of their income.
o As a result, an unequal economy will give people who are more likely to consume less income, which
will hinder economic growth.

Could Redistribution of Wealth Help Reduce Inequality?

 No:
o Investment occurs under the influence of future profit expectations, while wealth is accumulated past
profits.
o A high tax regime would deter entrepreneurs from accumulating wealth, which would diminish
investment and employment.
 Yes:
o Taxing billionaires and providing basic income to the poor might cause some to exit the economy, but
can create a new class of entrepreneurs and boost start-ups.
o If monopolies are curtailed, then prices would be lower and real wages higher, leading to greater demand.
 Conclusion:
o Redistribution is not a silver bullet, and an economy may suffer from having excessively high tax rates.
o Thus, if redistribution is combined with other policy measures, inequality can be reduced.

61
PRELIMS BOOSTER- THE HINDU & INDIAN EXPRESS

3RD JUNE

1. Special Non-Resident Rupee (SNRR) and agood response from banks.

Special Rupee Vostro Account (SRVA): About VRR:
 Rate at which RBI allows Banks to borrow
SNRR Account: at a rate decided by the market.
 Any person resident outside India, having a  Repo Rate is the rate at which Banks
business interest in India, can open SNRR borrow money from RBI which is fixed by
account for purpose of putting through bona RBI.
fide transactions in rupees.  The borrowing duration is more than One
 SNRR accounts are usually allowed for specified Day and usually up to 14 days.
transactions in trade, foreign investments,  It is a tool to inject short-term liquidity into
ExternalCommercial Borrowings etc. the banking system.
 Similarly Variable Rate Reverse Repo
SRVA Account: (VRRR) is conducted to absorb the excess
liquidity from thesystem.
 Vostro account is an account that domestic
banks hold for foreign banks in former’s
4. Funan Techno Canal: Recently, Cambodia
domesticcurrency (in this case, rupee).
announced that it will start work on Funan Techo
 SRVA is an additional arrangement to existing canalsoon.
system that uses freely convertible currencies
About Funan Techno Canal:
and worksas a complimentary system.
 It is a proposed 180-kilometer canal project in
 For opening SRVA, prior approval of RBI is Cambodia funded by China.
required.  It will connect Cambodian coastal province
of Kep (on Gulf of Thailand) with capital
2. Living Will: High Court judge becomes first in
Phnom Penh via Bassac River (Hau Giang
Goa to register a ‘living will’.
River), one of the major tributaries of Mekong
River.
About Living Will (Advance Medical Directive):
 It will reduce Cambodia’s reliance on
 Refers to a written document that a person
Vietnamese ports for international shipping.
uses to give his explicit instructions in
advance about medical treatment to be
administered if he becomes incompetent or 4TH JUNE
unable to communicate.
1. Cellulose decomposition: A study found that
 It is executed voluntarily.
agriculture and urbanization are accelerating the
 Supreme Court in Common Cause vs. Union
decomposition of plant litter in rivers and streams.
of India & Anr. (2018) case, held that a person
Plant litter are primarily cellulose.
in persistent vegetative state can opt for passive
Cellulose:
euthanasia (withdrawing life support,
 Cellulose is a polymeric polysaccharide
medical treatment).
made of glucose and is the primary
 A person can execute a living will to refuse
structural componentof plant cell walls.
medical treatment in case of a terminal illness.
 It is the most abundant Extracellular
3. Variable Repo Rate (VRR): The recent VRR structural polysaccharide Biomolecule in the
auction by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) witnessed biosphere.

62
  Cellulose decomposition Cellulase
enzymes hydrolyze cellulose into glucose, 5TH JUNE
a sugar that can be fermented to ethanol or
could also undergo cellular respiration to 1. World Summit on the Information Society
yield CO2 and water. (WSIS): India participates in International
 Thus, cattle and termites can digest cellulose Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) WSIS+20
as their gut harbours Cellulase-producing Forum High-Level Event 2024 in Geneva,
bacteria. Switzerland. WSIS+20 Forum marks 20 years of
 However, Cellulose cannot be digested by progress made in implementation of outcomes of
humans as their gut lacks cellulase enzyme.
WSIS, which took place in two phases in Geneva
2. Tmesipteris oblanceolata: News research (2003) and Tunis (2005).
shows that Tmesipteris oblanceolata, a species of
fork fern, has largest genome. Genome is the About WSIS:
complete set of genetic information in an  WSIS forum is co-organised annually by
organism. ITU, UNESCO, UNDP and UNCTAD and co-
About Tmesipteris oblanceolata: hosted by ITU and Swiss Confederation.
 Contains 160 billion base pairs (the units  Aim: Create multi- stakeholder platform to
that make up a strand of DNA) outstripping address issues raised by information and
the humangenome by more than 50 times. communication technologies through inclusive
 It belongs to a primordial group of plants that approach at national, regional and international
evolved long before dinosaurs set foot on the levels.
earth.  Goal: To build a people-centric, inclusive and
 Found only in New Caledonia and a few development oriented Information Society,
nearby islands in the Pacific Ocean and enabling universal access, utilization, and
thrives on the trunks and branches of trees in sharing of information.
rainforests.
2. PraVaHa Software: ISRO develops PraVaHa
3. Biocover: A recent study has proposed a
(Parallel RANS Solver for Aerospace Vehicle Aero-
sustainable approach of microbial methane
oxidation system (called as biocover) to control thermo-dynamic Analysis) software.
fugitive methane emissions from old dumpsites.
About Biocover: About PraVaHa:
 Biocovers are porous material layer laid  Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
directly on top of a landfill which is then software.
covered by an oxidizing layer of mature  Can simulate external and internal flows on
compost. launch vehicles, winged and non-winged re-
 It provides optimal conditions for entry vehicles.
methanotrophic (methane utilizing) bacteria  Developed in ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space
to thrive and act as biofilters, hence control Centre (VSSC).
methane emissions by converting methane to
CO2. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC):
 Potential applications: Road construction, land  Responsible for the design and development of
reclamation, etc. launch vehicle technology.
 Concerns: As they are found in old and deep  Major programme includes Polar Satellite
dumpsites, they may be contaminated with Launch Vehicle (PSLV), Geosynchronous
heavy metalsand microplastics.

63
 Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), GSLV Mk  Industrial: Ability to induce unique electrical,
Ill etc. mechanical properties and create stronger,
 HQ: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala lighter, cleaner surfaces.
 Food processing: Placing anti-microbial agents
3. Greedflation: As per experts, the phenomenon and increase/ decrease gas permeability in food
of greedflation is contributing to high rates of packaging.
inflation in the Western Countries.  Environmental: Air purification with
ions, waste water purification with
About Greedflation: nanobubbles or nanofiltration systems for
 Greedflation means corporate greed is heavy metals.
fuelling inflation.  Electronics: Printed electronics, including
 Instead of the wage-price spiral, it is the profit- Carbon Nanotubes, etc.
price spiral that fuels inflation.
 A wage-price spiral is an economic situation 2. Parole: Karnataka High Court ordered the
in which rising wages and rising prices feed release of a convict on parole under extraordinary
into each other in a self reinforcing cycle. circumstances.
 It implies that Companies exploit inflation by
increasing their prices beyond just covering About Parole:
their increased costs and then use that to  Parole means temporary release of a convict
maximize their profit margins which further for short period of time for attending to
fuelled inflation. familial and social obligations (like death in
family).
4. Global Soil Partnership (GSP): GSP Assembly  It is not a matter of right. It is covered under
calls for urgent action to improve and maintain Prisons Act of 1894 and Prisoner Act, 1900.
health of at least 50 percent of world's soils by 2030  Since Prisons is a State subject, Prisons Act of
at Twelfth Plenary session (hosted by FAO). each state government defines rules under
which parole is granted in that state.
About Global Soil Partnership:  Prisoners convicted of multiple murders or
 It was established in 2012 by Food and under anti-terror Unlawful Activities Prevention
Agriculture Organization (FAO) as a Act are not eligible for parole
mechanism to develop a strong interactive
partnership and enhanced collaboration and 3. Pump and Dump Scheme: Recently SEBI
synergy of efforts between all stakeholders. imposed a fine on some individuals for allegedly
 It aims to position soils on Global Agenda, operating a ‘pump and dump’ scheme. It was
promote inclusive policies and soil operated by recommendations shared through
governance as well as sustainable soil Telegram channels, resulting in public
management. shareholders purchasing stock at inflated prices.

About Pump and Dump Scheme:

7 TH
JUNE  A manipulation activity involving artificially
inflating a stock's price through false and
1. Applications of Nanoparticles misleading information/recommendations.
 Medical: Targeted drug delivery, gene therapy,  It is done only to sell stock at an inflated
tissue engineering etc. price.

64
 Prevalent in micro-cap and small-cap sectors fulfill raw material requirement of domestic
due to limited public information and lower textile industry.
trading volumes.  Operations: Cover all cotton growing states in
 Impact: Undermine confidence in financial northern (Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan), central
markets, and substantial losses to investors. (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh,
 Regulation: Under SEBI’s guidelines, it is Orissa), and southern zones (Andhra Pradesh,
completely banned Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu).

4. Environmental Performance Index (EPI), 2. Milgromian Dynamics (MOND): Studies

2024: Recently, EPI 2024 has been published by conducted by the Cassini-Huygens Mission
challenged MOND theory. Cassini is a joint
Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy.
endeavour of NASA, European Space Agency,
and the Italian Space Agency to study Saturn
About EPI, 2024:
and its complex system of rings and moons.
 Using 58 performance indicators across 11
issue categories, EPI ranks 180 countries on About MOND:
climate change performance, environmental  It is an alternative paradigm of dynamics,
health, and ecosystem vitality. proposed by Mordehai Milgrom, seeking to
 Estonia tops the list. replace Newtonian dynamics and General
Relativity.
India-related Findings:  It aims to account for the ubiquitous mass
 India has been ranked 176. discrepancies in the Universe, without
 India is currently world’s third-largest GHG invoking the dark matter that is required if one
emitter, with total emissions growing 32 adheres to standard dynamics.
percent over past decade.
3. Applicability of RTI on MPLAD Scheme:
 In 2022, India surpassed China as the world’s
Delhi High Court has observed that Chief
largest emitter of anthropogenic sulfur Information Commissioner (CIC) has no
dioxide. jurisdiction to comment upon utilization of funds
by Members of Parliament (MPs) under MPLAD
8 JUNE Scheme.
 Member of Parliament Local Area
1. Cotton Corporation of India (CCI): CCI plans Development (MPLAD) scheme is a central
to open depots in Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu). sector scheme aimed to enable each Member
of Parliament to recommend works of
About CCI:
developmental nature based on the locally
 Genesis: Established as a PSU under the felt needs of the people.
Companies Act, 1956 in 1970.
 Ministry: It is under the administrative control  Applicability of RTI on MPLAD Scheme:
of Ministry of Textiles. Any citizen can seek information on any aspect
 Headquarters: Navi Mumbai. of the scheme and work recommended by
MPs, sanctioned or executed under it.
Functions:  Implementing District Authorities are
 Undertakes price support operations, whenever responsible to provide such information.
market prices of kapas (seed cotton) fall
below minimum support prices, without any
4. ‘Air of the Anthropocene (AoA)’ project:
quantitative limit. Researchers and artists have joined the ‘Paint with
 Undertakes commercial purchase operations to

65
 Light’ initiative as a part of the AoA project. About CSC:
 CSCs provide citizen access to Government-
‘AoA’ project:
to-Citizen e-services by creating physical
 Created by artist Robin Price and an
service delivery ICT (Information and
environmental scientist at the University of
Communication Technology) infrastructure.
Birmingham to document air pollution levels
 Initially part of National e-Governance
around the world through photography.
Plan, CSC 2.0 is being implemented under
 ‘Paint with light’ involved combining
Digital IndiaMission.
digital light painting and low-cost air
 Presently, there are 5.43 lakh functional CSCs.
pollution sensors, to produce photographic
 Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and
evidence of air pollution in cities of India,
Information Technology
Ethiopia and the UK.
 It has also been used to raise air pollution 3. Liquid Nitrogen: Food Safety and Standards
awareness by UN. Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued advisory
on unauthorized use of liquid nitrogen in food by
9 JUNE food serving establishments.
About Liquid Nitrogen:
1. Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India
(IBBI): IBBI issues new guidelines to streamline  Nitrogen is colourless, odourless gas or liquid
the process of appointing Insolvency Professionals (cooled to liquid at very low temperature).
(IPs) as resolution professionals.  It has functional use as 'freezing agent,
propellant, packaging gas & foaming agent'.
About IBBI:  As per Food Safety and Standards (Food
 Statutory body under the Insolvency and Products Standards and Food Additives)
Bankruptcy Code, 2016
Regulation, 2011, nitrogen is a Good
 Headquarters: New Delhi
Manufacturing Practice (GMP) additive.
 Ministry: Ministry of Corporate Affairs
 It is allowed in dairy-based ice cream desserts
Functions: at GMP levels solely for contact-freezing and
 It has regulatory oversight over the service coolingpurposes.
providers in the insolvency ecosystem.  Health Effects: Frostbite, burns, asphyxiation
 It has responsibility to provide a and damage to internal organs.
regulatory framework for insolvency and
resolution processes of corporates and
4. White Phosphorous: Israel is accused of using
individuals. white phosphorus munitions in southern Lebanon.
 Functioning of the IBBI are governed by a
Governing Board constituted by the Central White Phosphorous:
Government  It is a toxic substance produced from
phosphate-containing rocks.
2. Common Service Centres (CSCs): An MoU  Reacts and burns in air at temperatures above 30
was signed between CSC Special Purpose Vehicle °C until deprived of oxygen
(SPV) and Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer's
Welfare to convert 10,000 Farmer Producer Uses:
Organizations (FPOs) into CSCs. FPO is a type of  Military: In ammunition, to produce smoke for
Producer Organisation (legal entity formed by concealing troop movements and identifying
primary producers) where the members are targets.
 Industrial: To manufacture chemicals used in
farmers.
fertilizers, food additives, and cleaning
compounds.

66
 It is not considered a chemical weapon under the is a trans-Himalayan river.
Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).  In India, it enters in the state of Arunachal
Pradesh.
10 JUNE  Right bank tributary of Brahmaputra River,
joins it, in the plains of Assam.
1. Avian influenza A (H5N2): First human  Major tributaries: Laro, Nye, Yume, Tsari,
infection with avian influenza A (H5N2) virus Kamla, etc.
found in Mexico. Depending on the original host,
4. Large Action Models (LAMs): Enterprises
influenza A viruses can be classified as avian globally are adopting LAMs to cut their labour cost.
influenza, swine influenza, or other types of
animal influenza viruses. Avian influenza or Bird About LAMs:
flu is a viral infection that primarily affects  An artificial intelligence model that can
birds. Certain subtypes of the virus can infect understand and execute complex tasks by
humans, leading to severe respiratory illnesses translating humanintentions into action.
like H5N1.  LAMs go beyond generating and interpreting text
like ChatGPT.
Symptoms: Fever, cough, sore throat, muscle  Working of LAMs: At its core, LAM utilizes
aches, and severe respiratory distress in advanced a hierarchical approach to action representation
cases.
andexecution.
2. Antlions: Researchers have found two antlion  It breaks down complex actions into smaller sub-
species for first time in India, Thailand and actions, allowing for efficient planning and
execution.
Vietnam. They are Pseudoformicaleo nubecula
 Applications: Job application automation,
and Creoleon cinnamomeus and were found in
Kerala. investment portfolio optimisation,
personalised socialmedia content creation, etc.
About Antlion:
 Belong to family of insects.
 Comparison with damselflies: Although both 11 JUNE
have morphological resemblance, antlions are
distinguished by their long, distinct antennae. 1. Sticky Inflation: RBI in its recent monetary
policy review decided to retain the repo rate, for
 Behaviour: Known by their pit-building habit as
part of their predation strategy. eighth time in a row, due to concerns of sticky
 Ecological Significance: Being carnivorous, inflation.
they serve as biological agents to destroy the About Sticky Inflation:
harmfulpests.  It refers to a phenomenon where prices do not
adjust quickly to changes in supply and
3. Subansiri River: An Agreement has been demand, leadingto persistent inflation.
signed for the implementation of a  Rising wages and prices for consumer
comprehensive Fisheries Management Plan at goods and services are typically the main
Subansiri Lower Hydro Electric Project factors behind inflation stickiness.
(SLHEP). SLHEP is an under construction  It can push monetary authorities to tighten
gravity dam on the Subansiri River. Gravity dam is monetary policy and raise interest rates.
a concrete or masonry dam so proportioned that it
2. National Health Claim Exchange (NHCX):
will resist overturning and sliding forces by its own
Union Health Ministry along with Insurance
weight.
Regulatory and Development Authority of India
About Subansiri River (Gold River): (IRDAI) will launch NHCX to allow patients to
 Rises from the Kangig glacier range in Tibet. It access quality healthcare with reduced out-of-

67
pocket expenditure. and energy, Education, Finance, Global health
issues and pandemic diseases, Natural disaster
About NHCX:
management, and ASEAN Connectivity
 It will serve as a protocol for exchanging
claims-related information among various
actors, including payers, providers,
12 JUNE
beneficiaries, regulators, and observers.
 It is designed to be an interoperable, 1. Lagrange point (L1):
machine-readable, auditable, and verifiable  At Lagrange points, gravitational pull of two
to ensure that the information being exchanged large masses (like Sun and Earth) precisely
is accurate and trustworthy. equals centripetal force required for a small
 It is an open standard based communication. object to move with them.
 L1 has advantage of continuously viewing Sun
without any occultation/ eclipses.
3. Face Recognition Technology (FRT):  There are five Lagrange points, three are
Adoption of Facial Authentication Technology
unstable (L1, L2, L3- lie along the line
(FAT) based Digital Life Certificate (DLC) in
connecting two large masses) and two are
2022-23 by the Employees’ Provident Fund
Organisation (EPFO) has eased the life stable (L4, L5).
pensioners. FAT is based on Face Recognition
Technology (FRT).
2. PM KISAN:
About FRT:  Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture &
 Facial recognition is a category of biometric Farmers Welfare.
security.  Type: Central Sector Scheme.
 Other forms of biometric security include  Aim: To supplement financial needs of land-
voice recognition, fingerprint recognition, holding farmers families in procuring various
and eye retina oriris recognition. inputs andalso domestic needs.
 It can identify human faces in images or videos  Objective: To provide income support to all
or search for a face among a large collection of land-holding eligible farmer families (families
existingimages. includehusband, wife and minor children).
 Significance: Used in automatic image  Beneficiaries: All landholding farmers, subject
indexing, video surveillance systems for to certain exclusions.
personal security,etc.  Benefits: Rs. 6,000 is transferred annually in
three equal instalments of Rs. 2,000 each
4. East Asia Summit: every fourmonths.
 Established: In 2005 at Kuala Lumpur  Exclusion: Beneficiaries of higher economic
(Malaysia). status shall not be eligible.
 It is Leaders-led forum for dialogue and
cooperation on broad strategic, political, and
economic issues of common interest and 3. Microalgae: CSIR-IICT scientists highlighted
concern with aim of promoting peace, stability, microalgae potential as a protein supplement.
and economic prosperity in East Asia. About Microalgae:
 Membership: 18 Members, including 10  Diverse group of single-cell photosynthetic
ASEAN members and Australia, China, Japan, organisms, both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
India, New Zealand, Republic of Korea,  These are groups of autotrophic microorganisms
Russia, and US. that live in marine, freshwater, and soil
 6 priority areas of cooperation: Environment ecosystems.

68
 cold wave.
 In 2020, government treated Covid-19 as notified
Significance: disaster as a special one-time dispensation.
 Nutrition: These are rich in nutrients and
biologically active substances, such as proteins, 2. Prevention of Arms Race in Outer Space
vitamins, (PAROS): In a recent joint statement, BRICS
etc. Ministers for Foreign Affairs emphasized the need
 Carbon cycle: They absorb carbon dioxide and to discuss a legal multilateral instrument on
produce oxygen through photosynthesis. PAROS.
 Food Chain: Phytoplankton, which forms the About PAROS Treaty:
base of the food chain, includes microalgae.
 In 2008, draft treaty submitted to the
4. Xylitol: Recent study has found out that Conference on Disarmament aims to refrain
Artificial sweetener xylitol may pose health risks. State Parties from placing objects carrying
According to study, it can increase risk of any type of weapon into orbit, installing
cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and weapons on celestial bodies, and threatening to
strokes. use force against objects in outer space.
 It would complement and reaffirm the
About Xylitol:
importance of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty
 It is a sugar alcohol that is commonly used as
a sweetener.
3. Quality Council of India (QCI): Quality
 Sugar alcohols combine traits of sugar
Council of India (QCI) celebrates World
molecules and alcohol molecules.
Accreditation Day, a global initiative to promote
 It is a common ingredient in sugar-free
the value of accreditation (formal recognition of
chewing gums, diabetes friendly foods and meeting established quality standards).
oral-careproducts.
 It can be found naturally or artificially About QCI:
produced, primarily from plant materials  QCI is a non-profit organization registered
under the Societies Registration Act XXI of
1860.
13 JUNE  It was established as a National body for
Accreditation in 1996.
1. Notified Disasters: Heatwave events have  QCI was set up through a Public-Private
reopened discussions on inclusion of heatwave as Partnership (PPP) model as an independent
notified disasters under the Disaster Management autonomous organization.
(DM) Act, 2005.  The Department of Industrial Policy and
About Notified Disasters: Promotion designated as the nodal point for
 DM Act 2005 provides for allocation and all matters connected with quality and QCI.
utilization of resources from the National
4. Multi-Drug Resistant Pathogens: Researchers
Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and State
from IIT Madras and NASA are studying multi-
Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). drug resistant (MDR) pathogens, particularly
 Money in these funds can be utilized only for Enterobacter bugandensis, on the International
response and management of notified disasters. Space Station (ISS).
 Presently, there are 12 Notified Disasters  It is a prevalent nosocomial (hospital acquired
including Cyclone, drought, earthquake, infection) pathogen found on surface within
fire, flood, tsunami, hailstorm, landslide, ISS.
avalanche, cloud burst, pest attack, frost &  Enterobacter species are on the WHO priority
list for developing new antimicrobials

69
 Capable of firing air-to-ground and air-to-air
Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) Pathogens: missiles. Possesses modern stealth characteristics,
 Pathogens (bacteria, virus, fungi, parasites, robust armour protection and formidable night
attack capability. Capable of operating from high
etc. that causes disease) that have become
altitude terrain and carrying out precision strike at
resistant to antimicrobial drugs like antibiotics,
high altitude targets areas (like Siachen glacier).
antifungal etc. Uses radar-absorbing material to lower radar
 They occur either naturally through genetic signature and has a significantly crash-proof
changes or may get accelerated due to the structure and landing gear.
misuse or overuse of antimicrobials.

4. Angel Tax:
20 JUNE
 It was first introduced in 2012 under Income-
1. Second meeting of U.S.-India Initiative on tax Act, 1961.
Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) held  It is levied on the capital raised via the issue of
in New Delhi: shares by unlisted companies if the share price
of issued shares is seen in excess of the fair
Significance of ICET:
market value of the company.
 Vital for India's growing role as a trusted
 It helps in curbing money laundering and
supply chain partner and contributor in the
make it easier for businesses to comply with the
global technology value chain.
tax norms.
 Deals directly with disruptive domains which
are central to the next Industrial Revolution and
future warfare.
 Open new markets for India’s deep technology 21 JUNE
players. 1. Minimum Support Prices (MSP): Cabinet
approved MSP for Kharif Crops.
2. Chief of Defence Staff (CDS): About MSP
 Head of the Department of Military Affairs,
created within Ministry of Defence and function  MSP is the minimum rate at which farmers
as its Secretary. sell their crops to the government. It is aimed
 CDS is Permanent Chairman of Chiefs of at preventing farmers from distress selling.
Staff Committee, member of Defence  MSP covers 22 crops: 14 Kharif Crops:
Acquisition Council chaired by Ministry of Paddy, jowar, bajra, maize, ragi, arhar,
Defence and Defence Planning Committee soyabean, sunflower, sesamum, nigerseed,
chaired by National Security Advisor. cotton, etc.
 CDS acts as Principal Military Adviser to  6 Rabi Crops: Wheat, barley, gram, masur
Ministry of Defence on all tri-services matters (lentil), rapeseed/ mustard and safflower.
of military and Military Adviser to Nuclear  2 Commercial Crops: Jute and copra
Command Authority. Announced at the beginning of the sowing
 CDS do not exercise any military command, season.
including over the three Service Chiefs.  Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices
(CACP) recommends MSP. Cabinet Committee
on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister
3. Light Combat Helicopter (LCH): Ministry of takes the final decision. Food Corporation of
Defence has issued Request for Proposal to India is the nodal Central procuring agency
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for for wheat and paddy
procurement of 156 LCH.
About LCH: First indigenous Multi-Role Combat 2. MAVEN orbiter: NASA's Mars Atmosphere
Helicopter designed and manufactured by HAL. and Volatile Evolutionm (MAVEN) orbiter

70
captured stellar display of purple-coloured lights on
the Mars planet. Launched in 2013, MAVEN is 2. Gas Flaring: Global Gas Flaring Tracker Report
the first mission devoted to understanding the has been released by the World Bank. Report is
Martian upper atmosphere. It was envisaged to compiled with the help of World Bank's Global
explore how the sun may have stripped Mars of Flaring and Methane Reduction (GFMR)
most of its atmosphere, making it a cold and barren Partnership.
desert from potentially habitable to microbial life.
Key Findings:
3. Purpurogallin: These are phenolic pigments. Global gas flaring in 2023 has increased by 7%
Acts like sunscreen and protects algal cells from from 2022 leading to a rise of 23 million tonnes of
damage of ultraviolet (UV) and visible light. Also CO2 emissions.
linked with tolerance of low temperatures and Major Contributor: Russia, Iran, Iraq, USA, etc.
desiccation. Possesses antioxidant, anticancer,
and anti-inflammatory effects. About Gas Flaring:
4. National Forensic Infrastructure Refers to burning of the natural gas associated
Enhancement Scheme: Union Cabinet has with oil extraction.
approved a new central sector scheme (CSS) Reasons: Safety Concern (de-pressurise the
National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement equipment). Economical (logistical issues in
Scheme (NFIES). transporting gases from oil fields are located in
remote and inaccessible places).
About NFIES: Aims to ease the workload on Key Measures taken: Zero Routine Flaring by
forensic laboratories in line with requirements of 2030 (ZRF) initiative (World Bank)
reformed criminal laws that will come into force
w.e.f. July 01, 2024. New criminal laws mandate
forensic investigation for offences involving 25 JUNE
punishment of 7 years or more. Provisioned under
Union Ministry of Home Affairs from 2024-25 to 1. Srikakulam: Several scholars have been
2028-29. working to restore prominence of Srikakulam’s
forgotten heritage (located in Andhra Pradesh).
Components:
 Establishment of Campuses of National About Srikakulam:
Forensic Sciences University (NFSU). History: Its former name was Chicacole, used by
 Establishment of Central Forensic Science British colonial regime. It was once part of
Laboratories. Kalinga Dynasty. Later it came under Gajapati
 Enhancement of existing infrastructure of Kingdom during the medieval period, followed by
NFSU-Delhi. Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi. It was also part of
Kakatiya and Vijayanagara Empires.

24 JUNE Cultural sites:

Buddhist sites: Salihundam (Buddhism spread to
1. Mirage 2000: Sumatra and other eastern countries from here) and
Manufacturer: Dassault Aviation, France. It is a Danthapuri.
single engine delta-wing multirole aircraft. It is Jainism sites: Tangamayyakonda and Rottavalasa
supersonic combat aircraft with maximum speed villages.
of Mach 2.2. Mirage 2000 can carry laser guided Hindu temples: Srimukhalingam, Srikurmam and
bombs, air-to-air and air-to surface missiles and has Arasavilli.
a Thomson-CSF RDY (Radar Doppler Multi target) Neolithic era caves: Nandi Hills
radar on board. First commissioned in Indian Air 2. Skin Bank: A first-of-its-kind skin bank has
Force in 1985 which gave it the name ‘Vajra’. It been opened by the Army Hospital in New Delhi.
played a decisive role in 1999 Kargil war and Skin bank has as its main functions the
operation Bandar of 2019.
harvesting, processing, preservation, and supply

71
of fine human skin allografts for burn treatment incorporate provisions to counter front running
centers and polytrauma. This landmark initiative
aims to revolutionise the treatment of severe burn 3. Oath of Members of Parliament: The newly
injuries and other skin-related conditions among elected Members of Parliament (MP) of the 18th
armed forces service members and their families. It Lok Sabha have started taking oath. To debate and
will serve as a centralised hub for the collection, vote in the Parliament, an oath is taken.
processing, storage, and distribution of skin Constitutional Provisions
grafts.  Article 99 deals with oaths of office of the
3. Kamakhya temple: Ambubachi Mela at MPs, to be subscribed before the President or
Kamakhya temple in Assam has started. The some person appointed by him.
festival commemorates the yearly menstruation  The forms of oath are provided in the Third
of Goddess Kamakhya. Kamakhya temple is Schedule.
located on the Nilachal hills (or  Article 104 provides a penalty for a member if
Kamagiri). Reconstructed in mid 16th century by he/she sits in the House without the oath.
the Koch dynasty (original temple was destroyed by  Exception to this rule: An individual can
Kala Pahar). It is one of the 52 Shakti shrines become a minister without being elected to
(believed to be the place where the reproductive Parliament. And, he/she can take part in
organ of Goddess Sati settled). Also a centre of proceedings of the house (without having the
Tantrik worship. Here the beliefs and practices of power to vote).
the Aryan and non-Aryan communities converge.  Oaths can be subscribed in English or any of
the 22 Scheduled languages.

26 JUNE
4. Central Civil Services (Leave) (Amendment)
1. Renaming of States: Kerala Assembly has Rules, 2024:
passed resolution to rename State as ‘Keralam’
Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 2024 has been
Procedure for Renaming of States: It can be notified by the Ministry of Personnel Public
initiated by the Parliament or State Legislature. Grievances and Pensions.
 Renaming is governed by Article 3 of
Constitution. Key Amendments: Surrogate as well as
 Article empowers Parliament to alter name of commissioning mother with less than two surviving
any State by law. children, may be granted maternity leave of 180
 Bill may be introduced in Parliament on days, in case either or both are Government
recommendation of President. servants. Commissioning mother means
 Then referred by the President to Legislature of intending mother of child born through
that State for expressing their views. surrogacy. Central employee commissioning
 Bill is passed in each house by a simple fathers with less than two living children, will also
majority. be entitled to get 15 days of paternity leave within
six months of birth of child. Till now, there were
 Following president assent, change in name of
no rules to grant maternity/paternity leaves for
state is recorded in First and Fourth
surrogacy.
Schedule of Constitution.
2. Front Running: Front Running refers to usage
of non-public information to directly or 27 JUNE
indirectly buy or sell securities, or enters into
options or futures contracts, in advance of a 1. Biomass briquettes:
substantial order. It is illegal in India. It Composition: Compact blocks of organic materials
undermines confidence in the financial markets and like agricultural residues, forestry wastes, or waste
creates an uneven playing field for other investors. biomass.
In 2022, Securities and Exchange Board of India Briquetting Process: Densification of biomass to
(Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 was amended to improve its characteristics as a renewable energy

72
resource. and women workers.
 The Central Government may, by notification,
Significance: make rules for carrying out the provisions of
Carbon-Neutral: Unlike fossil fuels, they releases this Act
no additional CO2 when burned. Help mitigate
greenhouse gas emissions. 2. Prohibition of Insider Trading (PIT)
Supply Chain Resilience: Uses locally available Regulations:
feedstock, reducing exposure to price volatility and  SEBI has amended PIT regulations to give
geopolitical uncertainties. flexibility to insider traders for trading plans.
Harmful Chemicals in Food Packaging in  Insider refers to any person (usually senior
Plastics: Some experts have raised concerns about management and officials) in a company who
heating food at high temperatures and then packing has access to unpublished price sensitive
it in plastic containers which can cause harmful information (UPSI).
chemicals such as Bisphenol A, Phthalates, and  Under PIT, insiders have a narrow window to
Styrene to leach into food. carry out trades to avoid insider trading.
 Insiders have to give a ‘trading plan’
specifying the share price, amount, and
2. Bisphenol A (BPA): It is used in combination transaction date in advance.
with other chemicals to manufacture certain plastics  It enables insiders to trade in securities in a
and resins. Long-term exposure to BPA has been compliant manner.
linked to increased risks of breast and prostate
cancer, etc.
Phthalates: It is used to make plastics more
flexible and durable. It can interfere with 3. Central Electronics Limited (CEL):
endocrine system and disturb hormone regulation in CEL is granted "Mini RATNA" status
the body. (Category-1).
Styrene: It is a colourless, flammable liquid,
which has sweet odour and is highly volatile. It is Eligibility for Mini Ratna (category 1): made
a suspected carcinogen, can cause nervous system profit in the last three years continuously, pre-tax
issues like headaches and dizziness upon exposure. profit is Rs.30 crores or more in at least one of the
three years and have a positive net worth.
3. Exercise HOPEX: Exercise HOPEX is a joint About CEL
military exercise between Indian Air Force (IAF)
and Egyptian Air Force.  It is under the Department of Scientific and
Aim - to promote bilateral and regional cooperation. Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of
IAF’s Rafale fighter jets, C-17 Globemaster and IL- Science & Technology.
78 tankers are participating in the exercise.  Established in 1974, with an objective to
Location – Egypt. commercially exploit indigenous technologies.
 It is a pioneer in the country in the field of
Solar Photovoltaic (SPV).
28 JUNE
4. Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MOCR):
1. Equal Remuneration Act, 1976: Recently the DRDO handed over the Medium Range-Microwave
Ministry of Labour and Employment has taken note Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR) to the Indian
of media reports claiming that married women are Navy.
not being allowed to work at Apple iPhone plant in MR-MOCR Developed by: DRDO’s Defence
India. Laboratory in Jodhpur.
Purpose: Obscure radar signals reduce detection.
Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 Specification: Chaff is a passive electronic
 It provides for equal remuneration to men and countermeasure consisting of electrically
women workers for the same work or work of conducting fine fiber of resonant length to act as a
similar nature. microwave dipole.
 It prohibits discrimination while recruiting men

73
Working mechanism: The rocket, when fired, o IUCN: Vulnerable
forms a microwave obscurant cloud in space, thus o CITES: Appendix I
creating an effective shield against hostile threats o Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I.
having Radio Frequency seekers.
3. President’s Address to the Parliament:
President addressed the joint sitting of Parliament
after the formation of the 18th Lok Sabha.
29 JUNE
About President’s Address
1. Factory Farming: Recently, a report raised
 Article 86 allows the President to address either
concerns over intensive animal agriculture. (factory
House of Parliament or both Houses together.
farming). Factory Farming refers to a system of
 President has not so far addressed under this
raising livestock and poultry in high-density
provision.
facilities under controlled conditions to maximize
production efficiency and output of dairy  Article 87 of Constitution provides two
products at lower cost. instances when the President specially
addresses both Houses of Parliament
Impacts of Factory Farming assembled together.
 Antibiotic-resistant: Over 53% of egg samples  At the beginning of first Session after each
exhibited resistance to multiple antibiotics in general election.
India (WHO Study, 2017).  At the beginning of first session of each year.
 Zoonotic Diseases: Approximately 60% of  Originally, Article 87(1) required the
known and 75% of emerging infectious diseases President to address both Houses of
are zoonotic in origin (UN). Parliament at the commencement of every
 Environmental Degradation: Responsible for session.
14.5% to 16.5% of global greenhouse gas  Constitution (First Amendment) Act, 1951,
emissions (FAO). amended this provision.
 Health: Diets high in animal products can
increase risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer,
diabetes, etc. 4. Spring Initiative: UN-backed network Principles
2. Mainland Serow: Scientists recorded a lone for Responsible Investment (PRI) has launched
Mainland Serow (Capricornis Sumatraensis Thar) in “Spring”, a new initiative to halt or reverse nature
western Assam’s Raimona National Park. loss by 2030.

About Mainland Serow About Spring Initiative

 Habitat: Areas in altitude of 200-3,000 meters  Supported by a coalition of 200 investors
in the Himalayas in Indian subcontinent, managing a combined $15trn in assets.
southern China, mainland Southeastern Asia,  Objective: To address systemic risk of nature
and Sumatra. loss to societies and long-term portfolio value
 Characteristics: It is a Mammal which is creation by enhancing corporate practices on
territorial and lives alone or in small groups. forest loss and land degradation.
 3 other species of Serow: Japanese Serow, Red  It focuses on responsible political engagement,
Serow, and Taiwan or Formosan Serow. a vital aspect of corporate governance
 Conservation Status

74
PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU (PIB)

robotic arm. It has achieved a breakthrough in the

1ST JUNE design and control technology of the lunar
1. INS Kiltan: Indian Naval Ship Kiltan arrived retrograde orbit and aims to realize key
at Muara, Brunei and was accorded a warm technologies of intelligent and rapid sampling. It
welcome by the Royal Brunei Navy. It is an marks the second time a mission has
indigenously-built anti-submarine warfare stealth successfully reached the far side of the moon.
corvette. This is the third of the four Kamorta- China first completed that historic feat in 2019
class corvettes being built under Project 28. The with its Chang’e-4 probe.
ship derives its name from one of the islands in
Aminidivi group of the strategically located 3. James Webb Space Telescope (JWST): It was
Lakshadweep and Minicoy group of islands. launched in 2021 as a joint endeavour of the
Designed by the Indian Navy’s in-house USA, European and Canadian space agencies. It
organisation Directorate of Naval Design and is a large infrared telescope with an approximately
built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & 6.5 meter primary mirror. It does not orbit around
Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. It is India’s the Earth like the Hubble Space Telescope, it
first major warship to have a superstructure of orbits the Sun 5 million kilometers away from the
carbon fibre composite material resulting in Earth at what is called the second Lagrange point
improved stealth features, lower top weight and or L2. It was designed specifically to see farther
maintenance costs. The ship hosts a predominantly across the cosmos and further back in time than any
indigenous cutting-edge weapons and sensors suite previous astronomical tool. One of its key
which includes heavyweight torpedoes, ASW objectives was to find the very first stars to
rockets, Medium Range gun and two multi- ignite in the nascent Universe.
barrel 30 mm guns as close-in-weapon system
(CIWS). 4. Paraparatrechina neela: It is a new ant species
discovered from Siang Valley in Arunachal
2. Chang'e-6: The Chang'e-6 craft successfully Pradesh. It belongs to the rare genus
landed in the South Pole-Aitken Basin on the back Paraparatrechina and has been named
of the moon. It is the first human sampling and Paraparatrechina neela. The word “neela”
return mission from the far side of the moon. It signifies the colour blue in most Indian languages—
was launched by a Chinese Long March-5 a fitting tribute to the ant's unique colour. This
rocket from Wenchang Space Launch Center discovery signifies the first new species of
on the southern island of Hainan before 53 days. Paraparatrechina in 121 years since the description
Chang'e-6 consists of an orbiter, a returner, a of the sole previously known species, P. aseta
lander and an ascender. The lander was equipped (Forel, 1902), in the Indian subcontinent. It is a
with multiple sensors, including microwave, small ant with a total length of less than 2 mm.
laser and optical imaging sensors which can Its body is predominantly metallic blue, except
measure distance and speed and identify for the antennae, mandibles, and legs.
obstacles on the lunar surface. The probe is
scheduled to complete sampling within two days. 4 JUNE
It has adopted two methods of moon sampling,
which include: using a drill to collect subsurface 1. International Health Regulations: In a
samples, grabbing samples on the surface with a landmark achievement in the global health security

75
agenda, the 77th World Health Assembly agreed to formalises industry positions on industry and public
the package of amendments to the International policy issues and provides a focus for emerging
Health Regulations (IHR 2005) It was first industry issues.
adopted by the WHA in 1969 and last revised in
2005, were conceived to maximise collective efforts 4. Postal Ballot: It enables eligible voters to submit
to manage public health events while minimising their votes via mail rather than personally visiting a
disruption to travel and trade. There are 196 State polling place. This method provides a convenient
Parties to the IHR, comprising all 194 WHO option for individuals who are unable to participate
Member States plus Liechtenstein and the Holy in person due to various reasons.
See. The IHR provides an overarching legal
framework that defines countries’ rights and Eligibility criteria to vote using postal ballots:
obligations in handling public health events and ● Service voters including members of the
emergencies that have the potential to cross borders. armed forces, paramilitary forces and
It is an instrument of international law that government employees assigned to election
is legally binding on 196 countries. duties away from their home
● Electors on election duty including
2. World No-Tobacco Day: The Member States government officials and polling staff
of the World Health Organization created World working at polling stations outside their
No Tobacco Day in 1987. In 1988, a Resolution home areas.
was passed, calling for the celebration of World ● Electors under preventive detention orders
No Tobacco Day, every year on 31 May. The during the election period can also avail
annual campaign is an opportunity to raise themselves of this option.
awareness on the harmful and deadly effects of ● Individuals engaged in essential services on
tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposure and polling day like essential workers, including
to discourage the use of tobacco in any form. authorized media personnel and those in
The theme: “Protecting Children from Tobacco railways and healthcare, can vote via postal
Industry Interference”. ballots in Lok Sabha and four state Assembly
elections.
3. International Air Transport Association Absentee voters: Those who are unable to vote in
(IATA): IATA is an international trade association person due to work commitments, illness, or
for the world's airlines, established in 1945 in disability. The amendment in October 2019 to the
Havana, Cuba, with 57 founding members. Its Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, lowered the
mission is "to represent, lead and serve the airline eligible age for senior citizens from 85 to 80 and
industry." IATA advocates for the interests of permitted Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) to use
airlines on the world stage in addition to creating postal ballots in the 2020 Delhi Assembly
industry standards that simplify processes, increase elections.
safety, enhance passenger convenience, reduce
costs, improve efficiency and help achieve 5 JUNE
sustainability goals. It currently represents some
330 airlines, comprising over 80% of global air 1. Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for
traffic. IATA members include the world’s Prosperity (IPEF): India attends IPEF Ministerial
leading passenger and cargo airlines. meeting in Singapore It was launched on 23 May
Headquarters: Montreal, Canada. 2022 at Tokyo, Japan comprising of 14 countries
The IATA Annual General Meeting & World Air – Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan,
Transport Summit, held in June each year, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand,

76
Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and for the sustainable exploitation of oceanic
USA. The IPEF seeks to strengthen economic resources for societal applications.
engagement and cooperation among partner
countries with the goal of advancing growth, 3. Maharani Temple: It is situated on a small
economic stability and prosperity in the region. hillock in the heart of Gulmarg town in the
The framework is structured around four pillars Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. Also
relating to Trade (Pillar I); Supply Chain Resilience known as the Rani Temple or Mohineshwar
(Pillar II); Clean Economy (Pillar III); and Fair Shivalaya, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva
Economy (Pillar IV). India had joined Pillars II to and his consort, Parvati. It was constructed by
IV of IPEF while it has maintained an observer Mohini Bai Sisodia, wife of the former ruler
status in Pillar-I. of Kashmir, Maharaja Hari Singh, in 1915. This
temple was once a royal temple of the Dogra
2. Prithvi Vigyan Scheme: Consolidation of dynasty of the erstwhile princely state of Jammu
Programs: The Prithvi scheme unifies five and Kashmir. It has been constructed in such a way
existing sub- schemes: that it can be seen from all corners of Gulmarg. The
1. Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling temple's intricate carvings and designs reflect a
Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS), beautiful blend of Indian and Persian styles. It is an
2. Ocean Services, Modelling Application, example of religions intertwined with a Muslim
Resources and Technology (O- SMART), priest performing rituals in the temple. The
3. Polar Science and Cryosphere Research Indian Army collaborated with local
(PACER), communities in 2021 to restore this 106-year-old
4. Seismology and Geosciences (SAGE), temple. Apart from renovating the temple structure,
5. Research, Education, Training and Outreach the Indian Army also undertook the redesigning of
(REACHOUT). pathways leading to the temple.
This integration is designed to enhance our
understanding of Earth’s systems and apply 6 JUNE
scientific knowledge for societal, environmental,
and economic benefits. 1. UNESCO State of Ocean Report: The
UNESCO ‘State of the Ocean Report’, initiated
Objectives and Focus Areas: by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic
● Comprehensive Observations: The scheme Commission (IOC-UNESCO) during the 2022
emphasizes long-term monitoring across the United Nations Ocean Conference, serves as an
atmosphere, ocean, geosphere, cryosphere, and accessible overview of the ocean's current status. It
solid earth to track Earth System’s vital signs supports the monitoring of the UN Decade of Ocean
and changes. Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030)
● Development of Predictive Models: It focuses and encourages actions towards a sustainable ocean
on creating models for weather, ocean, and future. The inaugural 2022 edition featured
climate hazards and advancing climate change insights from over 100 marine science experts
science. across various fields including ocean
● Exploration Initiatives: Exploration of Polar acidification, pollution, and tsunami warning.
Regions and high seas is a key aspect, aiming to This report, and its subsequent annual editions
discover new phenomena and resources. released on World Oceans Day (June 8), aligns with
● Technological Advancements: The scheme the seven outcomes of the UN Ocean Decade.
also stresses the development of technology

77
2. Special Category Status (SCS): In 1969, the Zircon crystals found in the Jack Hills in Western
Fifth Finance Commission of India introduced Australia's Midwest can be up to 4.4 billion years
the Special Category Status to aid certain states old, providing insight into early Earth. The study of
in their development and accelerate growth if oxygen isotopes in zircon crystals reveals the
they faced historical economic or geographical presence of fresh water and dry land on early
disadvantages. Factors considered for granting Earth, challenging existing theories of a water-
Special Category Status included challenging and covered Earth. This interaction may have created
hilly terrain, low population density, a significant conditions conducive to life, with the water cycle
tribal population, strategic border location, operating at least 4 billion years ago.
economic and infrastructural backwardness and
non-viable state finances. However, the system was 7 JUNE
discontinued based on the recommendation of the
14th Finance Commission, which proposed 1. World Wealth Report 2024: It is released by
addressing the resource gap of states by increasing the Capgemini Research Institute. It covers 71
the tax devolution from 32% to 42%. The Centre countries, accounting for more than 98% of
pays 90% of the funds required in centrally- global gross national income and 99% of world
sponsored schemes, compared to 60% or 75% stock market capitalization. Global high-net-
for other states. Preferential treatment in getting worth individuals (HNWI) wealth expanded by
central funds assistance, concession on excise duty 4.7% in 2023, reaching $86.8 trillion. Similarly, the
to attract industries to the state, a significant 30% of HNWI population increased by 5.1% to 22.8
the Centre’s gross budget goes to the special million globally. HNWIs are individuals with
category states etc. Currently, eleven states have investable assets of $1 million or more, excluding
the Special Category Status in the country thr primary residence, collectibles, consumables,
including Assam, Nagaland, Himachal Pradesh, and consumer durables. A resilient economy and
Manipur, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Tripura, robust performance of the equity markets drove
Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Uttarakhand, and wealth growth of these countries. HNWI in India
Telangana. increased by 12.2% in 2023 vs 2022, bringing the
total number of HNWI population. The country’s
3. Zircon materials: Zircon is a mineral belonging national savings as a percentage of GDP also
to the group of nesosilicates. Its chemical name is increased to 33.4% in 2023, compared to 29.9% in
zirconium silicate and the chemical formula is 2022.
ZrSiO4. Zircon crystals are notable for their high
refractive indices and strong lustre. They are 2. Onge Tribe: Onges are one of the most
naturally occurring in a variety of colours, primitive tribes in India that belong to the
including clear, green, red, yellow and brown. Negrito racial ancestry. They are inhabiting Little
Zircon is used for radiometric dating due to its Andaman Island, the most southerly island in the
trace uranium content, allowing precise age Andaman archipelago. They are a semi-nomadic
determination. Its high resistance to weathering group and are dependent on the ocean and the
makes it valuable for studying sedimentary and forest for sustenance. Unlike other religions, they
metamorphic rock history, providing insights into do not believe in or follow firm worshipping
geological and crustal development over billions of practices or sacrifices. The colour of the teeth has a
years. Zircon grains are important for studying unique interpretation among Onges, who consider
early Earth conditions. They can preserve the pearly white teeth a symbol of death. They
isotopic signatures that provide insights into the continue to chew the bark to impart a red colour to
environment and temperatures of ancient Earth. their teeth. They decorate their bodies and their

78
faces with white and ochre clay. On special ecosystem. Oceans cover more than 70% of the
occasions, they place a greater emphasis on body Earth's surface and are crucial for regulating the
ornamentation. Until the 1940s, the Onge were the climate, providing food and oxygen, and
sole permanent inhabitants of Goubalambabey supporting a diverse range of marine life. They
(the Onge name for Little Andaman). The Onge are also essential for human livelihoods, supporting
population was also decimated following contact industries such as fishing, tourism, and shipping.
with British colonists and Indian settlers; it fell from The event encourages global collaboration for
670 in 1900 to only 96 members by the early 2000s. sustainable ocean management, addressing issues
In 1976, the Onge were settled in order to have ‘the such as pollution, overfishing, and climate change.
basic facilities for hygienic living and protection
The theme for 2024 World Oceans Day is
against elements of nature’. They now live in a
“Awaken New Depth”.
reserve in Dugong Creek (Little Andaman) that
is a fraction of the size of their original territory. History: The concept of World Oceans Day was
The Onge tribe is also one of the world's least first proposed in 1992 at the Earth Summit in
prolific and infertile communities. Infertility Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This global event,
affects somewhat more than 40% of married officially known as the United Nations Conference
couples. on Environment and Development (UNCED),
highlighted the critical role oceans play in
3. United States–India Initiative on Critical and sustaining life on Earth. The idea gained
Emerging Technology (iCET): The Initiative on momentum over the years, leading to its official
Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) is a recognition by the United Nations in 2008. The
framework for cooperation between India and the UN General Assembly designated June 8 as
United States on critical and emerging technologies, World Oceans Day, aiming to raise awareness
it was launched in January 2023. It aims to about the importance of oceans and the urgent
strengthen its strategic partnership and drive need to preserve them. Every year, the UN
technology and defence cooperation in areas Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea
such as artificial intelligence, quantum organises events to create public awareness.
computing, semiconductors, and wireless
telecommunication. The partnership aims to 2. National Health claim Exchange: The Health
position India and the United States as "trusted Ministry along with the IRDAI are launching the
technology partners" to build supply chains and National Health Claim Exchange (NHCX), a
support the co-production and co-development of digital platform which will bring together
items. insurance companies, healthcare sector service
Private sector and academic involvement: The providers and government insurance scheme
iCET requires the private sector, knowledge administrators. It aims to enhance efficiency,
partners, and academia in both countries to give transparency, and accuracy in claims
functional meaning to the outcomes and provide the processing by facilitating the exchange of health
necessary strategic and operational assurances to the insurance claims data among various
private sector. stakeholders, including payers, providers,
beneficiaries, regulators, and observers. The
8 JUNE integration with NHCX is expected to enable
seamless interoperability of health claims
1. World Oceans Day: It is celebrated annually processing, enhancing efficiency and transparency
on June 8. This day aims to raise awareness about in the insurance industry, benefiting policyholders
the critical role oceans play in our planet's and patients The NHCX aligns with the goals of

79
the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, which ● Mixed Member Proportional
aims to simplify the health insurance claims Representation (MMPR): To balance
procedure and create a unified digital platform stability and proportionate representation, the
for healthcare services. Mixed Member Proportional Representation
(MMPR) system can be considered. Under
3. Santiago Network for Loss and Damage: It is a MMPR, there is one candidate elected
global initiative established in December 2019 to through FPTP from each territorial
support developing countries in averting, constituency, and additional seats are
minimizing, and addressing loss and damage caused allocated to parties proportionally based on
by climate change. The network aims to catalyse their vote share.
technical assistance from various organizations,
bodies, networks,and experts to enhance the 2. Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS): It is
capacity of vulnerable countries to manage headed by the Prime Minister. The Committee
climate-related loss and damage. The Santiago discusses, debates, and is the apex body when it
Network provides technical assistance to comes to the appointments of the officials in the
developing countries for addressing climate change- national security bodies. It also makes all the
related loss and damage by offering access to important decisions on defence policy and
knowledge, resources and expertise. It aims to build expenditure and, generally, all matters of
capacity by connecting vulnerable nations with India’s security.
technical assistance providers, including civil
Members: PM, Ministers of Defence, Home
society, NGOs, and the private sector. The network
Affairs, Finance and External Affairs.
also plays a crucial role in facilitating the
effective use of the Loss & Damage Fund from It deals with all the issues related to the defence
COP28. and security of India. The CCS deals with all
issues related to the law and order and
national security of India. It discusses different
initiatives to take to enhance the national security
10 JUNE
of India. It also deals with policy matters of
foreign affairs which may have a bearing on
1. Types of Election methods:
internal or external security implications,
● Proportional Representation: The including cases relating to agreements with other
Proportional Representation (PR) system countries on security-related issues. The
ensures representation of all parties based on Committee discusses the political issues which
can impact the security of our nation.
their vote share. The most commonly used
PR system is the ‘party list PR’ where voters 3. Quantum Data: A new quantum computing
vote for the party (and not individual study claims that a recent finding in the production,
candidates) and then the parties get seats in storage and retrieval of "quantum data" has
proportion to their vote share. brought us one step closer to the quantum internet.
● First Past the Post System: India currently It refers to information that is stored and
uses the First Past the Post (FPTP) system,
processed using the principles of quantum
where the candidate with the most votes in a
mechanics. Unlike classical data, which is
constituency wins. The FPTP system is represented by binary states (0s and 1s),
simple and provides stability to the quantum data is represented by quantum bits
executive, but it can lead to unrepresentative or qubits. Qubits can exist in multiple states
governments. simultaneously due to a property called

80
superposition, and they can be entangled with other PMAY-U (Urban): This is to provide housing for all
qubits, allowing for a kind of interconnectedness in urban areas.
and correlation that classical bits cannot achieve.
● Beneficiaries: Economically Weaker Section
(EWS), Low-Income Group (LIG) and
12 JUNE
Middle-IncomeGroup (MIG).
● Subsidy Schemes: Credit Linked Subsidy
1. Notified Disasters: In India, the Disaster Scheme: Offers interest subsidy on home
Management Act, 2005, defines a disaster as a loans for EWS,LIG, and MIG categories.
"catastrophe, mishap, calamity or grave ● In-Situ Slum Redevelopment: Utilizes land as
occurrence" arising from natural or man-made a resource to provide houses to eligible slum
causes that results in substantial loss of life, dwellers.
destruction of property, or damage to the ● Affordable Housing in Partnership: Promotes
environment. The Act includes 12 categories of partnerships with public and private sectors to
notified disasters, which are: Cyclone, Drought, provideaffordable housing.
Earthquake, Fire, Flood, Tsunami, Hailstorm, ● Beneficiary-Led Construction: Provides
Landslide, Avalanche, Cloudburst, Pest attack, financial assistance to individuals to construct
Frost and cold waves. These notified disasters are or enhancetheir own houses.
eligible for relief assistance under the State
3. PMAY-G (Gramin): Its objective is to
Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National
provide a pucca house with basic amenities to all
Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). The SDRF is
rural families who are homeless or living in kutcha
primarily used for immediate relief to victims of
or dilapidated houses.
notified disasters, while the NDRF supplements
the SDRF in cases of severe disasters where funds ● Beneficiaries: Identified using the Socio-
are insufficient. However, heatwaves are not Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011.
currently included as a notified disaster under ● Features: Financial Assistance: 1.2 lakh in
the Act. Although heatwaves are a significant plain areas and Rs. 1.3 lakh in hilly, difficult
concern in India, particularly in certain regions, the and IntegratedAction Plan (IAP) areas.
Finance Commission has not been convinced to ● Construction: Houses are to be constructed
expand the list of notified disasters. States can use by beneficiaries with technical assistance
up to 10% of their SDRF allocation for local from thegovernment.
disasters, including heatwaves, which some ● Convergence with other schemes:
states have done. Encourages convergence with other schemes
like Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) for toilet
2. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana: Pradhan construction, and MGNREGA for wage
Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) is a credit-linked employment.
subsidy scheme initiated to provide affordable
housing to low and moderate-income residents 4. Air LORA: It is an air-launched variant of the
across the country. The newly formed Long-Range Artillery (LORA) ballistic missile.
government has approved the proposal to provide It isdesigned and developed by Israel Aerospace
3 crore additional rural and urban houses under Industries (IAI). It is a long-range air-to-ground
PMAY. The scheme has two components: missile (AGM) developed for strike missions
PMAY-U for the urban poor and PMAY-G and against high-value and well-protected targets such
PMAY-R for the rural poor. as command centres, air force bases, infrastructure,
and naval vessels in dense littoral environments.
With a robust warhead of various types, Air

81
LORA enables air forces to strike enemy targets is illegal and liable to prosecution. Illegality,
from far distances outside the reachof enemy air wilful suppression of facts, misrepresentation,
defences. It features high survivability with and fraud—all constitute tax evasion, which is
advanced immune INS/GNSS navigation and prohibited under law. This is also not covered by
strong anti-jamming capabilities, allowing for 24/7 GAAR, as the existing jurisprudence is
operation in extreme weather conditions and sufficient to cover tax evasion/Sham
highly contested battlefields. It can be simply transactions.
integrated into airborne platforms as a stand-alone
Tax avoidance includes actions taken by a
configuration or through the avionics system” and
taxpayer, none of which are illegal or forbidden by
is easy to operate, “with simple fire-and-forget and
the law.
autonomous operation. It has a very high mission
success rate mainly due to its supersonic speed
2. Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI): The
and its combat-proven GNSS anti-jamming
Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) is a
system”, as well as terminal trajectory shaping
measure of change in retail prices of food items
and a 90° attack angle.
consumed by the population. It is a specific
measure of inflation that focuses exclusively on the
13 JUNE
price changes of food items in a consumer's basket
of goods and services. The CFPI is a sub-
1. General Anti-Avoidance Rule (GAAR): component of the broader Consumer Price
GAAR is an anti-tax avoidance law in India to Index (CPI) and is used by the Reserve Bank of
curb tax evasion and avoid tax leaks. It came into India (RBI) to track inflation. The Central
effect on 1st April 2017.The GAAR provisions Statistics Office (CSO), Ministry of Statistics
come under the Income Tax Act, 1961. It is a and Programme Implementation (MOSPI)
tool for checking aggressive tax planning, started releasing CFPI for three categories -
especially those transactions or business rural, urban and combined - separately on an all-
arrangements that are entered into with the India basis with effect from May 2014. Like
objective of avoiding tax. It is specifically aimed Consumer Price Index (CPI), the CFPI is also
at cutting revenue losses that happen to the calculated on a monthly basis and the methodology
government due to aggressive tax avoidance remains the same as CPI. The base year presently
measures practiced by companies. It is meant to used is 2012. The CSO has revised the Base Year of
apply to transactions that are prima facie legal, the CPI and CFPI from 2010 to 2012 in January
but result in taxreduction. 2015.
Broadly, tax reduction can be divided into three
categories. 3. G7 (Group of Seven): It is an intergovernmental
political and economic forum.
Tax mitigation is a ‘positive’ term in the context
of a situation where taxpayers take advantage Members: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan,
of a fiscal incentive provided to them by tax United Kingdom, and United States; European
legislation by complying with its conditions Union as anon-enumerated member
and taking cognisance of the economic
consequences of their actions. Tax mitigation is The G7 was established in 1975. Russia was
permitted under the Act. This tax reduction is included in the late 1990s, creating the G8, but
acceptable even after GAAR has come into force. was suspended in 2014 after the annexation of
Crimea.
Tax evasion is when a person or entity does not
pay the taxes that are due to the government. This Function: The G7 meets annually to discuss and

82
coordinate economic policies. The leaders address lethal and psychological effects.
many global issues, including monetary policy,
security, energy, and climate change.
2. Nagastra-1: The Indian army has integrated
Significance: While the G7 cannot enact laws, its the Nagastra 1 loitering munition, designed by
past decisions have had significant global Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), as its first
consequences indigenous man-portable suicide drone. These
Summits: The annual G7 summit is hosted by one drones enhance the army's precision strike
of the member countries, which rotates each year. capabilities against enemy training camps and
The summits provide a platform for the leaders to infiltrators, with a focus on reducing dependence
discuss pressing global issues and coordinate policy on imports and promoting self-reliance in defence
responses. technology. With the potential for exports to
The 2024- G7 summit will take place from June friendly nations, Nagastra 1 showcases India's
13-15 in Apulia, Italy. Italy holds the G7 advancement in developing cost-effective
presidency in2024. solutions for modern warfare. The Nagastra-1 is
fully designed and developed in India, with an
14 JUNE indigenous content of over 75%.The drone can
carry out GPS-enabled precision strikes with an
1. Improvised Explosive Device (IED): It is a
type of unconventional explosive weapon that accuracy of 2 meters and has a range of almost
can take any form and be activated in a variety 30 km. The drone has a low acoustic signature and
of ways. They are used by criminals, vandals, electric propulsion, making it a silent killer. The
terrorists, suicide bombers and insurgents. drone has a parachute recovery mechanism, which
Because they are improvised, IEDs can come in can bring back the munition in case of an aborted
many forms, ranging from a small pipe bomb to a mission, enabling it to be used multiple times. The
sophisticated device capable of causing massive drone weighs 6 kg and can stay airborne for up to
damage and loss of life. The extent of damage 60 minutes.
caused by an IED depends on its size, construction,
and placement, and whether it incorporates a high 3. Lipulekh Pass: It is a high-altitude mountain
explosive or propellant. The term IED came into pass located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand,
common usage during the Iraq War that began near the tri junction of India, Nepal and China. It
in 2003. links the Indian state of Uttarakhand with the
Components of an IED: Tibet region of China.
● Ancient Trade Route: It has been utilized
● All IEDs consist of an initiating mechanism: a
for centuries as a trade route, connecting the
detonator, an explosive charge and a casing or
Indiansubcontinent with the Tibetan plateau.
collection of projectiles (such as ball bearings
● Religious Significance: The pass also has
or nails) that produces lethal fragments upon
religious significance, being an integral part of
detonation.
the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a sacred
● Materials used as explosives in IEDs: In
pilgrimage for Hindus.
practice, IEDs can be made of many different
● Devotees undertake this arduous journey to
kinds of objects and materials, including
reach Mount Kailash, considered the abode of
artillery or mortar rounds, aerial bombs,
Lord Shiva,and the nearby Mansarovar Lake.
certain types of fertilizers, TNT and other
explosives. ● It is the first Indian border post opened for trade
● IEDs can also contain radiological, chemical with China in 1992.
or biological components to increase their ● This was followed by the opening of Shipki

83
 La Pass, Himachal Pradesh in 1994 and Ingenious Research Solutions Pvt Ltd., a start-
Nathu LaPass, Sikkim in 2006. up established by a woman entrepreneur,
Shivani Verma. This innovative solution marks a
significant advancement in biometric
15 JUNE authentication technology, offering enhanced
1. JIMEX- 2024: This is the eighth edition of accuracy and reliability in identifying individuals.
JIMEX between India and Japan since its This dual approach enhances identification
inception in 2012. The exercise includes both accuracy, minimizing the risk of false positives or
harbour and sea phases. Other Exercises between identity fraud and has versatile applications across
India and Japan: diverse sectors including Defence, Law
Malabar: India and Japan with the United States Enforcement, Corporate and Public Infrastructure.
and Australia participate in the naval war gaming The AI tool has been developed under the
exercise named Malabar. technical guidance and mentoring of the Centre
for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (CAIR), a
SHINYUU Maitri (Air Force) laboratory of DRDO based in Bangalore.
Dharma Guardian (Military Exercise).
4. Digital Firewall: A digital firewall is a
software-based network security device that
2. Teesta River: It is a tributary of the Jamuna
monitors and filters network traffic based on
River (Brahmaputra River), flowing through
predefined security rules. It is designed to
India and Bangladesh. It originates as Chhombo prevent unauthorized access to a network by
Chhu from a glacial lake Khangchung controlling incoming and outgoing traffic. Digital
Chho.Teesta Khangse glacier and Chho Lhamo are firewalls can be installed on individual devices,
also considered as the source of Teesta River by such as computers or servers, and are often
many authors. It flows to the south, cutting a used in conjunction with other security
deep gorge through the Siwalik Hills east of measures like antivirus software to provide
Darjiling (West Bengal) and turns southeast to comprehensive protection against cyber threats.
run through the Sivok Khola pass onto the Though in recent times they are associated with
plains of West Bengal. The river continued censorship by oppressive governments, firewalls
southward to empty directly into the upper were meant to be a security tool. Large firewalls
Padma River (Ganga River).However, the river like the Great Firewall of China, for example,
are highly complex cybersecurity tools
changed its course to flow eastward, crossing the
maintained at scale to prevent people from
Rangpur region of Bangladesh to join the Jamuna
accessing large sections of the Internet.
River.

The major tributaries of Teesta river: 17 JUNE

1. Exercise Red Flag 2024: This was the second
Left-bank Tributaries: Lachung Chhu, Chakung
edition of Ex Red Flag 2024, which is an
Chhu, Dik Chhu, Rani Khola, Rangpo Chhu.
advanced aerial combat training exercise, held
Right-bank Tributaries - Zemu Chhu, Rangyong four times in a year by the US Air Force.
Chhu, Rangit River. Participation of the Indian Air Force along with
Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), Royal
3. Divya Drishti AI Tool: The AI tool “Divya Air Force (RAF) of the United Kingdom, Royal
Drishti” integrates face recognition with Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF), German
immutable physiological parameters such as Luftwaffe, and the US Air Force (USAF). Red
gait and skeleton. It was developed by Flag is an air combat exercise featuring realistic

84
combat scenarios.This year marked the debut ● In the world, Sudan was ranked last on the
of the Indian Air Force's Rafale aircraft in the index of 146 countries, while Pakistan fell three
exercise. placesto 145th.

2. Pantanal Wetland: It is the world’s largest India showed the best gender parity in terms
tropical wetland. It is located in the upper of enrolment in secondary education and
Paraguay River basin, the Pantanal straddles ranked 65th globally on political
Brazil’s border with Bolivia and Paraguay. About empowerment of women. With regard to parity
80 percent of the Pantanal is in Brazil. It was in number of years with female/male heads of
developed in a structural basin formed as the state for the last 50 years, India ranked 10th.
Andes Mountains rose. The climate is tropical,
20 JUNE
wet and dry. It is one of the most biologically rich
environments on the planet, with more than 4,700 1. World Refugee Day: World Refugee Day is
plant and animal species. It has the largest annually celebrated globally on June 20th. This
concentration of crocodiles in the world. In day is dedicated to the millions of people who
2000, the United Nations Educational, have been forced to escape their homes due to war,
Scientific, and Cultural Organization persecution, or natural catastrophes. The first ever
(UNESCO) declared a small portion of the World Refugee Day was celebrated on June 20,
Pantanal a World Heritage Site. Around 95% of 2001, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of
the Pantanal is under private ownership, the the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of
majority of which is used for cattle grazing. Refugees. The day was earlier recognized as
Africa Refugee Day, and later in December 2000,
3. Global Gender Gap Report: It is an annual the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
index designed to measure gender equality. It officially declared it an International Day for
benchmarks gender-based gaps in four areas: Refugees. The theme of World Refugee Day
economic participation and opportunity; 2024 is 'For a World Where Refugees Are
educational attainment; health and survival Welcomed.' According to the 1951 Refugee
and political empowerment. It is released by the Convention, a person is considered a refugee if
World Economic Forum (WEF). It is the they are unable to return to their homeland
longest-standing index tracking the progress of because they have a legitimate fear of being
numerous countries’ efforts towards closing these
harmed because of their race, religion,
gaps over time since its inception in 2006.
involvement in a social group, or differing
Highlights of 2024 Report: political opinions.

● The global gender gap score in 2024 for all Refugees are forced to flee their homes due to
146 countries stands at 5%, a 0.1 conflict, persecution, violence, or other forms of
percentage pointimprovement on last year. human rights violations. They often arrive in host
● India slipped two places to 129th place as countries with nothing but the clothes on their
Iceland retained its top position in the backs. Although relocating to a foreign country is
rankings for the15th consecutive year. the stereotypical picture of a refugee, these
● It was followed in the top 10 by Finland, international refugees represent a relatively small
Norway, New Zealand, Sweden, Nicaragua, percentage of all displaced individuals worldwide.
Germany,Namibia, Ireland, and Spain. Other non-typical refugee categories include
● In South Asia, India was ranked fifth after stateless individuals, who have no country of
Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan, citizenship claimed against them, and asylum
while Pakistanwas ranked last.

85
seekers, who travel in search of international of Unorganized Workers. It allows an
protection. unorganised worker to register himself or herself
on the portal on self-declaration basis, under 400
2. Sustainable Development Report (SDR): It occupations in 30 broad occupation sectors. It is a
reviews progress made each year on the “One-Stop-Solution” for Unorganised Workers
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) since of the country. The registration in the portal is
their adoption by the 193 UN Member States in fully Aadhaar verified and Aadhaar seeded.
2015.It is annually published by the Sustainable Any unorganised worker can register himself or
herself on the portal on a self-declaration basis.
Development Solutions Network (SDSN).
The Ministry aims to facilitate access to various
Highlights of SDR 2024: social security schemes being implemented by
● Published on the eve of the UN Summit of the various Ministries/ Departments for the benefit of
Future, the SDR 2024 recommends a set of key the unorganised workers through the e-Shram
reforms to the UN system to meet the portal. The portal is presently integrated with
challenges of the 21st century. National Career Service (NCS) Portal, Skill
India Digital Hub (SIDH), myScheme portal
● Theme: The SDGs and the UN Summit of the
and Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Mandhaan
Future
● This year’s edition also presents a new index (PMSYM) scheme.
of countries’ support for UN-based
22 JUNE
multilateralism and discusses long-term
pathways to attain sustainable food and land 1. Rishi Sakhi Convergence Program: It aims to
systems. transform rural India through the empowerment of
● This year, Finland, Sweden, and Denmark rural women as Krishi Sakhi, by imparting
top the rankings. Globally, only 16% of the training and certification of Krishi Sakhis as
SDG targets are on track to be achieved by Para-extension Workers. This certification
2030, with the remaining 84% showing limited course also aligns with the objectives of the
progress or its reversal. ‘Lakhpati Didi’ Program.
● Barbados ranks the highest in its commitment
to UN-based multilateralism; the United States Krishi Sakhis have already been trained on
ranks last. various extension service-
● SDG targets related to food and land systems 1) Agro-Ecological Practices: From land
are particularly off-track. The SDR presents preparation to harvest. Organizing Farmer Field
Schools: Facilitating practical learning sessions
new FABLE (Food, Agriculture,
for farmers.
Biodiversity, Land, and Energy) pathways
2) Seed Banks: Establishment and management.
to support sustainable food and land 3) Soil Health and Conservation: Techniques
systems. for maintaining soil health and moisture.
4) Integrated Farming Systems: Combining
3. e-Shram Portal: The Indian delegation to the various farming practices for sustainability.
112th International Labour Conference (ILC) led 5) Livestock Management: Basic management
by Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment practices for livestock.
showcased the e-Shram portal and its present 6) Bio Inputs: Preparation, use, and
integrations and achievements during the sidelines establishment of bio-input shops.
of the ILC at Geneva, Switzerland. It was 7) Communication Skills: Essential skills for
launched by the Ministry of Labour and effective communication with farmers.
Employment in 2021 for registration and Now these Krishi Sakhis are undergoing refresher
creation of a comprehensive National Database training with a special focus on Natural Farming

86
 and Soil Health Card through DAY-NRLM Trimmu, the Chenab empties into the Sutlej
agencies in coordination with MANAGE. River, a tributary of the Indus River.
Krishi Sakhi Training Program has been Tributaries: The tributaries of the Chenab River
rolled out in 12 states in Phase – 1: Gujarat, include Miyar Nalla, Sohal, Thirot, Bhut Nalla,
Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Marusudar and Lidrari.
Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan,
Odisha, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, and 4. The Trinity Challenge (TTC): It is a charity
Meghalaya. supporting the creation of data-driven solutions to
help protect against global health threats. It is a
2. Chenab Rail Bridge: The Indian Railway partnership of over 40 leading global
conducted a successful trial run on the newly- organizations across the private, public, and
constructed world's highest railway bridge, Chenab social sectors. TC partners are united by the
Rail Bridge, in Jammu and Kashmir. It is common aim of using data and advanced analytics
located between Bakkal and Kauri in the Reasi to create inclusive innovations and build a world
district of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). The 1.3- that’s better prepared for health emergencies. To
km-long bridge is located 359 metres above the that purpose, TTC is launching, supporting, and
Chenab riverbed. It is the highest single-arch funding public challenges. It was launched in
railway bridge in the world. It is part of the response to the Covid-19 pandemic, which
Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link project. highlighted a global need to be better prepared
The construction of the Chenab bridge has been a to tackle healthcare emergencies. The initial
collaborative effort, involving various Challenge asked teams to deliver data-driven
international organizations and renowned Indian solutions to predict, respond to and recover from
institutions, including the Indian Institutes of pandemics. It awarded £5.7 million to teams that
Technology (IITs), the Defence Research and developed innovative tools and approaches for
Development Organisation (DRDO), and the better pandemic preparedness and
Geological Survey of India. response. Following the success of the first
Features: Trinity Challenge, the second Challenge - The
It is built to be ‘blast-proof’ and is capable Trinity Challenge on Antimicrobial Resistance
of withstanding the nation’s maximum intensity (AMR), issues a call to the world’s best and
zone-V earthquake forces. brightest minds for data-driven solutions that
will protect the power of antibiotics.
3. Chenab River:
It is a major river of India and Pakistan. It is 23 JUNE
a tributary of the Indus river.
Course: 1. National Testing Agency (NTA): The NTA is
Origin: It is formed by the confluence of two an autonomous organization in India responsible
streams, Chandra and Bhaga, at Tandi in for conducting entrance examinations for higher
the upper Himalayas in the Lahaul and Spiti educational institutions. The NTA was
Districts of Himachal Pradesh.In its upper reaches, established in November 2017 by the Ministry
it is also known as the Chandrabhaga. It flows of Education to standardize and streamline the
west through Jammu and Kashmir union conduct of entrance exams across the country.
territory, between the steep cliffs of the Siwalik Objective: To improve the quality and
Range (south) and the Lesser Himalayas (north). transparency of entrance examinations, ensuring
Turning southwest, it continues into Pakistan, fairness and efficiency in the assessment process.
descending from the uplands into the broad
alluvial lowlands of Punjab Functions:
province. After receiving the Jhelum River near 1) Conducting Exams: The NTA conducts
various national-level entrance examinations for

87
admission to undergraduate and postgraduate designed for faster, smoother, and safer
programs. immigration clearance. It is likely to help reduce
2) Developing Question Papers: The NTA is congestion at airports by offering expedited
responsible for developing high-quality question emigration and immigration clearance for pre-
papers. verified travellers. The Ministry of Home Affairs
3) Result Processing: The NTA processes collaborated with the Ministry of Civil Aviation
examination results efficiently, ensuring timely and the Bureau of Immigration for the FTI-
release of scores and ranks. TTP. The FTI-TTP is similar to the Global Entry
Headquarters: New Delhi Program offered by the United States. It allows
Overall, the National Testing Agency plays a pre-approved and low-risk travellers to benefit
crucial role in India's education system by from expedited immigration and security
providing a reliable, transparent, and efficient clearance upon arrival. Other than New Delhi,
framework for conducting entrance the FTI-TTP was launched in Mumbai, Chennai,
examinations. Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, and
Ahmedabad airports in the first phase. The FTI-
2. Space Variable Objects Monitor (SVOM): It TTP would run on e-gates or automated border
is a French-Chinese satellite which aims to gates that would minimise human intervention
detect and study gamma-ray bursts. It was in the immigration clearance process and would
launched by a Long March-2C rocket from the be implemented in two phases. In the first phase,
Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest Indian citizens and OCI cardholders will be
China's Sichuan Province. It is a 930-kilogram covered, and foreign travellers will be included in
satellite carrying four instruments - two French the second phase. The FTI-TTP will be
and two Chinese. The satellite has been sent into implemented through an online portal, and the
an orbit over 600 kilometers above Earth and Bureau of Immigration will be the nodal agency.
has a designed life of five years, though scientists
expect it could be operational for as long as 20 4. International Hydrographic Organisation:
years. On 21 June every year, the International
Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs): GRBs generally Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) celebrates
occur after the explosion of huge stars - those the World Hydrography Day to raise awareness
more than 20 times as big as the sun - or the fusion about hydrography. It is an intergovernmental
of compact stars. The extremely bright cosmic organization that works to ensure all the world's
beams can give off a blast of energy equivalent to seas, oceans and navigable waters are surveyed
over a billion billion suns. The rays carry traces of and charted. It was established in 1921, it
the gas clouds and galaxies they pass through on coordinates the activities of national
their journey through space - valuable data for hydrographic offices and promotes uniformity
better understanding the history and evolution of in nautical charts and documents. It issues
the universe. GRBs are notoriously hard to survey best practices, provides guidelines to
catch as they can appear anywhere in the sky maximize the use of hydrographic survey data and
and last for just a few seconds. They are readily develops hydrographic capabilities in Member
absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere, so the only States.
way to record them is to place probes in space. Member countries: It has currently 100 Member
States.
3. Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller The IHO Secretariat has been hosted by the
Programme (FTI-TTP): The Union Home Principality of Monaco. India has been an active
Minister recently inaugurated the Fast Track member of the International Hydrographic
Immigration Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI- Organization (IHO) since 1955. The Indian
TTP) at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. Naval Hydrographic Department (INHD), or
It is an initiative by the Central Government, the Marine Survey of India earlier, was

88
established in 1874 in Kolkata. It is the nodal Limited (NCCF). It is for registration of farmers
agency for hydrographic surveys and has a fleet and the government is committed to procure pulses
of indigenously built modern survey ships. at Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for farmers
registered on the portal. Portal registration of
25 JUNE farmers can be done directly or through Primary
Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and FPO.
1. International Sugar Organisation: India is The payment to the farmers will be made by
hosting a global event in sugar sector ‘ISO Council NAFED directly into their mapped bank
Meeting’ in New Delhi. International Sugar account and no agency will be involved in
Organisation (ISO) is a UN affiliated body between.
having HQ at London. ISO has about 85
countries as members covering almost 90% of 4. UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN):
sugar production in the World. It is mandated to Kozhikode, a city in north Kerala celebrated
bring major sugar producing, consuming and for its rich cultural heritage, has been officially
trading nations together to bring mutual declared as India's first UNESCO City of
understanding and progressive approach in dealing Literature under the UNESCO Creative Cities
with issues pertaining to the sugar sector. ISO has Network. It was created in 2004 to promote
also been working on biofuels, especially, cooperation with and among cities that
ethanol as sugarcane is the second major have identified creativity as a strategic factor
feedstock for ethanol production in the world. for sustainable urban development. Almost 300
India is the world’s largest consumer and second cities around the world currently make up this
largest producer of sugar in the world. network.
Objective: Placing creativity and cultural
2. National Agricultural Cooperative industries at the heart of their development plans at
Marketing Federation of India Ltd: It is an the local level and cooperating actively at the
apex organization of marketing cooperatives for international level.
agricultural produce in India. It was founded on 2 UNESCO designates the creative cities in
October 1958 to promote the trade of seven fields: craft, folk art, media arts, film
agricultural produce and forest resources across design, gastronomy, literature, and music.
the nation. It is registered under Multi State Co- Every year, UNESCO seeks
operative Societies Act. With its headquarters in applications from various cities across the globe to
New Delhi, NAFED has four regional offices in put them under its UCCN project.
Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata, apart The applications in India are routed through the
from 28 zonal offices in capitals of states and Ministry of Culture.
important cities. India’s other cities in UCCN are-
Functions: Srinagar and Jaipur: in the field
* It is the nodal agency to implement price of crafts and folk arts
stabilization measures under "Operation Mumbai: Film category
Greens" which aims to double the farmers' Chennai, Gwalior and Varanasi: Music category
income by 2022. Hyderabad: Gastronomy category
* Along with FCI the NAFED is involved in the
procurement of oilseeds, pulses and copra 26 JUNE
under the Price Support Scheme (PSS).
1. Project Akashteer: It is a cutting-edge
3. e-Samridhi Portal: It was launched through initiative designed to automate air defense
National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing control and reporting processes by digitizing them.
Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED) and National It is developed by Bharat Electronics
Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India Limited (BEL) as part of the 'Atmanirbhar

89
Bharat' initiative. It aims to deliver an It is developed and produced jointly by
unprecedented level of situational awareness and American defence majors Raytheon and
control for the force to ensure the safety of Lockheed Martin. It was designed to defeat
friendly aircraft and engage hostile aircraft in heavily armored vehicles, such as main battle
contested airspace. It will enable monitoring of tanks and lighter-skinned military vehicles. The
low level airspace over the battle areas of weapon also has capability against other target
Indian Army and effectively control types, like fortifications, bunkers, and helicopters.
the Ground Based Air Defence Weapon It uses “fire-and-forget” technology using
Systems. automatic infrared guidance to guide itself to
the target without external commands or target
Sarang systems: It is an advanced Electronic designation. It is designed to be shoulder-fired but
Support Measure system for helicopters of the may alternatively be mounted on wheeled or
Indian Navy. It is designed and tracked vehicles. It can be used in direct attack
developed indigenously by Defence Electronics mode to destroy a target or, if fired upwards, to
Research Laboratory, Hyderabad under the shoot down a low-flying aircraft such as a
programme Samudrika. helicopter.

2. World Craft City: Recently, Srinagar has 4. India’s progress in nuclear energy: India’s
earned the World Craft City (WCC) tag from Nuclear Power generation capacity is to
the World Crafts Council (WCC). It is a increase by around 70 percent in the next 5
ground breaking initiative launched in 2014 by years. Installed capacity of 7.48 GWe will become
the World Crafts Council AISBL (WCC- 13.08 GWe by 2029, which is over 70 percent
International) in recognition of the pivotal role increase with addition of 7 new Reactors single
local authorities, craftspeople, and communities point approval to promote ease of science and
play in cultural, economic, and social development promote ease of living for citizens by application
worldwide. It establishes a dynamic network of of nuclear technology. Bharat Small Modular
craft cities across the globe, aligning with the Reactor (BSMR) 220 MW to use light water-
principles of the creative economy. Under the based reactors by replacing Calandria by
World Craft City Programme, Jaipur pressure vessel.
(Rajasthan), Mammalapuram (Tamil Nadu)
and Mysore (Karnataka) have been added as 27 JUNE
craft cities from India.
1. ALMA Telescope: It is a state-of-the-art
Some of the famous crafts from Srinagar telescope that studies celestial objects at
Papier-Mache: It refers to the art of making an millimetre and submillimetre wavelengths. It is a
object from mashed and molded paper pulp. radio telescope comprising 66 antennas located
The object so made is traditionally painted and in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. They
usually covered with a layer of lacquer or varnish. can penetrate through dust clouds and help
Pashmina: Shawls, Kani. astronomers examine dim and distant galaxies and
Sozni shawls: Sozni embroidery is one of such stars out there. It also has extraordinary sensitivity,
arts that have its origin into the geography of which allows it to detect even extremely faint
Kashmir. The word Sozni is a Persian derived radio signals. The telescope consists of 66 high-
word which means needle and sozankari, the precision antennas, spread over a distance of up
needle work. The person who performs this to 16 km. It is operated under
craft is called the sozankar. a partnership between the United States and 16
countries in Europe, Canada, Japan, South
3. Javelin Anti-Tank Missile: It is a man- Korea, Taiwan and Chile. The radio telescope
portable antitank guided missile (ATGM) system. was designed, planned and constructed by the

90
US’s National Radio Astronomy Observatory BEL. It functions as the executive arm of DIO,
(NRAO), the National Astronomical Observatory carrying out all the required activities, while DIO
of Japan (NAOJ) and the European Southern will provide high-level policy guidance to
Observatory (ESO). iDEX. Under iDEX, financial support is provided
to Start-ups/MSMEs/individual
2. Ambubachi Mela: It is an annual Hindu fair innovators and Partner Incubators through DIO. It
held at the historic Kamakhya Temple. It is has launched 11 editions of the Defence India
celebrated during the monsoon season that Start-up Challenge and recently unveiled the
happens to fall during the Assamese month Acing Development of Innovative Technologies
Ahaar, around the middle of June. It is with iDEX (ADITI) scheme to promote
the celebration of the yearly menstruation innovations in critical and strategic defence
course of goddess Maa Kamakhya. technologies. It was the recipient of Prime
Kamakhya temple: It is situated on Nilachal Minister Award for Public Policy in Innovation
Hill and adjoining the southern bank of the Category in 2021 and is currently engaged with
Brahmaputra River in Guwahati, Assam. It is one over 400 start-ups and MSMEs.
of the most revered centres of Tantric practices.
It is regarded as one of the oldest of the 51 Shakti 28 JUNE
Peethas in India.
Temple Architecture: It had been modelled out 1. Space MAITRI Mission: Recently, the
of a combination of two different styles namely, Australian government entered into an $18
the traditional nagara or North Indian and million memorandum of understanding (MoU)
Saracenic or Mughal style of architecture. This with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the
combination has been named the Nilachala Style commercial arm of the Indian Space Research
of Architecture. It consists of five Organisation (ISRO) under the space MAITRI
chambers, garbhagrihaor sanctuary, antarala or mission. Space MAITRI (Mission for Australia-
vestibule, Jagan Mohan or principal India's Technology, Research and Innovation),
chamber, bhogmandir or ritual chamber represents a major step forward in the strategic
and natmandir or opera hall for performing partnership between the two nations in the space
traditional dance and music associated with sukti domain. It aims to foster closer ties between
temples. commercial, institutional and governmental
space organizations from India and Australia. It
3. Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX): It focuses on debris management and sustainability,
is the flagship initiative of the Union Ministry of aligning with both nations' core values and
Defence. It aims to achieve self-reliance and foster objectives in promoting responsible space
innovation and technology development in operations and mitigating the growing threat of
Defence and Aerospace by engaging space debris. Under this agreement, NewSpace
Industries including MSMEs, start-ups, India Limited will launch Australia’s Space
individual innovators, R&D institutes and Machines Company's second Optimus
academia. It has partnered with leading incubators spacecraft in 2026. The 450kg Optimus
in the country to provide handholding, technical spacecraft, the largest Australian-designed and
support and guidance to the winners of iDEX built spacecraft to date, will be launched on
challenges. ISRO's Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).
Funding: iDEX will be funded and managed by
a ‘Defence Innovation Organization (DIO)’ 2. eSakhsya App: It is a mobile-based application
which has been formed as a ‘not for profit to help police record the scene of crime, search
companyas per Section 8 of the Companies Act and seizure in a criminal case and upload the file
2013 by the two founder members, i.e. Defence on the cloud-based platform.
Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) - HAL &

91
Working: The police official will have to upload Manure, or phosphate-rich organic Manure
a selfie after the procedure is complete. Each produced at biogas and compressed biogas plants
recording could be a maximum four minutes long under the GOBARdhan initiative.
and several such files could be uploaded for each
First Information Report (FIR). This mobile Eligibility: Anyone who operates or intends to set
application developed by the National up a biogas/ CBG/ Bio CNG plant in India can
Informatics Centre (NIC) will be available to all obtain a registration number by registering in this
police stations which register and download the unified registration portal. The registration number
App. is required to avail of benefits/ support from other
Ministries/ Departments.
3. Exercise HOPEX: Recently, the Indian Air
Force and Egyptian Air Force participated in the Significance: The GOBARdhan initiative will
Exercise HOPEX 2024. It is the fourth joint get a boost as these new guidelines will
exercise of IAF (Indian Air Force) and EAF turbocharge the uptake of organic fertilizer
(Egyptian Air Force) which was held in Egypt. produced from the plants.
The aim of this exercise is to promote bilateral
and regional cooperation, which is a symbol of GOBAR-Dhan Scheme:
the long-standing relations between the two Launched: 2018.
countries. The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Rafale Ministry: Ministry of Jal Shakti.
fighter jets are currently in Egypt for Ex- Objective: to augment the income of farmers by
HOPEX. The C-17 Globemaster and IL-78 converting biodegradable waste into compressed
tankers are also participating in the weeklong biogas (CBG).
exercise. Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources
India and Egypt relationship: Diplomatic (GOBAR)-Dhan was launched by the Government
relations between India and Egypt began on 18 of India as a part of the biodegradable waste
August 1947 at the ambassadorial level. Both management component under the Swachh Bharat
countries have cooperated closely on multilateral Mission-Gramin.
forums as founding members of the Non-Aligned
Movement. In the year 2022, India and Egypt 29 JUNE
celebrated the 75th anniversary of diplomatic
relations, which reflects the depth of the 1. ABHYAS: It is a High Speed Expendable
relationship. Aerial Target (HEAT). It has been designed by
4. Unified Registration Portal for DRDO’s Aeronautical Development
GOBARdhan: Establishment, Bengaluru, and developed
Launched: 2023. through Production Agencies - Hindustan
Ministry: Ministry of Jal Shakti. Aeronautics Limited & Larsen & Toubro. It
Objective: to streamline the registration of offers a realistic threat scenario for weapon
Compressed Bio-Gas and biogas plants systems practice. This indigenous system is
nationwide. designed for autonomous flying with the help of an
This portal acts as a data repository for autopilot, a laptop-based Ground Control System
different activities of Gobardhan. It enables for aircraft integration, pre-flight checks, and
monitoring of the progress of the Programme. It autonomous flight. It also has a feature to record
provides real-time tracking, ensuring data during flight for post-flight analysis. The
transparency & and social accountability of the booster has been designed by Advanced
scheme. According to the guidelines, Market Systems Laboratory and the navigation system
Development Assistance of 1500 rupees per metric by Research Centre Imarat.
tonne will be granted for the sale of Fermented
Organic Manure or Liquid Fermented Organic

92
2. Bhuvan Panchayat geoportal 4.0: It is an involves inserting two tiny radioactive chips into
online geospatial data and services the horns of 20 rhinos The low-dose radioactive
dissemination platform to support integration and material is designed to be detectable by
utilisation of space-based information into radiation sensors at international borders
governance and research initiatives involving without harming the animals or the
spatial planning up to Gram Panchayat level. environment. The radioactive material is expected
Developed by: This WebGIS platform developed to last five years on the horn, making it a more
by NRSC, ISRO. cost-effective solution than dehorning every 18
It enables visual National Database for months. Additionally, the team sprayed 11,000
Emergency Management (NDEM) portal: It microdots on each treated horn for further
provides a comprehensive uniform, structured, identification. The team of scientists will take
multi-scale scale geospatial database for the entire follow-up blood samples to ensure the
country for situational assessment and effective rhinoceroses are effectively protected. South
decision-making during disasters/ emergency Africa, home to the majority of the world's
situations. It acts as a national level geo-portal to rhinos, has been battling a poaching crisis
provide space-based information with the driven by demand from Asia, where rhino
amalgamation of DSS tools and services of horns are used in traditional medicine.
disaster forecasting organisations with value
addition addressing all natural disasters in all 4. India's Bioeconomy recorded 12 times
phases of disasters for an effective Disaster Risk increase in last 10 years: Union Minister Dr
Reduction in the Country. It will also act as a Jitendra Singh inaugurates the ‘National Plant
Disaster Recovery and Data Provider node for Computational Biology & Bioinformatics
the Integrated Control Room for Emergency Facility’ at National Institute of Plant Genome
Response (ICR-ER) being established by MHA, research (NIPGR) marking the Silver Jubilee
New Delhi. celebrations of the Institute in New Delhi. He
also announced the release of ‘ADVIKA’, a new
3. Rhisotope Project: Recently, South African superior drought tolerant, climate smart chickpea
scientists injected radioactive material into live variety, which is notified in the Gazette and
rhinoceros horns under the Rhisotope Project to available for widespread production. India
curb poaching. It was started in 2021 in South produces 74% of the global chickpea output
Africa. It aims to make the rhinoceros horns and it can be a good source of foreign exchange
easier to detect at border posts and render them earnings.
useless for human consumption. The project

93
PLACES IN NEWS

1. Senkaku Islands: Japan has spotted Chinese  Lakes: Habbaniya, Razzaza or Lake Milh (man-
ships sailing near disputed Senkaku Islands in East made lake and it at the risk of drying up)
China Sea.
3. Siang Valley: Indian researchers have discovered
About Senkaku Islands: a new blue-coloured ant species named
 Also known as Diaoyu in Chinese. Paraparatrechina neela in Siang Valley.
 Located approximately 170km northwest of
Japan’s Ishigaki Island/ Okinawa Prefecture, About Siang Valley:
170km northeast of Taiwan and 330km from  Lies primarily in Arunachal Pradesh.
mainland China coast.  Brahmaputra River in Arunachal Pradesh is
 Comprises group of islands i.e. Uotsuri Island known as the Siang River.
(largest), Kuba Island, Taisho Island etc.  Part of the Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity
 Senkaku Islands have long been a contentious Hotspot.
issue between Japan and China.  Key Protected Areas in this valley includes
 Both nations assert historical claims over Mouling National Park and Daying Ering
uninhabited rocky chain. Wildlife Sanctuary.
 Tribal Groups: Nyishi, Adi tribes etc.
 Threat: Large-scale infrastructure projects like
dams, highways and military installations and
climate change.

4. Slovenia (Capital: Ljubljana): Slovenia

becomes latest European country to recognize a
Palestinian state.
Political Features:
2. Iraq (Capital: Baghdad): UNSC voted to end  Slovenia is a country in central Europe.
the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq  Land boundaries: Austria (North), Hungary
(UNAMI) established in 2003 following the United (far Northeast), Croatia (East, Southeast, and
States-led invasion. UNAMI was established to South), and Italy (West and South west).
coordinate post-conflict humanitarian and  It has an important coastline along the Gulf of
reconstruction efforts, and to help restore a Venice (northern arm of the Adriatic Sea).
representative government in the country.
Geographical Features:
Political Features:  Outside the coastal area, its terrain consists
 Territorial Boundaries: Turkiye (north), Iran largely of karstic plateaus and ridges,
(east), Syria and Jordan (west), Saudi Arabia magnificently precipitous Alpine peaks, etc.
and Kuwait (South)  Two-fifths of Slovenia is covered by the Alpine
 Maritime Boundaries: Opens into Persian Gulf region.
Geographical Features  Major Rivers: The Sava (a tributary of the
 Major Mountains: Sinjar Mountains, Zagros Danube), Dravinija, etc. Highest point: Mount
Mountains (Northern Iraq, bordering Iran) Triglav
 Rivers: Tigris, Euphrates

94
5. Panama (Capital: Panama City): Panama
becomes first nation to evacuate island community Geographical Features:
from Gardi Sugdub Island over climate change  Relief: 4 basic regions - Great African Rift
impact. Valley, central plateaus, the highlands, and the
isolated mountains.
Political Features:  Major Lakes: Lake Malawi and Lake Chilwa.
 Location: Country of Central America, located  Major Rivers: Rukuru, Dwangwa, Lilongwe,
on the Isthmus of Panama. Bua, etc.
 Isthmus of Panama is a narrow bridge of land  Major Ranges: Mt. Mulanje, Mt. Nakodzwe,
that connects North and South America. Mt. Dzole, Mt. Namasile, etc.
 Territorial Boundaries: Costa Rica (West) and  Highest Peak: Sapitwa peak (in Mt. Mulanje)
Colombia (East).
 Maritime Boundaries: Caribbean Sea (North) 8. Thailand (Capital: Bangkok): Thailand’s
and Pacific Ocean (South). senate has approved bill to legalize same-sex
marriage.
Geographical Features:
 Major Rivers: Río Chagres, Rio Chepo etc. Political features:
Major Mountain Range: Cordillera Central Located in the centre of mainland Southeast Asia.
(Central Mountain Range) Land Border: Myanmar (northwest), Cambodia
 Highest Peak: Barú Volcano (east), Laos (northeast) and Malaysia (south).
Water bodies: Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand.
6. Lipulekh Pass:
 It is located close to the tri-junction of India, Geographical features:
China (Tibet) and Nepal and is situated in Highest mountain: Doi inthanon.
Uttarakhand (Pithorgarh district). Major rivers: Mekong, Chao Phraya etc.
 It is a major pass of Kumaun region situated Climate: Tropical monsoon.
in Kali Valley. Natural resources: Tin, Rubber, Natural Gas,
 It has been an ancient trade route used for Tungsten, Tantalum, Timber etc.
centuries by traders, pilgrims, and travellers for
cultural exchange.
 Traveling through Lipulekh Pass significantly
reduces travel time for Kailash Mansarovar
Pilgrimage.

7. Malawi (Capital: Lilongwe): Malawi Vice

President was killed in a plane crash in the
Chikangawa mountain range.

Political Features:
 It is a landlocked country in southeastern
Africa.
 Neighbouring countries: Mozambique (East 9. Simlipal Tiger Reserve (STR)
and South), Zambia (West), and Tanzania
(North).

95
Location: STR is located within the Mayurbhanj The high concentration of methane in water may
District, in the Northernmost part of Odisha. have promoted the growth of methanotrophic
It is surrounded by high plateaus and hills, bacteria.
the highest peak being the twin peaks of This bacteria uses methane as their sole source of
Khairiburu and Meghashini (1515m above mean carbon and energy
sea level).
It was declared a 'Tiger Reserve' in the year
1956 and included under the national conservation
programme 'Project Tiger' in 1973.
The STR, along with a 'transitional area' of 2250
sq. km, was included as a part of the World
Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO in
the year 2009.
Terrain: The terrain is mostly undulating and
hilly, interspersed with open grasslands and wooded
areas.
Vegetation: It is a mix of different forest types and
habitats, with Northern tropical moist deciduous
dominating some semi-evergreen patches.
It is the only landscape in the world that is home
to melanistic tigers.
11. Armenia (Capital: Yerevan)
The region around STR is home to a variety of
Armenia has officially recognised Palestine as a
tribes, including Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija,
State.
Bhatudi, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia and
Sahara.
Political Boundaries
Location: Landlocked country of Transcaucasia
Flora:
(populated region to the south of the Caucasus
An astounding 1078 species of plants, including 94
Mountains).
species of orchids, are found here.
Border: Azerbaijan, Turkey, Nakhchivan
Sal is the dominant tree species here.
Autonomous Republic (an exclave of
Fauna: Leopard, Gaur, Elephant, Langur, Barking
Azerbaijan), Georgia, and Iran.
and Spotted Deer, Sloth Bear Mongoose, Flying
Squirrel, Porcupine, Turtle, Monitor Lizard, Python,
Nagorno-Karabakh is a disputed territory
Sambar, Pangolin etc.
between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
10. Nord Stream:
Geographical features:
Comprises a network of offshore pipelines (Nord
Topography: Mountainous terrain with no
Stream 1 and 2) supplying natural gas from Russia
lowlands
to northern Germany.
Highest Peak: Mount Aragats (Alaghez)
Pipelines pass through the territorial waters and/or
Rivers: Aras River
Exclusive Economic Zones of Russia, Finland,
Sweden, Denmark and Germany.

Impacts of Nord Stream’s Leakage:

96
 In 2006, India's first butterfly enclosure was
inaugurated at the park.
River: Suvarnamukhi stream, the main source of
water for the animals of the park, runs through the
centre of the park.
Vegetation: There are three types of vegetation that
can be found: Dry Deciduous Scrub
Forests, Southern Tropical Dry
12. Philippines (Capital: Manila): Deciduous Forests and Southern Tropical Moist
Recently, Philippines Ambassador said that Mixed Forests.
BrahMos missiles offer a “credible defense” for Flora: Include Narcissus latifolia, Schleichera
Southeast Asian country. oleosa, Sandalwood, Neem, Tamarind, Bamboo,
Eucalyptus etc.
Political features Fauna: Prime habitat for several species, including
Island country of Southeast Asia in western Pacific the endangered Asian Elephant, Indian gaur, Tiger,
Ocean. Sambar deer, Spotted deer, Leopard, Wild dog,
Water bodies: Philippine Sea (east), Celebes Sea Wild pig, Sloth bear, Common
(south), Sulu Sea (southwest), and South China Sea mongoose, Pangolin, Slender loris, Black-naped
(west and north). hare, etc.

Geographical features
Highest Point: Mount Apo.
Major Rivers: Cagayan River (Río Grande de
Cagayán), Mindanao, Agusan etc.
Climate: Tropical and monsoonal.

14. Lake Natron: Climate impact is impacting

Tanzania’s Lake Natron.

About Lake Natron

It is the only significant and regular breeding site
for the East African population of Lesser
Flamingo.
13. Bannerghatta National Park: Over 75 per cent of the world population of this
species migrates each year to Lake Natron to breed.
Location: It is located near Bangalore, Karnataka, It has a unique composition of warm waters and
in the hills of the Anekal range. salt, caustic soda, and magnesite deposits resulting
It was declared as a National Park in 1974. in pH as high as 10.5
It is the first biological park in India to have a It was added to the Ramsar Convention on
fenced forested elephant sanctuary. Wetlands List in 2001.

97
Concern: agriculture, pollution, and climate
change. Pench River divides it into two halves.
Flora: Mahua, White Kulu, Salai, Saja, Bijiyasal,
Dhaora, Amaltas, etc.
Fauna: Tiger, leopard, sloth bear, Indian gaur, wild
dog, wolf, etc.
It also finds mention in Ain-i-Akbari and it is the
original setting of Rudyard Kipling’s most
famous work, The Jungle Book.

15. Pench Tiger Reserve

Location: Spread across states of Maharashtra and

Madhya Pradesh in lower southern reaches of
Satpura hills.
Background: Status of National Park in 1975, and
Tiger Reserve in 1992.
Forest Types: South Indian Tropical Moist
Deciduous, Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Teak,
and Southern Dry Mixed Deciduous.

98
PRELIMS AND MAINS EDUBYTES

1. Why timely Monsoon is important? 1st census for entire India was conducted in 1881-
India's economy is closely linked to the monsoon Lord Ripon
season because it provides 70% of the rain needed
to irrigate farms and replenish reservoirs and Need for Census
aquifers. The monsoon season typically lasts from 1. provides basic statistics on state of human
June to September, and large areas of western and resources, demography, culture and economic
central India receive more than 90% of their total structure at local, regional and national level.
annual precipitation during this period. Hence it is important for policy making and
A good monsoon year can lead to increased decision making.
agricultural production, which can boost India's 2. Delimitation on constituencies depend on it.
GDP by 3%. A bumper harvest can also increase 3. Women's reservation (106th amendment) will
rural prosperity and demand for goods, while be effective only after census and following
helping to calm prices as supplies improve. delimitation.
(Source: Down to Earth) 4. Last census statistics is outdated as it was
conducted in 2011.

4. Critical Minerals
India has declared 30 minerals as critical mineral
2. State Best practices Economics of CMs- The global Critical Minerals
In the last week of May the Forest Department of Market size was valued at USD 320.43 billion in
J&K has used drones to extinguish forest fires in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 494.23 billion
Reasi area. This could be used in Himalayan by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.69% from 2023
region as the area becomes vulnerable to fire to 2030.
during dry season. (E.g. of best practices) Environmental Aspect- According to the
International Energy Agency (IEA), demand for
critical minerals is expected to increase fourfold by
2040 to meet climate goals.

Industry & Tech Aspect- Industries such as high-

tech electronics, telecommunications, transport,
and defense heavily rely on these minerals.
Additionally, critical minerals are essential for
3. Census
green technologies like solar panels, wind turbines,
1st census in India was conducted in 1872- Lord
batteries, and electric vehicles.
Mayo

Issues that India is facing-

99
1. Supply Chain Risk
2. Limited Reserves in India.
3. Industry dominated by the Chinese.
4. Industry related to this minerals requires high
Capex

6. Hallucination of AI
AI hallucinations are when an AI model generates
incorrect or misleading information, but presents it
as if it were true.

Can lead to-

5. Global Gender Gap index by WEF 1. Infodemic,
India's Rank 129 out of 146. 2. aid to indoctrination aspect of terror outfits,
Gender Gap Closure: India has closed 64.1% of 3. hate speech etc.
its gender gap as of 2024. It means 35.9% gap is yet
to addressed. (Related to Internal Security part of Mains
syllabus)
Issues faced by women:
1. One in every 10 women is living in extreme
poverty (10.3 per cent)
2. Less likely to have access to social protection.
3. Less access to finances & resources.
4. The digital divide remains a gendered one
with 37 per cent of women globally not using the
internet.
7. State of Global air-2024
5. Women are over-represented in informal and
Published by Health Effects Institute, a US-based
vulnerable employment.
research organization, in partnership with
6. Women are paid less than men and face various
UNICEF Report released)
forms of physical and mental abuse at work.
1. Globally, air pollution accounted for the 2nd
7. Disproportionate share of unpaid care and
largest risk factor of death (8.1 million deaths) in
domestic work.
2021, after High blood pressure.
2. 99% of the world's population lives in places
If women are treated at par with men-
with unhealthy levels of PM2.5 pollution.
1. If women’s unpaid work were assigned a
3. Populations from low and middle- income
monetary value, it would exceed up to 40 per cent
countries are exposed to 1.3-4 times higher levels of
of GDP in some countries.
ambient PM2.5.
2. Closing existing care policy gaps and expanding
care services with decent care work could create
Health risks of Air pollution in India-
almost 300 million jobs by 2035
1. India and China together accounted for 54%
Data-UN Women
of the total global disease burden linked to air
pollution.

100
Nearly 50% of all ozone-related Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) deaths
were in India in 2021

Initiatives to Combat Air Pollution in India-

1. National Clean Air Programme: To Improve
air quality in 131 cities (non-attainment cities and
Million Plus Cities) in 24 States.
2. Leapfrogging from BS-IV to BS-VI fuel
standards for the country, 9. India and Gulf Relations
3. National Air Quality Index: For dissemination Gulf region became integral part of India's
of information to public about daily air quality. Extended neighbourhood

8. Space Economy Strategic convergence in interest

India's share in global space economy to rise 4 Economic: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is
times by 2030 in comparison to 2021- Minister of India's largest regional bloc trading partner.
State for Science & Technology. Security: 55.3% of India’s total crude oil in 2022-
In 2023, size of India's space economy- $8.4 23 from the Gulf region
billion with a 2-3% global share & will rise to Regional geo-economic and connectivity focus:
15% by 2047. Engagement in various groups like I2U2 (India,
Israel, United Arab Emirates, United States), India-
Steps taken in Space Sector- Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC),
1. Indian 2023 Space Policy encourages enables etc.
end-to- end participation of private entities in all Defence and security cooperation: Such as
domains. securing maritime lines of communication from
2. IN-SPACE an independent nodal agency under pirates.
Department of Space for allowing space Welfare of Indian diaspora: More than 8 million
activities. Indians (or people of Indian origin) working in and
3. NSIL New Space India Limited to promote around this region.
private sector participation.
4. Space Start-ups- 1 in 2022. Now 200. Challenges
5. Presently, 100% FDI is allowed in the space 1. Hamas-Israel war and the Red Sea attacks on
sector. Indian ships by Yemen's houthis.
2. Growing engagement of Gulf countries with
Concerns China.
1. Space spending as a percentage of GDP remains
relatively low.
2. India only spends 0.04% of its GDP on space,
whereas United States spends 0.28%.
3. Dearth for trained personnel to meet the demands
of an expanding space program.
4. Absence of clear national space legislation,
which leads to a lack of clarity.

10. Custodial Death

101
1. There were more than 660 Custodial deaths in 3. Jarnail Singh Case (2018): Reservation in
the country from 2017 to 2022. promotions does not require the state to collect
2. Gujarat has reported the highest number of quantifiable data on the backwardness of the SCs
Custodial deaths (80) followed by Maharashtra. and the STs.
(Source- National Crime Records Bureau) 4. Janhit Abhiyan case (2022): Upheld the validity
of 103rd Constitutional amendment for providing
Constitutional Safeguards against EWS reservation (10%).
1. Article 14 (Right to equality before law)
2. Article 21 (Right to life) 12. "Cyber Mercenaries"
Cyber mercenaries are described as a person,
Legal Safeguards group of persons, or private actors that are hired
1. Sec 330 & 331 of IPC provides punishment for to carry out cyber offensive or defensive
injury inflicted for extorting confession during operations to take action on particular cyber
custody networks and infrastructure.
2. Section 176 Cr.P.C, calls for magisterial enquiry These enable spying on networks, computers,
in case of custodial death. phones, or devices connected by the internet.
3. The upcoming New Criminal Laws also contain Examples of cyber mercenaries include Lazarus,
provisions like- Sec 120, Sec 127 of Bhartiya Ocean Lotus group, NSO group etc.
Nyaya Sanhita on safeguarding the accused. They work as a business house and provide various
services against payment. It enables terror
Challenges in curbing Custodial death organization without high end cyber capabilities
1. Non-ratification of UN Convention against to hire these organizations/individual and carry out
torture, 1997 strikes in lieu of payment.
2. Absence of a National level anti-torture Challenges- Use of cyber mercenaries is considered
framework as a 'grey-zone' activity due to absence of agreed
3. Lengthy judicial proceedings international conventions regulating the domain.
4. Tremendous pressure on the police to detect
cases whenever there is a surge in crime, and
particularly heinous crime.

13. Deeptech Industry

Deep Tech startups leverage advanced technologies
like Al, IoT, Blockchain, and AR/VR to create
novel solutions for complex problems, often
11. Judgements related to reservation
combining multiple technologies to redefine or
1. Indra Sawhney Case (1992): Sets the limit for
create new markets. Ex: Agnikul, GalaxyEye,
reservation as 50%. It also nullified the provision of
Garvam Al
reservation in promotions and the concept of
'Creamy layer' was introduced.
2. M. Nagaraj Case (2006): Affirmative action Stats
India currently has 3600+ DeepTech startups.
should be only to such an extent as not to
Indian DeepTech startups have raised a cumulative
compromise efficiency in administration.
$10 Bn in the last 5 years (2023-2019).

102
 5. Features for budget management, ensuring
Concerns MPs can monitor expenditures.
1. Despite having the 3rd largest pool of Deep Tech
startups, India ranked 6th among the top 9 Deep
Tech ecosystems in the world.
2. In 2023, witnessed 77% decline in funding
compared to 2022
3. During the pre-commercialization phase, lacks
access to the necessary infrastructure.
4. Limited understanding of business operations and 15. Growing Internet user base
market dynamics. In January this year, there were 751 million internet
5. Competition from large enterprises for users (up from65million in2014), at a penetration
adequately skilled talent rate of 52.4 percent of the total population. It is
expected to grow to 900 million by 2025.
Initiatives taken
1. Draft National Deep Tech Startup Policy (2023) Significance
2. Technology Incubation and Development of 1. Boost to creators’ economy.
Entrepreneurs (TIDE 2.0) 2. Increased access to health. Eg- Telemedicines
3. Startup India Seed Fund, India Al Mission etc. 3. Enhancing service delivery. Eg- Arogya Setu
app usage in covid.
4. Financial Inclusion & EoDB. Eg- Paytm, BHIM
UPI
5. Easy access to educational content and upskilling
through internet. E.g- Udemy Platform

Concerns
14. Best Practices 1. Nearly half of the population is still out of the
Example of technology revolutionising ambit
administration & increasing transparency 2. Digital illiteracy. Leading to cyber frauds.
e-SAKSHI Portal-eSAKSHI portal is an end-to- 3. Doom scrolling
end solution for efficient and transparent 4. Infodemic
implementation of the MPLAD scheme.

Features
1. It allows MPs to propose, track, and oversee
the projects at their fingertips. This real-time
access enhances decision-making processes
2. Enabling swift responses to emerging needs or
issues.
3. The application will streamline the
16. Current clout on exams & Suggestions
communication between MPs and relevant
authorities.
Significance of a fair exam
4. Promotes transparency by providing MPs with
1. Exams in India are a social equalizer.
instant updates on the status and progress of their
2. Can removes backwardness of generations.
proposed projects.
3. It relates to aspirations of the youth.

103
 4. Improves economic condition 4. Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK): The MSK is a
centrally sponsored scheme to empower rural
Recommendations to bring transparency women through community participation. The aims
1. implementing cutting-edge encryption techniques to facilitate inter-sectoral convergence of schemes
and multi-factor authentication and programs meant for women.
2. Blockchain technology to track and secure
examination papers from creation to evaluation &
ensuring that any tampering is immediately
detectable.
3. Updated SOPs & stringent security measures are
vital at every stage. This includes tamper-evident
packaging for examination materials, secure
transportation, and rigorous checks at all handling
points. 18. Water Credit
4. Employing real-time GPS tracking for logistics A market-based mechanism similar to carbon
and using digital watermarking can also credits, which incentivises water conservation and
significantly reduce the risk of leaks. quality improvement. credits. Individuals and
5. Biometric verification can ensure that candidates. entities can earn tradable. These credits can then be
sold to others needing to offset their water usage.

Significance
1. Help in achieving SDG6 (Clean Water and
Sanitation).
2. In India, 11 out 15 major river basins will be
water-stressed by 2025.
17. Schemes related to women 3. Enhance water use efficiency in agriculture,
1. Mission Shakti- Mission Shakti comprises of which is the largest extractor of groundwater.
two sub-schemes ‘Sambal’ and ‘Samarthya’ for 4. Promote and foster investment in sustainable
safety and security of women and the empowerment water management practices.
of women respectively.
2. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana- The Associated Challenges
Scheme envisages providing a cash incentive 1. Unlike carbon emissions, water savings require
amounting to Rs. 5,000/- in two installments localized approach, factoring in rainfall and
directly to the Bank/Post Office Account of consumption at a watershed level.
Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers (PW & 2. Spatial limitation for transactions as they are
LM) in Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Mode during confined to hydrological boundaries.
pregnancy and lactation. 3. Preventing wealthier entities from dominating the
3. One-Stop Centres- For women affected by market.
violence and in need of assistance, a range of
integrated services is being provided under one Best Practices- Water is traded on markets in
roof, including facilitation with police, medical and Murray-Darling basin in Australia, which helped
legal aid and counselling and psycho-social farmers make more productive use of water.
counselling through One-Stop Centers or Sakhi
Centers across States/UTs.

104
 It generally uses non-standard communication.
protocols which make it inaccessible to internet
service providers (ISPs) or government authorities.

Content on DarkNet is encrypted and requires a

19. Rooftop solar System specific browser such as TOR (The Onion Ring)
India has installed only 7.5GW of solar Rooftop browser to access those pages.
system by 2022 against the target of 40GW. It is a part of the Deep Web which includes sites
that are protected by passwords (refer to the
Importance of Solar Power infographic) Part of the internet that is readily
1. Environment Friendly available to the general public and searchable on
2. Positions India as a global leader in standard search engines is called as Surface Web.
transformation.
3. Employment & Growth of Industry Applications
1. Journalists and citizens working in oppressive
Related Scheme- The Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar regimes (to communicate without any government
Muft Bijli Yojana to fit one crore households with censorship)
Rooftop Solar systems and help them get up to 300 2. Researchers and students to do research on
units of free electricity every month. sensitive topics
3. Law enforcement agencies etc.
Importance of the Scheme
1. Lessens the electricity bill burden of a household Concerns:
so that resources can be diverted to human capacity 1. Due to anonymity it facilitates illicit activity,
development. drug dealing, child pornography, etc.
2. Helps in achieving Solar rooftop power target. 2. communication by terrorists
3. Black Marketing
Way Forward It is alleged that recently cancelled NEET papers
1. Creating awareness is key to getting consumers were traded in Dark Web
on board.
2. RTS needs to be economically viable for
households.
3. Low-cost financing options are required.
4. Promoting R&D in solar technology, energy
storage solutions
5. Investments in training programmes, (like the
'Suryamitra' solar PV technician programme
initiated in 2015).

21. Electronic Industry

Electronics production is expected to grow from
USD 102 billion in 2023 to USD 500 billion by
2030(Confederation of Indian Industry).
China accounts for 62% of India's electronic
component imports.
20. Dark Web

105
Major domains components/sub-assemblies-
batteries (lithium-ion), displays and Printed Ladli Bahin' scheme of Maharashtra can be used in
Circuit Board. women empowerment related topics

Opportunities 23. MSME

1. To become a global hub. Globally, MSMEs account for 90% of businesses,
2. Reap dividend of young work force. 60 to 70% of employment, and 50% of GDP.
3. Reducing imports In India, share of MSME GVA in all India GDP
4. Stabilise the supply chain stands at 29.1% (2021-22) with its share in export
5. Electronics is essential in every tech domain. amounting to 43.59% (2022-23).

Challenges Significance
1. Higher import tariffs 1. GDP Contribution and Employment Generation.
2. Requires high initial cost 2. Contribution to Manufacturing Output
3. High energy and clean water requirement. 3. Export Promotion
4. Low R&D. 4. Check Rural Unemployment
5. Criticality of supply chain. 5. Innovation and Entrepreneurship
6. MSMEs are important in the implementation of
Government initiatives SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth) and
1. The Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI) SDG 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure).
for Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing, IT
Hardware,etc. Challenges
2. Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of 1. Lack of access to finance: commercial banks
Electronic Components and Semiconductors fulfills only 16% of credit demand.
(SPECS). 2. Delayed Payments
3. Modified Electronics Manufacturing Clusters 3. Limited Skilled Workforce
Scheme (EMC 2.0). 4. Limited Branding and Outreach
4. National Policy on Electronics 2019. 5. Infrastructure Constraints

Initiatives by Govt
1. Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojna,
2. Priority Sector Lending for MSMES
3. Udyam Registration
4. CHAMPIONS Portal
5. RAMP Scheme

24. Example of fiscal mismanagement

PUBLIC WORKS Department (PWD) officials in
22. Mumbai gave a total of Rs 26 crore to private

106
contractors, for maintenance and repair work done diversion that violated norms, and bypassed several
at official bungalows allotted to Maharashtra’s checks and balances, records investigated by Indian
ministers, from funds released solely to pay water Express.
and power bills at these residences — an alleged

107
EDUFACTS

3RD JUNE 7 JUNE

1. While India accounts for nearly 80% of 1. Election of 74 women to 18th Lok Sabha (LS)
Asia’s and 20% of global millet production, is a slight dip in women representation as 78
the acreage and production of millets have women were elected to 17th LS (14.4%
stagnated over the years (RBI annual report representation).
2023-2024). 2. India has largest area under groundwater
2. As per data released by Department for irrigation in world. As per Dynamic Groundwater
Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade Resource assessment 2022, 14% of assessed units
(DPIIT), FDI inflows in 2023-24 contracts by are overexploited and 4% are critical.
3.49% to $44.42 billion as compared with
2022-23. 8 JUNE
1. Prevalence of misinformation in political
4 JUNE campaigns is a global trend. E.g., Around 50,000
fake news posts were published and shared over
1. ICRIER Releases Policy Brief on Post-Harvest 2 million times in India during 2019 general
Losses (PHL) in India: elections.
2. Education and Climate Change: 50% of 100
Key highlights:
countries in recent UNESCO survey have no
 Production in India Food Grain: Increased
mention of climate change in their curriculum.
from 74.23 million metric tonnes (MMT) in
Around 70% of young people could not explain
1966-67 to
climate disruption.
330.5 MMT in 2022-23.
 Horticulture: Increased from 96.6 MMT in
1991-92 to 355.25 MMT in 2022-23. 9 JUNE
 India’s Storage capacity: Expanded from 108.8
MMT in 2010 to 219.4 MMT in 2021 1. The average estimated Monthly Per Capita
 PHL: Globally, around 30% of food produced Consumption Expenditure (MPCE) in 2022-23 is
never reaches consumers (FAO, 2021). observed to be Rs. 3,773 in rural India and Rs.
 India faces higher PHL in cereals, pulses, and 6,459 in urban India. Share of expenditure on
oilseeds than global levels. food in rural India was 46% and in urban India
was 39%.
 Annual loss of US $18.5 billion from 2020 to
2022, despite some reduction in PHL from 2012 2. UNICEF releases “Child Nutrition Report,
to 2022. 2024”: Key findings Prevalence: ~27% children
live in severe CFP, globally. In India, 40% of
5 JUNE children suffer from severe CFP (2nd highest
1. As per National Commission on Floods, around burden in South Asia after Afghanistan).
39.58% of total land area of Assam is flood-
prone area. Factors behind frequent floods in
Assam 12 JUNE
2. High-income economies with just 16.4 % of 1. State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2024
world’s population accounted for 46 % of the report released:
global GDP. On the other hand, low-income
economies (8.4 % of world’s population) Key findings of the report:
accounted for just 1 % of global GDP

108
 World fisheries and aquaculture production hit a 1. Around 70% of ammonia is used for fertilizers;
new high in 2022 at 223.2 million tonnes. the rest is used for industrial applications, including
 With 8 percent of total production, India plastics, explosives, and synthetic fibres.
ranked second in aquatic animals production. 2. Bangladesh is India’s biggest trade partner in
 For the First time, aquaculture surpassed South Asia and India is the second biggest trade
capture fisheries as the main producer of partner of Bangladesh in Asia.
aquaticanimals.
 With 1.9 million tonnes, India ranked first in 26 JUNE
Inland fisheries production 1. India is highly dependent on imported fuel –
crude oil and natural gas, 82% and 45% of total
13 JUNE requirement.
1. An average of 5.6 billion tonnes of CO2 2. In India, construction of toilets decreased girls’
equivalent was emitted from tropical deforestation
dropout rate by 12% points and that of boys by
per year between 2019 and 2023 for top 20
11% points.
countries.
2. Urbanization alone has led to an overall 60% 27 JUNE
enhancement in warming in Indian cities, with 1. In India, ~4.63% of Coronary Heart Disease
eastern Tier-II cities leading the way. deaths are attributable to TFA intake. WHO’s
recommendation for adults is to limit consumption
20 JUNE of trans fat to less than 1% of total energy intake.
1. Women Workforce in Agriculture Sector 2. Boosting ST representation through PESA led to
Status: Agriculture employs about 80% of rural average increase of tree canopy by 3% per year and
women (NITI Aayog). reduced deforestation.
Ownership: The percentage of female operational
holdings has increased from 12.78 percent during 28 JUNE
2010-11 to 13.78 percent during 2015-16. 1. China accounts for 62% of India’s electronic
component imports.
21 JUNE 2. In the decade to 2022, the number of people
1. Clean energy infrastructure investments reached using illicit drugs increased to 292 million.
$1.8 trillion in 2023, with nearly 90% of the growth
since 2021 occurring in advanced economies and 29 JUNE
China. 1. Scheduled commercial banks Gross NPAs
(GNPAs) and Net NPA ratios fell to multi-year
24 JUNE lows of 2.8% and 0.6% respectively at March-end
1. Agriculture and allied sector accounted for 2024.
18.2% of the Gross Value Added (GVA) at 2. In India, share of MSME Gross Value Added
current prices in 2022-23. Share of various sub- (GVA) in all India GDP stands at 29.1% (2021-22)
sectors are Crop (54.3%), Livestock (30.9%), with its share in export amounting to 43.59% (2022-
Forestry (7.9%), and Fishing and aquaculture 23).
(6.9%).
2. Despite having the 3rd largest pool of DeepTech
startups, India ranked 6th among the top 9
DeepTech ecosystems in the world.

25 JUNE

109