985dc-pt 365 Updated Part 1

PT 365 UPDATED PART 1
Table of Contents
1. POLITY ___________________________ 5 3.3.4. Securitization of Stressed Assets Framework
1.1. Separation of Power ________________ 5 (SSAF) _________________________________ 40
1.2. Federalism: Unique Status of Delhi ____ 6 3.3.5. RBI Related Developments ___________ 41
1.3. Speaker of the House _______________ 7 3.4. Payment Systems and Financial Markets
1.4. Deputy Speaker ____________________ 8 ____________________________________ 42
3.4.1. Municipal Bonds____________________ 42
1.5. Parliamentary Privileges _____________ 9
3.4.2. Social Stock Exchange _______________ 44
1.6. Office of Mayor ____________________ 9 3.4.3. Key Terms and Concepts in Financial
1.7. Online Gaming ____________________ 10 Markets________________________________ 44
1.8. Audit Data Standardisation _________ 11 3.5. External Sector____________________ 46
1.9. Aspirational Block Programme (ABP) __ 11 3.5.1. WTO: New Agreement on Fisheries
1.10. Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) ___ 12 Subsidies _______________________________ 46
1.11. Public Service Content ____________ 13 3.5.2. Key Terms and Concepts in External Sector
1.12. Other Important News ____________ 13 ______________________________________ 46
1.13. Errata __________________________ 17 3.6. Labour and Employment ____________ 48
2. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS _________ 18 3.6.1. e-Shram Portal _____________________ 48
2.1. India-Egypt_______________________ 18 3.6.2. International Labour Organization (ILO) _ 49
3.6.3. Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) ____ 49
2.2. India-Qatar ______________________ 19
3.7. Innovation, Skill Development and
2.3. India-South Korea _________________ 19
Entrepreneurship _____________________ 50
2.4. India-Eurasia _____________________ 20
3.7.1. Vocational Education in India _________ 50
2.5. Indo-Russian Friendship Treaty ______ 21
3.8. Agriculture _______________________ 51
2.6. Initiative on Critical and Emerging 3.8.1. Fertiliser Sector in India ______________ 51
Technology (iCET) _____________________ 21 3.8.2. Agricultural Exports _________________ 52
2.7. Indian Diaspora ___________________ 22 3.8.3. Key Terms and Concepts in Agriculture _ 52
2.8. India and Global South _____________ 23 3.9. Industry _________________________ 53
2.9. International Financial Architecture (IFA) 3.9.1. Technical Textiles ___________________ 53
___________________________________ 23 3.10. Infrastructure____________________ 54
2.10. Wassenaar Arrangement __________ 24 3.10.1. Inland Waterways in India ___________ 54
2.11. India and UN Peacekeeping ________ 24 3.10.2. Digital Public Infrastructure __________ 55
2.12. International Organisations/Institutions 3.11. Key Reports in News ______________ 57
___________________________________ 25 3.11.1. Fostering Effective Energy Transition
2.13. Other Important News ____________ 26 Report _________________________________ 57
2.14. Places in News ___________________ 29 3.11.2. Global Risk Report 2023 ____________ 57
3.11.3. Global Economic Prospects Report ____ 57
2.15. Military Exercises in News _________ 31
3.11.4. World Economic Situation and Prospects
3. ECONOMY _______________________ 33 2023 Report ____________________________ 58
3.1. Growth, Development and Poverty 3.11.5. World Economic Outlook (WEO) ______ 58
Alleviation___________________________ 33 3.12. Miscellaneous ___________________ 58
3.1.1. Mahila Samman Savings Certificate ____ 33 4. ENVIRONMENT ___________________ 60
3.1.2. National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM)
4.1. Climate Change ___________________ 60
______________________________________ 33
4.1.1. Article 6.2 Mechanism of Paris Agreement
3.1.3. Key Terms and Concepts in Growth and
______________________________________ 60
Development ___________________________ 34
4.1.2. Initiatives in News __________________ 60
3.2. Fiscal Policy ______________________ 35
4.2. Pollution_________________________ 61
3.2.1. State Finances _____________________ 35
4.2.1. Fly Ash Utilization___________________ 61
3.2.2. Government Securities (G-Secs) _______ 36
4.2.2. 1st All India Annual States' Ministers
3.2.3. Fuel Tax Rate ______________________ 36
Conference _____________________________ 62
3.3. Banking, Asset Quality, Restructuring and 4.2.3. Traditional Water Conservation _______ 63
Monetary Policy ______________________ 37 4.2.4. E-Waste (Management) Amendment Rules,
3.3.1. Microfinance Sector ________________ 37 2023 __________________________________ 64
3.3.2. Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) __ 38 4.2.5. Other Pollutants in News _____________ 65
3.3.3. Loan-Loss Provisions (LLPs) ___________ 39 4.3. Biodiversity ______________________ 66
4.3.1. Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) ________ 66
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4.3.2. First Synchronized Vulture Survey _____ 66 5.4.3. Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Report
4.3.3. Mangroves Ecosystem ______________ 67 ______________________________________ 97
4.3.4. Fifth International Marine Protected Areas 5.5. National Digital University (NDU) _____ 98
Congress ______________________________ 68 5.6. Draft National Medical Commission
4.3.5. Draft Geo-heritage Sites and Geo-relics (Amendment) Bill-2022 ________________ 98
(Preservation and Maintenance) Bill ________ 69 5.7. Euthanasia ______________________ 100
4.3.6. Protected Areas in News_____________ 70
5.8. Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan
4.3.7. Species in News ____________________ 71
4.3.8. Other Related News ________________ 72
Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) ____________ 101
4.4. Sustainable Development ___________ 73 5.9. New Organ Transplantation Guidelines
4.4.1. Large Dams in India _________________ 73 ___________________________________ 101
4.4.2. International Container Transhipment Port 5.10. Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) __________ 103
(ICTP) _________________________________ 73 5.11. Census ________________________ 104
4.4.3. Circular Economy __________________ 74 5.12. Other Important News ___________ 104
4.4.4. Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) 5.13. Errata _________________________ 108
______________________________________ 75 6. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ________ 109
4.4.5. Ethanol Blending ___________________ 76 6.1. Biotechnology ___________________ 109
4.4.6. Standards and Labeling Program (SLP) of 6.1.1. Stem Cells ________________________ 109
Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) ___________ 77 6.1.2. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) _________ 110
4.4.7. Organic Farming Certification _________ 78
6.2. Nanotechnology _________________ 110
4.4.8. Nano Urea ________________________ 78
6.2.1. Nano Urea _______________________ 110
4.4.9. Aquaculture _______________________ 80
4.4.10. Other Related News _______________ 80
6.3. IT and Computer _________________ 111
6.3.1. MicroLEDs (Light Emitting Diode) Displays
4.5. Disaster Management ______________ 82
_____________________________________ 111
4.5.1. Glacial Lakes Outburst Floods (GLOFs) __ 82
6.3.2. Quantum Coherence _______________ 112
4.5.2. Anatolian Plate ____________________ 83
6.3.3. Digital Connectivity Infrastructure Provider
4.5.3. Disaster Management Plan (DMP) for Power
(DCIP) ________________________________ 113
Sector _________________________________ 83
6.3.4. Other Important News ______________ 113
4.5.4. Other Related News ________________ 84
6.4. Space Technology ________________ 114
4.6. Geography _______________________ 84
6.4.1. Gaganyaan _______________________ 114
4.6.1. Samudrayaan Mission _______________ 84
6.4.2. Chandrayaan 3 ____________________ 116
4.6.2. Global Overturning Circulation (GOC) __ 86
6.4.3. Volcanic Rocks on Moon ____________ 117
4.6.3. Heat Dome _______________________ 86
4.6.4. Earth’s Inner Core __________________ 87
6.5. NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar
4.6.5. Other Related News ________________ 87 (NISAR) Satellite _____________________ 117
4.6.6. Places in News _____________________ 89 6.5.1. Hybrid-Sounding Rocket ____________ 119
4.6.6.1. India _________________________ 89 6.5.2. Other Important News ______________ 119
4.6.6.2. International___________________ 89 6.6. Health__________________________ 121
4.7. Reports and Indices in News _________ 90 6.6.1. Transfat _________________________ 121
4.8. Updates _________________________ 92 6.6.2. Neglected Tropical Diseases _________ 122
4.8.1. Ladakh’s First Biodiversity Heritage Site 92 6.6.3. WHO’s Pandemic Treaty ____________ 123
4.8.2. South Africa Translocates 12 Cheetahs to 6.6.4. Vaccine-derived Poliovirus (VDPV) ____ 123
India __________________________________ 92 6.6.5. Other Important News ______________ 123
4.8.3. RBI to Issue Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) 6.7. Defence ________________________ 125
in Two Tranches of Rs 8000 Crore Each ______ 92 6.7.1. Military Applications of Drones _______ 125
4.8.4. Rooftop Solar (RTS) Programme _______ 92 6.7.2. Responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in
4.9. Errata ___________________________ 92 Military (REAIM) ________________________ 126
6.7.3. Other Important News ______________ 126
5. SOCIAL ISSUES ____________________ 94
6.8. Alternative Energy ________________ 127
5.1. Women in Workforce ______________ 94 6.8.1. National Green Hydrogen Mission ____ 127
5.2. Gender Budgeting _________________ 94 6.8.2. Nuclear Energy Program ____________ 129
5.3. Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups 6.8.3. Other Important News ______________ 130
(PVTG’s) ____________________________ 95 6.9. Miscellaneous ___________________ 130
5.4. Educational Reports in News ________ 96 6.9.1. Lithium Deposits in India ____________ 130
5.4.1. All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 6.9.2. Other Important News ______________ 132
2020-2021 _____________________________ 96 6.10. Errata _________________________ 133
5.4.2. Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 7. CULTURE _______________________ 134
2022 __________________________________ 97
7.1. Architecture _____________________ 134
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7.1.1. Charaideo Maidams (Ahom Burial Mounds) 7.5. Roots of Democratic Values in India __ 141
_____________________________________ 134 7.6. Festivals in News _________________ 142
7.1.2. Sammed Shikhar and Shetrunjay Hill __ 134 7.6.1. Harvest Festivals of India ____________ 142
7.1.3. Purana Qila ______________________ 135 7.6.2. Other Important Festivals in News ____ 143
7.1.4. Other Important News _____________ 136 7.7. Awards in News __________________ 144
7.2. Paintings and Other Art Forms ______ 138 7.7.1. Padma Awards ____________________ 144
7.3. Personalities ____________________ 138 7.7.2. Other Awards in News ______________ 145
7.3.1. Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati ______ 138 7.8. Other Important News ____________ 145
7.3.2. Other Important News _____________ 140 7.9. Errata __________________________ 146
7.4. Monuments of National Importance _ 140
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1. POLITY
1.1. SEPARATION OF POWER
Why in News?
Recently, demand of executive representation in collegium system had started debate over doctrine of
separation of power in Indian Constitutional setup.
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Related News
National Judicial Commission (NJC) Bill 2022
• Recently, private member bill NJC Bill 2022 was introduced in Rajya Sabha.
• NJC Bill 2022 aims to regulate appointment of judges to High Courts and Supreme Court through National Judicial
Commission.
• Bill seeks to regulate the procedure to be followed by NJC:
o for recommending persons for appointment as the CJI and other Judges of SC and Chief Justices and other
Judges of High Courts.
o for their transfers and to lay down judicial standards and provide for accountability of Judges.
o establish credible and expedient mechanism for investigating into individual complaints for misbehavior or
incapacity of a judge of SC or of a HC.
o for presentation of an address by Parliament to President in relation to proceeding for removal of a Judge.
1.2. FEDERALISM: UNIQUE STATUS OF DELHI

Why in News?
In recent times, tussle is going on between UTs and Centre
affecting routine administrative work in UTs.
More about News
• In SC, a case is going on the tussle between Delhi
government and Centre over administrative control of
postings and transfers of civil servants belonging to
All India Services serving in Delhi.
• Central government stated that a Union Territory is
nothing but an extension of Union (of India).
Present Status of Delhi as UT
• 69th Amendment of Constitution in 1991 gave National
Capital of Delhi special status with its own
democratically elected government and legislative
assembly.
o Insertion of new Articles 239AA and 239AB after
Article 239A of Constitution.
o Legislative Assembly shall have power to
enumerate anything in State List or in Concurrent
List in so far as any such matter is applicable to
Union territories.
o Provided that in case of difference of opinion
between Lieutenant Governor (L-G) and his
Ministers on any matter, L-G shall refer it to
President for decision and act according to the
decision given thereon by the President.
o Public order, Police and Land in NCT of Delhi fall
within domain of Union
Government. Difference between LG power in Delhi and Puducherry
• Government of National • LG of Delhi enjoys greater powers than LG of Puducherry.
Capital Territory of Delhi o LG of Delhi has “Executive Functions” that allow him to exercise
(Amendment) Act (GNCTD) his powers in matters connected to “public order, police and land
2021 “in consultation with Chief Minister, if it is so provided under any
o Term “government” in any order issued by President under Article 239 of Constitution”.
• LG of Delhi is also guided by GNCTD (Amendment) Act 2021, and
law made by Legislative
Transaction of Business of Government of National Capital Territory of
Assembly shall mean L-G. Delhi Rules, 1993, LG of Puducherry is guided mostly by Government of
o L-G’s opinion shall be Union Territories Act, 1963.
obtained before • Articles 239 and 239AA of Constitution, as well as GNCTD
government takes any (Amendment) Act 2021, clearly underline that Delhi is a UT, where
Centre has a much more prominent role than in Puducherry.
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executive action based on decisions taken by the Cabinet or any individual ministers.
o L-G will not assent to and pass on to President for consideration any Bill which “incidentally covers any
of matters which falls outside purview of the powers conferred on Legislative Assembly”.
1.3. SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE

Why in news?
Recently, Kevin McCarthy elected as the U.S. House of representatives Speaker.
Comparison
U.S. House of Speaker of lok sabha
representatives Speaker
• The Speaker of the • Speaker of loksabha
House is elected by a is elected by simple
simple majority during majority of members
the first session of present and voting in
Congress. the house.
• He is simultaneously • The Speaker is the
the House’s presiding Presiding Officers of
officer, party leader, the Lok Sabha.
and institution’s • The Speaker is the
administrative head, head of the Lok
among other duties. Sabha Secretariat
which functions
under his/her ultimate
control and direction.
• Constitution does not • Need to be a Lok
prevent a Sabha member to be
congressperson from elected.
nominating an
outsider.
o Speaker usually is
selected from among
the elected members
of the House.
• He is elected by the • Speaker of the Lok
house every two years. Sabha serves a five-
year term.
o Holds office from
his/her election till
immediately before
the first meeting of
the Lok Sabha after
the dissolution of
the one to which
he/she was elected.
• Speaker is second in • There is no such
line to succeed the provision for speaker
President, after Vice in India
President.
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1.4. DEPUTY SPEAKER
Why in news?
SC issued notices to Centre and five states (Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and
Jharkhand) over the failure to elect Deputy Speaker.
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1.5. PARLIAMENTARY PRIVILEGES
Why in the news?
Recently parts of the leader of the opposition speech
on motion of thanks on the President’s Address were
expunged. Experts cited that this is against the
Parliamentary Privileges of MP enjoyed under Article
105 of the Constitution.
About Parliamentary Privileges
• Parliamentary privileges are a legal immunity
enjoyed by members of legislatures, in which
legislators are granted protection against civil or
criminal liability for certain actions done or
statements made in course of their legislative
duties.
• Parliament is sole authority to ascertain if there
has been a breach of privilege or contempt of
House— no court is entrusted with this power.
• If presiding officer gives consent, Council can
either consider the question and come to a
decision or refer it to Committee of Privileges — a 10-member panel in Rajya Sabha and a 15-member
panel in Lok Sabha.
1.6. OFFICE OF MAYOR

Why in the news?
Recently, SC said the Constitution does not
allow nominated members of a municipality
the right to vote for selecting post of mayor.
About Indian system for Mayor
● Mayor in Municipal Corporation is
usually chosen through indirect election
by councillors from among themselves.
● Councillors act by committee, the most
powerful being the Standing Committee
with its role of steering committee
exercising executive, supervisory,
financial, and personnel powers.
● Municipal Commissioner is chief
Executive Officer and head of executive
arm of Municipal Corporation.
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o All executive powers are vested in Municipal Commissioner.
• The Constitution (74th Amendment) Act, 1992 provides for elected and nominated councillors.
o Nominated councillors are to be chosen by elected councillors for their special knowledge or
experience in municipal administration.
Case for direct election

In India, mayoral electoral process has undergone some experimentation in recent decades.
• Several states like –Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu – have mayors who are elected directly.
Merits Demerits
• Speed up decision-making process. • Difficult to remove mayor if her/his behaviour
• Mayors will have a personal democratic mandate to is arbitrary or corrupt.
‘deliver change’. • Reduce role of the elected councillors.
• Strengthen democratic politics and bring fresh life to local • ‘Presidentialisation’ of mayoral leadership will
engagement. be paradoxical in a system based on collective
• Improved accountability, and clarity. decision-making.
1.7. ONLINE GAMING

Why in news
MeitY has established three Grievance Appellate
Committees (GAC) under rule 3A of IT (Intermediary
Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
More in News
• Each GACs consists of a chairperson as Ex-officio,
and two whole-time members (one is retired
member) for a term of three years from the date of
assumption of office or until further orders, whichever is
earlier.
• Role of GACs
o Oversee and revoke content moderation-related
decisions taken by social media and other internet-
based platforms.
o If a user is unsatisfied with content moderation decision
taken by a social company's grievance officer, they can
appeal to GACs within one month. GAC will have to
resolve the appeal within a month of receipt of appeal.
o Committees can seek assistance of people with
expertise and experience while dealing with users'
appeals.
o They will adopt an online dispute resolution mechanism.
Regulation of Online Gaming
• Currently, there is no dedicated regulatory body for online gaming in India.
• Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is responsible for overseeing the sector, and the
Information Technology Act, 2000 governs online activities in India.
Related News
Recently, Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) released a new draft of amendments to Information Technology
(Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 regarding regulations for online gaming platforms.
Key amendments
• Online game: Game that is offered on Internet and is accessible by a user through a computer resource if he makes
a deposit with expectation of earning winnings.
• Self-regulatory body (SRB): Only games that are cleared by SRB will be allowed to legally operate in India.
• Norms for Online gaming companies
o Cannot engage in betting on outcome of games.
o Appoint a compliance officer, nodal officer (act as liaison official with government and assist law
enforcement agencies), and grievance officer (resolve user complaints).
o Mandatory KYC verification of players.
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1.8. AUDIT DATA STANDARDISATION
Why in the news?
Recently, Comptroller and
Auditor General of India (CAG)
said that the government must
adopt audit data standards.
More on News
• CAG said that such standards
will ensure that
data/information maintained
by various departments and
agencies can be seamlessly
organised for better analysis.
Present system of Audit
• Statutory Audit: Audit conducted by CAG through agency of Indian Audit and Accounts Department.
o As per Constitution as well as by Duties, Power, and Condition of service Act, 1971, it is the function
of CAG to
✓ Audit all expenditures from Consolidated Fund of India, States and UTs with Legislature.
✓ Audit all transactions of Union and states relating to contingency funds and public accounts.
✓ CAG is empowered to inspect any office connected with the transaction to which his/ her
authority extends.
• Internal Audit: It is internal to the organization.
o It is conducted by an agency or department created by the management of the organization.
✓ It is an integral part of organization and functions directly under Chief Executive.
✓ Extent of CAG is limited to test checking of internal audit work.
Related news
International Labour Organization (ILO), Geneva has chosen CAG to serve as its external auditor for a four-year term
from 2024 to 2027.
• CAG provided specifics, stating that ILO had established a panel for nomination of an external auditor and had
requested proposals from Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs).
o SAIs are public bodies responsible for auditing government revenue and expenditure. Nearly every SAI from
UN-member country is a member of INTOSAI.
o International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) is a voluntary, non-political organization
that works to promote auditing standards, good governance of SAIs, and SAI independence, among other
work.
✓ There are seven INTOSAI Regional Organizations.
✓ The regions are AFROSAI (Africa), ARABOSAI (Middle East and North Africa), ASOSAI (Asia), CAROSAI
(Caribbean), EUROSAI (Europe and Eurasia), OLACEFS (Latin America) and PASAI (Oceania).
o CAG has been elected as Chairman of ASOSAI from 2024-2027.
• World Health Organization (2020-2023), Food and Agriculture Organization (2020-2025), International Atomic
Energy Agency (2022-2027), Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (2021-2023), and Inter-
Parliamentary Union are currently being externally audited by CAG of India (2020-2022).
1.9. ASPIRATIONAL BLOCK PROGRAMME (ABP)

Why in news?
Prime Minister launched the government’s Aspirational Block Programme (ABP), which is aimed at improving
performance of blocks lagging on various development parameters.
More on news
• It was first announced in Union Budget 2022-23 and has been mentioned in Union Budget 2023-24.
• It is based on the model of Aspirational District Programme (ADP) that was launched in 2018 and covers
112 districts across the country.
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Features of Aspirational Block Programme (ABP)
Specifications Detail
Coverage • Programme has been launched for covering 500 blocks across 31 states and Union Territories
initially.
• Over half of these blocks are in 6 states—Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand,
Odisha and West Bengal (in decreasing order). However, states can add more blocks to the
programme later.
Aim • Saturation of essential government services across multiple domains such as health, nutrition,
education, agriculture, water resources, financial inclusion, skill development, and basic
infrastructure.
Key Indicators • 15 key socio-economic indicators (KSIs) under such multiple domains.
• States have flexibility to include additional state specific KSIs to address local challenges.
Periodic • KSIs will be tracked on a real-time basis and periodic rankings will be released across key
rankings thematic areas to foster a healthy and dynamic competition among the blocks.
Focus of • Improving governance to enhance quality of life of citizens in most difficult and underdeveloped
Programme blocks of India by converging existing schemes, defining outcomes, and monitoring them on a
constant basis.
Aspirational District Programme
• Aim: Launched in 2018, ADP aims to transform
112 most under-developed districts quickly
and effectively across 26 states and 1 union
territory across country.
• Focus of programme: With States as main
drivers, it focuses on strength of each district,
identifying low-hanging fruits for immediate
improvement and measuring progress by
ranking districts monthly.
• Key indicators: 49 Key Performance
Indicators (KPIs) under 5 broad socio-
economic themes - Health & Nutrition,
Education, Agriculture & Water Resources,
Financial Inclusion & Skill Development and Infrastructure.
o Delta Ranking captures incremental change in district rankings based on these KPIs.
o Baseline ranking captures district performance compared to baseline year.
1.10. VIBRANT VILLAGES PROGRAMME (VVP)

Why in news?
Cabinet approves Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) Scheme.
About VVP
• VVP, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, will provide funds for
development of essential infrastructure and creation of
livelihood opportunities along the northern land border.
o VVP (approved for 2022-23 to 2025-26 ) will cover Himachal
Pradesh (HP), Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and
Ladakh.
o Scheme will Related News
help in Village Defence Committees (VDCs)
improving • Recently, Lt Governor of Jammu and Kashmir agreed to set up VDCs.
quality of life of • First formed in the mid-1990s in Doda district, VDCs are a force multiplier against
people and militant attacks.
reversing o It involves residents of remote hilly villages who are trained and given
outmigration weapons to defend themselves.
adding to o They function under the direction of SP/SSP of district concerned with ex-
servicemen, ex-policemen and able-bodied youth as members on a voluntary
improved
basis.
security of
o VDCs are renamed as Village Defence Guards (VDGs) with increased payment.
border.
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• Key Features of the Scheme
o Vibrant Village Action Plans will be created by district administration with the help of Gram
Panchayats.
o Development of growth centres on Hub and Spoke Model through promotion of social
entrepreneurship, youth and women empowerment etc.
o Out of financial allocation of Rs. 4800 Crore, 2500 crore rupees will be used for roads.
o 100 % saturation of Central and state schemes will be ensured.
o No overlap with Border Area Development Programme (BADP).
✓ BADP aims to meet development needs of people living in remote and inaccessible areas situated
near international border.
✓ Outcomes expected: connectivity with all-weather road, drinking water, 24x7 electricity with
focus on Solar and wind energy, mobile and internet connectivity, Tourist/multi-purpose/health
and wellness Centers.PM sets USD 5 billion target in defence exports by 2024-25.
1.11. PUBLIC SERVICE CONTENT

Why in news?
Recently, advisory to telecast “Public service content” was released by Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting.
More on news
• Guidelines were stipulated in new unlinking-downlinking rules prescribed by Ministry in November 2022.
• Fresh advisory was issued after consultations with private satellite television channels and their
associations.
Key features
Content • Channel will undertake public service broadcasting for a minimum period of 30 minutes in a day
on themes of national importance and of social relevance like education, welfare of women,
protection of environment and of cultural heritage etc.
• Broadcasters have the liberty to modulate their content.
• Content can be shared between the Broadcasters.
Accounting • Channels will be required to air national interest content for 15 hours every month.
of Timing • Content need not be of 30 minutes at a stretch it can be split over smaller time slots but can’t be
done from midnight to 6 am.
Reporting • Voluntary compliance and self-certification would be the guiding principles.
• Broadcasters shall submit a monthly report on the Broadcast Seva Portal by the 7th of the
following month.
• Exemptions
o Foreign channels, downlinking in India (in languages other than those specified in the Eighth
schedule of Constitution).
o Channels broadcasting predominantly (more than 12 hours) sports and devotional, spiritual,
yoga content will be exempt from furnishing the monthly reports.
Identification • Electronic Media Monitoring Centre under Ministry shall keep the record of the content telecast
for a period of 90 days.
1.12. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

Alderman • SC said that Constitution does not allow aldermans of a municipality right to vote in meetings.
• Alderman refers to a member of a city council or municipal body, with exact responsibilities
depending on location of its usage.
• According to Delhi Municipal Corporation Act of 1957, LG (of National Capital Territory of Delhi)
may nominate ten individuals who are above age of 25 to corporation.
• Aldermen play an important role in elections of Standing Committees, MCD in-house and ward
committee meeting.
National level o Setting up of three national level MSCS will help in achieving the goal of ‘Sahakar-se-Samriddhi’
Multi-State (Prosperity through Cooperation) through inclusive growth model of cooperatives.
Cooperative
Societies
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(MSCS) under 3 New Significance
MSCS Act, 2002 Cooperative
bodies
National • Act as umbrella organization for exports of surplus goods/service.
Multi- State • Primary to national level cooperatives societies including primary societies,
Cooperative district, state and national level federations and MSCS can become its
Export member.
Society • Higher exports will increase production of goods and services and increase
employment opportunities.
• Increased export will promote “Make in India” thus leading to Atmanirbhar
Bharat.
National • Unlock demand and consumption of organic products in domestic and global
Multi- State markets.
Cooperative • Help farmers to get high price of organic product through aggregation,
Organic marketing, and branding.
Society • Provide institutional support for aggregation, certification, storage,
processing etc.
• Better management of entire supply chain of products.
National • Act as an apex organization for production, procurement, processing,
Multi- State branding, labelling, packaging, storage, marketing, and distribution of quality
Cooperative seeds.
Seed Society • Develop system for preservation and promotion of indigenous natural seeds.
• Increase seed replacement rate, varietal replacement rate, ensuring role of
farmers in quality seed cultivation.
• Quality seeds production reduces dependence on imported seeds, boost
• rural economy, strengthen food security.
Lokur • Experts have pointed that Office of Registrar-General of India (RGI) follows ‘obsolete’ criteria
Committee, set out by Lokur Committee to define any new community as a Scheduled Tribe (ST).
1965 • Criteria set out by Lokur Committee are indications of primitive traits, distinctive culture,
geographical isolation, shyness of contact with community at large, backwardness.
• New criteria under government consideration included
o Socio-economic, including educational, backwardness is-a-vis, rest of population of State;
o Historical geographical isolation;
o Distinct language/dialect;
o Presence of a core culture relating to life-cycle, marriage, songs, etc.
o Endogamy, or in case of exogamy, marital relationship primarily with other STs.
Horizontal • Uttarakhand Governor gave nod to 30% horizontal reservation in government jobs for
reservation and Uttarakhand women.
vertical
reservation
Commonwealt • Annual conference of 19th CPA India Region Zone III was inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker
h Parliamentary (ex-officio chairman).
Association • CPA, established in 1911, is made up of over 180 legislatures (or Branches) divided up between
(CPA) nine geographic regions of Commonwealth.
14
o Commonwealth is an association of 56 member states, majority of which are former
territories of British Empire.
• After Africa Region, India has the largest number of member Branches of CPA.
o CPA India Region is divided into 4 zones.
Joint • Parliament continues to be halt
Parliamentary over Opposition’s demand for a
Committee JPC.
(JPC)
Motion of • Article 87 deals with President's special address to houses of parliament at commencement of
Thanks first session after each general election and first session of every fiscal year.
• Following this, a ‘motion of thanks’ is moved in two Houses thanking President for his/her
address, which is then put to vote.
• MPs can express their disagreement by moving amendments to motion.
• Defeat of ‘Motion of thanks’ is seen as a defeat of the government.
Electronic • CJI announced the launch of e-SCR project to provide access to judgements to common public.
Supreme Court • E-SCR is an initiative to provide digital version of apex court’s judgments in manner as they are
Reports (e-SCR) reported in official law report ‘Supreme Court Reports’.
Project o Entire gamut of judgments from inception of SC in 1950 till date would be available freely
to lawyers and law students.
o These judgments will be accessible on Supreme Court’s website, mobile app and on
National Judicial Data Grid’s judgment portal.
Charge Sheets • SC held that charge sheet by probing agency is not a “public document”.
o It stated that putting it in public domain will violate the rights of victim, accused and
investigating agencies.
• Charge sheet refers to a formal police record showing the names of each person brought into
custody, nature of the accusations, and identity of the accusers.
• First Information Report (FIR) is a written document prepared by police when they receive
information about commission of a cognizable offence.
o Under Youth Bar Association Case (2016), SC issued directions to police to upload FIRs in
website within 24 hours except in sensitive cases like rape.
SC judgements • CJI stated that judgments delivered by SC will now be translated into four languages —Hindi,
to be available Tamil, Gujarati and Odia.
in 4 languages • CJI said that move will help in access to justice for citizens as English is not a comprehensible
language to majority of the citizens in country.
• CJI also launched an Online e-Inspection Software at Delhi High Court that will facilitate online
e-inspection of digitised judicial files through internet.
Bail Process • SC presses need for reform on bail processes.
• Bail refers to temporary release of accused in a criminal case in which court has a trial pending
and is yet to announce the judgement.
o Bail is a right if the person accused is detained or arrested for a bailable offence (Section
436 of CrPC).
o Anticipatory Bail: A person can apply for this if he/she could be arrested for a non-bailable
offense (Section 438 of CrPC).
15
• Court has power to cancel bail at any stage under sections 437 and 439 of CrPC.
o Grounds of cancellation of bail: When a person is indulged in criminal activity and misuse
of their liberty.
Judicial Review • SC stated that suitability of a candidate cleared by Collegium for appointment as a judge
cannot be a subject of judicial review.
• Judicial review is a type of court proceeding in which a judge reviews the lawfulness of a
decision or action made by a public body.
o Article 13 expressively provides for doctrine of judicial review.
• Scope of judicial review power of SC in India is narrower than that of what exists in US.
o American Constitution provides for ‘due process of law’ against that of ‘procedure
established by law’ in Indian Constitution.
Bar Council of • Supreme Court affirmed BCI’s
India (BCI) power to hold All India Bar
Examination, a test that a lawyer
has to qualify to practise law in
courts of country.
• BCI was established by Parliament
under Advocates Act, 1961 to
regulate and represent Indian bar.
• Statutory functions of BCI include
o Lay down standards of
professional conduct and
etiquette for advocates.
o Safeguard rights, privileges
and interests of advocates.
o Recognise Universities whose
degree in law shall be a
qualification for enrolment as
an advocate.
Senior • Central Government is seeking to change guidelines for designation of Senior Advocates.
Advocates o Guidelines were issued by SC in Indira Jaising vs. Union of India (2017).
• Senior Advocates are among three categories of Advocates that are entitled to practice law
before SC.
o An advocate is designated as senior by SC or a High Court based on virtue of their ability.
o Under the guidelines, they are designated by a Committee for Designation of Senior
Advocates or a Permanent Committee.
• Senior Advocate is not entitled to appear without an Advocate-on-Record in SC or without a
junior in any other court or tribunal in India.
Section 33(7) of • Supreme Court quashed the pleas to set aside Section 33(7) of RPA 1951.
Representation • Section 33(7) of RPA permits a candidate to contest any election (parliamentary, state
of People’s act assembly, biennial council, or by-elections) from up to two constituencies.
1951 (RPA) o Provision was introduced in 1996 prior to which there was no bar on number of
constituencies from which a candidate could contest.
• Issue: Burden on the exchequer, against the democratic spirit of elections.
Election • Article 324 read with Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968 empowers
Commission of ECI to recognise political parties and allot symbols.
India (ECI) o Under Paragraph 15 of Order, it can decide disputes among rival groups or sections of a
decides on recognised political party staking claim to its name and symbol.
party name and • In Sadiq Ali Case (1971), SC upheld ECI’s authority to decide issues on a dispute or a merger and
symbol prescribed 3 tests to arrive at a decision:
o Test of Aims and Objectives of Party Constitution; Test of party constitution; and Test of
Majority.
• In line with Sec 29A of RPA, 1951 and Conduct of Election Rules,1961, ECI recognizes a Political
Party and allocates symbol to it.
o National Parties: These parties are allocated with a symbol, which can be used across
whole country in all elections. No other parties can use them.
o State Parties: These parties are allocated with an exclusive symbol within state.
o Independent Candidates: They can choose 3 Symbols in order of their preference (other
than national and state party’s symbol) and ECI grants one among the three.
e-Gram Swaraj • Recently, Ministry of Panchayati Raj organised a multistakeholder conference for consultation
on e-Gram Swaraj 2.0, Manthan: Charting New Paths.
16
• e-Gram Swaraj Portal aims at capacity building of third tier of governance through
technological interventions.
o It brings better transparency in decentralised planning, progress reporting and work-
based accounting.
o Application is developed as part of Panchayat Enterprise Suite (PES) under e-Panchayat
Mission Mode Project (MMP).
o Core modules on portal includes Panchayat Proﬁle, Planning, Progress Reporting and
Accounting.
Director • Nagaland has shown concern over appointment process of DGP, highest police authority of
General of State/UT’s.
Police (DGP) • DGP appointment is made on basis of Guideline issued by Supreme Court in Prakash Singh vs
appointment Union Judgement (2006).
o DGP is to be selected by state government from among three-senior most officers whose
name has been suggested by UPSC (Issued its guidelines in 2009).
o UPSC suggest names on basis of their length of service, very good record and experience
(30 years).
o DGP should have a fixed tenure of two years in the post, irrespective of retirement date.
World • World Government Summit 2023 under theme of “Shaping Future Governments” was held in
Government Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Summit 2023 • It is a global forum held annually in Dubai.
o It brings together leaders in government, business, technology, and civil society to discuss
pressing issues facing humanity and to shape future of governments worldwide.
1.13. ERRATA
PT 365 Polity (April 2022-December 2022)
• Article 5.3 DELIMITATION COMMISSION: In the Delamination commission infographics, due to a
typographical error it was wrongly mentioned as constitutional body. It should be statutory body.
• Article 6.1. MULTI-STATE CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2022: In constitutional and legal
provisions related to cooperatives infographics due to typographical error information under Article 19 (1)
(C) and Article 43B (DPSP) was interchanged. Correct information is:
Article 19 (1) (C) • Forming a cooperative is a fundamental right under 97th Constitutional Amendment
Act 2011.
Article 43B (DPSP) • State shall endeavour to promote voluntary formation, autonomous functioning,
democratic control and professional management of cooperative societies.
17
2. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
2.1. INDIA-EGYPT
Why in News?
President of Egypt was the chief guest for India’s 74th Republic Day celebrations.
18
2.2. INDIA-QATAR
Why in news?
Year 2023 marks 50 years of diplomatic relations between India and Qatar.
2.3. INDIA-SOUTH KOREA

Why in news?
India-South Korea diplomatic ties completed 50 years.
19
2.4. INDIA-EURASIA
Why in news?
Recently, several countries
including Japan, South Korea,
Australia etc. have taken
initiatives suggesting a
growing focus over better
relationship between
European and Asian countries.
Significance of Eurasia for
India
• Alternate to BRI: INSTC
(International North–
South Transport Corridor)
along with the Ashgabat
Agreement (to enhance
connectivity within the
Eurasian region) in the
long run and can act as a
counter to opaque BRI.
• Economic: India is working
towards joining the EEU to
further its contacts with
Eurasia. This will give
20
access to Indian goods to entire geographic space through
a single tariff, boosting exports and overall economic
growth.
• Social: Central Asian e-network by India is an attempt to
leverage its prowess in IT sector by linking India's top
hospitals and educational institutions with hubs in the
region.
o It will bridge digital divide and bolster their capacity in
areas of health and education.
• Alternate to Suez Canal: Euro-Asian inland transport links
provides an alternate to the congested Suez Canal to boost
the resilience of the inter-continental trade flows.
2.5. INDO-RUSSIAN FRIENDSHIP TREATY

Why in News?
Indo-Russian Friendship Treaty completed 30 years.
About Indo-Russian Friendship Treaty
• The 1993 ‘Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation’ replaced the 1971 Treaty of Peace, Friendship and
Cooperation between India and the Soviet Union.
○ The 1971 treaty expired as the Soviet Union or USSR ceased to exist in 1991.
• A marked departure from India’s non-alignment, the 1971 treaty was a treaty of non-aggression or a treaty
of peace against war.
• It contained security clause (Article IX) along with other provisions on Peace, Friendship and Cooperation
(see image); strengthening India’s strategic autonomy or the capacity for independent action.
• The 1993 treaty is a modified version of the treaty, and it lacks the security clause if any party faces
aggression from others.
2.6. INITIATIVE ON CRITICAL AND

EMERGING TECHNOLOGY (ICET)
Why in news?
India-US initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology
(iCET) held its inaugural meeting.
21
More on iCET
• iCET was launched during the Quad
summit in 2022.
• iCET aims to:
o Position two countries as
trusted technology partners by
building technology value
chains and support the co-
development and co-
production of items.
o Address regulatory
restrictions, export controls
and mobility barriers through a standing mechanism.
• Potential Benefits of iCET:
o Ease export barriers to India in critical areas such as High Performance Computing.
o Strengthen linkages between the startup ecosystems of India and USA.
2.7. INDIAN DIASPORA

Why in News?
India hosted the 17th PBD Convention in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
More in News
• Theme of PBD: "Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India's Progress
in Amrit Kaal".
• Focus country: Latin America
• Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards were also conferred in the
Convention.
About Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
• The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award
(PBD) is observed on 9th • The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award is the highest honour conferred on
January. o a Non-Resident Indian, Person of Indian Origin; or
• It commemorates the o an organisation or institution established and run by them.
• It commemorates the contribution of Indian diaspora to create a better
return of Mahatma Gandhi
understanding of India abroad, support India's causes and work for the
from South Africa to India welfare of the local Indian community.
on 9th January, 1915.
• 1st PBD Convention was organised
on 9 January 2003.
• Since 2015, PBD Convention has
been organised once every 2 years.
• Objective: To provide a platform
for the Indian diaspora across the
globe to engage with the
government and help strengthen
ties.
22
2.8. INDIA AND GLOBAL SOUTH
Why in news?
Voice of Global South summit was hosted by India virtually. It called for a global agenda of 'Respond,
Recognize, Respect, and Reform' to re-energise the world.
2.9. INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL ARCHITECTURE (IFA)

Why in News?
The International
Monetary Fund (IMF) has
called on the G20 nations
to strengthen
International Financial
Architecture (IFA) at 1st
G20 Finance Ministers and
Central Bank Governors
(FMCBG) meeting under
the G20’s Indian
Presidency.
About International
Financial Architecture
(IFA)
• IFA refers to ‘the
collective governance
23
arrangements at the international level for safeguarding the effective functioning of the global monetary
and financial systems’ (refer image).
• IFA Objective: To promote economic growth while ensuring financial stability.
○ This involves steps to reduce the probability of a crisis; contain the severity of crises when they occur;
and to insulate the global economy from contagion.
Related News
Common Framework for Debt Treatments
• First G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) Meeting agreed for the implementation of
Common Framework for Debt Treatments beyond DEBT Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) of World Bank
(launched in 2020).
• About Common Framework for Debt Treatments
o It is an agreement of G20 and Paris Club countries to coordinate and cooperate on debt treatments for up to
73 low-income countries that are eligible for DSSI.
✓ It includes G20 official bilateral creditors as well like China, India, Turkey or Saudi Arabia that are not
members of Paris Club.
o It provides a deep debt restructuring, with a reduction in net present value of debt sufficient to restore
sustainability, if requested by debtor country.
2.10. WASSENAAR ARRANGEMENT

Why in News?
At the 26th annual Plenary of the Wassenaar Arrangement (WA), India assumed the chairmanship for one
year.
2.11. INDIA AND UN PEACEKEEPING

Why in news?
India deployed a women-only platoon of peacekeepers to the UN Mission in Abyei on the border of Sudan and
South Sudan as part of the Indian Battalion in the United Nations Interim Security Force, Abyei (UNISFA).
Key facts on India’s contribution to UN Peacekeeping
• India has contributed more personnel than any other country.
24
• India served in 49 of the 71 UN Peacekeeping missions established around the world since 1948.
o Currently, India is the fifth largest troop contributor (TCC) with 5,323 personnel deployed in 8 out of
13 active UN Peacekeeping Missions.
• Indian Peacekeepers provide many services such as medical care, veterinary support, engineering services
to the communities
• India was the first country to contribute to the

Trust Fund on sexual exploitation and abuse,
which was set up in 2016.
• Women in Indian Peacekeeping
o Women peacekeepers from India have
served in several countries, including Congo,
Liberia, South Sudan, and Haiti.
o In 2007, India became the first country to
deploy an all-women contingent to a UN
Peacekeeping Mission.
o In the year 2014, Indian cop Shakti Devi of the
Jammu and Kashmir Police, who was deployed in the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA),
was awarded the International Female Police Peacekeeper Award.
2.12. INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS/INSTITUTIONS

International • International Seabed
Seabed Authority Authority (ISA) and
(ISA) Ministry of Earth
Sciences exchanged
PMN (Polymetallic
Nodules) exploration
extension contract
• Contract for same was
initially signed in 2002
for a period of 15
years. It was extended
by ISA twice for 5
years period, during
2017 and 2022.
o India has been
assigned an area
of about 75,000
sq km in Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) for PMN exploration.
• PMN refers to small potato-like rounded accretions composed of minerals such as
manganese, nickel, cobalt, copper and iron hydroxide
o These have immense economic and strategic importance.
25
UN Commission for • India has been elected
Social as the Chair of 62nd
Development Session of UN CSocD.
(CSocD)
International • IMO has adopted a new

Maritime mandatory International
Organization (IMO) Code of Safety for Ships
Carrying Industrial
Personnel.
o Code will enter into
force on 1 July 2024
and enables cargo
ships and high-
speed cargo craft to
transport and
accommodate
industrial personnel
working offshore.

News Details
13th • India’s Minister of External Affairs reiterated that full implementation of the 13A is “critical”
Amendment for achieving reconciliation with the minority Tamil community.
(13A) to Sri • 13th A brought in after the Indo-Sri Lankan agreement of 1987, provides for the devolution of
Lanka’s power to the Tamil community.
Constitution o Sri Lanka has a long history of failed negotiations to end the Tamil claim of discrimination
by allowing some form of political autonomy.
o 13A will facilitate unity among all the communities in Sri Lanka so that they could live as
one.
India-ASEAN • Work Plan was approved at the 3rd ASEAN Digital Ministers meeting.
Digital Work • Work Plan includes capacity building and knowledge sharing in emerging areas in Information
Plan 2023 and Communication Technologies (ICT) such as AI in Cyber Security.
• It will strengthen collaboration between India and ASEAN in ICT.
Information • Information Fusion Center - Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), established in 2018, is hosted by
Fusion Center - India Navy at Gurugram to
Indian Ocean further Maritime Safety and
Region (IFC-IOR) Security in Indian Ocean
Region.
o To enable better
correlation and timely
inputs, IFC-IOR also
hosts International
Liaison Officers (ILOs)
from partner nations
including Australia,
France, Italy, Japan, US,
UK.
o IFC-IOR has established linkages with several multinational maritime security centres.
Group of 77 (G- • It was established on 15 June 1964 by seventy-seven developing countries.
77): • It provides the means for the countries of the South to articulate and promote their collective
economic interests and enhance their joint negotiating capacity on all major international
economic issues within the United Nations system, and promote South-South cooperation for
development.
26
Common • First G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) Meeting agreed for the
Framework for implementation of Common Framework for Debt Treatments beyond DEBT Service
Debt Suspension Initiative (DSSI) of World Bank(launched in 2020).
Treatments • About Common Framework for Debt Treatments
o It is an agreement of G20 and Paris Club countries to coordinate and cooperate on debt
treatments for up to 73 low-income countries that are eligible for DSSI.
✓ It includes G20 official bilateral creditors as well like China, India, Turkey or Saudi
Arabia that are not members of Paris Club.
o It provides a deep debt restructuring, with a reduction in net present value of debt
sufficient to restore sustainability, if requested by debtor country.
India-EU Trade • Three working groups are formed under India-EU TTC on:
and Technology o Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance and Digital Connectivity
Council (TTC) o Green and Clean Energy Technologies
o Trade, Investment and Resilient Value Chains
About TTC
• TTC is a strategic coordination mechanism to allow both partners to tackle challenges at nexus
of trade, trusted technology and security; deepening India-Eu bilateral relationship in these
fields.
o It is the first such mechanism for India and second for EU, after US-EU TTC.
o India-EU TTC was launched in April 2022.
India-U.S. Trade Recently, 13th Ministerial Meeting of the India-U.S. Trade Policy Forum (TPF) was organised.
Policy Forum • A new working group on “Resilient Trade” was launched that’ll provide a structured
(TPF) framework for trade-focused bilateral discussion.
• About Trade Policy Forum (TPF)
o TPF was established in 2005.
o It is a platform for continuous engagement between two countries in the area of trade
and to further the trade and investment relations.
o Under the TPF, there are working groups on five broad areas including agriculture, non-
agriculture goods, services, investment, and intellectual property.
o TPF is co-Chaired by Ministry Commerce and Industry on Indian side and USTR on
American side.
Hanley Passport • Index ranks the passports of countries according to the number of destinations their holders
Index can visit without a prior visa.
o Prepared by Henley and Partners, a London-based global citizenship and residence
advisory firm.
o Rankings are based on the analysis of data provided by the International Air Transport
Association (IATA).
• India improved its position by 2 spots from last year, and is currently ranked 85th.
o Japan topped the index.
Mutual Legal • India and Saudi Arabia are in talks to sign MLAT to obtain formal assistance from each other in
Assistance investigations related to criminal cases.
Treaty (MLAT) • MLAT is a mechanism whereby countries cooperate with one another to provide and obtain
formal assistance in investigations related to criminal cases.
• It ensures that criminals do not escape or sabotage the due process of law for want of
evidence available in different countries.
• India has so far signed MLATs with 45 countries, recently with Poland.
• Ministry of Home Affairs is the nodal Ministry for concluding MLAT in Criminal Matters.
New START • Russia suspended New START treaty, last remaining major military agreement with US.
(Strategic Arms o Russia claimed that the USA had not complied with the treaty's provisions and had
Reduction attempted to undermine Russia's national security.
Treaty) • About New START
o New START is a treaty between US and Russia for reduction and limitation of Strategic
Offensive Arms.
o It entered into force in 2011 and placed verifiable limits on intercontinental-range nuclear
weapons.
o It replaced the previous START treaty (between US and erstwhile USSR) that had expired
in 2009.
o 2002 Strategic Offensive Reduction Treaty (SORT, or Moscow Treaty) entered into force
in 2003, followed New START.
o Under the agreement, both sides are committed to the following:
27
✓ Deploying no more than 1,550 strategic nuclear warheads and a maximum of 700
long-range missiles and bombers.
✓ A limit of 800 intercontinental ballistic missiles in deployment.
✓ Each side can conduct up to 18 inspections of strategic nuclear weapons sites yearly
to ensure the other has not breached the treaty’s limits.
✓ In 2021, United States and the Russian agreed to extend the treaty till 2026.
UNSC (United • ISIL and Al Qaida Sanctions Committee of the UNSC has placed Lashkar-e-Taiba’s (LeT) Makki
Nations Security on its sanctions list.
Council) • UNSC Sanctions Committee is subsidiary organ of UNSC to support or implement UNSC
Sanctions decisions.
Committee o UN Charter authorizes UNSC to use a variety of measures to enforce its decisions.
✓ E.g. The ISIL and Al Qaida Sanctions Committee was established pursuant to UNSC
resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015).
It can also use Panels/Groups of Experts or other mechanisms to monitor implementation of the
sanctions.
Operation Dost • It was launched by Indian Army to extend humanitarian aid to Syria and Turkey which are
recently hit by massive earthquake.
Chicago Cabinet approved ratification of three Protocols relating to amendments in Chicago Convention.
Convention About Chicago Convention
• Chicago Convention, 1944 established core principles permitting international transport by
air.
• Articles of Convention establish privileges and obligations of all contracting States and
promote International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended
Practices adoption that regulate international air transport.
o It has 193 state parties including all UN members except Liechtenstein.
• Protocols ratified are:
o Protocol to insert
Article 3 b is to refrain
member States from
use of weapons against
civil aircraft in flight.
o Protocol to amend
Article 50 (a) for raising
strength of
International Civil
Aviation Organization
(ICAO) Council from 36
to 40.
o Protocol to amend
Article 56 raising
strength of Air Navigation Commission from 18 to 21.
Fab 4 or Chip 4 • U.S.-led Fab 4 semiconductor alliance held its first meeting.
Alliance • It is an alliance of world's top producers of semiconductors: Taiwan, United States, Japan and
South Korea.
• Chip 4 alliance was proposed by US in 2022 to enhance the "security" and "resilience" of
semiconductor supply chains, including by reducing the world's reliance on chips made in
China.
International • 18th UIC World Security Congress, jointly organized by Railway Protection Force (RPF) and
Union of International Union of Railways (UIC), concluded with adoption of ‘Jaipur Declaration’.
Railways (UIC) o Declaration outlines an actionable agenda for UIC to explore innovative approaches that
can help global Railway organizations to achieve their long-term goal of safety and
security.
o It also highlighted the commitment of UIC to provide safe and secure rail network across
globe, by activating Asia-Pacific, Latin America and African regional assemblies by 2025.
About UIC
• UIC is worldwide professional association representing railway sector for research,
development & promotion of rail transport.
• Headquarter: Paris
Doomsday Clock • Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (BAS) moved Doomsday clock to 90 seconds to midnight
largely because of mounting nuclear warfare in Ukraine.
28
o BAS was founded in 1945 by Albert Einstein and University of Chicago scientists who
worked on Manhattan Project to build first atomic bomb.
• Doomsday Clock, created in 1947, is a design that warns the public about how close we are to
destroying our world with dangerous technologies of our own making.
o Since its debut, minute hand has been reset 25 times.
SPRINT scheme • Indian Navy has signed an agreement with Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt. Ltd for armed
autonomous boat swarms under ‘SPRINT’ scheme.
• SPRINT stands for Supporting Pole-vaulting In R&D through Innovations for Defence
Excellence (IdeX), Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO) and Technology
Development Acceleration Cell (TDAC).
o It aims at development of 75 indigenous technologies by industry for Navy.
2.14. PLACES IN NEWS
1. Austria (Capital: Vienna)

Context: India will sign a Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (MMPA) with Austria.
• Croatia is a mountainous landlocked country of south-central Europe.
• It is the leading producer of natural magnesite, magnesium carbonate used extensively in chemical industry.
2. Siachen Glacier (Karakoram, Ladakh)
Context: Indian Army has deployed its first woman officer at Siachen.
• Siachen Glacier is the world’s highest and coldest battlefield lying between Saltoro Ridge (a subrange of
Karakorams) to west and main Karakoram Range to east.
• It is the second longest (76 km) non-polar glacier of the world, after Fedchenko Glacier in Tajikistan.
• It demarcates central Asia from the Indian subcontinent.
• It is the source for the Nubra River, a tributary of the Shyok, which is part of the Indus River system.
• In 1984, India took its control under Operation Meghdoot.
3. ABYEI (AFRICA)
CONTEXT: INDIAN ARMY HAS DEPLOYED ITS LARGEST CONTINGENT OF WOMEN PEACEKEEPERS IN A UN
MISSION AT ABYEI.
Abeyi is contentious region that is oil-rich near the demarcation line which divides Sudan and the South Sudan.
4. Suriname (Capital: Paramaribo)
Context: At the 17th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas event, Suriname President suggested setting up a Hindi language
training institutions in Caribbean region.
• Suriname, formerly known as Dutch Guiana, is situated on northern edge of South America.
5. Uganda (Capital: Kampala)
29
Context: Uganda declares end to deadly Ebola outbreak.
• Uganda is the world’s second most populous landlocked country, in east-central Africa.
6. Guyana (Capital: Georgetown)
Contexts:
• Recently Cabinet approved Air Services Agreement between India and Guyana.
• India and Guyana agreed to cooperate in oil and gas sector.
o Guyana is located on the north-eastern coast of South America and is part of Guianas, an old stable
geological formation that forms a portion of the northern coast.
✓ Guianas includes Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.
7. Peru (Capital: Lima)
Context: Peru has declared a state of emergency in Lima and several other regions.
• It is located on West Coast of South America, bordered by Pacific Ocean, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and
Ecuador.
8. Yemen (Capital: Sana’a)
Context: UN Yemen envoy highlighted the current absence of major fighting and its use to advance their talks
towards peace.
• Yemen is a desert country on the Southern tip of Arabian Peninsula, with Red Sea and Bab-el-Mandeb on its
west while Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, and Guardafui Channel on South.
9. Oman (Capital: Muscat)
Context: India and Oman have agreed to jointly fight all manifestations of terrorism collectively.
• Oman is oldest independent state in Arab World situated at southeastern edge of Arabian Peninsula.
10. Norway (Capital: Oslo)
Context: Norway has discovered substantial levels of metals and minerals ranging from copper to rare earth
metals on seabed of its extended continental shelf.
• Political & Boundaries
o It has Barents Sea (north), Norwegian Sea and North Sea to (west), and Skager Strait to (south).
o Norway has land borders only to east—with Sweden, Finland, and Russia.
11. Armenia (Capital: Yerevan)
Context: Azerbaijan appealed to United Nations’ highest court to urgently order Armenia to stop the laying of
land mines.
• Armenia is a landlocked country on the crossroad between Europe and Asia.
Azerbaijan (Capital: Baku)
o Azerbaijan includes within its borders the Armenian occupied enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh, which is
the focus of intense conflict between them.
12. Lebanon (Capital: Beirut)
Context: Lebanon has devalued its official exchange rate by 90%.
• Lebanon is a mountainous nation in the Levant region, located on the eastern coastline of the
Mediterranean Sea.
13. Malawi (Capital: Lilongwe)
Context: Malawi is seeing its worst cholera outbreak with more than 1,000 deaths.
• Malawi is landlocked and located in Southern Africa in the Great Rift Valley.
14. Canada (Capital: Ottawa)
Context: Canada’s House of Commons has unanimously passed a motion to take in 10,000 Uyghur and other
Turkic Muslims who have left China.
• Located in North America, Canada is the second largest country in the World after Russia.
• Boundaries: Its southern and western border with the USA is the longest border in the world not patrolled
by military forces.
15. Argentina (Capital: Buenos Aires)
Context: Argentina seeks India’s support to deploy technologies for facilitating entrepreneurs in Argentina.
• Located in southern part of South America and shares maritime borders with Falkland Islands.
• Divided into four regions: Andes, North, Pampas, and Patagonia.
16. Finland (Capital: Helsinki)
Context: India and Finland are looking to expand ties across a range of cutting-edge technologies including
quantum computing and nuclear technology.
• Finland is a Nordic Country located in northern Europe.
• Gulf of Bothnia and Gulf of Finland are its main water bodies, leading to shared maritime borders with
Estonia.
• Part of Finland lies north of Arctic Circle, known as Upland Finland.
• It is known as land of a thousand lakes (largest is lake Saimaa).
30
17. Mongolia (Capital: Ulaanbaatar)
Context: 11th meeting of India-Mongolia Joint Working Group was held.
• Mongolia is a landlocked East Asian Country surrounded by Russia in the North and China in South.
• It is also known as "Land of the Eternal Blue Sky" and as "Land of the Horse".
Gobi Desert is in the south-central region.
18. Cyprus (Capital: Nicosia)
Context: Nikos Christodoulides was elected as Cyprus’s president.
• Cyprus is situated at north-eastern corner of Mediterranean
• It is the third large island in Mediterranean Sea after Sicily and Sardinia.
19. Suez Canal (Africa)
Context: World’s biggest shipping company is suing its rival, seeking compensation for delays caused by a 2021
blockage of the Suez Canal.
• Suez Canal is a human-made waterway.
• It connects Mediterranean to Indian Ocean via Red Sea and provides shortest sea link between Asia and
Europe.
o It was opened for navigation in 1869 and Egypt nationalized it in 1956.
• It is one of the world’s most heavily used shipping lanes, carrying over 12% of world trade by volume, 8% of
Liquified Natural gas and 1 billion barrels of oil (everyday).
20. Portugal (Capital: Lisbon)
Context: Independent Committee for Study of Child Abuse in Catholic Church, set up by Portuguese bishops,
have reported abuse of over 4,800 children since 1950.
• Portugal is a South Western European country situated mostly on Iberian Peninsula.
It also has small archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores in the Atlantic Ocean.
21. New Zealand (Capital: Wellington)
Context: New Zealand has declared an emergency as cyclone Gabrielle causes widespread flooding and
landslides.
• It is an island country in South Pacific Ocean, south- westernmost part of Polynesia.
• It is a remote land and lies more than 1,600 km southeast of Australia, its nearest neighbour.
• Its two main islands, North and South Islands, are separated by Cook Strait.
• It is a part of Ring of Fire -the circum-Pacific seismic belt
2.15. MILITARY EXERCISES IN NEWS
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Nature of exercise Name of exercise Countries involved
Domestic • TROPEX- Indian Navy’s major maritime exercise NA
• AMPHEX 2023- joint training of elements of all
three services.
• Topchi 2023 - to showcase indigenous capabilities
and strides made in achieving self-reliance in
defense sector
Bilateral Dustlik India and Uzbekistan
DHARMA GUARDIAN, Veer Guardian India and Japan
TARKASH India and US
Cyclone - I India and Egypt
Multilateral Desert flag VIII UAE, India, France, Kuwait, Australia,
UK, Bahrain, Morocco, Spain,
Republic of Korea, and USA
32
3. ECONOMY
3.1. GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION
3.1.1. MAHILA SAMMAN SAVINGS CERTIFICATE
Why in News?
In the recent budget, the
government announced the
new small savings scheme
“Mahila Samman Savings
Certificate” for women.
Importance of Small
Savings Schemes
• Providing a safety net
for vulnerable sections
of society, such as
senior citizens, widows, and
disabled individuals.
• Resource Mobilization for
Government: Contributing around
20% of the Centre's borrowing
requirement.
• Transfer to States: Around 75% of
net small saving collections, are
transferred to states as part of
their loans from the Centre.
• Market Implications: The
effective return on these schemes can influence the fund flow into capital and secondary markets.
National Small Savings Fund (NSSF)
• The money deposited in Small Savings schemes by individuals is directly sent to the government and deposited in
the NSSF.
• NSSF was established in 1999 within the Public Account of India and is currently administered by Ministry of
Finance under National Small Savings Fund Rules, 2001, which is derived from Article 283(1) of the Constitution.
• Objective for the formation of a dedicated fund for small savings is to de-link small savings transactions from the
Consolidated Fund of India.
• Since NSSF operates in the Public Account, its transactions do not impact the fiscal deficit of the Centre directly.
• The money in the account is generally used by the Centre and States to finance their fiscal deficit and the balance
is invested in Central and State Government Securities.
• The balances under NSSF are direct liabilities of the Centre. The NSSF flows affect the cash position of the Central
Government.
3.1.2. NATIONAL RURAL LIVELIHOOD MISSION (NRLM)

Why in News?
Recently, the Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj asserted that the target of having 10
Crore SHG members by 2024 will be achieved.
More on News
● The ministry has also signed an agreement with Meesho - an e-commerce platform - to help in marketing
of products made by SHGs under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission
(DAY-NRLM).
● NRLM and State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs) have taken several steps to promote curated products
from SHGs through multiple channels such as Saras Gallery, State specific retail outlets, e-Commerce
platforms like GeM, Flipkart, Amazon.
33
Deendayal
Antyodaya Yojana
– National Rural
Livelihood
Mission (DAY-
NRLM)
● Genesis:
NRLM was
launched in
2011 by
restructuring
the erstwhile
Swarnajayanti Grameen Swarojgar Yojana (SGSY). It was renamed as DAY-NRLM in 2015.
● Nodal Ministry: The Ministry of Rural Development is implementing DAY-NRLM.
● Aim:
Alleviating
poverty and
reach out to
around 10 crore
poor
householdsby
way of
mobilizing
rural women
into
community
institutions
such as SHGs.
● Basis of the
program: DAY-
NRLM is
improving
rural
livelihoods
through the
SHG
ecosystem.
○ SHGs are
the basic
unit, along
with higher
order
structure
like SHG
federations, FPOs planned for last mile service delivery and market access.
● Status of Implementation: As of January 2023, it has mobilized a total of 8.79 Crore women into 81.61
lakhs SHGs.
3.1.3. KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS IN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

“Survival of • “Survival of the Richest: The India story” report is released by Oxfam India.
the Richest: • Key highlights of the report:
The India o Richest 1% in India own 40% of the country’s total wealth.
story” report o Indirect nature of GST and fuel taxes make them regressive.
• Measurement: The most widely cited measure of inequality of outcomes - is typically measured
by Gini coefficient.
34
o Gini coefficient is a measure of
inequality where a rating of 0
represents total equality, with
everyone taking an equal share, and
a rating of 1 (or sometimes 100)
would mean that one person has
everything.
o Distribution of inequality in
economy represented by Lorenz
curve and degree of income
inequality measured through Gini
Coefficient.
Prajjwala • It was launched, by Ministry of Rural Development, to invite ideas, solutions and actions that
Challenge can transform rural economy.
• It is launched under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-
NRLM).
o DAY-NRLM aims at mobilizing rural poor households into SHGs and provide them long-term
support such that they diversify their livelihoods, improve their incomes etc.
3.2. FISCAL POLICY

3.2.1. STATE FINANCES
Why in News?
RBI has released its annual
publication titled “State Finances:
A Study of Budgets of 2022-23”
with the theme “Capital
Formation in India - the Role of
States”.
Key Findings of Report and
Future trends
• Aggregate Revenue Receipts
of State Governments and
UTs was 14.9% of the GDP, out of which 55% was
from own taxes.
• Aggregate Expenditure of State Governments and
UTs was 18.5% of the GDP, out of which 83% was
revenue expenditure and capital expenditure was
17%.
• Improved fiscal health of States on the back of a
broad-based economic recovery after a sharp
pandemic-induced deterioration in 2020-21.
o States’ gross fiscal deficit (GFD) is budgeted to
decline in 2022-23 due to high revenue collections.
Gross fiscal deficit = Total Expenditure - (Revenue Receipts + Non-Debt creating capital receipts).
o States’ debt is budgeted to ease in 2022-23 as against 31.1% in 2020-21. (Although improved, but it is
still higher than 20% as recommended by FRBM Review Committee.)
o Higher Budgeted Capital Outlay from states in 2022-23.
Recent Initiatives to Improve State’s Fiscal health
• Scheme for “Special Assistance to states for Capital Investment”, providing ₹1,00,000 crore interest free loan for
50-years.
35
• Reform-linked additional borrowing space to state government, allowing additional borrowing of 0.5% GSDP for
power sector reforms.
• Ways and Means Advances (WMA) limit for State Governments/UTs is reduced.
• Inclusion of off-budget borrowings in state debt positions, i.e., the borrowings from state public sector
undertakings or their special purpose vehicles (SPVs).
3.2.2. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES (G-SECS)

Why in news?
RBI issued draft norms for lending and borrowing of government securities (G-Secs).
More about news
• Aim is to facilitate wider participation in Government Securities Lending (GSL) Market.
• Key highlights of draft norms
o Eligibility: G-Secs issued by Centre (except treasury bills (T-bills)) are eligible for lending and trading
in GSL, whereas G-Sec of both Centre and States (including T-bills) shall be used as collateral under a
GSL.
o Eligible Participants: Entities eligible to undertake Repo transactions and those approved by RBI.
o Tenure: Minimum one day and a maximum of ninety days.
o Securities borrowed under a GSL transaction shall be eligible for Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) for
borrower (not for lender).
About Government Securities (G-Sec)
G- Sec is a tradeable instrument issued by Central
or state Governments. It acknowledges
government’s debt obligation.
• Such securities are short term (usually called
T-Bills, with maturities of less than one year) or
long term (usually called Government bonds
or dated securities with maturity of one year or more).
• Central Government issues both, T-bills and bonds or dated securities while State Governments issue only
bonds or dated securities, called State Development Loans (SDL).
• G-Secs carry practically no risk of default and, hence, are called risk-free gilt-edged instruments.
3.2.3. FUEL TAX RATE

Why in News?
The Centre and some states have been in conflict over
petrol and diesel prices.
Petrol/Diesel Pricing in India
• Public sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs)
revise the retail prices of petrol and diesel in India
on a daily basis, according to the changes in the
price of crude oil at global level.
o Price charged to dealers includes the base price
set by OMCs and the freight price.
• States apply an ad valorem VAT or sales tax on the
base price, freight charges, excise duty and dealer
commission on petrol and diesel.
o In fact, Central and state taxes form a major
chunk of the price of petrol and diesel in India.
• Central government taxes the production of petroleum products (Excise Duty) while states tax their sale
{Sales Tax/ Value Added Tax (VAT)}.
o While excise duty rates are uniform across the country, states levy sales tax/ VAT which varies across
states.
36
o Excise duty consists of two broad components: tax
component (i.e., basic excise duty), and cess and
surcharge component.
o Of this, only revenue generated from tax
component is devolved to states. Revenue
generated by Centre from any cess or surcharge is
not devolved to states.
• Excise duty and VAT on fuel constitute an important source of revenue for both the Centre and the states.
As per the RBI’s Study of Budgets 2020-21:
o Excise duty on fuel makes up about 18.4% of the Centre’s gross tax revenues.
o Petroleum and alcohol, on an average, account for 25-35% of states’ own tax revenue.
3.3. BANKING, ASSET QUALITY, RESTRUCTURING AND MONETARY

POLICY
3.3.1. MICROFINANCE SECTOR
Why in News?
A joint study from Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) and the Association
of Microfinance Institutions of India has highlighted leading role of
Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in India’s economic growth.
India’s Microfinance Sector and MFIs
Microfinance is a form of financial service which provides small loans and
other financial services to poor and low-income households.
37
3.3.2. INSOLVENCY AND BANKRUPTCY CODE (IBC)
Why in News?
To strengthen the functioning of the Insolvency and
Bankruptcy Code (IBC), the Ministry of Corporate
Affairs (MCA) has released proposed changes to IBC
for public comments.
About IBC and its features
• In force since 2016, IBC is India’s comprehensive
law for a time-bound, market mechanism to
address the insolvency of corporate persons,
partnership firms and individuals.
• IBC is based on four pillars of institutional
infrastructure with:
o Insolvency Professionals (IPs), members
of IP Agency (IPA), to carry out the
resolution process.
o Information Utilities (IUs) to store
details on lenders, lending terms etc. in
an electronic database to facilitate
insolvency resolution (e.g., National E-
Governance Services Limited).
o The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of
India (IBBI) to regulate functioning of IPs,
IPAs and IUs.
o Adjudicating Authority {National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT).
NCLT adjudicates insolvency resolution for companies while DRT adjudicates for individuals.
✓ National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) is the Appellate Authority for hearing appeals
against the orders passed by NCLT.
• Based on the assets value and debtor type, IBC provides for different corporate insolvency resolution
processes as:
38
o Corporate Insolvency
Resolution Process
(CIRP).
o Pre-Packaged Insolvency
Resolution Process
(PPIRP), and
o Fast Track Corporate
Insolvency Resolution
Process (FIRP), refer
image for further details
on each resolution
process.
Key Changes Proposed in the IBC Framework

Area Proposed Changes
Technology ● Developing an e-platform to handle multiple processes under IBC.
Admission of ● Financial Creditors (FCs) to ascertain default or dispute occurrence at Information Utilities
CIRP before CIRP application.
Applications ● Adjudicating Authority (AA) to mandatorily admit application and initiate CIRP, if default is
established.
Streamlining ● Expanding the Pre-packaged Insolvency Resolution Framework (PRIRP) applicability to a
of Insolvency broader range of companies.
Resolution ● Limiting real estate cases outcomes to default projects only, formally recognizing the project-
Process wise CIRP or reverse CIRP*
● Appointment of administrator in specific CIRP by the Central government etc.
Liquidation ● Recasting liquidation process to enable Committee of Creditors (CoC) to request AA for direct
Process dissolution if liquidation is not feasible.
● CoC to supervise and support the liquidator’s functioning, and take all decisions in liquidation
by simple majority etc.
‘*’- Reverse CIRP allows promoters to infuse funds into stalled projects for resolution.
3.3.3. LOAN-LOSS PROVISIONS (LLPS)

Why in News?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has floated a
discussion paper (DP) that seeks to move banks
towards an expected loss-based approach or
Expected Credit Loss (ECL) regime for provisioning.
About Loan Loss provisions (LLPs)
• To take potential loan defaults into account,
banks set aside a proportion of the loan described as Loan-Loss Provisions (LLPs).
○ LLPs, therefore, are an income statement expense set aside by banks to cover the loan losses either
completely or partially.
○ Since not all loans become impaired, LLPs (as a credit risk management tool) are used by banks to
mitigate expected losses on bank loan portfolio.
Approaches for LLPs
• Current Approach: Presently, in India, banks are required to make loan loss provisions based on an
‘incurred loss’ approach.
39
○ It is a pro-cyclical prudential regime
in which banks need to provide for
losses that have occurred/incurred.
✓ Here the coverage increases
with specific provision when
loans start deteriorating and
become nonperforming.
✓ As an accounting reference, it is
promoted by International
Accounting Standard - IAS 39
Financial Instruments:
Recognition and Measurement.
✓ In 2014, the IAS 39 was
superseded by IFRS 9
(International Financial
Reporting Standards) –
changing the banks’ loan loss
provisioning practices to
expected loss-based approach.
• Proposed approach: The expected loss-
based approach is a countercyclical or
dynamic forward-looking framework
designed to build up International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
reserves of • IFRS are ‘a set of accounting standards that govern how particular types of
provisions during transactions and events should be reported in financial statements’.
the good economic • They are developed and maintained by the International Accounting Standards
times through Board (IASB) – one of the two standard setting boards of IFRS Foundation.
higher LLPs and use o International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) is the second board to set
them in the the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards.
economic downturn • The IAS, issued by the antecedent International Accounting Standards Council
by reporting lower (IASC), are endorsed, and amended by the IASB.
LLPs. o IASC was formed in 1973 and in 2001 it was replaced by IFRS.
○ It has a smoothening effect at the individual bank level and on the overall business cycle as well,
helping to avoid any systemic issues.
Potential Benefits and Concerns over ECL regime
Benefits Concerns
• Enhanced Bank Solvency • High impact of increased provisions on Bank’s capital.
• Increased Resilience of Banking System as it is • Yet to be tested at a larger level i.e., ECL research is
likely to result in excess provisions to smooth out limited to few countries such as Spain, Chile etc.
loan losses in downturns. • Its ability to generate sufficient provisions depends on
• Align India’s credit-loss provisions with global the severity and time lag of the existing crisis.
regulatory framework. • Business cycle developments, i.e., upswing and
• Increased Transparency in credit-loss provisions. downturn are hard to detect.
3.3.4. SECURITIZATION OF STRESSED ASSETS FRAMEWORK (SSAF)

Why in News?
Recently, RBI floated a discussion paper on Securitization of Stressed Assets Framework (SSAF).
About Securitization and SSAF
• Securitization refers to a process that involves pooling of loans and then selling them to a Special Purpose
Entity (SPE), which then issues securities backed by the loan pool.
o SPE, also called as Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) represents a company, trust or other entity organized
for a specific purpose.
• Securitization involves transactions which redistribute credit risk in assets by repackaging them into
tradable securities with different risk profiles (see image on how securitization works).
40
• These assets can
be-
o Standard
assets, i.e.,
loans which
are not
classified as
non-
performing
asset (NPA)
or assets
with a
delinquency
up to 89
days, and
o Stressed
assets, i.e.,
loans
classified as NPA.
• SSAF aims to enable securitization of NPAs through the SPE route, on the lines of securitisation of
standard assets.
o Currently, in India, the Securitization of Standard Assets is allowed through the SPE route in
accordance with Basel guidelines that came into force from January 1, 2018.
o The securitization of Stressed Assets is done by licensed Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs)
under the SARFAESI Act.
o In 2019, the Task Force on Development of
Secondary Market for Corporate Loans
decided to introduce SSAF in addition to the
ARC route, similar to the framework for
securitisation of standard assets.
• Under SSAF, the NPAs originator will sell them to
an SPE by issuing securitization notes.
o The SPE, in turn, will appoint a servicing entity
to manage stressed assets, typically with a fee
structure that incentivizes them to maximize
recoveries of NPAs.
• Investors who buy securitization notes are paid based on recovery from the underlying assets using the
waterfall mechanism depending upon the seniority of the tranches.
3.3.5. RBI RELATED DEVELOPMENTS

Climate Risk • RBI released a
and discussion paper
Sustainable on Climate Risk
Finance and Sustainable
Finance
highlighting
climate-related
risks which can
impact financial
sector through:
o Physical risks
(economic
costs and
financial losses from floods, heatwaves etc.)
o Transition risks (arising from process of adjustment towards a low-carbon economy).
41
Payment • RBI
Aggregator introduced a
PA
framework in
2020, for
regulating PA
and Payment
Gateways
(PGs), under
which eligible
entities were
required to
apply for
seeking authorisation under Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
o PAs and PGs are intermediaries facilitating payments in the online space.
Utkarsh 2.0 • Reserve Bank of India’s Medium-term Strategy Framework – Utkarsh 2.0- for period 2023- 2025
was launched.
o First strategy framework (Utkarsh 2022) covered period 2019-2022.
• Vision in Utkarsh 2.0 that will guide RBI are-
o Excellence in performance of its functions;
o Strengthened trust of citizens and Institutions in RBI;
o Enhanced relevance and significance in national and global roles;
o Transparent, accountable and ethics-driven internal governance;
o Best-in-class and environment-friendly digital and physical infrastructure;
o Innovative, dynamic and skilled human resources.
Fraud • RBI is working on setting up a fraud registry to blacklist perpetrators of online frauds and
Registry prevent use of the banking system to stash digitally defrauded amounts.
• Fraud registry mechanism would entail identifying and collecting IP addresses, email IDs and
mobile numbers that are routinely used to commit online frauds and blacklist them.
o Payment system participants will be provided access to this registry for near-real-time fraud
monitoring.
• It will ensure that perpetrators can’t open accounts in multiple banks to park ill-gotten money.
First loan • In absence of clarity from RBI, Banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) have almost
default paused tie-ups with fintech players/digital lending apps, under FLDG structure.
guarantee • FLDG is a lending model, a credit-risk sharing agreement, between a fintech and a regulated
(FLDG) entity.
• In FLDG, a third party guarantees to compensate up to a certain percentage of default in a loan
portfolio of regulated entities.
3.4. PAYMENT SYSTEMS AND FINANCIAL MARKETS

3.4.1. MUNICIPAL BONDS
Why in News?
NSE Indices Ltd., an NSE
(National Stock Exchange)
arm has introduced the
country's first ever
municipal bond index.
About Nifty India Municipal
Bond Index
● Role of the index: The new Nifty India Related News
Municipal Bond Index will track the • SEBI has launched information database on municipal
performance of municipal bonds issued by bonds.
Indian Municipal Corporations (MCs) across • Database contains a wide range of information in form
maturities and having investment grade of statistics and regulations, circulars etc. issued by
credit rating. Sebi and information to be obtained by an Issuer to tap
Municipal Bond Market.
42
● Index constituents: Presently, the index has 28 municipal
bonds issued by 10 issuers all having credit rating in the AA
category.
o The index constituents are assigned weights based on
their outstanding amount.
● Base for Index: The index has a base date of January 1, 2021,
and a base value of 1,000.
● Review: The index will be reviewed quarterly.
Municipal Bonds
● Municipal bonds are issued by local government bodies, and
do not carry any government guarantee.
● Structured payment mechanism:
The interests and principal
repayment for these bonds is
done via an escrow account.
○ The municipal corporation
has to periodically move a
fixed sum of money (for
these payments) from its
revenues into the escrow
account. This provides some
assurance on the bonds being
serviced on time.
Municipal Bond Market in India
● Municipal Bond Market is
regulated by the Securities and
Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in
India.
○ The Indian municipal bond
market has seen a resurgence of issuances after SEBI's Issue and Listing of Municipal Debt Securities
Regulations, 2015 came into effect.
● Financial Incentives: The Government of India has also provided incentives in the form of a lump-sum
grant-in-aid for municipal bond issuances.
● Largely investment-grade rating: 59% of municipal bonds issued received a rating of investment grade or
above, highlighting the underutilized potential for bond financing by Indian municipalities.
● Pooled Financing: There have been debates regarding use of pooled financing to encourage use of
municipal bonds.
Pooled Financing
● Pooled financing essentially
involves creation of a State
Pooled Finance Entity (SPFE),
which can be registered either
as a trust or a Special Purpose
Vehicle (SPV).
● This mechanism has
precedence in India, with many
states issuing such bonds.
● The Central government also
provided a thrust to pooled
financing by launching the
Pooled Finance Development Fund (PFDF) Scheme in 2006 to provide credit enhancement to ULBs through a
State-level pooled finance mechanism.
43
3.4.2. SOCIAL STOCK EXCHANGE
Why in news?
National Stock Exchange (NSE) has got
the final approval from the Securities
and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to
launch a Social Stock Exchange.
About Social Stock Exchange (SSE)
• SSE is a separate segment of the
existing Stock Exchange that can
help Social Enterprise(s) to raise
funds from public through the stock
exchange mechanism.
o SSE identifies social enterprises
as the ones engaged in creating
positive impact in the society. These are the following two forms of social enterprises:
✓ Not-for-profit organization
✓ For profit social enterprise
• Eligibility conditions for being identified as social Enterprises-
o Predominance of any of the following:
Social Enterprises
Revenue Expenditure Customer base/beneficiaries
At least 67% of its revenue of the At least 67% of the immediately Members of target population to whom
immediately preceding 3-year preceding 3-year average of eligible activities have been provided
average of revenues comes from expenditure has been incurred for constitute at least 67% of immediately
providing eligible activities to providing eligible activities to preceding 3-year average of total
members of the target population. members of the target population customer base and/or beneficiaries
o Target population refers to underserved or

less privileged population segments or
regions which have recorded lower
performance in the development priorities
of central or state governments.
• Governing council: Every SSE shall be required
to have a SSE Governing Council to have an
oversight on its functioning.
o Governing Council shall have a balanced
representation and shall comprise of
individuals with expertise in concerned
field.
• Eligible activities: Eligible activities for
demonstrating primacy of Social Impact
include, inter alia:
o Eradicating hunger, poverty, malnutrition
and inequality;
o Promoting education, employability and livelihoods;
o Disaster management, including relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction activities;
o Protection of national heritage, art and culture etc.
3.4.3. KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS IN FINANCIAL MARKETS

Future Contracts • SEBI has allowed futures contracts on corporate bond indices rated AA+ and above.
on Corporate • Benefits: Enhanced liquidity in the bond market, and Hedging opportunities for investors.
Bond Indices • Corporate Bond is a type of debt security issued by a firm to raise capital.
o Corporate bond index measures the changes in select corporate bonds over a period of
time.
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• Future Contract is a legal agreement between two parties where both parties agree to buy
and sell a particular asset of specific quantity and at a predetermined price, at a specified
date in future.
Credit Default • SEBI has allowed Alternative
Swaps (CDS) Investment Funds (AIFs) to
participate in CDS.
• AIF refers to any privately
pooled investment fund,
(whether from Indian or
foreign sources), in form of a
trust or a company or a body
corporate or a Limited Liability
Partnership (LLP).
• CDS is a financial derivative
that allows an investor to swap
or offset their credit risk with
that of another investor.
o In this buyer pays an
ongoing premium. In
exchange, seller agrees to
pay security's value and interest payments if a default occurs.
• CDS is used for speculation, hedging or as a form of arbitrage.
AT1 Bonds • AT1 bonds are a type of perpetual bonds having maturity of 100 years and offer relatively
higher rates.
• They are considered quasi-equity instruments with a larger risk of investment.
• They were introduced under Basel accord and banks issue them to shore up their core
capital base to meet the Basel-III norms.
• If the capital ratios of the issuer fall below a certain percentage or in the event of an
institutional failure, the rules allow the issuer to stop paying interest or even write down
these bonds, as happened in the Yes Bank case.
• These bonds are subordinate to all other debt and senior only to equity.
• Other bonds in news:
o Yellow bonds: Comprises funds raised for solar energy generation and upstream
industries and downstream industries associated with it.
o Transition bonds: Comprises funds raised for transitioning to a more sustainable form
of operations, in line with India’s Intended Nationally Determined Contributions.
Gold Exchange • Gold ETFs inflow has plunged by 90% in 2022 due to rising gold prices, interest rates and
Traded Funds inflation.
(Gold ETFs) • Gold ETF is an ETF to track domestic physical gold price.
o ETF is a basket of securities that trades on an exchange just like a stock does.
• It tracks a particular index, sector, commodity, or other assets.
• Gold ETF are passive investment instruments that are based on gold prices and invest in
gold bullion.
• Backed by physical gold, Gold ETFs are listed and traded on NSE and BSE.
American • Recent data suggests that several Indian Companies have terminated their ADRs and GDRs.
depositary • Depositary Receipt (DR) is an instrument used by domestic companies to raise money
receipt (ADR) outside the country.
and Global o Both GDR and ADR are used to raise funds from foreign market.
depositary o However, ADRs are traded on US stock exchanges while GDRs are traded mostly on
receipt (GDR) European Exchanges.
o Typically, ADRs are bought by retail investors while GDRs are bought by institutional
investors.
• These shares are held by a foreign bank that provides DRs to companies in return for shares.
Follow-on Public • Recently, the Adani group called off its
Offer (FPO) FPO.
• Purpose: To diversify equity base, raise
additional capital for expansion or pay
off debt.
• Types of FPOs:
o Dilutive FPO, i.e., issuance of
additional fresh shares to the public to raise capital.
45
o Non-Dilutive FPO, i.e., issuance of existing private shares by largest shareholders.
• At-the-Market FPO, allowing companies to raise funds on the current market price of the
shares in real-time.
3.5. EXTERNAL SECTOR

3.5.1. WTO: NEW AGREEMENT ON FISHERIES SUBSIDIES
Why in News?
Recently, Switzerland became the
first WTO member to formally
submit its acceptance of the
WTO’s new Agreement on
Fisheries Subsidies.
More about News
• Agreement was adopted
during the 12th Ministerial
Conference of WTO in 2022
held in Geneva, Switzerland
under 'Geneva Package'.
• Acceptances from two-thirds
of WTO members are needed
for the Agreement to come
into effect.
3.5.2. KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS IN EXTERNAL SECTOR

Board of Trade • It was constituted in 2019 by merging Council for Trade Development and Promotion with
Board of Trade.
• Members- Board includes participants from states, union territories, and senior officials
from public and private sectors.
• Function: To advise Government on policy measures connected with the Foreign Trade
Policy in order to achieve the objectives of boosting India’s trade; and provide a platform
to state governments and UTs for articulating state-oriented perspectives on Trade Policy.
US becomes India’s • As per the latest data from Ministry of Commerce, US was India’s top trading partner in
top trading partner 2021-22, surpassing China.
o UAE was the third largest trading partner of India followed by Saudi Arabia, Iraq and
Singapore.
Open Access (OA) • OA is a movement that makes online publications immediately available free of charge
movement and free of most copyright and licensing restrictions.
• It is supported and put into practice by several countries and institutions, as demonstrated
by number of institutional signatories of Budapest Open Access Initiative (BOAI) and
Berlin Declaration on OA to Knowledge.
• UNESCO supports unrestricted OA which promotes the principle of openness, an
essential element of progress.
Reverse flipping • Economic Survey
2022-23 states that
start-ups are
exploring "reverse-
flipping".
• Flipping is the process
of transferring entire
ownership of an
Indian company to an
overseas entity.
o It is generally
accompanied by a transfer of all intellectual property and data owned by an Indian
company.
o It effectively transforms an Indian company into a 100% subsidiary of a foreign entity.
46
• Reverse Flipping is the process of shifting the domicile of those companies back to India
who flipped earlier.
Angel tax • The government has proposed to bring foreign investors under the ambit of the angel tax
which hitherto applied to Indian residents.
• About Angel tax:
o It was introduced in 2012 is levied on the capital raised by startups from angel
investors.
✓ Angel investors are wealthy private investors focused on financing small business
ventures in exchange for equity.
• It aims to deter the generation and use of unaccounted money through the subscription
of shares of a closely held company at a value that is higher than the fair market value of
the firm's shares.
Society for • Recently, Russia has proposed RBI for usage of “The System for Transfer of Financial
Worldwide Messages” (SPFS) as an alternative to SWIFT.
Interbank Financial • SPFS is the Russian equivalent of SWIFT developed in 2014, after the US government
Telecommunication threatened to disconnect Russia from the SWIFT system.
s (SWIFT)
Export-Import Bank • Recently, Minister of Finance announced the setting up of a subsidiary of EXIM Bank at
of India (EXIM Bank) GIFT City in Gujarat.
International IP • India ranked 42nd on International IP Index released by US Chambers of Commerce.

Index • Annual Index evaluates protection of Intellectual Property (IP) rights in 55of world’s
leading economies, together representing around 90% of global GDP.
o U.S topped the index.
• Key Findings for India
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o Improved enforcement against copyright-infringing content and provides a best-in-
class framework to promote better understanding and utilisation of IP assets.
• Concerns: Dissolution of IP Appellate Board (2021), under-resourced and overstretched
judiciary, limited framework for the protection of biopharmaceutical IP rights etc.
3.6. LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

3.6.1. E-SHRAM PORTAL
Why in news?
e-Shram portal has highlighted the plight of
unorganised/informal sector in India as well as the
sharp social disparities.
About e-Shram Portal
• It was launched by the Union Ministry of
Labour and Employment (MoLE) in 2021 for the
welfare of unorganized sector workers who are
not members of the EPFO or ESIC.
• Objectives of e-Shram Portal
o Creation of a centralized database of all
unorganized workers (UWs) including
Construction Workers, Migrant Workers,
Gig and Platform workers, Street Vendors,
Domestic Workers, Agriculture Workers,
etc., to be seeded with Aadhaar.
o Improve implementation efficiency of the
social security services for the UWs.
o Sharing of information in respect of
registered UWs with various stakeholders
such as Ministries/ Departments/ Boards/
Agencies/ Organisations of the Central &
State Governments through APIs for delivery of various social security and welfare schemes being
administered by them.
o Portability of the social security and welfare benefits to the migrant and construction workers.
o Providing a
comprehensive
database to
Central and
State
Governments
for tackling any
National Crises
like COVID-19 in
future.
• Other features of e-
Shram portal
o Any UW aged
between 16 to
59 is eligible to
register on the
e-Shram portal.
o Universal
Account
Number (UAN)
containing a 12-digit unique number is issued to each UW after registration on e-Shram portal.
48
o Registration on e-Shram portal is free.
o Accidental Insurance cover of 2 Lacs for registered workers under Pradhan Mantri Suraksha
BimaYojana (PMSBY) and premium for the first year will be borne by MoLE.
✓ The person should be between 18 – 59 years to be eligible for PMSBY through e-Shram
registration.
3.6.2. INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANIZATION (ILO)

Why in news?
Recently, ILO’s
Monitor on the World
of Work was
released.
Key Findings
• Number of hours
worked globally
dropped, which
is equivalent to
deficit of 112
million full-time
jobs.
• Informal women workers have been hit harder than their male counterparts.
3.6.3. PERIODIC LABOUR FORCE SURVEY (PLFS)

Why in News?
The National Statistical Office (under the Ministry of Statistics and Implementation) has released 5th annual
PLFS, covering the period from July 2021 to June 2022.
49
About PLFS
• It was launched in 2017 with twofold objective of:
o Estimating the key employment and unemployment indicators (viz. Worker Population Ratio (WPR),
Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), Unemployment Rate (UR)) in the short time interval of three
months for the urban areas only in the ‘Current Weekly Status’ (CWS).
o To estimate employment and unemployment indicators in both ‘Usual Status’ (principal activity
status + subsidiary economic activity status) and CWS in both rural and urban areas annually.
• PLFS categorizes the workforce into Self-employed, regular wage/salaried workers and casual labourers.
3.7. INNOVATION, SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

3.7.1. VOCATIONAL EDUCATION IN
INDIA
Why in News?
National Institute of Transforming India (NITI) Aayog
in its report ‘Transforming Industrial Training
Institutes’ proposed to set-up a separate central
board for recognition of vocational education.
More on News
• The proposed central board will be on the lines
of an education board such as the Central Board
of Secondary Education (CBSE).
About Vocational Education (VE)
• VE is formally known as Vocational Education and
Training (VET) or Career and Technical Education
(CTE).
50
• It prepares learners for jobs that are based in manual or practical activities, traditionally non-academic
and totally related to a specific trade, occupation or vocation.
• It also has a component of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
o It evaluates and recognises skills and knowledge acquired outside the classroom (informal learning
or learning through work).
o It is a component of PMKVY in India.
New Education Policy (NEP), 2020 on Vocational Education
• The NEP states that “at least 50% of learners” going through the school and higher education system “shall have
exposure to vocational education”.
• Concerted curricular and pedagogical initiatives, including the introduction of contemporary subjects, such as
Artificial Intelligence, Design Thinking, Holistic Health, Organic Living, etc. at relevant stages shall be undertaken
to develop these various important skills in students at all levels.
• Every student will take a fun year-long course, during Grades 6-8, that gives a survey and hands-on experience of
a sampling of important vocational crafts, such as carpentry, electric work, metal work, gardening, pottery
making, etc.
• ‘LokVidya’, i.e., important vocational knowledge developed in India, will be made accessible to students through
integration into vocational education courses.
• MoE will constitute a National Committee for the Integration of Vocational Education (NCIVE).
3.8. AGRICULTURE
3.8.1. FERTILISER SECTOR IN INDIA
Why in News? Related News
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samruddhi Kendras (PM-KSK)
launched Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan • Government plans to develop more than 3.25 lakh fertiliser shops
across the country as PM-KSK under Ministry of Chemicals &
Urvarak Pariyojana - One Nation One
Fertilizers.
Fertiliser scheme.
• PM-KSK will help in:
About the scheme o Catering to a wide variety of needs of the farmers and
provide agri-inputs (fertilisers, seeds, implements),
• ONOF aims at marketing fertilisers o Testing facilities for soil, seeds, and fertilisers;
in the country under ‘Bharat’ brand o Generate awareness among farmers;
name. o Provide information regarding various government schemes.
• Under the
scheme, all
subsidised soil
nutrients - urea,
di-ammonium
phosphate (DAP),
Muriate of Potash
(MOP), and NPK -
will be marketed
under the single
brand Bharat.
o The uniform
design of
bags across
the country
will now
mention them
as 'Bharat
Urea', 'Bharat
DAP', 'Bharat
MOP', 'Bharat
NPK' and so
on.
o It is applicable to all fertiliser companies, State Trading Entities and Fertiliser Marketing Entities.
51
• Scheme outlines the specifications of the new packaging for companies-
o The new “Bharat” brand name and PMBJP logo will cover 2/3rdof the front of the fertiliser packet.
o Manufacturing brands can display their name, logo, and other information on the remaining
1/3rdspace.
3.8.2. AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS

Why in News?
Exports of agricultural produce through the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development
Authority (APEDA) touched a record high.
3.8.3. KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS IN AGRICULTURE

Breed-Wise • Based on 20thLivestock Census, the report was released by the Union Minister of Fisheries,
Report of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
Livestock and • It highlights the significance of upgradation of livestock and stresses on its utility.
Poultry o Livestock as well as poultry birds were counted according to their breeds as recognized by
National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR).
o For the first time breed wise data was collected by using digital modes.
• Key highlights of the report
o The Exotic and Crossbred animals contribute nearly 26.5% of the total cattle population
whereas 73.5% are Indigenous and Non-descript cattle.
✓ Census defines “Exotic” cattle as “the animals which have their origin in other
countries”.
• Crossbred Jersey has the highest share in total Exotic/Crossbred cattle and Gir, Lakhimi and
Sahiwal breeds have major contributions in total Indigenous Cattle.
J-Form • Punjab will be the first state in the country to provide “digitized form J” in real-time to farmers
from this Rabi procurement season.
• ‘J form’ is the sale receipt of a farmer’s agricultural produce in mandis (grain market) which acts
as an income proof for a farmer who sells his crop.
52
• Earlier issued manually by arthiyas (commission agents), the J-Forms act as a record of land
under cultivation for wheat and paddy crops. It can be used for raising finance, IT waivers,
subsidy claims, farmers’ insurance etc. and can be stored in DigiLocker.
Tractorisation • The National Council of Applied Related Term
Economic Research’s (NCAER)
• Package of Practice (PoP): PoP refers to process of
report on “Making India a Global
increasing agricultural output by implementing
Powerhouse on Farm Machinery
scientific farming methods in place of conventional
Industry” was recently released.
farming practices.
• The report highlighted that Farm
mechanisation in India is marked by ‘tractorisation’.
o India’s farm equipment market is 7% of the global market, with more than 80% of the value
contribution coming from tractors.
• The report insisted the need to focus on the non-tractor farm machinery development.
Agriculture • Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare signed a MoU with Digital Green enterprise to build
Extension a national level digital extension platform.
System o Platform will host a digital library of curated multi-format multi-lingual content and will
help deliver curated content to farmers on time.
• Agriculture extension system bridges the gap between research labs to a farmer’s field.
• It offers advice and information to help them solve their problems, increase the efficiency of the
family farm, increase production etc..
Climate smart • Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) scientists have developed three climate-smart
varieties of varieties of wheat.
wheat o These varieties are characterised by “mild vernalisation requirement” i.e., need for a certain
minimum period of low winter temperatures for initiation of flowering.
• Three varieties are: HDCSW-18 (officially notified in 2016), HD-3410 and HD-3385.
o HD-3410 (released in 2022), has higher yield potential (7.5 tonnes/hectare) with lower plant
height (100-105 cm).
o Among these, HD-3385 is least lodging-prone and most amenable for early sowing.
• Lodging refers to permanent displacement of aboveground parts of a crop from its upright
position.
3.9. INDUSTRY
3.9.1. TECHNICAL TEXTILES
Why in news? National Technical Textile Mission (NTTM)
Recently the Ministry of Textiles issued two • Launched by: Ministry of Textiles.
guidelines under the Flagship Programme of • Aim: To make India as a global leader in Technical
National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM). Textiles and increase the use of technical textiles in
the domestic market.
About the Guidelines • Target: Domestic market size of technical textile to
$ 40-50 Billion by 2024 with average growth rate of
• Two Guidelines included: 15-20% per annum.
o General Guidelines for Enabling of Academic • Focus
Institutes in Technical Textiles- for Private& o Develop usage of technical textiles in various
Public Institutes. flagship missions, programmes.
o General Guidelines for Grant for Internship o To facilitate market development, market
Support in Technical Textiles (GIST). promotion, international collaborations,
• Under Education, Training, and skilling investment promotion.
component of NTTM, goal is to enhance the
level of education and exposure to prospective
Indian Engineers/Professionals in Technical
Textiles.
• General Guidelines for Enabling of Academic
Institutes in Technical Textiles- for Private &
Public Institutes-
o It will enable New Technical Textiles Degree Programme (UG & PG) and updating of existing
conventional degree programmes with new papers of Technical Textiles.
o Funding provision
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✓ Assistance for introducing full course in technical textiles up to 20 crores in PG course and up
to 10 Crores at UG level.
• General Guidelines for Grant for Internship Support in Technical Textiles (GIST)-
o Grant of up to INR 20,000 per student per month shall be provided to the empanelled companies for
providing internships to B.Tech students of relevant Departments/Specializations in Public/ Private
Institutes.
3.10. INFRASTRUCTURE
3.10.1. INLAND WATERWAYS IN INDIA
Why in news? Jal Marg Vikas project (JMVP).
Recently, Prime minister unveiled inland • Implemented by:
waterways projects worth over ₹1000 crore to o Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
o Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) with
increase transport, trade & tourism in eastern
support of the World Bank.
India. • Aims: To develop the stretch between Varanasi to Haldia
More in news (on National Waterway 1) for navigation of large vessels
weighing up to 1500-2000 tonnes.
• Haldia Multi-Modal Terminal in West • Other features:
Bengal was inaugurated under Jal Marg o IWAI came into existence in 1986, primarily for the
Vikas Project with cargo handling capacity development and regulation of inland waterways for
of around over 3 Million Metric Tonnes Per shipping and navigation.
Annum (MMTPA). o Multi-Modal Terminals are a part of Jal Marg Vikas
• Maritime Skill Development Centre for the project (JMVP).
o Haldia MMT is one of the three Multi-Modal Terminals
Northeast was inaugurated in Guwahati.
being constructed on Ganga, 2 other MMTs
• Foundation stone for a ship repair facility constructed in Sahibganj and Varanasi under the
and an elevated road at Pandu Terminal in project.
Guwahati was laid.
• More than 60 community jetties are being constructed along the river Ganga to boost economic activities
and improve the livelihoods of local communities in the region.
54
Potential of Inland Water Transport (IWT)
• National Waterways Act 2016 declares a total of 111
National Waterways.
• Inland Water Transport in India has only 0.5% of total
transport; compared to 42% in Netherlands, China 8.7%;
USA 8.3% and Europe 7%.
o Road has freight movement around 65% and Rail has
around 27%.
• As per Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 document, cargo
movement on National Waterways is targeted as 200
MMT by 2030.
3.10.2. DIGITAL PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE

Why in news?
Bank for International Settlements (BIS) endorsed India’s Data Empowerment Protection Architecture
(DEPA).
About DEPA
• DEPA is a joint public-private effort for an improved data governance approach. It creates a digital
framework that allows users to share their data on their own terms through a third-party entity, Consent
Managers.
• DEPA’s first application has been in the financial sector, for greater inclusion and economic growth.
o It is being tested in the health sector, as well as others.
o It forms the final layer of India Stack, a set of APIs that allows governments, businesses, startups, and
developers to utilise a unique digital infrastructure aimed at presence-less, paperless, and cashless
service delivery.
55
About Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) are solutions and systems that enable the provision of essential society-
wide functions and services in public and private sectors.
o This includes digital forms of identification and verification, civil registration, payment (digital
transactions and money transfers), data exchange, and information systems.
o DPI was introduced in India in 2009 when Aadhaar was first launched.
• Digital public goods (DPGs) are types of open-source software, models and standards that countries can
use to operationalise their DPI. Examples of DPGs include India Stack, UPI, Aadhaar etc.
56
3.11. KEY REPORTS IN NEWS
3.11.1. FOSTERING EFFECTIVE ENERGY TRANSITION REPORT
• Released by: World Economic Forum (WEF)
• About the report:
o The report uses ‘Energy Transition Index’ to benchmark countries' energy transition progress annually
on the three dimensions of energy triangle and the enabling dimensions for transition (see image).
o Energy transition refers to
shift from fossil-based
systems of energy
production and
consumption to renewable
energy sources like wind
and solar.
• Key Findings of the report
o Energy transition not
keeping pace with growing
climate urgency.
o Lack of access to an
affordable energy supply
has emerged as a key threat
to a just transition.
o Dual diversification (of
supply source and supply
mix) is key to strengthening
countries’ energy security.
3.11.2. GLOBAL RISK REPORT 2023

• Released by: World Economic Forum (WEF).
o Report is published annually based on Global Risks Perception Survey.
o It highlights key risks across five categories: Economic, Environmental, Geopolitical, Societal and
Technological.
o Global risk is defined as possibility of occurrence of an event or condition which, if it occurs, would
negatively impact a significant proportion of global GDP, population, or natural resources.
• Key findings
o Top 5 risks for India are Digital inequality, Geopolitical contest for resources, Cost-of-living crisis, Debt
crises, Natural disasters, and Extreme weather events over short and medium term.
o Cost of living dominates global risks in next 2 years while climate action failure dominates next
decade.
o Technology such as AI, quantum computing and biotechnology, etc. will exacerbate inequalities and
digital divide.
3.11.3. GLOBAL ECONOMIC PROSPECTS REPORT

• Released by: World Bank
o Flagship report (issued twice a year) examines global economic developments and prospects, with a
special focus on emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs).
• Key Projections:
o Global GDP Growth: 1.7% in 2023 - third-weakest pace since 1993, overshadowed only by 2009 and 2020
global recessions.
✓ India is expected to grow at 6.6% in 2023.
o Reasons for slowdown: Elevated Inflation, Higher interest rates, reduced investment and disruptions
caused by Russia-Ukraine war.
57
o Any additional adverse shocks could push the global economy into recession.
✓ Recession is a significant, pervasive, and persistent decline in economic activity – at least for two
consecutive quarters of negative GDP for most analysis.
3.11.4. WORLD ECONOMIC SITUATION AND PROSPECTS 2023 REPORT

• Produced by: United
Nations Department of
Economic and Social
Affairs (UN-DESA), in
partnership with UN
Conference on Trade and
Development (UNCTAD)
and five UN regional
economic commissions.
• Key highlights
o COVID-19 pandemic
and war in Ukraine
battered world
economy in 2022.
o World output growth is projected to decelerate.
3.11.5. WORLD ECONOMIC OUTLOOK (WEO)

• Released by: International Monetary Fund (IMF)
• About the report: The IMF releases the WEO twice every year, in April and October, apart from updating
it twice — in January and July.
o Other reports by IMF: Global Financial Stability Report
• Key findings
o World economy to grow 2.9% in 2023.
o Recession risks have subsided, and central banks are making progress in controlling inflation.
o India will stay the world’s fastest growing major economy in 2023 and 2024.
o Growth in India is set to decline from 6.8 percent in 2022 to 6.1 percent in 2023.
3.12. MISCELLANEOUS
Central • A five-member committee, led by V K Paul (member NITI Aayog), is formed by the government
Committee on to review pharma marketing practices.
Pharma o It will examine the provisions government departments have to regulate pharmaceutical
Marketing marketing practices.
o It will also recommend 'legally enforceable’ mechanisms to regulate the marketing
practices.
• Currently, the Universal Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) of 2015 governs
the conduct of pharmaceutical companies on various aspects such as:
• Medical representatives, textual and audio-visual promotional materials, samples, gifts, etc.
Domestic • SBI, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank have continued to remain
Systemically Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs).
Important • D-SIBs are those interconnected entities, whose
Banks (D- failure can impact the whole of the financial system
SIBs) and create instability i.e., they are ‘too big to fail’.
o Concept of D-SIBs was adopted in aftermath of
2008 financial crisis.
o In order to be listed as D-SIB, a bank needs to
have assets that exceed 2 percent of national
GDP.
• RBI first issued the framework for dealing with D-
SIBs in 2014.
o D-SIBs framework requires RBI to disclose the
names of banks designated as D-SIBs starting
58
from 2015 and place these banks in appropriate buckets depending upon their Systemic
Importance Scores (SISs).
o Based on bucket in which D-SIB is placed, additional common equity (CE) requirement has
to be applied to it.
Purchasing • According to S&P Global India Manufacturing PMI, India’s manufacturing sector recorded
Manager's highest output in December 2022, since February 2021.
Index (PMI) • PMI is an economic indicator, which is derived after monthly surveys of different companies.
o It shows trends in both manufacturing and services sector.
o PMI is a number from 0 to 100. PMI above 50 represents an expansion, under 50 represents
a contraction, and reading at 50 indicates no change.
o PMI Data is published by Japanese firm Nikkei but compiled and constructed by Markit
Economics.
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4. ENVIRONMENT
4.1. CLIMATE CHANGE
4.1.1. ARTICLE 6.2 MECHANISM OF PARIS AGREEMENT
Why in news?
Union government has finalised a list of activities to
facilitate transfer of emerging technologies and mobilise
international finance in India.
More on the news
• Earlier, National Designated Authority for
Implementation of Paris Agreement (NDAIAPA) was
notified.
• NDAIAPA is mandated to decide type of projects that
may take part in international carbon market under
Article 6 mechanisms.
About Article 6
• Article 6 of Paris Agreement allows countries to voluntarily cooperate with each other to achieve
emission reduction targets set out in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
o Under this, countries will be able to transfer carbon credits earned from reduction of greenhouse
gases (GHG) emissions to help countries meet climate targets.
o Article 6.2 creates basis for trading in GHG emission reductions.
4.1.2. INITIATIVES IN NEWS

Initiative Details
Giving to Amplify • Launched by: World Economic Forum
Earth Action • Aim: To help unlock $3 trillion of financing needed each year to reach net-zero, reverse
(GAEA) nature loss and restore biodiversity by 2050.
• Global initiative is to fund and grow new and existing public, private and philanthropic
partnerships (PPPPs) and is supported by more than 45 partners (including India’s HCL
Technologies).
Glasgow Financial • According to a report, GFANZ members are continuing to finance expansion of coal, oil and
Alliance for Net fossil gas industries.
Zero (GFANZ) • GFANZ is the world’s largest coalition of financial institutions committed to transitioning
global economy to net-zero greenhouse gas emission.
• Aim: To coordinate efforts across all sectors of the financial system to accelerate the
transition to a net-zero global economy.
• Launched in 2021 by UN Special Envoy on Climate Action and Finance and COP26
presidency, in partnership with UNFCCC Race to Zero campaign.
• It has over 550 members from 50 jurisdictions.
Global Climate • Former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton announced GCRF in partnership with Self
Resilience Fund Employed Women’s Association (SEWA).
(GCRF) o GCRF will work to tackle challenges faced due to rising temperatures due to climate
change.
• SEWA is the single largest women worker’s Central trade union in India founded in 1972,
in Ahmedabad by Elaben Bhatt.
o It has been working to improve the livelihoods of poor self-employed women
workers from informal economy through various initiatives using technology,
technical training, etc.
International • India hosted 9th Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable in association with IEF
Energy Forum (IEF) in Bengaluru.
o Theme for this roundtable was “Mapping new pathways for energy
security, inclusive growth and energy transitions”.
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• IEF is world's largest international organization of energy ministers from 72 countries
(including India) and includes both producing and consuming nations.
o Member countries are signatories to IEF Charter, which outlines framework of global
energy dialogue through this inter -governmental organization.
o HQ: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Inclusive Forum on • Inaugural meeting of IFCMA (India also participated) was held recently.
Carbon Mitigation • IFCMA is a new forum by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
Approaches (OECD).
(IFCMA) • Aim: To help improve global impact of emissions reduction efforts through better data
and information sharing, evidence-based mutual learning etc.
• Objective of IFCMA is to take stock of mitigation policy instruments that countries use to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions and estimate emissions that these instruments relate to.
• It will also develop a methodology to assess effects of mitigation policies on emission
reductions at the country level.
Environment and • First G20 ECSWG meeting concluded in Bengaluru with all G20 countries.
Climate • Group has committed to work towards objective of priority areas of:
Sustainability o Arresting Land Degradation
Working Group o Accelerating Ecosystem Restoration and Enriching Biodiversity
(ECSWG) o Promoting a Sustainable and Climate Resilient Blue Economy and
o Encouraging Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy
• ECSWG aims to collectively define a new development paradigm that supports stable and
sustainable climate, environment, and biodiversity.
4.2. POLLUTION
4.2.1. FLY ASH UTILIZATION
Why in News? Key Highlights of 2021 Notification
Recently the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and • Introduction of Polluter Pays Principle with a
Climate Change (MoEFCC) has released notification on fly fine for non-achievement of targets.
• Role of CPCB to review ways to utilise fly ash.
ash utilization.
• Earlier, a 4-year cycle was present for
More on news utilisation of fly ash. This notification reduced
it to 3 years.
• The amendments are made under the power
conferred on the central government under Environmental Protection Act 1986.
• There have been various notifications for Fly Ash Utilization. Starting with 1999, the most recent ones
being in the year 2021 and 2020.
Key Highlights of the Amendments
• Compliance of fly ash utilization targets extended to new thermal power plants established on or after
the publication of fly ash utilization rules 2021.
○ New Thermal Power Plants (TPP) to achieve 100% fly ash utilization in a time period of 4 years.
○ It is similar to the targets of thermal power plants operating at 60% of their capacity which is to be
calculated from 1st April 2022.
• Definition of legacy ash: All ash stored in ash ponds/dykes other than currently operational ones shall be
treated as legacy ash.
• Legacy ash stored with the TPPs have to be fully utilized within a period of 10 years.
○ This period is to be calculated from 1st April 2022 and such utilization is over and above the fixed
utilization targets for that year.
• Reclamation activity allowed in solar and wind power plants as per the guidelines issued by the Central
Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
○ Earlier it was only allowed in green belts and plantations.
• Time period for carrying out stabilization and reclamation activities increased to three years (earlier only
one year).
○ A certificate needs to be obtained from CBCP for the same.
• Permits existing TPPs (earlier only newly established TPPs were allowed) to set up a temporary ash pond
of the size (0.1 hectare per MegaWatt).
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○ This provision is not applicable to TPPs established before 3rd November 2009.
• Competent Authority for Certification: CPCB along with Central Electricity Board shall provide guidelines
for safe management and certification of all existing and new, operational and reclaimed and stabilized
ash ponds.
○ This is to be done within three months from the date of publication of ash utilization policy 2021.
○ 2021 rules did not clarify which ash ponds were to be certified which is now being clarified by this
amendment.
• Ban on establishing or designating any new operational ash ponds by any coal and lignite based TPPs
from.
• Mandatory usage of fly ash based construction material for both public and private construction lying
within a radius of 300 Kms from a coal or lignite based TPPs.,
○ This is to be at a rate not more than the price specified by
✓ Central Public Works Department (CPWD)
✓ Concerned Public Works Department (PWD)
✓ Price of alternative products, if not mentioned in the Schedule of Rates.
4.2.2. 1ST ALL INDIA ANNUAL STATES' MINISTERS CONFERENCE

Why in news?
1st All India Annual States' Ministers Conference
on "Water Vision@2047" was recently held in
Bhopal.
More about news
• Following initiatives were launched during it:
o National Framework on Reuse of Treated
Wastewater.
o National Framework for Sedimentation
Management.
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✓ Sedimentation management enables optimal utilization of reservoir capacity. It focuses on
Adaptive structural and functional measures.
o Best practices under Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain
✓ ‘Catch the rain’ aims to nudge Rainwater Harvesting Structures with people’s active participation.
o Inauguration of a sub-portal of ‘Jal Itihas’ under WRIS
portal.
✓ Jal Itihas showcases selected water heritage
structures more than 100 years old.
✓ India- Water Resources Information System
(WRIS) provides a single window solution for all
water resources data and standardized
information.
o ‘Water Vision Park’ was proposed to be established to
promote idea of afforestation to achieve goal of
water conservation.
o Also, key features of Water and Allied Resources
Information and Management (WARMIS) were
highlighted like Unified data repository, Intelligent
Insight into data etc.
• These initiatives will bring in synergies between different
government programmes /schemes in terms of planning, process, and implementation.
Related news
Sponge City
• Recently, Urban flooding seen in Auckland and sponge city concept can avoid such future disasters.
• Sponge city: A city that is designed to passively absorb, clean, and use rainfall in an ecologically friendly way that
reduces dangerous and polluted runoff.
o In early 2000s, Chinese architect Kongjian Yu created the concept of “sponge city”.
o Concept incorporates green roofs, rain gardens, and permeable pavements to absorb and filter water.
River Cities Alliance (RCA)
• DHARA 2023 (Driving Holistic Action for Urban Rivers), annual meeting of RCA members, was held.
o DHARA provides a platform to co-learn and discuss solutions for managing local water resources.
• RCA is a dedicated platform for river cities to ideate, discuss and exchange information for sustainable
management of urban rivers.
o It focuses on three broad themes- Networking, Capacity Building and Technical Support.
• RCA includes cities from both Ganga basin and non- Ganga basin states.
• RCA is a successful partnership of Ministry of Jal Shakti and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
Rejuvenating Watershed for Agricultural Resilience through Innovative Development (REWARD) scheme
• Officers from Sub-Saharan countries will visit Karnataka to learn from its experience of REWARD Scheme.
• REWARD Scheme was launched to help national and state institutions adopt improved watershed management
practices.
o Scheme is an agreement between World Bank, Government of India, Karnataka and Odisha.
• Watershed is geographical area drained by a watercourse and is considered an useful planning unit for integrated
water and land resource management.
• Effective watershed management can help enhance livelihoods in rainfed areas, while building a more resilient
food system.
4.2.3. TRADITIONAL WATER CONSERVATION

Why in news?
Traditional Water conservation paper was released by Economic Advisory Council to Prime Minister.
More on the news
• Paper highlights need for revival of water conservation in India as
o Annual water availability per person has decreased from 5200 cubic metres in 1951 to 1486 cubic
metres in 2021.
o India is now top groundwater extractor in world, accounting for 25% of the worldwide total.
o Over 70% of our water sources are contaminated.
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4.2.4. E-WASTE (MANAGEMENT) AMENDMENT RULES, 2023
Why in news?
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
(MoEF&CC) has notified E-waste (management) Rules
2023, in the exercise of the powers conferred by the
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Key Provisions mentioned in E-waste (management)
Rules 2023
• Seek amendment to E-waste (management) Rules
2022 which shall come into force from the 1st April,
2023.
• Adds two substances to the exemptions listed in
Schedule II of E-waste (management) Rules
2022 as follows:
o Cadmium and lead in Solar panels/cells,
solar Photovoltaic panels/cells/ modules.
o Lead in Medical Devices (with the
exception of all implanted and infected
products).
• Every producer shall provide the detailed
information on the constituents of the
equipment and their components or
consumables or parts or spares.
o This information would be provided along
with a declaration of conformance to the
reduction of hazardous substances
provisions as and when required by the Central Pollution Control Board.
64
4.2.5. OTHER POLLUTANTS IN NEWS
Pollutant Detail
Vinyl • Cash of a train carrying toxic chemicals including Vinyl Chloride in Ohio, US has sparked health and
Chloride environmental concerns.
• Vinyl chloride is a carcinogenic gas mostly used to make Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). It is associated
with increased risk of liver cancer and oral cancers.
• Burning Vinyl Chloride releases phosgene and hydrogen chloride (HCL) into the air.
o Phosgene is a highly toxic, colourless gas with a strong odour that can cause vomiting and
breathing troubles. It was used as a chemical weapon in World War I.
• HCL is a gas with strong odour and causes skin, eye, nose and throat irritation.
Uranium • A recent report by Central Groundwater Board highlighted that 12 states have uranium levels
beyond permissible limits in their groundwater.
o Safe levels prescribed by World Health Organization is 30 parts per billion (ppb).
• Punjab is worst-affected state followed by Haryana.
• Causes of uranium contamination: Natural uranium content in aquifer rocks, overexploitation of
groundwater, bicarbonates used to bring uranium out of source rocks etc.
• Adverse health Effects of uranium contamination: Impaired renal function and kidney disease,
bone toxicity etc.
Bisphenol A • Recent study has
(BPA) highlighted
Chemical accelerated
breeding in
mosquitoes due
to presence of
Bisphenol A in
urban drains.
• Bisphenol A or
BPA is a chemical
produced in large
quantities for use
primarily in
production of
polycarbonate
plastics.
o It is
commonly
used in
shatterproof
windows,
eyewear,
water
bottles, and epoxy resins.
• It can leach into food and beverages as well, exposing adults to ill effects of it such as high blood
pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
o It can disrupt the endocrine system by interfering with hormones and affects brain and
prostate gland of foetuses, infants and children.
Mercury in • Gabon, Jamaica, and Sri Lanka unite to remove mercury from hazardous skin lightening products.
skin • Minamata Convention on Mercury has set a limit of 1mg/1kg (1ppm) for mercury in skin lightening
lightening products.
products o Mercury is a shiny, silver-white metal, referred to as quicksilver, and is liquid at room
temperature.
o Mercury is a hidden and toxic ingredient in skin lightening creams.
• Exposure to mercury may cause: irritation to the eyes, skin, and stomach; cough, chest pain, or
difficulty breathing, insomnia, irritability, indecision, headache, weakness or exhaustion, and
weight loss.
• Other heavy metal in cosmetics: Aluminium compounds are colorants in lip glosses, and nail
polishes; Lead in lipsticks etc.
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4.3. BIODIVERSITY
4.3.1. ASIAN WATERBIRD CENSUS (AWC)
Why in news?
Asian Waterbird Census (AWC)
2023 is being conducted in India.
About AWC
• An annual event, it is a citizen
science programme
supporting conservation and
management of wetlands
and waterbirds.
o AWC is part of global
International Waterbird
Census (IWC)
coordinated by Wetland
International (WI). It
was initiated in 1987 in
Indian subcontinent.
• In India, AWC is jointly
coordinated by Bombay
Natural History Society
(BNHS) and WI (global not-
for-profit organisation).
o BNHS, formed in 1883, is
a non-governmental
organization engaged in conservation of biodiversity research.
o BNHS has been designated as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO) by Department
of Science & Technology.
4.3.2. FIRST SYNCHRONIZED VULTURE SURVEY

Why in News?
Recently, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka began the first
synchronised vulture survey in select regions of the Western
Ghats.
More about News
• A tripartite coordination meeting in the Mudumalai Tiger
Reserve in Tamil Nadu, decided to organise the first
synchronised vulture survey in the Western Ghats to avoid
duplications.
• It will be conducted after dividing the
Wayanad landscape, where the bird
species are frequently sighted, into 10
locations.
o The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary,
contiguous to the tiger reserves of
Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka
and Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu, is the
lone region where vultures thrive in
the State.
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Related information
Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centre (VCBC), Pinjore
• Recently, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change paid his maiden visit to vulture conservation
and breeding centre, Jatayu, situated in Bir Shikargah Wildlife Sanctuary near Pinjore in Panchkula.
• VCBC is a joint project of the Haryana Forest Department and the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), a NGO.
o It is a collaborative initiative to save the three species of vultures, the White-backed, Long-billed and Slender-
billed, from looming extinction.
o The funding for running this centre is also received from international conservation bodies like UK Royal
Society for Protection of Birds and the Darwin Initiative of Survival of Species.
• Other such initiatives have also been taken like “vulture restaurants” in Gadchiroli, Nashik and Thane circles in
the Maharashtra, where carcasses free of diclofenac are provided.
Diclofenac
• Diclofenac is toxic to vultures even in small doses, causing kidney failure.
• It results in uric acid accumulating in the birds' blood and crystallizing around their internal organs—a condition
called visceral gout.
4.3.3. MANGROVES ECOSYSTEM

Why in news?
Union Budget 2023-24 announced MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes)
scheme.
More about news
• MISHTI scheme aims at mangrove plantation along the coastline and on salt pan lands.
• Mangrove plantations will be taken up through the convergence of job guarantee scheme MGNREGS,
Compensatory Afforestation Fund, and other funding sources.
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Related news: Sustainable Aquaculture in Mangrove Ecosystem (SAIME) Initiative
• New initiative of sustainable shrimp cultivation provides hope for mangrove restoration in Sundarbans.
• SAIME is a community-based pilot project in West Bengal under which farmers are planting mangrove trees around
shrimp ponds.
o Generally, mangrove forests are cleared to cultivate shrimps in the areas.
o It is being conceived by Nature Environment and Wildlife Society (NEWS), Global Nature Fund and others.
4.3.4. FIFTH INTERNATIONAL MARINE PROTECTED AREAS CONGRESS

Why in news?
Fifth International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC5) concluded in Vancouver, Canada.
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About IMPAC5
• A global forum that brings together ocean conservation professionals and high-level officials to inform,
inspire and act on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
o Aims to protect 30 percent of global ocean by 2030.
o Supported Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, “Our Ocean, Our Future, Our
Responsibility” Call for Action and Ocean Conservation Pledge.
o Was jointly hosted by Host First Nations (Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh) together with
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society
(CPWS) and Province of British Columbia.
• MPA is a section of ocean where a government has placed limits on human activity.
o Currently, an estimated 7.65% of ocean is covered by MPAs.
o Important MPAs (coastal or marine) of India are as given in image.
✓ They are notified as either ‘national parks’ or ‘wildlife sanctuaries’ under Wildlife (Protection)
Act, 1972.
Related news: Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) Framework
• Country’s first Marine Spatial Planning framework was launched in Puducherry.
• MSP Framework, part of a pact under Indo-Norway Integrated Ocean Initiative, was launched to balance growth
alongside sustainable management of ocean resources and coastal environment preservation.
o Framework is a collaboration between Norwegian Environment Agency, Ministry of Earth Sciences, National
Centre for Coastal Research and UT of Puducherry.
• MSP is a process of analysing and allocating spatial and temporal distribution of human activities in marine areas
to achieve ecological, economic, and social objectives.
o Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO help countries by providing a step-by-step guide
for ecosystem-based MSP.
4.3.5. DRAFT GEO-HERITAGE SITES AND GEO-RELICS (PRESERVATION AND

MAINTENANCE) BILL
Why in news?
The draft Bill was published by Ministry of Mines in December 2022, provides for declaration, preservation,
protection and maintenance of geo-heritage sites and geo-relics of national importance for geological
studies, education, research etc.
69
Key Highlights of the Draft Bill
• Authorising Central Government to:
o Declare a geo-heritage site to be of
national importance.
o Acquire area under a geo-heritage
site under provisions of Right to
Fair Compensation and
Transparency in Land Acquisition,
Rehabilitation and Resettlement
Act, 2013.
o Declare area around each geo-
heritage site as prohibited area
and regulated area.
• Penalties for destruction, removal,
defacement, misuse of geo-heritage sites and geo relics.
About Geo-heritage sites
• Sites of rare and unique geological and geomorphologic significance having geomorphological,
mineralogical, petrological, paleontological, and stratigraphic significance including caves, natural rock-
sculptures etc.
• Geo-relics are any relic or material of geological significance or interest like sediments, rocks, minerals,
meteorites or fossils.
• Geological Survey of India (GSI) has declared 32 geo-heritage sites, including Fossil Parks (e.g. Siwalik
Fossil Park, Himachal Pradesh); Geological Marvels (e.g. Lonar Lake, Maharashtra), Rock Monuments
(e.g. Peninsular Gneiss, Karnataka) etc.
o GSI is an attached office under Ministry of Mines.
4.3.6. PROTECTED AREAS IN NEWS

Protected Area Details
Keoladeo National • Rajasthan has proposed to construct a zoo inside this park popularly known as Bharatpur
Park bird sanctuary.
• Location: Bharatpur in Rajasthan
• Other Important features:
o A Ramsar as well as a World Heritage Site.
o Due to its strategic location in the middle of Central Asian migratory flyway and
presence of water, large congregations of ducks, geese, coots, pelicans and waders
arrive in the winter.
o Wetlands of Keoladeo are not natural, they are dependent on monsoon and on water
pumped in from outside.
• Forest type: Dry deciduous type, woodlands, grasslands, wetlands & woodland swamps.
• Fauna and Flora: Some 364 species of birds, including rare Siberian crane, pelicans, eagles,
wagtails, spotted bill duck, white breasted kingfisher, moor hen, painted stork, etc.
Kawal Tiger reserve • More than 340 birds of different species (including rare peregrine falcon) enumerated in
water bodies of Kawal Tiger Reserve during the Asian Water Bird Census 2023.
• Geographical location and other Important features: Located in the Telangana, forming
part of the Deccan peninsula-central highlands.
o Nestled in the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges.
o Have linkages with the Tadoba-Andhari (Maharashtra) and Indravati (Chhattisgarh)
tiger reserves.
• River: Godavari
• Forest type: Dense forests, grasslands, open areas, rivers, streams and water bodies.
• Fauna and Flora: Nilgai, chinkara, black buck, sambar, spotted deer, wild dog etc. Teak,
Bamboo, Mahua etc.
Saman Bird • There has been a decline in the number of migratory bird species at Saman Bird sanctuary.
sanctuary • Geographical location and other Important features: Located in Mainpuri district of Uttar
Pradesh.
• Other Important features:
70
o A Ramsar site.
o A seasonal oxbow lake on the Ganges floodplain and is heavily reliant on south-
westerly monsoon.
o Sanctuary regularly provides refuge to over 50,000 waterbirds and is particularly
important as a wintering site for many migrants.
• Fauna: Vulnerable species including sarus crane (Grus antigone) and greater spotted eagle
(Aquila clanga).
4.3.7. SPECIES IN NEWS

Species Details
Indian Star Tortoise • A recent study has revealed that genetic diversity of the species as well as habitat has
(Geochelone elegans) suffered major losses because of rampant illegal trade.
• Protection Status:
• Characteristics:
o Have distinct star-like markings on the shell to help this tortoise more easily blend
in with its surroundings.
o Popular in the world's trade in exotic pets due to attractive markings on its shell.
• Habitat: Found in dry lowlands of India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
• IUCN Status: Vulnerable
Malabar Tree toad
• Malabar Tree toad found in Mollem National Park.
o Mollem National Park is located in Sanguem taluk in Goa close to the border with
Karnataka.
o This park also has several temples dating back to the Kadamba Dynasty.
• Protection Status:
• Characteristics:
o Believed to be the only toad to dwell on high canopies.
o It finds mention in the updated checklist on Indian Amphibians released by the
Zoological Survey of India(ZSI).
• Habitat: Found in a forest along the western ghats in wet hollows.
Noble’s Helen Butterfly • Noble’s Helen, a swallowtail butterfly disappearing from its previously known ranges
has been sighted in India for the first site.
• The species was recorded at Namdapha National Park of Arunachal Pradesh.
o Park is named after Namdapha river that flows in a North-South direction of Park.
• Butterflies are considered vital indicators representing state of biodiversity and key
ecosystem functions.
• Distribution: Myanmar, Yunnan and Hubai regions of China, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam
and Thailand.
Omorgus Khandesh • Omorgus Khandesh is a new beetle species, belonging to Trogidae family, discovered
from Western Ghats in India.
o Beetles of this group are sometimes called hide beetles as they tend to cover their
body under soil and hide.
• Beetle is important for forensic science as it helps detect the time of death of an
animal or human.
• It is necrophagous (feeds on dead animal flesh) and is, therefore, also called a keratin
beetle.
Rhododendrons • As per Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas are home to
more than one-third of all types of rhododendrons found in India.
• Rhododendron, meaning rose tree in Greek, is a genus of flowering plants. It is native
to temperate regions of Asia, North America, and Europe.
o It is considered an indicator species for climate change.
o Habitat range: Subtropical and temperate to subalpine and alpine ecosystems.
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• Health benefits: Prevention and treatment of diseases associated with heart,
dysentery, diarrhoea, etc.
4.3.8. OTHER RELATED NEWS

News Details
Wildlife • Also Known as Rhino Bond, WCB is a five-year $150m sustainable development bond, to
Conservation Bond protect and increase black rhino populations in two protected areas in South Africa.
(WCB) • WCB is an outcome-based World Bank structured bond that channels private capital to
finance conservation activities.
• Together with financing from Global Environment Facility (GEF), WCB transfers project
risk from donors to investors.
o It is part of GEF’s Blended Finance initiative that shows how innovative finance can
work to combat global environmental degradation.
Nature Risk Profile • UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and S&P Global have launched Nature Risk Profile.
(NRP) • NRP is aimed at enabling financial sector to measure and address nature-related risk by
providing scientifically robust and actionable analytics on nature impacts and
dependencies.
o Its methodology is based on Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF),
adopted in December 2022.
o GBF includes a target for governments to take legal, administrative or policy
measures to encourage and enable businesses to regularly monitor, assess, and
transparently disclose their risks, dependencies and impacts on biodiversity.
Government • The Centre has exempted road, rail, and transmission line projects from having to deposit
modified wildlife 2% and 0.5% of total project cost towards cost of Wildlife Management Plan (WMP) and
fund rules for key Soil and Moisture Conservation Plan (SMCP).
infra projects o WMP and SMCP are prepared in accordance with conditions stipulated by Ministry of
Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
• Earlier, MoEF&CC made it mandatory for all projects to deposit this cost for obtaining final
forest clearance under Forest Conservation Act (FCA) 1980.
o Now cost for WMP and SMCP will be proportionate to extent of forest land involved
instead of total project cost.
• FCA regulates deforestation in the country. It was enacted after State Governments failure
resulted in diversion of forest land without any regard to environmental consideration.
o It prohibits felling of forests for any non-forestry use without prior clearance by the
central government.
o Clearance process includes seeking consent from local forest rights-holders and from
wildlife authorities.
World Wetlands • The day is celebrated every year on 2nd February to create awareness about conservation,
Day, 2023 significance and the role of wetlands in the protection of biodiversity.
• Theme “It’s Time for Wetlands Restoration”.
• With 75 Ramsar sites covering over 13 lakh Hectares, India has the largest number of
Wetlands in South Asia.
Turnersuchus • Palaeontologists have discovered fossils of the ancient ‘marine crocodile Turnersuchus
hingleyae hingleyae’, which is the only complete thalattosuchian of its age.
(Thalattosuchian) o Thalattosuchian are ancient cousins of modern-day crocodiles.
• Its age dates back to the early Jurassic, Pliensbachian period, which was about 185 million
years ago.
• As per Palaeontologists, they first appeared in the Triassic and survived the end-Triassic
mass extinction.
Dickinsonia • An alleged fossil discovered near Bhopal about 2 years ago and thought to be of an extinct
Dickinsonia turned out to be an impression of a decayed beehive
• Dickinsonia is considered to be Earth’s oldest animal, dating back 570 million years ago (late
Ediacaran period).
o It is an extinct genus of a basal animal (animals which have radial symmetry in their
body plans).
o It is considered an integral links between early, simple organisms and then explosion
of life in Cambrian Period that was around 541 million years ago.
o Dickinsonia has been found in Australia, Russia, Ukraine, China.
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4.4. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
4.4.1. LARGE DAMS IN INDIA
Why in news?
A new study by
United Nations
highlighted that
around
3,700 dams in
India will lose 26
per cent of their
total storage by
2050 due to
accumulation of
sediments.
More about news
• The study by
the United
Nations
University Institute on Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) shows that large dams in 150
countries will lose 26 per cent of their total storage by 2050 due to sediment trapped in them.
o Trapped sediment has already robbed roughly 50,000 large dams worldwide of an estimated 13 to 19
per cent of their combined original storage capacity.
• Earlier in 2015, Central Water Commission had reported that among 141 large reservoirs which are over 50
years old, one quarter had lost at least 30 per cent of their initial storage capacity.
4.4.2. INTERNATIONAL CONTAINER TRANSHIPMENT PORT (ICTP)

Why in News? Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and • The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Waterways has invited bids for the ₹41,000- (MoEF&CC) gave environmental clearance for the Rs
72,000 crore development project on Great Nicobar Island.
crore mega International Container
• The project is to be implemented in three phases over the
Transhipment Port (ICTP) at Great Nicobar. It next 30 years.
is being planned for the Galathea Bay of Great • The project includes proposals of a greenfield city, ICTP, a
Nicobar Island. greenfield international airport, a power plant, and a
More on News township for the personnel who will implement the project.
• ICTP being planned is part of the holistic development of Great Nicobar Island.
• It will be completed in four phases. Phase 1 will create a handling capacity of 4 million TEUs, increasing to
16 million TEUs in the ultimate stage of development.
o A twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) is an approximate unit of measure used for cargo containers.
• Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (Kolkata-based) is the nodal agency for the implementation.
• Public Private Partnership (PPP) will be encouraged for this project via Landlord model.
o Under Landlord Port model, the port authority acts as regulatory body and as landlord, while port
operations (especially cargo handling) are carried out by private companies.
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4.4.3. CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Why in news?
United Nations Development Programme
(UNDP) India launched a campaign to drive
inclusive circular economy.
More on the news
• It is launched in partnership with
Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) and
will focus on:
o End-to-end management of plastic
waste by promoting segregation of
waste at source and collection of
segregated waste.
o Setting up Material Recovery
Facilities (MRFs) or Swachhata
Kendras for recycling all kinds of
plastic waste along the value chain.
o Social Inclusion of 20,000 Safai Saathis or waste pickers through access to government welfare
schemes and linkages etc.
o Building capacities of Urban Local Bodies for adopting MRFs model for plastic and dry waste
management.
• Initiative is a scale-up of existing partnership under UNDP’s flagship Plastic Waste Management
Programme to develop a sustainable model for plastic waste management in India.
o It promotes collection, segregation, and recycling of all plastics to move towards a circular economy.
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• An alternative to current linear economy, circular economy is a model of production and consumption,
which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and
products as long as possible to:
o Extend life cycle of products.
o Reduce waste to a minimum by creating further value.
4.4.4. ENVIRONMENT, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (ESG)

Why in news?
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) proposed Framework on ESG (Environmental, Social and
Governance) Disclosures, Ratings and Investing.
More on the news
• Proposed ESG disclosures by listed entities, ESG Ratings in securities market and ESG Investing by Mutual
Funds will facilitate balance between transparency, simplification and ease of doing business in ESG
domain.
• Key provisions of proposed framework
ESG • Updating Business

Disclosures Responsibility and
Sustainability Reporting
(BRSR) to incorporate
missing Key Performance
Indicators KPIs in BRSR core.
o BRSR establish links
between ﬁnancial
results of a business
with its ESG
performance.
• Mandating reasonable
assurance of KPIs in BRSR
core through glide path approach.
• Introduce a limited set of ESG disclosures for supply chain.
ESG Ratings • Inclusion of 15 ESG parameters with an Indian context by ESG Rating Providers (ERPs) in ratings.
o This includes Indian standards like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, more
comprehensive gender diversity, etc.
• ERPs also provide Core ESG rating based on information/reports that are assured/audited/verified.
ESG • Asset Management Companies (AMCs)/Mutual Funds should provide better clarity on 'in favor' or
Investing 'against' votes cast on resolutions due to any ESG reason.
• To mitigate mis-selling and Greenwashing, an ESG scheme should invest at least 65% of its asset
under management (AUM) in companies reporting on comprehensive BRSR and providing
assurance on BRSR Core disclosures.
About ESG
• ESG is a framework that helps stakeholders understand how an organization is managing risks and
opportunities related to environmental, social, and governance criteria.
o Environmental criteria consider how a company performs as a steward of nature.
o Social criteria examine how it manages relationships with employees, suppliers, customers,
communities where it operates etc.
o Governance deals with a company’s leadership, audits, internal controls, shareholder rights etc.
• In 2021, SEBI issued new sustainability reporting requirements under Business Responsibility and
Sustainability Report (BRSR).
o BRSR aims to establish links between financial results of a business with its ESG performance.
o BRSR was made mandatory for top 1,000 listed entities (by market capitalisation) from 2022–23.
• BRSR seeks disclosure from listed entities on their performance against nine principles of ‘National
Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct’ (NGBRCs).
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• International
Financial
Services
Centres
Authority has
also issued a
framework for
disclosure by
Fund
Management
Entities for ESG
Schemes.
Related news: Green Debt Securities (GDS).

International Organization of Securities Commissions
• In exercise of powers conferred under SEBI Act, 1992, (IOSCO)
SEBI (Issue and Listing of Non- Convertible Securities)
• An international body that brings together
(Amendment) Regulations, 2023 amends 2021
world's securities regulators and is recognized as
regulations to expand the definition of scope of Green
global standard setter for securities sector.
Debt Securities (GDS).
• SEBI is a member of IOSCO Board.
o The move will help align extant framework for GDS
with updated Green Bond Principles (GBP)
recognised by IOSCO.
• Green debt security defined as a debt security issued for raising funds to be utilised for projects like renewable and
sustainable energy, clean transportation, sustainable waste management etc.
• Concepts of blue, yellow and transition bonds were also incorporated under GDS.
o Blue bonds: Funds raised for sustainable water management including clean water and water recycling, and
sustainable maritime sector including shipping, fishing, ocean energy and mapping etc.
o Yellow bonds: Funds raised for solar energy generation and upstream industries and downstream industries
associated with it.
o Transition bonds: Funds raised for transitioning to a more sustainable form of operations, in line with India’s
Intended Nationally Determined Contributions.
4.4.5. ETHANOL BLENDING

Why in News?
Recently, Petrol blended with 20% ethanol was
rolled out at select petrol pumps in 11 states and
union territories.
More in News
• At present, 10% ethanol is blended in petrol
(10% ethanol, 90% petrol) and the government
is looking to double this quantity by 2025.
o In June 2022, India achieved an average
blending rate of 10% ethanol in petrol.
• In the first phase, 15 cities will be covered and
in the next two years it will be expanded
throughout the country.
What is ethanol Blending?
• Ethanol-blended petrol primarily is a biofuel
that is obtained from an organic source like
sugarcane, maize, wheat, etc
o Since it is plant-based, it is considered to be a renewable fuel.
• The ‘National Policy on Biofuels’ notified by the Government in 2018 envisaged an indicative target of 20%
ethanol blending in petrol by year 2030.
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o However, the
target of 20%
ethanol
blending (E20)
was advanced
from 2030 to
2025-26.
• The Oil Marketing
Companies are to procure ethanol from domestic sources and blends ethanol at its terminals.
o Government has notified administered price of ethanol since 2014.
o Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) is the nodal department for promotion of fuel
grade ethanol producing distilleries in the country.
Related news
Methanol blended Diesel (MD15)
• Demo-run of Vessel powered by Methanol blended Diesel (MD15) named SB Gangadhar in Guwahati, Assam was
held in run-up to India Energy Week 2023 (IEW 2023).
o IEW 2023, first major event under India's G20 Presidency, follows PM’s pledge at COP26 to cut India's emissions
to net-zero by 2070.
o IEW 2023 is held under Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.
• Methanol (CH3OH), also known as wood alcohol, is a low carbon
hydrogen carrier fuel produced from high ash coal, agricultural
residue, CO2 from thermal power plants and natural gas.
o Has properties similar to ethanol.
o Used in various products, including plastics, paints, cosmetics etc.
• Significance of Methanol economy for India
o Blending of 15% methanol in gasoline can result in at least 15%
reduction in import of gasoline/crude oil.
o Would bring down GHG emissions by 20% in terms of particulate
matter, NOx, and SOx.
o Although slightly lower in energy content than petrol and diesel,
methanol can replace these fuels in transport sector, energy
sector and retail cooking.
o Cost to convert vessels to run on methanol is significantly less
than other alternative fuel conversions.
Global International Biofuel Alliance (GIBA)
• GIBA was launched by India during India Energy Week 2023.
• GIBA will help create a favourable ecosystem for promoting development and deployment of biofuels with key
stakeholders including US, Brazil, EU, IEA etc. as a clean mobility alternative under India’s G20 Presidency.
• Biofuel is defined as liquid, solid, or gaseous fuel produced by conversion of biomass such as bioethanol from sugar
cane or corn, charcoal or woodchips, and biogas from anaerobic decomposition of waste.
4.4.6. STANDARDS AND LABELING PROGRAM (SLP) OF BUREAU OF ENERGY

EFFICIENCY (BEE)
Why in news?
Ceiling fans have come under the ambit of mandatory
star labelling of Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).
About Standards and Labeling Program
• Launched in 2006, under Energy Conservation Act,
2001.
• Under it, a Star Rating was introduced on
appliances for visual representation of appliance’s
efficiency, i.e.:
o Lowest energy consumption appliances having
highest star and highest energy consumption
having the least star.
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o It is mandatory for several appliances including Frost Free and Direct Cool Refrigerator, LED Lamps,
Room AC (Variable and Fixed speed), Color TV, Refrigerators, TFL, Stationary Storage Type Electric
Water Heater etc.
4.4.7. ORGANIC FARMING CERTIFICATION

Why in News?
Ministry of Commerce and Industry has begun adopting additional onsite
measures to check field-level irregularities in organic farming certification.
More about news
• This includes verification of organisations that certify organic farming.
• The development follows “various irregularities being observed in the certification activities”.
Benefits of Organic Farming
• On Environment: Prohibits Use of Harmful Pesticides; Maintains a Healthy Soil; Reduces Erosion; Provides
Cleaner Water; Stimulates Biodiversity.
• On Farmers: Reduces the input cost of farmers; Attract more customers.
• For Consumers: No health risk; Higher levels of vitamins, minerals, healthy fatty acids and phytonutrients.
4.4.8. NANO UREA

Why in news?
Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers has inaugurated
the IFFCO Nano Urea Liquid Plants at Aonla and Phulpur in
Uttar Pradesh.
More on news
• These two plants would expand the current production
capacity of nano urea.
• At present, the capacity of nano-urea production is over
50 million bottles per year.
• There is no government subsidy on nano urea and hence
there will be huge savings for the government.
About nano fertiliser
• Nanofertilizers are defined as materials in the nanometer scale, usually in the form of nanoparticles, containing
macro and micronutrients that are delivered to crops in a controlled mode.
• Categories of nanofertilizers based on the type of formulation:
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o nanoscale fertilizer, which corresponds to the conventional fertilizer reduced in size typically in the form of
nanoparticles;
o nanoscale additive fertilizer, is a traditional fertilizer containing a supplement nanomaterial; and
o nanoscale coating fertilizer, refers to nutrients encapsulated by nanofilms or intercalated into nanoscale
pores of a host material.
Related news
Nano-Diammonium Phosphate (DAP)
fertilizer
• The Ministry of Agriculture has allowed
IFFCO and Coromandel International to
start production of nano-DAP for three
years that would be available from the
2023 kharif season.
• Nano-DAP is a next-generation fertilizer
with nanoparticles of Nitrogen and
Phosphorus, i.e., particles with size
between 1 to 100 nanometres.
o DAP is a phosphate-based fertilizer
manufactured by reacting
Ammonia with Phosphoric acid,
containing Nitrogen and
Phosphorus.
• More than half of the country’s DAP
requirements are imported, and the main sources are West Asia and Jordan.
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Essential plant nutrients and their roles
• Three primary macronutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K).
• Three secondary macronutrients: calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S).
• Nine Micronutrients: boron (B), chlorine (Cl), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), zinc (Zn),
molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni).
4.4.9. AQUACULTURE
Why in news?
Union Minister of
Fisheries, Animal
Husbandry and Dairying
inaugurated and
launched three national
flagship programmes
for aquaculture sector.
Three programmes are:
Name Details Importance

Genetic • Program sanctioned with an outlay of Rs.25 • Shrimp farming sector mostly
Improvement crores under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada depends on one exotic Specific
Programme of Yojana (PMMSY). Pathogen Free stock of Pacific white
Indian White shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) species.
Shrimp (Penaeus • Program will help to break single
indicus) species dependence and promote
indigenous species vis-à-vis exotic
shrimp species.
Phase 2 National • NSPAAD Phase 2 has been sanctioned under • Will strengthen farmer-based
Surveillance PMMSY. disease surveillance system.
Programme on o Phase 1 is being implemented since 2013. • Help in reduction of revenue losses
Aquatic animal • Envisages development of National due to diseases and will increase
Diseases Information System on Aquatic Diseases and exports.
(NSPAAD) trained ‘disease diagnostic personnel’ with
involvement of states.
Launch of Shrimp • Product charges differential premium based • Help in establishing farmers’ access
Crop insurance on location and requirements of individual to insurance and institutional credit
product developed farmer from 3.7 to 7.7 % of input costs. facilities.
by ICAR-CIBA • Farmer will be compensated to tune of 80 % • Will help in doubling farmers’ income
loss of input cost in the event of total crop loss in much faster time frame.
(more than 70%).

News Details
World • Summit is TERI’s (the Energy and Resources Institute) annual flagship multistakeholder
Sustainable event.
Development o TERI is an independent, multi-dimensional organization, with expertise in research,
Summit 2023 policy, consultancy and implementation.
• One of the independently convened event in Global South that brings together world leaders,
thinkers, scientists, industry etc. to work towards long-term solutions for planet’s health.
• Examined topics such as finance, science, technology and innovation, sustainable
consumption, inclusive energy transitions etc.
Environmental • New logo of EIACP released.
Information, • Environmental Information System (ENVIS) is renamed as EIACP.
Awareness, • EIACP serves as a one stop platform for dissemination of environmental information,
Capacity informed policy formulation on various facets of environment and facilitation of alternate
Building and livelihoods through green skilling.
Livelihood • EIACP conducts Environmental Awareness Programs to School Children, Colleges and
Programme Universities on Environmental Important Days.
(EIACP)
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• As per the mandate of EIACP, the activities of the Programme Centres are to be aligned with
Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE) introduced by India at COP 26 in Glasgow.
SDG Agrifood • FAO and SEED partnership launched the Programme.
Accelerator o SEED is a global partnership for action on sustainable development and green economy.
Programme o It was founded by UN Environment Programme (UNEP), UN Development Programme
(UNDP) and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
• SDG Agrifood Accelerator Programme is designed to help agrifood system start-ups develop
their businesses while contributing to UN’s SDGs.
• Operating across Africa and Asia, 12 SMEs who joined the Programme will be supported in
three areas: financial readiness, innovation potential, and market reach.
Climate Smart • Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) scientists have developed three climate-smart
Varieties of varieties of wheat.
Wheat o These varieties are characterised by “mild vernalisation requirement” i.e., need for a
certain minimum period of low winter temperatures for initiation of flowering.
• Three varieties are: HDCSW-18 (officially notified in 2016), HD-3410 and HD-3385.
o HD-3410 (released in 2022), has higher yield potential (7.5 tonnes/hectare) with lower
plant height (100-105 cm).
o Among these, HD-3385 is least lodging-prone and most amenable for early sowing.
✓ Lodging refers to permanent displacement of aboveground parts of a crop from its
upright position.
Bio-Fertilizers • Biofertilizers are microorganism-containing substances that, when added to soil, increase
fertility and promote plant growth.
o Biofertilizers are live microbial products which does not contain any nutrients.
• There are 11 bio-fertilizers notified under Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985 viz.
• Rhizobium, Azotobactor, Azospirillum, Phosphate Solubilising Bacteria, Mycorrhizal Bio-
fertilisers, Potassium Mobilizing Bio-fertilizers (KMB), Zinc Solubilizing Biofertilizers (ZSB),
Acetobactor, Carrier Based Consortia, Liquid Consortia, and Phosphate Solubilising Fungus.
National • Under AgriEnIcs programme of Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY),
programme on Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Kolkata has developed:
Electronics and o Technology for Air Quality Monitoring System (AI-AQMS v1.0) for outdoor quality
ICT applications monitoring,
in Agriculture o Biosensing based EDC detection system (MEAN) to detect Endocrine Disrupting
and Chemicals in aquatic ecosystems.
Environment • Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are substances in environment (air, soil, or water
(AgriEnIcs) supply), food sources, personal care products, and manufactured products that interfere with
normal function of our body’s endocrine system.
• AgriEnIcs programme aims to solve problems in Agriculture and Environment domain by
using Electronics and ICT technologies.
• It encourages participation of innovative minds of India through AgriEnIcs Grand Challenge.
Eastern • Prime Minister stated that centre is
Rajasthan Canal committed to ensure regular supply
Project (ERCP) of water In 13 Rajasthan districts
under ERCP.
• ERCP aims to harvest surplus water
available during rainy season in rivers
in southern Rajasthan, such as
Chambal and its tributaries Kunnu,
Parvati, and Kalisindh.
o This water will be used in water-
scarce south-eastern districts
(13 districts) of state.
• Project was approved by Central
Water Commission in 2017.
Sunni Dam • Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the investment for 382 MW Sunni Dam
Hydro Power Hydro Electric Project in Himachal Pradesh by Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited.
Project, • Sunni dam hydroelectric project is a run of river type scheme designed to harness hydropower
potential of Satluj river.
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o It is part of Luhri project, which is designed to comprise three hydropower dams: Luhri
Stage-I, Luhri Stage-II, and Sunni dam.
• It envisages construction of a high concrete gravity dam across river Satluj and an
underground power house on right bank.
4.5. DISASTER MANAGEMENT

4.5.1. GLACIAL LAKES OUTBURST
FLOODS (GLOFS)
Why in news?
A recent study conducted by scientists at Newcastle
University in the UK revealed that about 3 million
Indians reside in regions that are susceptible to
glacial lake floods (GLOFs).
More about the study
• Around 15 million people across the world face
the risk of sudden and deadly flooding from glacial
lakes, which are expanding and rising in numbers
due to global warming.
• More than half of those who could be impacted
live in four countries: India, Pakistan, Peru and
China. India and Pakistan make up one-third of
the total number of people globally exposed to
GLOFs.
• Populations in High Mountains Asia (HMA) - a
region stretching from the Hindu Kush all the way
to the eastern Himalayas -are the most exposed
and on average live closest to glacial lakes with
around one million people living within 10 km of
a glacial lake.
About Glacial Lakes and GLOFs
• Glacial lakes are large bodies of water that sit in
front of, on top of, or beneath a melting glacier.
o As they grow larger in size, they become more
dangerous because glacial lakes are mostly
dammed by unstable ice or sediment composed of loose rock and debris.
o Due to global warming glaciers are retreating and glacier lakes are expanding in the size and numbers.
• Glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) is a sudden release of a significant amount of water retained in a glacial
lake, irrespective of the cause.
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Related news: Thwaites Glacier
• Scientists have found that warm water is seeping into weak spots of Thwaites glacier, thereby inducing the melting
at a faster pace.
• Thwaites Glacier - nicknamed the Doomsday Glacier- is widest glacier on earth and a part of West Antarctic ice
sheet.
• Ice loss in the glacier currently contributes to 4% of the global sea-level rise.
• If it collapses, it would lead to an increase in global sea level of at least 65 cms.
4.5.2. ANATOLIAN PLATE

Why in news?
Powerful earthquakes in Turkey
and Syria leaving over 3,800 dead.
More on the news
• Hit initially by a magnitude
7.8 earthquake, dozens of
aftershocks followed the
initial quake.
• Region where earthquake has
struck lies along a seismic
fault line called Anatolia
tectonic block that runs
through northern, central,
and eastern Turkey.
o Seismicity in this region is
a result of interactions
between African, Eurasian, and Arabian plates.
o Arabian plate is known to be pushing northward,
which results in a slight westward movement for
Anatolian plate, where Turkey is located.
• One of the largest strike-slip earthquakes to occur in
recent times, it struck along East Anatolian Fault Zone.
o Strike-slip faults are vertical (or nearly vertical)
fractures where blocks have mostly moved
horizontally.
o In these faults, two plates move parallel but in
opposite direction from one another.
• Turkey bridges continents of Europe (via. Eastern Thrace) and Asia (via. Anatolian Plateau); divided by
Dardanelles, Sea of Marmara, and Bosporus Strait.
o It is surrounded by Bulgaria and Greece in Northwest; Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Iran to east;
and Syria and Iraq to South.
4.5.3. DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN (DMP) FOR POWER SECTOR

Why in news?
Central Electricity
Authority released
disaster management
plan (DMP) for power
sector.
About DMP
• Provides a
framework to
utilities in power
sector to evolve a
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proactive and integrated approach to strengthen disaster mitigation, preparedness, emergency
response, and recovery efforts.
o Growth of power sector is directly correlated with economic growth of the country and any
disruption due to disaster creates severe hardship to human beings.
• Under Section 37 of Disaster Management (DM) Act, 2005 every Ministry/ Department of Government of
India shall prepare a DMP.
o DMP is also consistent with Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), COP21 and PM’s
Ten Point Agenda for DRR.

FireAId project • A recent report by WEF highlighted that its FireAId initiative was helpful in managing
wildfire in several regions of Turkey.
o In 2021, average annual global cost of wildfires was around $50 billion and released an
estimated 6,450 megatonnes of CO2 into atmosphere.
• Launched in January 2022 by World Economic Forum (WEF), FireAId project (using AI
system) aims to allow better prediction of wildfires and more efficient use of resources
during firefighting operations.
o FireAID predictions reduced both response time and risk to firefighters.
• AI was used to develop a digital twin for fire management, which helped firefighters in
testing hypotheses of intervention measures and observing their outcomes in simulations.
o A digital twin is a virtual representation of an object or system, is updated from real-
time data, and uses simulation, machine learning and reasoning to help decision-
making.
Cyclone Freddy • It is a tropical cyclone that hits Madagascar and Mozambique.
• Tropical cyclone is a rapidly rotating storm originating over tropical oceans from where it
draws the energy to develop.
• It has a low-pressure center and clouds spiralling towards eyewall surrounding the "eye"
normally calm weather conditions and free of clouds.
4.6. GEOGRAPHY
4.6.1. SAMUDRAYAAN MISSION
Why in news?
Union ministry of earth sciences recently shared
details of Samudrayaan Mission.
More about news
• Samudrayaan Mission is aimed to develop a
self-propelled manned submersible
(MATSYA 6000) to carry three human
beings to a water depth of 6,000 meters for
deep ocean exploration.
o MATSYA 6000 is being developed by
National Institute of Ocean
Technology, Chennai.
o It has has developed 6000m depth
rated Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)
and various other underwater instruments such as Autonomous Coring System (ACS), Autonomous
Underwater Vehicle (AUV) and Deep Sea Mining System (DSM) for the exploration of deep sea.
• It has an endurance of 12 hours of operational period and 96 hours in case of emergency. It is being
developed under Deep Ocean Mission (DOM).
About Deep Ocean mission
• Union cabinet approved deep ocean mission in 2021 with a total budget of ₹4,077 crore for five years.
• Aim: To explore Deep Ocean for resources and develop deep sea technologies for sustainable use of
ocean resources.
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o The part of the ocean that lies below a depth of 200 metres is defined as the deep sea.
o Considering importance of oceans on sustainability, UN declared 2021-2030 as Decade of Ocean
Science for Sustainable Development.
• It is a mission mode project to support Blue Economy initiatives. Blue economy is sustainable use of ocean
resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean
ecosystem.
• Mission is to be implemented under aegis of Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Related news: International Seabed Authority (ISA) and Ministry of

Earth Sciences exchanged PMN (Polymetallic Nodules) exploration
extension contract
• The contract for same was initially signed in 2002 for a period of
15 years. It was extended by ISA twice for 5 years period, during
2017 and 2022.
o India has been assigned an area of about 75,000 sq km in
Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) for PMN exploration.
• PMN refers to small potato-like rounded accretions composed
of minerals such as manganese, nickel, cobalt, copper and iron
hydroxide
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4.6.2. GLOBAL OVERTURNING CIRCULATION (GOC)
Why in news?
New studies conducted to understand modern form of Global overturning circulation (GOC).
About GOC
• Equatorward transport of cold, deep waters and poleward transport of warm, near-surface waters.
o Responsible for transport of carbon and heat among ocean basins and between ocean and
atmosphere.
• GOC is a system of two connected overturning cells:
o Upper cell is linked to formation of North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW) and its shallower return flow
to form Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC).
o Lower cell (referred as Southern Ocean Meridional Overturning Circulation) is associated with
formation of Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) and its return flow as Pacific Deep Water (PDW).
• Studies have indicated that tectonically driven changes in ocean gateways such as closure of Central
American Seaway (CAS), since late Miocene period, had impacted GOC.
o CAS is a body of water that once separated North America from South America.
• Now, National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research reconstructed Deep Water Circulation record of
Indian Ocean and provided evidence in support of theory that closure of CAS led to evolution of modern
form of GOC.
o Indian Ocean does not have any major deep-water formations of its own. It acts only as a host for
both GOC components.
4.6.3. HEAT DOME

Why in news?
Heat-spewing anticyclone over North-West India
has led to unusual heat in February.
More on the news
India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts
that it is likely to recede from land and back off
into Central Arabian Sea soon, making way for
moisture-laden western disturbance and
associated cloud cover with rain or snow in
Western Himalayas and adjoining plains.
About Heat dome
• A high-pressure circulation in atmosphere which acts like a dome or cap, trapping heat at surface and
favoring heatwave formation
o Occurs when hot ocean air is trapped over a large area.
• Typically, heat domes are tied to the pattern of jet stream (fast winds high in atmosphere that generally
runs west to east).
o Normally, jet stream has a wavelike pattern, meandering north and then south and then north again.
o When these meanders in jet stream become bigger, they move slower and can become stationary and
resulting into heat domes.
o Hot air typically rises into atmosphere, but dome’s lid causes air to sink. As air sinks, it compresses
and becomes warmer that causes temperature in dome to rise continually.
• Impact of heat dome: Affect sessional agricultural products; Increased risk of wildfire, heat-related
illnesses such as heat rash, heat stroke, heat exhaustion etc.
Related news: InfoCrop simulation model
• Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) conducted a first-of-its-kind experiment to quantify the impact of hot
weather on crop yield in Punjab and Haryana by using InfoCrop Version 2.1.
• InfoCrop version 2.1 is India’s only dynamic crop simulation model, developed by IARI in 2015, that study the long-
term impact of climate change and crop management practices on yield.
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o It has life cycle data for almost all local varieties of 11 crops: paddy, wheat, maize, sorghum, pearl millet,
pigeon pea, chickpea, soybean, groundnut, potato and cotton.
o In InfoCrop, Parameters (updated at regular intervals) deal with aspects of
✓ Weather (precipitation, temperature etc.); Crop growth (grain characteristics, leaf growth etc.); Soil
(water holding characteristics, pH levels etc.); and Pests and crop management (organic matter, fertiliser
and irrigation).
4.6.4. EARTH’S INNER CORE

Why in news?
Scientists discovered new layer at Earth’s
inner core.
More on the news
• Discovered by Australian National
University seismologists, ‘solid metallic
ball’ is deep inside inner core of Earth,
dubbed as “innermost inner core”.
o It is solid due to high pressure deep
within the Earth that stops iron
alloy from melting.
o It is a crystallized structure within
inner core’s innermost region that
is different from outer layer.
o First hypothesised about 20 years ago, it was identified through data gathered from seismic waves
caused by earthquakes.
• So far, four layers of Earth's structure had been identified (refer image). This includes:
o Crust: Topmost or outermost layer of earth which makes up 1% of Earth Volume. It has two parts -
thinner Oceanic Crust and thicker Continental Crust.
o Mantle: Solid/plastic layer of earth which makes up about 84% of Earth Volume. It is divided in two
parts - Upper Mantle and Lower Mantle. Uppermost mantle and crust constitute lithosphere.
o Outer core: Liquid portion of core, composed of 80% iron along with nickel and some other lighter
elements.
o Inner core: Solid portion of core, composed of Iron and nickel with presence of heavy elements like
gold, platinum, palladium, silver and tungsten.
• Significance of Fifth Layer
o Provide information on past events on Earth that happened hundreds of millions to billions of years
ago.
o Provide a new way to probe Earth’s inner core and its centremost region.
o Inform on evolution of earth’s magnetic field etc.

Mammatus • NASA has released picture of Mammatus
clouds clouds, hovering over Nebraska, US.
• Mammatus clouds generally appear in
connection with substantial
cumulonimbus clouds, but they have also
been sighted to form on other cloud
types, such as stratocumulus, altostratus,
and altocumulus.
o Turbulence within cumulonimbus
often leads to formation of
Mammatus clouds, particularly on bottom of projecting anvil as it quickly descends to
lower altitudes.
o Their shapes can vary greatly, from typical bulging shape to a more elongated tube
dangling from the cloud above
New Plateau • A rare low-altitude basalt plateau has been discovered in Thane region in Western Ghats (a
Type Discovered global biodiversity hotspot and UNESCO World Heritage site in India).
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From o This is the fourth type of plateau to be identified in the region; previous three are
Maharashtra laterites at high and low altitudes and basalt at high altitudes.
o 76 species of plants and shrubs
from 24 different families have
been found.
• Plateaus are dominant landscapes in
Western Ghats. They are classified as
a type of rocky outcrop.
• Rocky outcrops are geological
features that protrude above the
surface of surrounding land.
o They are formed by weathering
that happens at different rates,
causing the less weathered rock to remain exposed.
o They are found on all continents, in most climate zones and vegetation types.
• Significance of rocky outcrops
o Support high levels of species diversity and endemism.
o They have seasonal water availability, limited soil and nutrients, making them ideal to
study effects of climate change on species survival.
o They provide critical breeding sites for many top order mammalian and avian predators;
nesting sites for colonial species such as seabirds, bats and swifts.
‘Atmospheric • A powerful storm is heading towards California, threatening the state with flooding,
River’ Storm landslides, high winds and power outages.
• About Storm
o Atmospheric rivers are long, narrow regions in the atmosphere like rivers in the sky that
transport most of the water vapour outside of the tropical region to higher latitudes.
o When the atmospheric rivers make landfall, they often release this water vapour in the
form of rain or snow.
• Most Atmospheric River are weak systems, but larger Atmospheric River can create extreme
rainfall and floods, causing catastrophic damages.
Ram Setu • Ram Setu, also known as Adam’s
bridge, is a chain of limestone shoals
between Pamban Island or
Rameswaram Island, off the south-
eastern coast of Tamil Nadu, and
Mannar Island, off the north-western
coast of Sri Lanka.
o Recently, Tamil Nadu assembly
also passed a resolution urging
Centre to resume work on
Sethusamudram Ship Canal
project (SSCP).
• National heritage status is sought in
the backdrop of SSCP that envisages
dredging of a ship channel across the
Palk Straits between India and Sri
Lanka.
o Two channels were suggested -
one across Adam's Bridge and
another through Palk Bay.
o SC, in 2007, had stayed the work
for project and Centre was also willing to explore another route to SSCP without
damaging Ram Setu.
• Significance of SSCP
o Reduce steaming distances between east and west coasts of India.
o Strengthen national security by improving navigation for Indian coast guards and naval
ships.
• Concerns raised against SSCP
o Would destroy natural barrier between Bay of Bengal and Palk Bay.
o Oil and marine pollution associated with shipping traffic will aggravate ecological stress
in region.
o Threats to coral reef platforms in Gulf of Mannar.
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4.6.6. PLACES IN NEWS
4.6.6.1. INDIA
4.6.6.2. INTERNATIONAL
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4.7. REPORTS AND INDICES IN NEWS
LiFE Lessons From • Released by: International Energy Agency (IEA)
India • Report examines how India has integrated several policies in its energy transition strategy
that are aligned with LiFE initiative.
o LiFE mission was launched by Prime Minister of India at COP 26 in 2021 to bring
individual behaviours at forefront of global climate action narrative.
• Key highlights
o Annual global CO2 emissions will fall by 2 billion tonnes in 2030 on adoption of LiFE
(Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) measures.
o LiFE measures would save consumers globally around $440 billion in 2030.
o India’s economy is already 10 percent more energy efficient than both global and G20
average.
o India took less time to go from half to full electricity access than other major
economies.
o Around 60% of emissions saving by LiFE measures could be directly influenced or
mandated by governments.
Climate Inequality • Released by: World Inequality Lab.
Report 2023 • Aims to shed light on various dimensions of climate inequality and suggest pathways to
tackle climate inequalities.
• Key Highlights of the report
o Top 10% of global carbon emitters generate almost half of all greenhouse gas
emissions.
o Difference between carbon emissions of the rich and poor within a country is now
greater than differences in emissions between countries.
Global Assessment • Released by: Food and Agriculture Organisation
of Soil Carbon in o It was funded by FAO LEAP Partnership, a multi-stakeholder initiative to improve
Grasslands environmental sustainability of livestock sector.
• It measured stocks of Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) in both semi-natural and managed
grasslands.
• Key highlights of Assessment
o Grasslands, contain approximately 20% of world’s SOC, have suffered losses because of
human activities such as intensive livestock grazing, agricultural activities etc.
o Most of world’s grasslands have a positive carbon balance, meaning land is stable or
well-maintained.
o However, negative carbon balance was found in East Asia, Central and South America,
and Africa south of Equator.
o SOCs are not included in national climate plans due to lack of incentives for farmers to
improve management
About Grasslands
practices and
• Grasslands are generally open and continuous, fairly
difficulty in accurately
flat areas of grass. Grasslands are found on every
monitoring SOC
continent except Antarctica.
stocks.
About SOC • There are two main kinds of grasslands: tropical
and temperate.
• Carbon held within the soil
that is measurable.
• Helps in improving soil
biological, chemical, and
physical properties, water-
holding capacity, and
structural stability.
• A cost-effective nature-
based solution to mitigate
effects of climate change
by reducing atmospheric
carbon dioxide.
Gross Domestic • Released by: Cross Dependency Initiative (a global organisation specialising in climate risk
Climate Risk analysis), It is the world's 1st index assessing physical environment risk to built
environments.
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• Physical Climate Risk refers to vulnerability from several climate change events including
heat waves, coastal flooding, forest fire, soil movement, riverine and surface flooding etc.
• Key Findings:
o India, China and U.S are home to 80% of most vulnerable cities and centres of economic
activity.
o 9 States, including Bihar, UP, Assam, Rajasthan etc. from India are among world’s top
50 regions.
• Jiangsu and Shandong of China topped it.
Climate • Released by: Observer Research Foundation
Performance • Aims to evaluate performance of G20 countries in climate change mitigation.
Index (CPI) • On CPI, India ranks first among all G20 members in terms of overall climate performance.
o India’s rank is attributed to factors like significantly low per capita contributions to
emissions, Very limited share in legacy emissions relative to its population needs etc.
• Note: It is different from Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) published by German
Watch, New Climate Institute and Climate Action Network.
Global Sea-Level • Released by: World
Rise and Meteorological Organisation
Implications (WMO)
Facts and Key highlights of report:
Figures • Sea levels rose 4.5 mm a year
on average between 2013 &
2022, the highest ever.
o It is over three times
higher than the rate at
which they rose between
1901 and 1971.
• Sea-level rise is not globally
uniform and varies regionally.
• India, China, Bangladesh, and
Netherlands face the highest
threat of sea-level rise globally.
Ozone Recovery • Released by: WMO, UNEP, NOAA, NASA and European Commission.
Assessment • Key Findings:
Report, 2022 o Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) levels in 2022 are back to those observed in 1980
before ozone depletion was significant.
o Thickness of ozone layer expected to return to 1980 values around 2066 in the
Antarctic, around 2045 in the Arctic region.
Urban Forestry • Produced in framework of Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) Green Urban Oases
and Urban Programme, launched to improve resilience of dryland cities by tackling climate, health,
Greening in food and economic challenges.
Drylands Report o Program contributes to FAO’s Green Cities initiative that was launched in 2020 to
improve livelihoods and well-being of urban and peri-urban populations in at least 100
cities around the world in next three years.
• Key highlights: Some 35% of the world’s largest cities (including New Delhi, Cairo etc.) are
built in the world’s drylands facing a high risk of social, environmental, and economic crisis
as they grow.
Innovation in • Released by: Marico Innovation Foundation and developed in association with Indian
Plastics, The Institute of Science and Praxis Global Alliance
Potential and o It examines plastic waste management ecosystem in India to identify challenges and
Possibilities opportunities with special emphasis on business and technological innovations.
• Key findings of report
o India produces 3.4 million tonnes of plastic waste in a year, only 30 percent of it is
recycled. Rest of plastic waste is sent to landfills or aquatic dumps.
o Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu together contribute 38 percent to total plastic
waste generated in India.
o 94% of recycled plastic waste is shredded in India using mechanical recycling method.
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4.8. UPDATES
4.8.1. LADAKH’S FIRST BIODIVERSITY HERITAGE SITE
• Local Biodiversity Management Committee, SECURE Himalaya
concerned panchayat, along with SECURE • A joint project of Ministry of Environment,
Himalaya Project recently resolved to declare Yaya Forest and Climate Change and United Nations
Tso as Ladakh’s first biodiversity heritage site Development Programme (UNDP), funded by
(BHS). Global Environment Facility.
• Yaya Tso is a nesting habitat for a large number of • Aimed at conservation and protection of the
birds and animals, such as the bar-headed goose, high-altitude ecosystems of the Himalayas.
black-necked crane and brahminy duck.
• It is one of the highest breeding sites of the black-necked crane in India.
4.8.2. SOUTH AFRICA TRANSLOCATES 12 CHEETAHS TO INDIA

• India and South Africa signed a MoU on Cooperation on Re-introduction of Cheetah to India with an aim
to expand cheetah meta-population and to reintroduce cheetahs to a former range state.
o Cheetahs were made available by Phinda Game Reserve, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, Waterberg
Biosphere, Kwandwe Game Reserve and Mapesu Game Reserve and will join Cheetahs relocated to
Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh (from Namibia).
o Plan is to translocate a further 12 annually for next eight to 10 years.
4.8.3. RBI TO ISSUE SOVEREIGN GREEN BONDS (SGRBS) IN TWO TRANCHES OF

RS 8000 CRORE EACH
• RBI will issue 5-year and 10-year green bonds of Rs 4,000 crore each in current financial year.
• Green bonds are bonds issued by any sovereign entity, inter-governmental groups or alliances and
corporates with the aim that proceeds of bonds are utilised for environmentally sustainable projects.
o SGrBs were announced in Union Budget 2022-23 and framework for SGrBs was issued (by Ministry of
Finance) in November 2022.
• SGrBs by RBI will be
o Issued through Uniform Price Auction and 5% will be reserved for retail investors.
o Eligible for Repo and Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) purpose.
o Eligible for trading in the secondary market.
o Designated as specified securities for investment in Government Securities by non-residents.
4.8.4. ROOFTOP SOLAR (RTS) PROGRAMME

• Ministry of New & Renewable Energy stated that there will be a uniform rate of central financial
assistance (CFA) for installation of residential RTS projects under second phase of programme.
• Government, in 2015, approved Grid Connected Rooftop and Small Solar Power Plants Programme for
installation of 4,200 MW RTS plants in the country by year 2019-20.
o In 2019, Phase-II was approved for achieving cumulative capacity of 40 GW RTS plants by 2022
(extended till 2026).
o Presently, different CFA/Subsidy rate is provided (based on kilowatt requirements) to the residential
electricity consumers under RTS programe.
4.9. ERRATA
PT 365 Environment (April 2022-December 2022)
• Article 3.2.10 Species in News, the information on size of Asiatic lions and African lions was reversed due
to a typographical error. The correct information is that Asiatic lions are slightly smaller than
African lions.
• Article 4.1. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2022, In “India's Performance on SDGs” infographic,
due to a typographical error SDG 13 has been incorrectly mentioned as "No Poverty". The correct
information is SDG 13 refers to Climate Action.
92
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5. SOCIAL ISSUES
5.1. WOMEN IN WORKFORCE
Why in News?
President in her recent speech asserted that low
participation of women in the work force is a
major hindrance in the overall development of
the country.
5.2. GENDER BUDGETING

Why in News?
Recently, in Union Budget 2023, gender budgeting is pitched as a powerful fiscal innovation for women’s
empowerment
94
More on News
• Government recognizes the importance of Nari Shakti (women power) during the Amrit Kaal (the 25-year-
long lead-up to India@100).
• Government focus is inclusive development, which is also the first “saptarishis” or the seven principles
guiding the outlook.
• The estimated Gender Budget stood at 4.96% of the total expenditure this year, compared to 4.33% 2022-
23.
About Gender Budgeting (GB)

• It entails dissection of the Government budgets to establish its gender differential impacts.
• It seeks to ensure that gender commitments are translated in to budgetary commitments.
• It is not an accounting exercise but an ongoing process of keeping a gender perspective in
policy/programme formulation, its implementation and review.
• Currently, India’s gender Budget remains concentrated in five key Ministries:
o Rural Development.
o Women and Child Development.
o Agriculture.
o Health and Family Welfare.
o Education.
• Also, it has remained in the range of 4 to 6% of the total expenditure and less than 1% of its GDP.
Discrepancy in Counting the Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFRR)
• Experts have highlighted three main measurement issues which leads reduce the overall FLFRR. These include
o Overly broad categories,
o Reliance on a single question to categorise labour force status, and
o Narrow approach of limiting productive work to labour force participation.
• According to International Labour Organisation (ILO) research, female LFPR was 56.4 % in India for 2012, against
the far lower official estimate of 31.2 % for 2012.
5.3. PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TRIBAL GROUPS (PVTG’S)

Why in News?
In the 2023-24 Union Budget, Pradhan Mantri PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups) Development
Mission (PMPDM) was announced for the socio-economic development of the group.
95
About PMPDM Mission
• It has been launched as part of ‘Reaching the Last Mile’, one of the seven Saptarishi priorities enlisted in
the Budget.
o ₹15,000 crore will be made available to implement the Mission in the next three years under the
Development Action Plan for the Scheduled Tribes.
• It will empower the PVTGs with safe housing, clean drinking water, education,
• nutrition, road and telecom connection and livelihood.
About Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)
• PVTG (earlier known as Primitive
Tribal Groups) is the category within
Scheduled Tribes created on the
recommendation of Dhebar
commission (1973).
• Initially there were only 52 tribal
group as PVTG’s but their raised to 75
PVTGs out of 705 Scheduled Tribes.
• PVTGs reside in 17 States and UT of
Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
• The highest number of PVTGs are found in Odisha (13) followed by Andhra Pradesh (12).
• Currently some PVTGs are vulnerable to extinction like Onge and Andamanese. Apart from this, low levels of
literacy (10 to 44%) is also prevalent.
• Also, they face certain administrative hurdles like Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 provides for only 4 hectares land
allocation to them.
o Plus, the PESA (Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas Act) has not been operationalised adequately in
areas with PVTGs.
Other Initiatives for PVTG’s
• Indigenous and Tribal Populations Convention, 1957 has been adopted by the International Labour Organisation
(ILO).
• Community Development Program, Multipurpose Tribal Blocks, Tribal Development Block, Tribal sub-Plan (TSP)
etc.
• Restricted Area Permit i under the Foreigners (Restricted Areas) Order, 1963.
• Scheme for Development of Primitive Vulnerable Tribal Groups (2008) for housing, agriculture, roads, energy,
etc.
Related News
Hakku Patra
• The PM has recently distributed the Hakku patra to the members of Banjara tribes in Karnataka.
o The Banjaras (also known as Lambadi, Gour Rajput, Labana) are a historically nomadic trading caste who may
have origins in the Mewar region of Rajasthan.
• Hakku Patra a legal document that details a person’s legitimate inheritance or ownership of a particular property.
5.4. EDUCATIONAL REPORTS IN NEWS

5.4.1. ALL INDIA SURVEY ON HIGHER EDUCATION (AISHE) 2020-2021
Why in news?
Ministry of Education (MoE) released All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2020-2021.
More on news
• AISHE has been conducted since 2011 by MoE covering all higher educational institutions located in
country.
o For the first time, Survey collected data using an entirely online data collection platform through
Web Data Capture Format (DCF).
o DCF was developed by Department of Higher Education through the National Informatics Centre
(NIC)
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Key Findings
Specification 2020-21 Trend w.r.t 2014-15
Total student enrolment: UP, Maharashtra, TN, are top 3 States. 4.14 crore 21% rise
Female enrolment 2.01 crore 28% rise
Percentage of female enrolment to total enrolment 49% 4% rise
Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER): Percentage of students belonging to 27.3 3-point rise
eligible age group (18-23 years) enrolled in Higher Education
Gender Parity Index (GPI): Ratio of female GER to male GER Increased from 1 in ----
2017-18 to 1.05
• Institutes of National Importance (INIs) • 149 • Almost doubled
• Enrolment in INIs • 61 % (75)
• Increased
Female per 100 male faculty 75 Increased (63)
5.4.2. ANNUAL STATUS OF EDUCATION REPORT (ASER) 2022

Why in news?
Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2022 was
released by NGO Pratham.
About the report
• ASER (first conducted in 2005) is an annual, citizen-
led household survey to understand whether
children in rural India are enrolled in school and
whether they are learning.
• ASER 2022 is first field based 'basic' nationwide ASER
since 2018.
o In ASER 2022, around 7 lakh children in age group
of 3 to 16 years were surveyed to record their
schooling status and assess their basic reading
and arithmetic skills.
5.4.3. FOUNDATIONAL LITERACY AND NUMERACY REPORT

Why in news?
The second edition of the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy report of the Economic Advisory Council to
the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) has been released.
More on news
• The report was prepared by the Institute for Competitiveness (IFC) — the Indian wing of the Institute for
Strategy and Competitiveness at Harvard Business School.
• Report presented an index on the overall state of FLN across children aged below ten years.
• It compares states on 36 indicators across five key domains.
Key findings of the report
Literacy Numeracy States’ performance
• Punjabi language has the best • 42% of the students meet • Key high performing states: Punjab
performance the global minimum topped all key indicators; Rajasthan
• Only Telugu and Mizo have more proficiency and Sikkim also performed well in
than 30% students who meet • Higher percentage of girl some parameters
Global Proficiency Level. student’s performed low as • Key underperforming states:
• Tamil, Konkani, Assamese and compared to the boys Meghalaya, Telangana and Uttar
Bodo language have the poorest Pradesh performed poorly on various
performance parameters
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Snapshot of Key Reports
Report Released by Class Methodology Frequency
Annual Status NGO Pratham Estimates of Face to face Annually
of Education children’s schooling interactions with
Report (ASER) status for all children children and teachers
aged 3-16 in rural India annually
National Ministry of Education Evaluates learning MCQs based, Once every
Achievement outcomes of students conducted three years
Survey (NAS) in Classes III, V, VIII
and X
Foundational Institute for Competitiveness --- Data from: UDISE+, Once every
literacy and (IFC), and EAC-PM (Economic NSSO, NFHS, NAS, two years
numeracy Advisory Council to Prime budget (Biennial)
(FLN) report Minister)
Foundational MoE and NCERT in Only for grade III One-to-one interviews --
Learning collaboration with States/UTs students with each participant
Study (FLS) and supported by UNICEF
5.5. NATIONAL DIGITAL UNIVERSITY (NDU)

Why in news? Samarth Portal
Framework of National Digital University • Sponsored by Ministry of Education under the National Mission
(NDU), as envisioned under the National on Education through Information and Communication
Technology, NMEICT-II (now NMEICT-III) scheme in 2019.
Education Policy, 2020 was revealed.
• It integrates technology and allows HEIs to deploy a digital
About NDU and its framework framework for planning, management, delivery, and
monitoring of education services in a seamless manner.
• NDU is a university designed to bring
together various higher educational institutions (HEIs) for providing online higher educational courses.
Framework for NDU
• Online Courses: Offered by partner institutes (both private and public universities).
• Functioning Model: Hub-and-spoke model where the courses will be offered ‘Study Webs of Active-
Learning for Young Aspiring Minds (SWAYAM)’ portal.
o IT and administrative services will be provided through the government’s Samarth portal.
• Courses type: The students can opt for certificate, diploma, or degree courses.
o Credit based university degree: Courses will
hold a certain number of credits.
✓ Students will be eligible for a degree from
a particular institute on accumulating 50%
of the credits.
o NDU degree: If a student earns credits from
multiple institutions and crosses the credit
threshold, the degree awarded will be by
NDU.
• Number of seats: There will be an unlimited
number of seats for every course.
• ABC system: Use of standardised Academic Bank
of Credits (ABC) system, established by the
University Grants Commission (UGC) to facilitate
academic mobility.
5.6. DRAFT NATIONAL MEDICAL COMMISSION (AMENDMENT) BILL-

2022
Why in News?
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has proposed a draft amendment, to the existing
National Medical Commission Act-2019.
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Reasons for the Introduction of Amendment Bill
• To Streamline the process by replacing the existing National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences,
which currently conducts the NEET-PG and the Exit tests.
• To ease the litigation burden by altering the jurisdiction limits to Delhi HC.
• Ethics and Medical Registration Board or the National Medical Commission as the appellate body, over
the decisions of the State Medical Councils in cases of medical negligence.
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5.7. EUTHANASIA
Why in News?
Recently, Supreme Court simplified its rules on
passive euthanasia.
Background
• In a 2018 judgement (Common Cause v Union
of India), SC had recognised the right to die
with dignity as part of Article 21 of the
Constitution.
o It had, accordingly, upheld the legal
validity of passive euthanasia.
• It was argued that the directions had become
virtually unenforceable owing to the
complexity of the procedure prescribed by
SC.
o Thus, necessary amendments
were sought to make the
judgement ‘workable’.
• Accordingly, several changes were
introduced by the five-judge bench
in the guidelines laid down in 2018
with respect to the execution and
enforcement of advance medical
directives, as well as the procedure
for passive euthanasia.
o Advance medical directives or
living will is a legal document
that extends a person’s
autonomy and control over their
healthcare decisions in the event they become incapacitated.
Key aspects of the Judgment
Specification Now Earlier (2018)
Living will An attestation by a notary or a gazetted Attestation or countersign by a judicial
officer to be sufficient for living will magistrate is mandatory
Access to living Living will to be a part of national health Living will was kept in the custody of district
will record which can be accessed by Indian court
hospitals
Primary board to 3 doctors including the treating physician and 2 At least 4 experts from general medicine
examine patient other doctors with 5 years of experience in cardiology, neurology, nephrology psychiatry or
condition speciality oncology with overall standing of at least 20
years
Time taken to Primary/secondary board shall decide 48 hrs on No specific time period
decide on withdrawal of further treatment
withdrawal of
life support
Secondary board Hospital must immediately constitute a The district court had to constitute a secondary
secondary board of medical experts board of medical experts
Surrogate More than one guardian or close relative can Only one guardian or close relative was to be
decision-maker be named. named.
Before a final opinion consent of all the Before a final opinion, the consent of the
nominees will be taken. guardian or close relative would also be taken.
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Role of district This requirement has been deleted. Judicial magistrate to forward a copy of the
court registry document to the registry of the jurisdictional
district court, which would have to retain the
document in the original format.
Ascertaining Treating physician to execute the advance Treating physician had to execute the advance
authenticity directive after ascertaining its authenticity directive after ascertaining its authenticity from
with reference to the digital records of the the judicial magistrate.
executor, or from the custodian of the
document appointed by the local government
body.
Appeal before If permission to withdraw treatment was If permission to withdraw treatment was
High Court denied a writ petition at the jurisdictional High denied a writ petition at the jurisdictional High
Court can be filed. Court can be filed.
5.8. AYUSHMAN BHARAT PRADHAN MANTRI JAN AROGYA YOJANA

(AB PM-JAY)
Why in news?
National Health Authority (NHA) has introduced new system under
AB PM-JAY to grade hospital performance.
More on news
• New initiative will introduce the concept of ‘value-based care’,
where payment will be outcome based and providers will be
rewarded according to quality of treatment delivered.
• It aims to focus on measuring the performance of hospitals from
volume of services provided to value of healthcare services
under AB PMJAY.
o Performance of AB PM-JAY empaneled hospitals will be
measured based on five performance indicators (refer image).
o Performance shall be made available on public dashboard that will help beneficiaries to make an
informed decision.
About AB PMJAY
• It was launched as a component of the Ayushman Bharat as recommended by the National Health Policy
2017, to achieve the vision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
o Another component of the Ayushman Bharat is Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) to deliver
Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC).
• Insurance Coverage: It provides a cover of up to Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary
care hospitalization.
• Funding pattern: It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme
o Funding pattern is in ratio of 60:40 for States and UTs with legislature; 90:10 for North Eastern States
and three Himalayan States (J&K, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand), and 100% for UTs without
legislature.
• Beneficiaries: Identification of beneficiaries is done on the basis of Socio Economic Caste Census, 2011.
o No cap on family size and age in scheme.
o Covers pre-existing diseases and benefits are available across country.
• Nodal Body: National Health Authority is implementing agency.
5.9. NEW ORGAN TRANSPLANTATION GUIDELINES

Why in News?
In a recent move aimed at improving the organ donation and transplantation system in India, the Ministry of
Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW) has introduced several changes to the National Organ Transplantation
Guidelines.
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New Guidelines
• Upper limit changed: Removed age cap of 65 years for
receiving an organ from a dead donor. However,
preference will still be given to younger recipients.
• Removed domicile requirement: Now, needy patient can
register to receive an organ in any state and will be able
to get the surgery done there.
• No Registration fee: States have been asked not to
charge recipients for registration on waiting lists for
organs.
• Benefits of changes: Ease process of organ
transplantation and donation, benefits to end-stage
patients suffering from organ-related diseases.
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5.10. JAL JEEVAN MISSION (JJM)
Why in news?
For Jal Jeevan mission, Budgetary allocation has been raised
by 27% for financial year 2023-24 (FY24).
About Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)
• In 2019, Government of India restructured and
subsumed the ongoing National Rural Drinking Water
Programme (NRDWP) into JJM.
• Objectives
o To provide Functional Household Tap Connection
(FHTC) to every rural household i.e., Har Ghar Nal Se
Jal (HGNSJ) by 2024.
o To prioritize provision of FHTCs in quality affected
areas, villages in drought prone areas etc.
o To provide functional
tap connection to
Schools, Anganwadi
centres, Health centres
etc.
o To monitor
functionality of tap
connections.
o To assist in ensuring sustainability of water supply system.
o To bring awareness on various aspects and significance of safe drinking water etc.
Reforms taken under Jal Jeevan Mission
• Focus Reorientation:
Shift of focus for
water supply from
‘habitations to
households’.
• Capacity Building:
Training and skilling
programme to build
the capacity at local
level to ensure
service delivery.
• Sustainability:
Community ownership to ensure ‘long-term sustainability’ and major roles to Self-Help Groups (SHGs),
NGOs, , etc.
o 50% members of VSWC/ Pani Samitis are to be women and proportionate representation of weaker
sections of society.
• Incentivisation: Performance grant as incentive to States/ UTs based on nation-wide functionality
assessment.
• Technological interventions: A dedicated ‘Mobile App’ for stakeholders; geo-tagging every asset created;
Linkage of tap connection with Aadhar number of the ‘head of household’ etc.
Related news
Jal Jan Abhiyan (JJA)
• Prime Minister virtually inaugurated Jal Jan Abhiyan in Rajasthan.
• JJA is jointly run by Ministry of Jal Shakti, and Brahma Kumaris organization.
o It is a positive initiative towards water conservation to save humans and humanity.
• Campaign is based on idea that goal of water conservation can be achieved only by creating collective
consciousness among people towards water conservation.
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5.11. CENSUS
Why in news
According to the Office of the Registrar General and Census
Commissioner of India, Census is postponed by at least 4
years to 2024-25.
More on news
• Citing the on-going COVID pandemic, the office of RGI
has extended the deadline of freezing of
administrative boundaries to June 30, 2023 (extended
multiple times since COVID).
o As per Rule 8 (iv) of Census Rules, 1990, the
boundaries of the administrative units shall be
frozen from the date intimated by the Census
Commissioner, which shall not be earlier than one year from the Census reference date.
o As general elections are scheduled for early 2024, it would not be possible to conduct Census
operations before polls.
About the Census Process
• The responsibility of conducting the decadal census rests with the Office of the Registrar General and
Census Commissioner of India, Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Before every Census, the states are required to provide information to the RGI on changes in the number
of administrative units like towns, districts, etc.
o The number of districts changed from 640 in 2011 to 736 in 2022.
• Then the Census Operations is carried out in two phases: -
o House listing and Housing Census- As per the recent amendments to Census Rules this phase also
carries enumeration of National Population Register (NPR).
o Population Enumeration- During this each person is enumerated and her/his individual particulars
(Age, Marital status, Religion, etc).
Related news
Caste Census
• Recently, Supreme Court declined to entertain petitions against caste-based census in Bihar.
About Caste Census
o Caste Census is the caste-wise tabulation of population in the census exercise.
o Every Census in independent India from 1951 to 2011 has published data on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled
Tribes, but not on other castes.
o Before that, every Census until 1931 had data on caste.
o Earlier in 2011 attempt was made towards Caste Census by conducting the Socio Economic and Caste Census
(SECC).
o Rohini Commission was another attempt by categorization within OBCs for better targeted service delivery.

Women in • Recently, SC
Judiciary had an all-
woman
bench which
was only the
third time in
its history.
• Only three
times (2013,
2018, 2022) in
history of SC
all women
benches
were formed.
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• This third all women benches heard transfer petitions involving matrimonial disputes and bail
matters.
• Supreme court currently has only 3 women judges, and the country will get its first woman Chief
Justice only in 2027.
Section 497 • SC in its clarification to 2018 judgement ruled that armed forces can take action against their
of Indian officers for adulterous acts.
Penal Code • SC in 2018 judgement decriminalized adultery by striking down Section 497 of IPC dealing with
(IPC) the offence of adultery, holding it unconstitutional.
• Section 497 imposed culpability on a man who engages in sexual intercourse with another man’s
wife. Women were exempted from such prosecution.
Family Courts • Madras HC quashed a Khula (divorce) certificate issued to a woman by Shariat Council of Tamil
(FC) Nadu.
o HC asserted that only judicial forums were empowered to pass a decree to dissolve a
marriage under Section 7(1)(b) of Family Courts (FC) Act, 1984.
• FC Act, 1984 was enacted for establishment of FCs to promote conciliation, and secure speedy
settlement of disputes relating to marriage and family affairs and for related matters.
o State Government may, with concurrence of HC, appoint one or more persons to be Judge
or Judges of a FC.
Grameen • Ministry of Skill development and Entrepreneurship facilitated 200 tribal women under Grameen
Udhyami Udyami Programme.
Programme • Programme aims to build skills and spirit of entrepreneurship among tribal communities for their
inclusive and sustainable development.
• Programme is held under Sansadiya Sankul Pariyojana (SSP) which aims to expand rural and local
economy, enhance employment opportunities, conservation of natural resources, etc.
Children • SC ruled that Children’s right not to have their legitimacy questioned frivolously is part of their
Identity and Privacy Rights. Also, SC stated that
Right to o Genetic information is personal and intimate, and
Privacy o Family courts should direct for a DNA test to ascertain paternity of a child only in expedient
situations and in interest of justice, as a last resort.
• Right to Privacy is an intrinsic part of the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 (Justice
K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd) vs Union of India).
• UN Convention on Rights of the Child also recognises rights of privacy, autonomy and identity
of children.
Draft • It has been framed by the National
guidelines on Commission for Protection of Child
assessing if Rights (NCPCR) for Conducting
minors can Preliminary Assessment under Section 15
be tried as of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection
adults of Children) Act, 2015.
o It is in compliance with Supreme
Court directive (Barun Chnadra
Thakur vs Master Bholu).
World Social • Published by: he UN Department for Economic

Report 2023: and Social Affairs (DESA)
Leaving no • Report builds on framework of Madrid
one behind in International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA).
an ageing o MIPAA was adopted at second World
world Assembly on Ageing in April 2002.
• Key Findings
• Number of persons aged 65 years or older is
expected to double over next three decades
surpassing 1.6 billion in 2050.
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• Northern Africa and Western Asia and sub-Saharan Africa are expected to experience fastest
growth.
• Poverty levels at older ages are typically higher among women.
Rat-hole • A High Court appointed committee has refuted Meghalaya Government’s estimate of coal
mining extracted before National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned rat-hole mining in April 2014.
• Rat-hole mining involves digging of narrow tunnels, usually 3-4 feet high, which workers (often
children) enter and extract coal.
o It is mostly practiced in Meghalaya because of thinness of coal found there.
• In 2019, Supreme Court stated that if coal mining is done under Mines and Minerals (Development
and Regulation) Act and Mineral Concession Rules 1960, NGT ban will not be applicable.
Manual • Kerala became the first state in the country to use robotic technology to clean all its commissioned
Scavenging manholes.
• The robotic scavenger ‘Bandicoot’ to clean sewages functions in a similar way such as a person.
• It has features of being waterproof, HD vision cameras, and sensors that can detect harmful gases
inside the manholes.
Lokur • Experts have pointed that Office of Registrar-General of India (RGI) follows ‘obsolete’ criteria set
Committee, out by Lokur Committee to define any new community as a Scheduled Tribe (ST).
1965 • Criteria set out by Lokur Committee are indications of primitive traits, distinctive culture,
geographical isolation, shyness of contact with community at large, backwardness.
• New criteria under government consideration included socio-economic (educational,
backwardness), historical geographical isolation, etc.
Jadui Pitara: A • It is a play-based Learning-Teaching Material tailored for children between the age group of 3-8
Learning - years.
Teaching • It is developed under the National Curriculum Framework is available in 13 Indian languages.
Material • It comprises of playbooks, toys, puzzles, posters, flash cards, etc.
(LTM)
PARAKH • The Educational
(Performance Testing Service (ETS),
Assessment, which administers
Review and international tests like
Analysis of TOEFL, TOEIC, GRE,
Knowledge and PISA among
for Holistic others in more than
Development) 180 countries, has won
the bid to set up
PARAKH.
• PARAKH has been
launched as part of the
implementation of the
National Education
Policy (NEP)-2020.
• PARAKH will work on setting norms, standards and guidelines for student assessment and
evaluation for all recognised school boards in the country.
School Health • Almost three years after its implementation, program has less than 50% uptake and so far only 15
& Wellness States have started classroom sessions with students.
Programme • School Health & Wellness Programme
o It has been incorporated under Ayushman Bharat Programme.
o It is being implemented in government and government aided schools in districts (including
aspirational districts).
o Two teachers, preferably one male and one female, in every school are designated as “Health
and Wellness Ambassadors” to transact with school children for one hour every week.
Higher • HEFA has fallen way short of government’s target of mobilising Rs 1 lakh crore by 2022.
Education
Financing
Agency
(HEFA)
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National • The
Assessment benchmarks
and manual is its
Accreditation secret ledger
Council of maximum
(NAAC) scores it
releases new awards to
benchmark institutions
that line up for
assessment.
• These will act
as a
barometer,
allowing institutions to identify the areas need to be worked upon.
Study Webs of • With 2.4 crore enrolments, government-run SWAYAM has outperformed any other e-Learning
Active platform.
Learning for o SWAYAM is a repository of more than 300 high quality Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC)
Young that are developed by academicians from top ranked institutions and are offered free of
Aspiring cost.
Minds • A learning system based on formalised teaching but with help of electronic resources is known
(SWAYAM) as E-learning.
o India is one of the biggest market for e-learning with revenue projected to reach US$ 4.73bn
in 2023.
Mission • Launched by: Ministry of Rural development and Panchayati Raj
Antyodaya o It aims to assess the outcome of various development schemes in rural areas.
Survey (MAS) o Survey-2022 Questionnaire has 183 indicators and 216 data points covering 21 areas.
2022-23 o Areas covered in survey include fisheries, agriculture, fuel and fodder, good governance,
roads, etc. Questionnaires are to be prepared in 13 languages.
Prajjwala • Launched by: The Ministry of Rural Development under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National
Challenge Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
• Aim: To invite ideas, solutions and actions that can transform rural economy.
o DAY-NRLM aims at mobilizing rural poor households into SHGs and provide them long-term
support such that they diversify their livelihoods, improve their incomes etc.
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5.13. ERRATA
PT 365 Social Issues (April 2022-December 2022)
• Article 1.3 SURROGACY (REGULATION) RULES, 2022: it has been mentioned that commercial surrogacy
could be penalised by imprisonment upto 5 years and a fine upto Rs 5 lakh. Please note that this penalty
may extend to imprisonment upto 10 years and a fine upto Rs 10 lakh.
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6. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
6.1. BIOTECHNOLOGY
6.1.1. STEM CELLS
Why in News?
Recently, third patient was reported being cured of HIV
after a stem cell transplant (SCT).
More on News
• A bone-marrow transplant (also called SCT) from
people carrying a specific HIV-resistant genetic
mutation called CCR5-delta 32 genetic mutation was
used.
o HIV mainly attacks CD4 immune cells (type of
white blood cell) in human body, thereby reducing
a person’s ability to fight off secondary infections.
o CCR5 receptors on surface of CD4 immune cells act
as a doorway for HIV virus.
• A bone marrow transplant is a procedure that infuses healthy blood-
forming stem cells into body to replace bone marrow that's not
producing enough healthy blood cells.
o It can be autologous (use cells from your own body) or allogenic
(use cells from a donor).
About stem cells
• Special human cells that can develop into many different cell types.
• Provide new cells for the body as it grows and replaces specialized
cells that are damaged or lost.
• Two unique properties that enable them to do this:
o They can divide repeatedly to produce new cells.
o As they divide, they can change into
the other types of cells that make up the body.
• Stem Cell Classification: refer infographic.
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Status in India
• Fall under definition of ‘Drug’ as per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940.
o Categorized as ‘Investigational New Drug or Investigational New Entity when used for clinical application.
• Various guidelines released so far
o Draft Guidelines for Stem Cell Research/Regulation (2002)
o Guidelines for Stem Cell Research and Therapy (2007)
o National Guidelines for Stem Cell Research (NGSCR)- 2017
✓ As per these guidelines, only bone marrow/hematopoietic SCT for blood disorders (including blood
cancers and thalassemia) is permitted in compliance with NGSCR 2017.
• Some hospitals providing SCT in India are AIIMs, New Delhi, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai etc.
6.1.2. MITOCHONDRIAL DNA (MTDNA)

Why in News?
Delhi police recently used DNA Mitochondrial profiling to establish the victim
identity.
More on News
• Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) profiling is a method used by forensics
scientists to examine biological items of evidence from crime scenes to
determine mtDNA sequence from samples such as hair, bones, and teeth.
o Typically, these items contain low concentrations of degraded DNA,
making them unsuitable for nuclear DNA examinations.
About Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)
• mtDNA is circular, double stranded, and inherited maternally.
o It is found in mitochondria - a subcellular organelle located within the cell and functions to produce
energy (powerhouse of cell) for various tissues of body.
• It can play an important role in missing person investigations, mass disasters etc. with limited biological
material (or Nuclear DNA) as:
o Mitochondrial division is disassociated from cellular division and is stimulated by energy demand, i.e.
cells with greater energy requirement have greater number of these organelle.
o Also, it has high copy number as most human cell contain hundreds of mtDNA genomes copies against
two copies of Nuclear DNA in nucleus.
✓ High copy number increases the likelihood of recovering sufficient DNA from samples even if
they are highly degraded by environment or time.
6.2. NANOTECHNOLOGY
6.2.1. NANO UREA
Why in News? About nano fertiliser
Union Minister of Chemicals and • Nanofertilizers are defined as materials in the nanometer scale,
Fertilizers has inaugurated the IFFCO usually in the form of nanoparticles, containing macro and
micronutrients that are delivered to crops in a controlled mode.
Nano Urea Liquid Plants at Aonla and
Phulpur in Uttar Pradesh.
About Nano Urea
• Nano Urea is a Nanofertilizers (refer
box) that contains nano nitrogen
particles of size range 20-50 nm
dispersed in water.
o Total nitrogen concentration in
one bottle of Nano Urea (liquid) is
4 % (40,000 ppm).
o The fertilizer has been patented and sold by the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO).
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• Formation: Process uses “organic polymers” that keeps the ‘nano’ particles of nitrogen stable and in a
form that can be sprayed onto plants.
• Subsidy: There is no government subsidy on nano urea.
• Relevance of Nano-urea
o Reduces the requirement of conventional Urea by 50% or more.
o Nano-urea has Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of more than 80%.
✓ The quantum effects of nanoparticles and the increased surface area helps to deliver more
nitrogen.
6.3. IT AND COMPUTER

6.3.1. MICROLEDS (LIGHT EMITTING DIODE) DISPLAYS
Why in News?
Recently various electronic companies are showing their interest in MicroLED (mLED or µLED) display
technology.
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6.3.2. QUANTUM COHERENCE
Why in News?
Recently an international team of scientists made
a breakthrough in retaining the quantum
coherence of quantum dot spin qubits.
About Quantum Coherence
• It is the Ability of a quantum state to maintain
its entanglement and superposition in the
face of interactions.
o It deals with the idea that all objects have
wave-like properties.
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• Spin-photon interfaces are elementary building blocks for quantum networks.
o These allow converting stationary quantum information (such as the quantum state of an ion or a
solid-state spin qubit) into light (namely photons) that can be distributed over large distances.
• A major challenge is to find an interface that is both good at storing quantum information and efficient
at converting it into light.
• Optically active semiconductor quantum dots are the most efficient spin-photon interface known to date
but extending their storage time beyond a few microseconds is difficult.
o Recent research improves the storage of quantum information beyond hundred microseconds.
• Quantum dots (QDs) are a unique type of nanocrystalline semiconductor whose electronic and optical
properties are dependent on the size and shape of the dots.
6.3.3. DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY INFRASTRUCTURE PROVIDER (DCIP)

Why in News?
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released consultation paper on Digital Connectivity
Infrastructure Provider (DCIP) Authorization under Unified Licence (UL).
About Digital Connectivity Infrastructure
• TRAI is seeking views to introduce DCIP authorization under UL regime as it underlined the importance
of robust Digital Connectivity Infrastructure (DCI) in economic development.
o UL offers service-wise authorizations, where licensees establish networks and use them to provide
services.
• Importance of DCI
o Increases productivity and provides amenities that enhance quality of life. It is used for financial
services, e-governance, tele-medicine etc.
o Helps in implementation of various government schemes under Digital India, Make in India,
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission etc.
• Earlier, National Digital Communications Policy (NDCP-2018) emphasized on DCI under ‘Propel India’
mission.
o NDCP-2018 envisages enabling unbundling of different layers (e.g., infrastructure, network, services,
and applications layer) through differential licensing.
• DCIP will work at infrastructure and network layer; creating neutral third-party entities which can create
passive and active DCI.
o Currently, Infrastructure Providers Category-I (IP-I) rolls out passive infrastructure while active
infrastructure creation is permitted to Telecom Service Providers only.
✓ Passive Infrastructure refers to physical space, e.g., telecom towers, fiber distribution hub etc.
while Active infrastructure refers to active elements such as antennas, back-haul connectivity etc.
• DCIPs can lease/rent/sell their infrastructure only to such entities which are licensed under Indian
Telegraph Act.
• Potential Benefits Of DCIP: Increased common sharable DCI and network resources, cost reduction,
attract investment, strengthen service delivery segment, etc.
Related News
Broadband Definition change
• Recently, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has notified the change in definition of Broadband.
• Now, Broadband is defined as a data connection that can support interactive services including Internet access.
o It has the capability of the minimum download speed of 2 Mbps to an individual subscriber from the point of
presence (POP) of the service provider.
• Earlier, connections with 512 Kbps were called Broadband Connections.
6.3.4. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

Large Language • Meta Platforms has released Large Language Model Meta AI (LLaMA).
Models (LLMs) o LLaMA is a foundational language model developed to assist researchers in subfield of
Artificial Intelligence (AI).
o It is a collection of language models.
• LLMs are AI systems that consume massive volumes of digital text from internet sources such
as articles, news reports, and social media posts.
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o These digital texts are used to train software that predicts and produces content from
scratch based on prompts and queries.
o These models can help in writing essays, composing social media posts.
Neural • Neural Networks are behind working of recently unveiled Chatbots like ChatGPT and Bard.
Networks • Neural networks are a type of machine learning algorithm modelled after structure and
function of the human brain.
o They are composed of layers of interconnected nodes, called neurons, that process and
transmit information.
o They learn skills by analyzing vast amounts of digital data.
• They can be trained to perform a wide range of task:
o Convolutional neural networks are used for image and pattern recognition/ computer
vision.
o Recurrent neural networks use series of data to make predictions about future outcome.
Bhasini Mission • Government integrates Bhasini Mission's capabilities with the UPI ecosystem to make digital
payments through UPI 123 Pay available in more than 20 local Indian language.
• Bhashini Mission was launched by Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY).
o It is a local language translator mission that aims to break the barrier between various
Indian tongues by using technology.
o This platform will make Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP)
resources available to Indian MSMEs, startups and innovators in public domain.
o Bhashini platform is interoperable and will catalyze entire Digital Ecosystem.
USB (Universal • Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced standard for USB Type-C port, plug and
Serial Bus) cables used in electronic devices like mobile phone, laptop etc.
• It aims to provide
common charging
solutions for various
electronic devices
sold in country by
March 2025.
• USB (an industry
standard) is used for
connecting a wide
variety of devices to a
processor.(Refer
image for different
USB Types).
• BIS also published standards for digital television receivers with built-in satellite tuners and
video surveillance security systems
Data embassies • Union Budget 2023 -24 announced for setting up data embassies at GIFT City in Gujarat.
• Data embassy refers to server resources owned and maintained by a nation-state outside its
territorial boundaries, according to its own laws.
o It will ensure normal functioning of a state and its digital services in case of situations like
cyberattack or natural disaster.
o They have diplomatic immunities from local laws on principles of the Vienna Convention
on Diplomatic Relations, 1961.
• Estonia was first country to set up data embassy outside its territory in Luxembourg in 2017.
6.4. SPACE TECHNOLOGY

6.4.1. GAGANYAAN
Why in news?
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), along with the Indian Navy, has carried out initial recovery trials
of the Crew Module for the Gaganyaan Mission.
114
115
6.4.2. CHANDRAYAAN 3
Why in News?
Several critical steps that are necessary for the
successful launch of Chandrayaan 3 were
successfully conducted recently.
More about the News
• The three possible landing sites for the mission
are also finalized between Manzius U and
Boguslawsky M craters in the South Polar
Region of the moon.
• The proposed lander has successfully
completed the crucial Electro - Magnetic
Interference and compatibility test.
• The Flight acceptance hot test, for the Cryogenic engine to be used in the mission was also successfully
conducted.
Modules of Chandrayaan 3
• Lander Module: Consists of-
o Radio anatomy of Moon bound hypersensitive ionosphere and atmosphere (RAMBHA): To measure
the near surface plasma density and its changes with time.
o Chandra’s
Surface Thermo
physical
Experiment: To
measure the
thermal
properties of
the lunar
surface in the
polar region.
o Instrument of
Lunar Seismic
Activity (ILSA):
To measure the
seismicity and
determine the
lunar crust and
mantle.
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o LASER Retroreflector array: To understand the dynamics of the Moon system.
• Rover module: Consists of-
o LASER Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS): To derive the chemical composition and infer
mineralogical composition of the Lunar surface.
o Alpha particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS): To determine the composition of the lunar soil and rocks
at the landing site.
• Propulsion module: Consists of-
o Spectro-polarimetry of HAbitable Planet Earth (SHAPE): To probe into the Exoplanets which would
qualify for habitability in future.
• Launch Vehicle (earlier called GSLV – Mk III): Consists of-
o 3-stage launch vehicle consisting of Cryogenic Upper Stage, Solid Rocket Boosters and Core Liquid
Stage.
o Carrying capacity of 8 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and 4 tonnes to Geo Transfer Orbit (GTO).
Why the South Pole of the Moon is chosen as the preferred landing site?
• Shadow area: much larger than that at North Pole. Also, there is a possibility of the presence of water in areas
around it.
• Craters: that are cold traps and contain a fossil record of the early Solar System.
• Untapped Resources: Regolith in region has traces of hydrogen, ammonia, methane, sodium, mercury and silver.
• Positional advantage: make it a suitable pit stop for future space exploration.
6.4.3. VOLCANIC ROCKS ON MOON

Why in News?
Scientists from Physical Research Laboratory (PRL),
Ahmedabad (India), US and Japan have announced new
discovery about origin of volcanic rocks on moon.
About the Discovery
• Scientists found a unique group of ancient lunar
basaltic meteorites with very low KREEP.
o KREEP is acronym for a place that has deposits
of potassium (K), rare earth elements (REE) and
phosphorus (P).
o Samples studied for discovery were Asuka-
881757 found at Antartica, Kalahari 009 found at
Kalahari Desert, and samples collected by
Russian Luna-24 mission.
• This suggests that meteorites studied have come
from a region different from PKT (Procellarum KREEP Terrane).
• Study shows that these basalts are result of low-pressure melting in the Moon whereas basalts in PKT
regions are a result of localized radioactive melting.
o PKT regions are rich in radioactive elements that provided heat to melt rocks resulting in KREEP rich
basalts.
• Further, it shows that these basalts originated from a cool, shallow, and compositionally distinct part of
lunar interior.
• Mare regions of Moon which is on near side of Moon consists mainly of basalt rocks.
o Near side of moon (always visible from Earth) is divided into light areas called Lunar Highlands and
darker areas called Mare.
6.5. NASA-ISRO SYNTHETIC APERTURE RADAR (NISAR) SATELLITE

Why in News?
Recently, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has received the NASA-ISRO SAR (NISAR) satellite from
the U.S. space agency.
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About NASA-ISRO SAR (NISAR) Satellite Frequency Bands
• Low Earth Orbit (LEO) observatory
being jointly developed by NASA
and ISRO.
• Mapping and Data: Will map the
entire globe in 12 days and provide
spatially and temporally consistent
data for understanding changes in
Earth’s ecosystems, ice mass, etc.
• Instruments: It consists of both L-
band and S-band synthetic
aperture radar (SAR) instruments,
which makes it a dual-frequency • L band radars operate on a wavelength of 15-30 cm and a
imaging radar satellite. frequency of 1-2 GHz. L band radars are mostly used for clear air
o SAR payloads mounted on turbulence studies.
Integrated Radar Instrument • S band radars operate on a wavelength of 8-15 cm and a frequency
of 2-4 GHz.
Structure (IRIS) and the
o Because of the wavelength and frequency, S band radars are
spacecraft bus are together not easily attenuated.
called an observatory. o This makes them useful for near and far range weather
o NASA is to provide the L-band observation.
radar, GPS, a high-capacity o The drawback to this band of radar is that it requires a large
solid-state recorder to store antenna dish and a large motor to power it.
data, and a payload data
subsystem.
o ISRO is to provide the S-band radar, the GSLV
launch system and spacecraft for the mission.
• NISAR is expected to be launched in January 2024
from Satish Dhawan Space Centre into a near-polar
orbit.
o After the commissioning period, the L-band radar
will be used by NASA for minimum of three years.
o S-band radar will be used by India for a period of
five years.
Significance of the mission: High Precision and
Resolution, Large Imaging Area, Observing Indian Coasts
and Antarctica.
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6.5.1. HYBRID-SOUNDING ROCKET
Why in News?
India’s first hybrid-sounding rocket launched by private players from Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu.
More on News
• Martin Foundation, in association with Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam International Foundation and Space Zone
India, launched the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Satellite Launch Vehicle Mission- 2023.
o Rocket can be used for research in weather, atmospheric conditions and radiations.
About Sounding Rockets
• Sounding rockets are one or two stage solid propellant rockets used for probing upper atmospheric
regions (Aeronomy) and for space research.
o They can also be used to test or prove prototypes of new components or subsystems intended for
use in launch vehicles and satellites.
o Sounding rockets take their name from the nautical term "to sound," which means to take
measurements.
o Hybrid-rocket uses different propellants, i.e., one solid and other being either gas or liquid.
• In 1963, Indian Space Programme started with first sounding rocket launch from Thumba Equatorial
Rocket Launching Station (TERLS), Kerala. Thumba was selected as it is close to magnetic equator.
• In 1967, ISRO launched its own version of sounding rockets - Rohini RH-75.
o In 1975, ISRO consolidated all sounding rocket activities under Rohini Sounding Rocket (RSR)
Programme.
About Rohini RH- 200
• RH-200 (meteorology purpose) is one of three sounding rockets currently operational with ISRO, the
other two being RH-300 Mk 2 and RH-560 Mk 2 (both for Aeronomy).
o 200 in the name denotes rocket’s diameter in millimeters (mm).
• Rh-200 rocket used polyvinyl chloride (pvc) based propellant. In 2020, first rh-200 used a new propellant
based on hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (htpb).

Space Objects
Jupiter Moons • Jupiter, with 92 moons, beats Saturn to become planet with most moons.
• Jupiter is home to first moons discovered in our solar system, functions like a mini solar
system.
• Jupiter's four largest moons are called Galilean satellites: Lo, Europa, Ganymede, and
Callisto.
o Lo is most volcanically active body in solar system.
o Europa's surface is mostly water ice.
o Ganymede is largest moon in solar system and is only moon known to have its own
internally generated magnetic field.
o Callisto's surface is extremely heavily cratered and ancient.
Quaoar • New study has found that
dwarf planet Quaoar has a
Saturn-like ring of dust and
debris that defies rules of
physics.
• The rings are found outside
its Roche limit.
o Roche limit is minimum
distance to which a large
satellite can approach its
primary body (like Moon
and Earth) without being
torn apart by tidal forces.
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• Quaoar (discovered in 2002) is the seventh largest of known dwarf planets.
• It is a trans-Neptunian object, i.e., it orbits Sun beyond its outermost planet Neptune.
• Dwarf planet is defined as a celestial body that - orbits sun, has enough mass to assume
a nearly round shape, has not cleared the neighbourhood around its orbit and is not a
moon.
RR Lyrae Stars • More than 200 distant variable stars known as RR
Lyrae stars discovered in Milky Way's stellar halo, a
spherical cloud of stars surrounding the galaxy.
o RR Lyrae stars are known for their fluctuating
brightness, therefore helping in measuring
distances.
• A galaxy is a huge collection of gas, dust, and billions
of stars and their solar systems, all held together by
gravity.
o Galaxies can be spiral, elliptical or irregular.
o Our galaxy, Milky Way (spiral in shape), also has
a supermassive black hole in the middle.
Small Magellanic • NASA's James Webb telescope has found a star formation (Called NGC 346) in a dynamic
Cloud (SMC) cluster that lies within SMC.
• Visible to the naked eye from southern hemisphere, SMC is smaller of the two irregular
galaxies that make up Magellanic Clouds.
o These two galaxies orbit the Milky Way once every 1,500 million years, and each
other once every 900 million years.
• Magellanic Clouds were formed at about same time as Milky Way Galaxy, approximately
13 billion years ago
Meteorids • Five new meteorites were found in the in the Blue Ice region of Antarctica.
• Meteoroids are objects in space that range in size from dust grains to small asteroids.
o When meteoroids enter Earth’s atmosphere at high speed and burn up, the fireballs
or shooting stars are called meteors.
o When a meteoroid survives a trip through the atmosphere and hits the ground, it’s
called a meteorite.
Aubrite meteorite • Analysis has revealed that Diyodar meteorite of 2022 (fell in Gujarat) was India’s first
aubrite in 170 years.
• Aubrites, a type of meteorite, are coarse-grained igneous rocks formed in oxygen-poor
conditions; containing a variety of exotic minerals that are not found on Earth.
o E.g. mineral heideite was first described in Basti meteorite.
• Around 90% of Diyodar meteorite was composed of orthopyroxene.
o Pyroxenes are silicates consisting of single chains of silica tetrahedra (SiO 4).
Orthopyroxenes are pyroxenes with a certain structure
✓ Pyroxenes such as diopside and jadeite have been used as gems.
Wolf 1069 b • Astronomers have discovered an exoplanet Wolf 1069b which is orbiting a red dwarf star
Wolf 1069.
o An exoplanet is any planet beyond our solar system.
o Red dwarfs are stars with very low mass and are generally referred to as coolest
stars.
• It is orbiting in its star’s habitable zone (Goldilocks zone), making it a prime candidate for
liquid water to potentially exist on its surface.
• It is tidally locked to its parent star, meaning one side is always in daylight and other is
always in darkness.
Others
Solitary Wave (SW) • Indian scientists reported first evidence of the presence of SW in Martian
magnetosphere with help of data recorded by the MAVEN spacecraft of NASA.
o SW are Distinct electric field fluctuations (bipolar or monopolar) that follow
constant amplitude-phase relations. Their shape and size are less affected during
their propagation.
• Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) explore the Mars atmosphere,
ionosphere and how they interact with Sun and solar wind.
Shukrayaan- I • ISRO’s Venus mission may be delayed until 2031.
o In 2031, Earth and Venus would be aligned in manner that it would require minimum
amount of propellant for spacecraft to enter Venus orbit.
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• Shukrayaan I will be
an orbiter mission. Its
scientific payloads
include high-
resolution synthetic
aperture radar and
ground-penetrating
radar.
o Mission is
expected to
study Venus’s
geological and
volcanic activity,
emissions on
ground, wind
speed, cloud
cover, and other
planetary
characteristics from an elliptical orbit.
• Other mission to Venus: Venera program (Russia); Akatsuki project (Japan); VERITAS i.e.,
Venus Emissivity, Radio Science, InSAR, Topography, and Spectroscopy, Mariner 2 and
Magellan (NASA); EnVision mission (Europe) etc.
World’s First 3D- • Agnikul-Cosmos, a space-tech startup incubated in IIT-Madras, has successfully
printed rocket engine conducted the flight acceptance test for its 3D printed rocket engine “Agnilet”.
o It is a semi-cryogenic engine, which uses a mixture of liquid kerosene at room
temperature and super cold liquid oxygen as fuel.
• Agnilet Engine will power the company’s launch vehicle, Agnibaan, which can carry
payloads of up to 300kg to a low-earth orbit.
o Launch of Agnibaan will be the second by a private firm -- after Hyderabad-based
Skyroot Aerospace’s Viksram-S, which took place in November 2022.
Atacama Large • A research team from Italy has detected an elusive black galaxy, dubbed 'invisible galaxy'
Millimetre/ using ALMA.
Submillimeter Array • ALMA is a state-of-the-art telescope to study light from some of the coldest objects in
(ALMA) the Universe.
• This light has wavelengths of around a millimetre, between infrared light and radio
waves, and is therefore known as millimetre and submillimetre radiation.
o Light at these wavelengths comes from some of the earliest and most distant
galaxies in the Universe.
• ALMA is an international collaboration including teams from Europe, Japan, US, Canada,
Chile etc.
Doppler Weather • India Meteorological Department (IMD) will cover the entire India under a DWRs network
Radars (DWRs) by 2025.
• A Doppler Radar is a specialized radar that uses Doppler effect to produce velocity data
about objects at a distance.
o Doppler effect refers to change in wave frequency during the relative motion
between a wave source and its observer.
• DWRs are used to locate precipitation, calculate its motion, and estimate its type.
6.6. HEALTH
6.6.1. TRANSFAT Partially Hydrogenated Oils (PHO)
• About: PHO are solid at room temperature and prolong
Why in News? the shelf life of products.
• Use: For deep frying and as an ingredient in baked goods.
Recently, WHO released a report titled
• Other: First introduced in early 20th century as a
Countdown to 2023: WHO report on global replacement for butter and lard.
trans-fat elimination 2022. o They are not a natural part of the human diet and
Key highlight of the report are fully replaceable.
• Mandatory TFA limits or bans on partially hydrogenated oils (PHO) are currently in effect for 3.4 billion
people in 60 countries.
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• In 2022, three countries – Global Initiative
India, Oman and Uruguay • REPLACE initiative: By WHO for elimination of industrially produced TFA
– implemented best- from the food supply by 2023.
practice TFA policies. • WHO Certification Programme for Trans Fat Elimination: to recognize
countries that have eliminated industrially produced TFA from their national
About Transfat food supplies.
• Trans fat, or trans-fatty
acids, are unsaturated
fatty acids that come from
either natural or industrial
sources.
o Naturally occurring
trans-fat come from
ruminants (cows and
sheep).
o Industrially produced
trans-fat are formed in
an industrial process
that adds hydrogen to
vegetable oil converting the liquid into a solid, Best-practice TFA policy
resulting in “partially hydrogenated” oil (PHO). The two best-practice policies for TFA elimination are:
• Use of trans fats has been popular because they are • Mandatory national limit of 2 g of industrially
inexpensive, have a longer shelf life, and can produced TFA per 100 g of total fat in all foods.
improve the texture and taste of foods. • Mandatory national ban on the production or
• Trans fats increase bad cholesterol, i.e., Low use of PHO as an ingredient in all foods.
Density Lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol and decrease High Density Lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol, which
can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
• Experts recommend limiting consumption of trans fat (industrially produced and ruminant) to less than
1% of total energy intake, which translates to less than 2.2 g/day for a 2,000-calorie diet.
6.6.2. NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES

Why in News?
World Health Organization (WHO) released
Global report on neglected tropical diseases
2023.
About Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs)
• NTDs are a diverse group of 20 conditions
mainly prevalent in tropical areas.
• Caused By: a variety of pathogens including
viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and toxins.
• NTDs flourish mainly in areas where access
to clean water and sanitation is scarce –
worsened by climate change.
• India has the world's largest absolute
burden of at least 10 major NTDs, including
dengue, lymphatic filariasis, leprosy, visceral
leishmaniasis or kala-azar and rabies.
o However, India has already eliminated
several NTDs, including guinea worm,
trachoma, and yaws.
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6.6.3. WHO’S PANDEMIC TREATY
Why in News? International Health Regulations (IHR)-2005
• It is the mechanism through which the WHO has handled the
Recently, WHO members held the first pandemics in the recent past, the outbreak of COVID-19, has
round of negotiations towards the highlighted the flaws it contained and hence the call for a New
pandemic treaty. Pandemic Treaty, became more prominent.
More about the News • These are an instrument of international law that is legally-binding
on 196 countries, including the 194 WHO Member States.
• WHO is leading two major • They create rights and obligations for countries, including the
international initiatives to requirement to report public health events at regular interval.
address on the threat of future • The Regulations also outlines the criteria to determine whether or
pandemics. not a particular event constitutes a “public health emergency of
o First initiative: Involves international concern”.
revising the International Health Regulations (IHRs) to improve global health alerts' speed and
efficiency.
o Second initiative: Involves negotiating a new Pandemic Treaty to provide a more efficient and
equitable response to pandemics in the future.
About the Pandemic Treaty
• WHO published a ‘zero-draft’ of the pandemic treaty.
o It will entail for global- and national-level pandemic preparedness.
o The draft opens the path to major multilateral negotiations and has invited inputs from member
groups.
o It aims to prevent pandemics, save lives, reduce disease burden and protect livelihoods, through
strengthening the world’s capacities for preventing, preparing for and responding to, and recovery
of health systems from, pandemics.
6.6.4. VACCINE-DERIVED POLIOVIRUS (VDPV)

Why in News?
A WHO committee, after looking into updates from several countries, stated that while risk of global spread
of wild poliovirus remains, risk of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) ones is higher.
About vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV)
• Poliomyelitis (polio) is a highly infectious disease that invades the nervous system. There are 3 types of
wild polio virus – type 1, type 2, and type 3.
o Only type 1 wild poliovirus remains in circulation.
• There are two types of vaccinations that work against poliovirus: inactivated poliovirus (IPV) and oral
poliovirus (OPV).
o IPV is produced from wild-type poliovirus strains that have been inactivated (killed) with formalin.
o OPV contains an attenuated (weakened) vaccine-virus, which activates an immune response in the
body.
• However, OPV can lead to rare emergence of VDPVs when there is prolonged circulation or replication of
the vaccine virus.
o Types of VDPVs: circulating VDPV (cVDPV), immunodeficiency VDPV (iVDPV), and ambiguous VDPV
(aVDPV).
o VDPVs are mostly found in children with immune-deficiency and among populations with low
immunity levels.
• In 2014, India was officially declared polio-free, along with the rest of the South-East Asia Region.

Diseases
Lymphatic • Recently, Mass Drug Administration (MDA) was launched by Union Ministry of Health and
Filariasis (LF) Family Welfare to eliminate LF by 2027, three years ahead of the global target.
• LF or elephantiasis, is a neglected tropical disease. Infection is usually acquired in childhood
causing hidden damage to the lymphatic system.
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o Symptoms: Abnormal enlargement of body parts.
o Caused by: Nematodes (roundworms) of family Filariodidea.
o Transmitted by: Mosquitoes including Culex, Anopheles and Aedes.
o Global initiative: Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis by the WHO
Measels and • India had set a target to eliminate Measels and Rubella (vaccine-preventable diseases) by
Rubella 2023 (missed earlier deadline of 2020).
o Measles is caused by a virus that specifically infects the respiratory system.
o Rubella is caused by a virus that invades lymph nodes, eyes and skin.
• Steps taken by India
o Mission Indradhanush to ramp up vaccinating the unvaccinated population.
o National strategic plan for measles and rubella elimination.
o Introduced rubella-containing vaccine (RCV) into the routine immunisation programme.
o A nationwide measles-rubella supplementary immunisation activity (SIA) catch-up
campaign.
Norovirus • Kerala confirmed cases of Norovirus.
• Norovirus is a highly contagious animal-borne disease that can be transmitted through
contaminated water and food.
o Virus is capable of surviving low temperatures, and outbreaks tend to be more common
during winter and in colder countries.
• Norovirus causes gastrointestinal illness, including inflammation of lining of stomach and
intestines, severe vomiting and diarrhea.
Alzheimer's • US Food and Drug Administration has granted approval to Alzheimer’s drug lecanemab
disease (marketed as Leqembi) that has shown to slow cognitive decline in patients in early stages
of the illness.
• Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurologic disorder that causes the brain to shrink
(atrophy) and brain cells to die.
o It is the most common cause of dementia — a continuous decline in thinking,
behavioral and social skills.
• Lecanemab aims to slow the progression of disease by removing clumps of beta-amyloid
— considered one of the main causes of Alzheimer’s disease — from the brain.
XBB.1.5 • First case of XBB.I .5 variant is detected in Gujrat.
• It is a new recombinant strain—is highly immune evasive and appears more effective at
binding to cells than related subvariants.
o A recombinant strain is where related viruses exchange genetic material to create
offspring with genetic material from both parent viruses.
• Omicron subvariants XBB.1.5, BQ.1.1, BQ.1, BA.5, and XBB are causing almost all Covid-19
infections at present.
Controlling diseases
Dar-es-Salaam • It is a declaration on ending AIDS in children by 2030.
Declaration • The Declaration was announced at the first ministerial meeting of the Global Alliance to end
AIDS in Children, which brings together the 12 African countries with UNAIDS and other
health agencies.
eSanjeevani • eSanjeevani has provided services to 10 crore beneficiaries.
• eSanjeevani- National Telemedicine Service of India- is world’s largest telemedicine
implementation in primary healthcare.
o It is an e-health initiative of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
o It is a part of Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Mission.
o It is an alternative to conventional physical consultations via digital platform.
• It comprises two Verticals:
o ESanjeevani Ayushman Bharat-Health and Wellness Centers’ (HWCs): Bridge rural-
urban digital health divide by providing assisted teleconsultations to beneficiaries of
Ayushman Bharat Scheme.
o eSanjeevaniOPD: Caters to citizens in both rural and urban alike.
Miscellaneous
Immune • Recently, Scientific studies have found that immune imprinting can make bivalent boosters
Imprinting less effective.
o Bivalent boosters are variant-specific booster shots of vaccines to develop better
immunity against coronavirus.
• Immune imprinting is a tendency of the body to repeat its immune response based on the
memory of first infection through infection or vaccination.
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o Imprinting acts as a database for immune system, helping it put up a better response to
repeat infections.
o This makes the variant specific booster dose less effective.
• Concept of immune imprinting came to light for the first time in 1947.
Lead Poisoning • As per study conducted by NITI Aayog and Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)
in 2022, 23 states exceed the permissible blood lead level of 5 µg/dL margin.
• Lead is a naturally occurring toxic metal found in Earth’s crust.
• Source of lead poisoning
o Occupational sources: Mining, painting, glass manufacturing, pottery, smelting etc.
o Non occupational sources: Traditional medicine, vehicular exhaust, painted toys,
contaminated soil, dust and water etc.
• Impact of Lead poisoning: Damage to brain and nervous system, slowed growth and
development, learning problems, Hearing/speech problems leads to reduced intelligence,
lower educational attainment etc.
6.7. DEFENCE
6.7.1. MILITARY APPLICATIONS OF
DRONES
Why in News?
Indian armed forces have floated the idea for
integrating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or
drones in its combat systems.
Drone systems in Indian Military
• Swarm Drones: Inducted by Indian Army, are
useful in combat operations for surveillance
inputs and undertaking close reconnaissance.
• Switch VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing)
UAVs: useful in remote areas and difficult terrains.
In 2021, Army signed a contract with Mumbai
based ideaForge for these drones.
• Indigenous Drones:
o DRDO Lakshya and DRDO Nishant: Used for aerial
reconnaissance and intelligence gathering.
o DRDO TAPAS UAV (Rustom-II): India’s Tactical
Advanced Platform for Aerial Surveillance (TAPAS)
Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV (in
user trial stage).
• Imported drones in India:
o Israel’s Searcher and Heron UAVs: They are capable
of all-weather surveillance. Some variants of Heron
can be armed when needed.
o Predator armed drones and MQ-9B Sea Guardian
drones: India and USA are moving closer to sign deal
for these two drones.
Defence systems against drones
• Naval Anti Drone System (NADS): First indigenously developed comprehensive anti-drone system developed by
DRDO.
o It has capabilities for both hard kill (attacking vital drone components) and soft kill (misguiding, signal
jamming etc.).
• DRDO’s D-4 Drone System: Acquired by all three forces, it can detect, identify, and neutralize different types of
drones within a 4 km radius.
• Indrajaal: Indigenous autonomous drone defence dome developed by a private Indian firm Grene Robotics.
• Israel’s SMASH 2000 Plus system: Being used by Indian Navy, this system is installed mainly on assault rifles
providing hard kill option.
125
Drone Regulations in India
Drone Rules 2021 • Guidelines by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for use of civil drones.
• Places restrictions on operating drones in certain areas (Red Zones).
• Provides for registration and licensing of drones and training of operators.
• It follows the principle of No Permission – No Take-off (NPNT) and permission is required
before every operation of a drone.
Digital Sky • Online platform hosted by DGCA for drone management.
Platform • It includes interactive airspace map with marking of red, yellow and green zones.
• Platform deals with drone flight plans and permissions to fly.
National Counter • Being framed by Indian government, these will include rules about setting up Air Traffic
Rogue Drone Police, and use of drones in emergency situations etc.
Guidelines • These will outline means of detection, interruption and destruction of rogue drones.
Regulations on • In 2022, government banned the import of drones, except for research and development,
drone market defence and security purposes. However, drone components can be imported.
• Government approved a Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for drones and their
components.
6.7.2. RESPONSIBLE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN MILITARY (REAIM)

Why in News?
World’s first international summit on
Responsible use of Artificial
Intelligence in Military (REAIM) 2023
held in Hague, Netherlands.
About REAIM
• It's the first global attempt to
prevent proliferation of Lethal
Autonomous Weapons (LAWS)
and insert ethics, moral factor into
rapidly developing weaponisation
technology that has potential for
cataclysmic damage.
• Role of AI in military domain
o Training and simulation to provide battlefield experience to soldiers.
o Surveillance, specifically in difficult to reach border regions, to provide situational awareness.
o Offensive capabilities, such as autonomous armed drones, which can execute targets.
o Reconnaissance and tactical support in combat situations such as targeted strikes.
• Concerns associated with use AI in military
o Ethical risks,Data biases.
• Steps taken by India to increase usage of AI in military
o Dedicated labs in DRDO for application orientated research in AI in different domains.
o Defence AI Project Agency (DAIPA) enables AI based processes in defence Organisations.

Weapons
LORA (Long- • Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) has signed an MoU with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for
Range Artillery) domestic manufacture and supply of its LORA Weapon System (LORA) for Indian Tri-services.
Weapon System • LORA is a short-range, road-mobile, ground and sea-launched solid fuelled ballistic missile
developed and operated by Israel.
o LORA system provides ballistic assault capabilities for multiple ranges (maximum range
280km) with a precision level of 10 meters CEP (Circular Error Probability).
o It uses Inertial Navigation System/Global Positioning System and TV for terminal
guidance, with possible in-flight maneuvering capability.
o It can carry a warhead of upto 600 kg.
Others
Electronic • At Aero India 2023, Ministry of Defense has launched the Indian Air Force e-MMS and SAMAR
Maintenance (System for Advance Manufacturing Assessment & Rating) portal.
126
Management • E-MMS is one of the largest and technologically complex digital Enterprise Asset
System (e-MMS) Management solutions implemented in world.
and SAMAR o It is a software that helps an organization track the status of maintenance tasks, and
portal schedule equipment repairs.
• SAMAR is a portal of DRDO’s Aeronautical Research and Development Board (AR&DB) and
is an outcome of DRDO and Quality Council of India (QCI).
o It is the benchmark to measure the competency of defence manufacturing enterprises.
SPRINT scheme • Indian Navy has signed an agreement with Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt. Ltd for armed
autonomous boat swarms under ‘SPRINT’ scheme.
• SPRINT stands for Supporting Pole-vaulting In R&D through Innovations for Defence
Excellence (IdeX), Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO) and Technology
Development Acceleration Cell (TDAC).
o It aims at development of 75 indigenous technologies by industry for Navy.
KAVACH-2023 • All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Bureau of Police Research and
Development (BPR&D) and Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) jointly launched
KAVACH- 2023.
• KAVACH- 2023 is a national level hackathon to identify innovative ideas and technological
solutions for addressing cyber security and cybercrime challenges of 21st century.
o It’ll be conducted in two phases. Youth from educational institutions and registered
start-ups participated in it.
o Prize money worth Rs. 20 Lakh will be awarded to winning teams.
Sainya • Indian Army conducted the second edition of Hackathon.
Ranakshetram 2.0 • Its objective is to seek solutions to operational cyber challenges and to reduce development
Hackathon time for innovative solutions in the field of Cyber Security.
6.8. ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

6.8.1. NATIONAL GREEN HYDROGEN MISSION
Why in News?
The Union Cabinet has
recently approved the
National Green Hydrogen
Mission.
Sub-Components of the
Mission
Ministry of New and
Renewable Energy
(MNRE) is to formulate
the guidelines for the
implementation of the
mission.
• Strategic
Interventions for
Green Hydrogen
Transition Programme (SIGHT): to provide incentives for targeting domestic manufacturing of
electrolysers and for production of Green Hydrogen.
• Pilot projects: in emerging end-use sectors, supporting large scale production or utilization of Hydrogen
will be identified and developed as Green Hydrogen Hubs.
• Strategic Hydrogen Innovation Partnership (SHIP): Public-Private Partnership framework for R&D.
• Skill Development programme.
Advantages of Hydrogen: High calorific value, alternative to coke and coal in steel production, fuel cells in
electric vehicles etc.
Constraints in using hydrogen: high cost of electrolyser technology, high price of green hydrogen, difficult
to transport and store etc.
127
Electrolyser
• An electrolyser is a device capable of splitting
water molecules into their constituent
Oxygen (O2) and Hydrogen (H2) atoms.
• The splitting of the O2 and H2 atoms by
application of electrical energy is
called electrolysis.
Types of Electrolysers
• Solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC)
• Alkaline electrolyser
• Proton exchange membrane (PEM)
128
Related news: Hydrogen Blending
National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) started India’s
first green hydrogen blending operation in piped natural gas (PNG)
network.
About Hydrogen blending
• Process of integration of concentrations of hydrogen into existing
natural gas pipelines and the resulting blends can be used to
generate heat and power.
o Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB),
regulatory body has given approval for 5% vol./vol. blending of
green hydrogen with PNG to start with and it would be scaled phase wise to reach 20%.
• Depending on production methods, hydrogen can be grey, blue, green, pink etc.
6.8.2. NUCLEAR ENERGY PROGRAM

Why in News?
Haryana’s first nuclear power plant will be set up in Gorakhpur village.
More on News
Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana (GHAVP) will have two units of 700 MWe capacity each of
Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR).
129
Virtual power • Companies including GM,
plants (VPPs) Ford, Google would work
together to establish
standards for scaling up use of
VPPs.
• VPP is a network of
decentralized power-
generating units that pool
together thousands of energy
resources like electric vehicles
(EVs) or electric heaters.
o VPPs use advanced
software to react to
electricity shortages with
techniques like switching
households' batteries
from charge to discharge
mode or prompting
electricity-using devices
to back off their
consumption.
• VPPs will enable grid planners
to better manage growing
electricity demand and make sure grid stays reliable even in extreme weather challenges and
aging infrastructure.
Tritiated • Fukushima to release radioactive contaminated water which was stored at Fukushima Daiichi
water Nuclear Power Plant on Japan's east coast due to tsunami.
o Before it is stored, wastewater produced at Fukushima is treated to remove almost all
radioactive elements including cobalt 60, strontium 90 and caesium 137.
o But tritium—a radioactive form of hydrogen—is left behind.
• When one of hydrogen atoms in water is replaced by tritium, it forms radioactive tritiated
water.
• Tritiated water is chemically identical to normal water, which makes separating it from
wastewater expensive, energy intensive and time consuming.
Muons • Scientists used muons to examine the fortress wall of Xi’an city.
• Muons are subatomic particles created when particles in Earth’s atmosphere collide with
cosmic rays.
o About 10,000 muons reach every square metre of Earth’s surface a minute.
o These particles resemble electrons but are 207 times as massive.
o As they are heavy, they can travel through hundreds of metres of rock.
• Cosmic Rays are clusters of high-energy particles that move through space at just below speed
of light.
6.9. MISCELLANEOUS
6.9.1. LITHIUM DEPOSITS IN INDIA
Why in News?
Geological Survey of
India has for the first-
time established
Lithium inferred
resources (G3) of 5.9
million tonnes in
Salal-Haimana area of
Reasi District of
Jammu & Kashmir.
130
More on News
• The discovery is ‘inferred’ or preliminary, the lowest of the three levels of estimations of a mineral
deposit and the second of the four stages of exploration, as per the UNFC 1997.
• This may be the
Mineral exploration stages
seventh largest deposit • According to the United Nations Framework for Classification for Reserves
of the rare element, and Resources of Solid Fuels and Mineral Commodities (UNFC 1997), resources
accounting for roughly are categorized using the three essential criteria affecting their recoverability:
5.7% of all the reserves o Economic and commercial viability (E).
in the world. o Field project status and feasibility (F).
• Previously, in India, o Geological knowledge (G).
lithium reserves have • Under the Geological Knowledge, the exploration for any mineral deposit
been reported from involves four stages: reconnaissance survey (G4), preliminary exploration
(G3), general exploration (G2) and detailed exploration (G1).
Karnataka’s Mandya
district.
Global Distribution of
Lithium
• Though found on
each of the six
inhabited
continents, Chile,
Argentina, and
Bolivia —
together referred
to as the “Lithium
Triangle”— hold
more than 75% of
the world’s
supply.
• Significance of Lithium find: Reducing import dependency, strengthen India’s National Mission on
Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage, Strengthening of critical mineral supply chain for emerging
technologies etc.
• Risks from lithium mining in the region: High risk in ecologically sensitive Himalayas, Environmental
pollution, extracting lithium from its ore is highly water-intensive, CO2 Emissions etc,
131
Doomsday Clock • Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (BAS) moved Doomsday clock to 90 seconds to midnight
largely because of mounting nuclear warfare in Ukraine.
o BAS was founded in 1945 by Albert Einstein and University of Chicago scientists who
worked on Manhattan Project to build first atomic bomb.
• Doomsday Clock, created in 1947, is a design that warns the public about how close we are
to destroying our world with dangerous technologies of our own making.
o Since its debut, minute hand has been reset 25 times.
Phosphor-Gypsum • National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to explore use of phosphor-gypsum in highway
construction.
• Phosphor-gypsum is a waste by-product from the processing of phosphate rock in plants
producing phosphoric acid and phosphate fertilizers.
• It is contaminated by various impurities, both chemical and radioactive, and is usually
stockpiled within special areas.
o Because of contamination, only around 15% of world phosphor-gypsum production is
recycled.
Amorphous ice • Scientists have created a new type of ice, called medium-density amorphous ice, that
matches the density and structure of water.
• Significance: Helps in studying water’s mysterious properties like Ice is less dense than its
liquid form — an unusual property for a crystal.
• Amorphous ice consists of water molecules arranged in a disordered state, with no large-
scale regularity to their orientations or positions.
o This kind of ice is most often found in space, comets, interstellar clouds etc.
• Crystalline ice consists of water molecules arranged in a geometrically repeating pattern,
either cubic or hexagonal.
o Almost all of the ice in natural environment of Earth (e.g. in snow, in polar caps) is
crystalline ice.
Marconi prize • Indian Computer scientist Hari Balakrishnan has been awarded 2023 Marconi Prize.
2023 • Marconi Prize is a top honour for computer scientists and is awarded by US based Marconi
Foundation annually.
o It is given to those who have made a significant contribution to increasing digital
inclusivity through advanced information and communications technology.
o It includes a $100,000 honorarium and a work of sculpture.
Indian Science • PM inaugurated 108th Indian Science Congress at Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur
Congress University.
Association (ISCA) o Theme: “Science Technology for Sustainable Development with Women
Empowerment”
• ISCA owes its origin to the initiative of two British Chemists, namely, Professor J. L.
Simonsen and Professor P.S. MacMahon.
• It aims to promote cause of science in India by holding annual congress, publishing such
proceedings, journals and securing and managing funds for promotion of science.
• The first meeting of the Congress was held in 1914 at Calcutta.
SMART (Scope • SMART program has been launched by National Commission for Indian System of Medicine
for (NCISM) and Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) under Ministry of
Mainstreaming Ayush (MoA).
Ayurveda o It is aimed to boost scientific research in priority healthcare research areas like Iron
Research in Deficiency Anaemia, Obesity, etc. through Ayurveda colleges and hospitals.
Teaching o It will motivate teachers for taking up projects in designated areas of healthcare
Professionals) research and create a large database.
program • NCISM is a statutory body established under MoA through NCISM Act, 2020 for regulating
medical education.
• CCRAS is an Autonomous body of MoA for undertaking, coordinating, formulating,
developing and promoting research on scientific lines in Ayurvedic Sciences.
Genetically • US scientists field-tested GE version of American chestnut tree (named as Darling 58).
Engineered (GE) • GE tree is a tree whose DNA has been modified using genetic engineering techniques. In
trees most cases, it introduces novel traits to plants which do not occur naturally within species.
• Significance of GE Trees: Fight climate change, boost production, economic benefits for
timber, pulp and paper industry etc.
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• India has been experimenting with GE variety of rubber tree by inserting additional copies
of gene MnSOD (manganese-containing superoxide dismutase) which enables plant to
tolerate extreme climatic stress.
6.10. ERRATA
PT 365 Science & Technology (April 2022-December 2022)
• Article 2.3 Fifth Generation (5G) (Section- About 5G Technologies): Due to a typographical error, it was
written that - “Beamforcing a laser beam between transmitting entity and the user”. Kindly note that, the
correct term is - “Beamforming a laser beam between transmitting entity and the user”.
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7. CULTURE
7.1. ARCHITECTURE
7.1.1. CHARAIDEO MAIDAMS (AHOM BURIAL MOUNDS)
Why in News?
India has decided to nominate Assam’s Charaideo
Maidams or Moidams (Ahom Burial Mounds) for the
UNESCO World Heritage Centre for the year 2023.
About Charaideo Maidams
• Mounds containing the remains of the royalty of the
Ahom dynasty.
• Location: along the foothills of the Patkai range. These
are commonly known as the Pyramids of Assam.
• Source of Information: Changrung Phukan (canonical
text developed by Ahoms) provides detail about
the different aspects of the Maidams.
• Structure
o They are vaulted chamber. They are often
double storied.
o Hemispherical mud-mound layers of bricks
and earth is laid at the top.
✓ And, the base of the mound is reinforced
by a polygonal toe-wall and an arched
gateway on the west.
o Each vaulted chamber has a centrally raised
platform where the body was laid.
o Several objects used by royal family like
royal insignia, objects made in wood or ivory
or iron, gold pendants, etc. were also buried
with them.
• Decline of this Burial System: After 18th century,
many converted to Buddhism and others
adopted Hindu method of cremation.
o Then, they began entombing the cremated
bones and ashes in a Maidam.
Phases of Maidams Construction
Period 13th CE to 17th CE 18th CE Onwards
Material Wood was used as the primary material for Stone and burnt bricks of various sizes were
Used construction. used for construction.
7.1.2. SAMMED SHIKHAR AND SHETRUNJAY HILL

Why in News?
Jain community organised protests across the country over the
religious site of Sammed Shikhar on Parasnath hill in Jharkhand and
Shetrunjay hill in Palitana of Gujarat.
More on News
• In Jharkhand, issue is about Sammed Shikharji in Parasnath hill
being declared a tourist spot and an eco-sensitive zone.
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• In Gujarat, the row is over the vandalising of Adinath Dada’s Pagla, a marble carving representing the feet
of Lord Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankar.
o Jain community also expressed their concern over the illegal commercialisation, mining of
Shatrunjaya Hill.
Santhals assert their claim over Parasnath Hill
Sammed Shikhar • Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change banned
sale of liquor and non-vegetarian food within 10 km radius of the
• Also known as Sammet Shikharji Parasnath hill.
(literal meaning is venerable peak) • Decision was opposed by the Santhals, the largest tribal community
or Shikharji. of Jharkhand.
o It is also called ‘Siddha o They consider Parasnath hill as their Marang Buru (hill deity).
Kshetra’ and ‘Tirtharaj’ in o This decision will affect their religious rituals such as animal
Jainism, which means, ‘King sacrifice.
of Pilgrimages’. • During British Period, the dispute between Santhal and Jains over
Parasnath hill was heard by Privy Council.
• Situated on the Parasnath hill in
o The Council ruled in the favour of the Santhal Tribe.
Jharkhand.
o Named after the 23rd Jain
tirthankara ‘Parshvanatha’.
• It is believed that 20 of the 24 Jain
Tirthankars (Except bhagvan
Rishabdev, bhagavan Vasupujaya,
bhagvan Nemihatha and bhagvan
Mahavira) have attained salvation
at this Shikhar.
o Tirthankara means “full moon”,
which is a metaphor for Keval
Gnan.
o A Tirthankar is not an
incarnation of the God.
• Shikharji is worshiped by both
Digambaras and Svetambaras.
• Shikharji is also part of ‘Svetambara
Pancha Tirth’ (five principal
pilgrimage shrines), the other four
are Ashtapad, Girnar, Dilwara
Temples of Mount Abu and
Shatrunjaya.
Shetrunjay hill
• Situated at Palitana in Bhavnagar
district of Gujarat.
• Also known as Pundarikgiri (named
after Pundarika, grandson of
Adinath).
• It is situated on the banks of the Shetrunji River.
o It rises at Chachai hills in Gir Forest of Junagadh district.
o It is an east flowing river and empties into Gulf of Cambay.
• Adinath or Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara delivered his first sermon at this hill.
• The temples over the hill were built in the eleventh and twelfth century.
7.1.3. PURANA QILA

Why in News?
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) reopened trenches excavated earlier at Purana Qila to find first occupants.
More about News
• ASI undertook excavations in 1969-73, 2013-14 and 2017-18.
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o Identified as ancient settlement of Indraprastha (capital of Pandavas), a continuous habitation of
2,500 years was established in earlier excavations.
• Findings from earlier excavation include:
o Painted grey ware from 900 BC, an earthen
pottery sequence from Maurya to Shunga,
Kushana, Gupta, Rajput, Sultanates, and
Mughal periods.
o Artefacts such as sickles, parers, terracotta
toys, kiln-burnt bricks, beads, terracotta
figurines, and seals.
About Purana Qila
• Purana Qila was built by Mughal Emperor
Humayun as a part of his new city of Dinpanah in
the 16th century.
o Apart from archaeology, textual sources such
as Ain-i-Akbari of Abul Fazal (16th century),
mention that fort was built at site of Indraprastha.
• Architectural features of Purana Qila Complex
Qila-e-Kuhna mosque • Built by Sher Shah. It reflects a transitional stage between architecture of Lodhis and
Mughals.
Sher Mandal • Built by Sher Shah, an octagonal structure built in red sandstone and decorated with
white and black marble inlay.
• Humayun made it into a library and died after falling from the steps of this structure.
Other structures • A Baoli for managing water supply and a hammam (bathhouse) is also present.
• Lal Darwaza and Khairul Manazil are also considered part of this complex.
• Three majestic Gateways: Bada Darwaja, Humayun Darwaza, and Talaqi Darwaza.
• Wide moat linked to river Yamuna.

Excavation at Harappan • Excavations at Juna Khatiya
site in Gujarat village (Kutch district) found
rows of graves with skeletal
remains, ceramic pots, beaded
jewellery, animal bones etc.
o These are from 3,200 BCE to
2,600 BCE, (pre-urban
Harappan).
• Key findings
o No major habitation
discovered.
o Site demonstrates
transition from earth-
mound burials to stone
graves.
o Pottery like those
excavated from early
Harappan sites in Sindh and
Balochistan.
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o Pebbles of local rock, basalt, etc and clay was used.
• Major burial practices of Indus Valley Civilization
o Although varied across sites, there were three known types of burial customs:
complete burial, fractional burial, and urn burial (Burial of the ashes after
cremation).
o Most common burial method was placing body with head towards north in a
simple pit or brick chamber.
o Grave goods including food, pottery, and ornaments can be found along with the
body.
o Lothal provides evidence of burial of pairs of male and female together.
Keeladi Excavations • Keeladi is a hamlet in Sivaganga district, Tamil Nadu. It is located, near temple city of
Madurai, along the Vaigai river.
• 2015 excavations at Keeladi prove that an urban civilisation existed in Tamil Nadu in
Sangam age.
o Sangam age in ancient Tamil Nadu was believed to be from third century BCE to
third century CE.
o Based on Keeladi findings Archaeologists have pushed Sangam age further back.
Buddhist monastery • Excavations revealed Buddhist monastery complex at Bharatpur, West Bengal.
complex • Other Findings during earlier excavations at location
o A Buddhist stupa.
o Black and red ware pottery from Chalcolithic or Copper Age.
o Sculptures of Buddha in Bhumisparsha Mudra (also known as 'earth witness'
mudra) -- with all five fingers of the right hand extended to touch the ground.
✓ It symbolizes Buddha's enlightenment under bodhi tree, when he
summoned the earth goddess, Sthavara, to bear witness to his attainment of
enlightenment.
Khajuraho Group of • Parrot lady (returned by Canada in 2015) has been housed at
Monuments museum in Khajuraho.
o It is a 12th-century idol that belongs to Khajuraho, a town
in Madhya Pradesh famous for its temples associated with
erotic art.
• Khajuraho Group of Monuments
o A UNESCO World Heritage Site, there were originally a
group of Hindu and Jain temples, currently only 20 temples survive.
o Temples (Nagara-style) at Khajuraho were built during Chandella dynasty, which
reached its apogee between 950 and 1050 .
Saptakoteshwar Temple • 350-year-old Saptakoteshwar temple of Narve in Bicholim, Goa, has been restored by
ASI.
• Saptakoteshwar is the deity of the royal dynasty of Goa Kadamba.
o It is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
o Shivaji Maharaj had renovated this laterite cave shrine into a full- fledged temple
in 1668.
Jatar Deul Temple • Outer wall of Jatar Deul temple is gradually eroding due to climate change induced
air salinity.
• Jatar Deul is an 11th century ancient terracotta temple in West Bengal’s Sundarbans.
o It is a Shiva temple and is the tallest standing temple in Sundarbans on the bank
of Moni River.
o It has a curvilinear tower like temple architecture of Nagara order of Odisha
temples.
o It has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by ASI.
First G 20 tourism • India will highlight the most successful and innovative initiatives under rural tourism
ministerial meeting at and archaeological tourism like -
the Rann of Kutch o Ladpura Khas village of Madhya Pradesh: In this village, government developed
homestays in villages under the Responsible Tourism Mission of the State.
o Khonoma village of Nagaland: Present the model of Ecotourism Management
Board that develops Rural Tourism Products and promotes responsible travel.
o Dholavira site in Gujarat: Southern centre of the Harappan civilisation and World
Heritage Sites since 2021.
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7.2. PAINTINGS AND OTHER ART FORMS
Thullal • Ottanthullal (or Thullal) is a recite-and-dance art-form of Kerala that is
famous for its humour and social satire.
o It was introduced in 18th century by legendary poet Kunchan Nambiar.
• It is marked by its simplicity as opposed to more complex dance-forms like
Kathakali and Koodiyattam.
• Thullal performer is supported by a singer who repeats the verses and is
accompanied by an orchestra of mridangam or thoppimaddalam
(percussions) and cymbals.
• It has spawned into three separate versions which include Ottanthullal,
Seethankan thullal and Parayan thullal.
Mohiniyattam • Famous Mohiniyattam exponent Kanak Rele passed away.

• Mohiniyattam is a classical dance form of Kerala.
• It is performed by women in honour of god Vishnu in his incarnation as
enchantress Mohini.
o Conventionally a solo dance performed by female artists, it emotes a
play through dancing and singing.
o Instruments used: Maddalam, Mridangam, Veena, Kuzhitalam or
Cymbals, Edakka etc.
o It has its roots in sage Bharata Muni’s text called ‘Natya Shastra’.
• 8 Classical dances are Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Odissi,
Sattriya, Mohiniyattam and Manipuri.
Etikoppaka Toy • C.V. Raju, the craftsman involved in Etikoppaka wooden toy craft, has been
conferred Padma Shri.
• Etikoppaka toys of Andhra Pradesh received Geographical Indication (GI)
tag in 2017.
• Wood for toys is sourced from locally grown ankudu or Wrightia tinctoria
trees and is soft in nature.
• Art of toy making is also known as Turned wood Lacquer craft.
• Toys are made with natural colors with lacquer coating, providing high gloss
and shiny surfaces.
7.3. PERSONALITIES
7.3.1. MAHARISHI DAYANAND SARASWATI
Why in News?
The Prime Minister inaugurated the
year-long celebrations
commemorating the 200th birth
anniversary of Maharishi Dayanand
Saraswati.
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Goswami Tulsidas • Ramcharitmanas poem was written in Awadhi dialect in 16th century by Goswami
Tulsidas. It is based on sage Valmiki’s great epic Ramayana.
o Poen is divided into seven chapters (Kand) that tell the story of Lord Ram from
birth to his becoming King of Ayodhya.
• Goswami Tulsidas was a Brahmin and his original name was Ram Bola Dubey.
o He is believed to have been born in Rajapur in today’s Banda district in UP.
o He composed Ramcharitmanas on the bank of Ganga in Varanasi.
o He lived in the time of Emperor Akbar.
Rani Velu Nachiyar • Rani Velu Nachiyar, also known as Veeramangai (brave women in Tamil language) was
daughter of King Chellamuthu Vijayaragunatha Setupathy of Ramanathapuram.
• She became the queen of Sivaganga estate (in present day Tamil Nadu) from 1780-1790.
• She built an army of women called Udaiyaat.
• She was the first queen to wage war against East India Company.
• She formed an alliance with Hyder Ali against British in 1780.
Santh Sevalal Maharaj • Ministry of Culture has announced a year-long commemoration of birth anniversary of
Banjara Dharmaguru Santh Sevalal Maharaj.
• Born in 1739 in Shivamogga district of Karnataka.
• He was a social reformer and spiritual teacher of Banjara Community.
o Spread across India, Banjara Community is a nomadic community with nearly 10-12
crore population.
o They are classified as SC, ST and OBC in different states.
• Having sound knowledge in Ayurveda and Naturopathy, he eradicated myths and
superstitions prevalent among forest dwellers and nomadic tribe.
Veer Narayan Singh • Government of Chhattisgarh named “Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International
Cricket Stadium” to honour him.
• He was a landlord from Sonakhan, Chhattisgarh.
• He spearheaded the 1857 war in Chhattisgarh. He is also considered as "The 1st
Chhattisgarhi freedom fighter".
• His ancestors were from the Gond tribe. Later on, they changed their affiliation from
the Gond to the Binjhwar tribe .
Hemu Kalani • Born in Sindh region of United India, he was a revolutionary and a freedom fighter
during the Indian Independence Movement.
• Also known as Bhagat Singh of Sindh, he joined Swaraj Sena (a youth organization).
• He distributed anti-British literature and also joined the Quit India Movement in 1942.
• In 1942, he attempted to derail and loot the British train loaded with weapons to crush
the ongoing Balochistan agitation.
o But he was caught and hanged at the young age of 19 years.
7.4. MONUMENTS OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE

Why in news?
Recently, the Economic Advisory Council to
the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) has released its
report ‘Monuments of National Importance
(MNI): Urgent Need for Rationalization’.
India’s Cultural Heritage and Provisions for its
Protection
• Legal protection to MNIs: Article 49
directs the state to protect monuments
and places and objects of national
importance across the country.
○ Accordingly, the Ancient Monuments
and Archaeological Sites and Remains
Act, 1958 (AMASR Act, 1958) was
enacted.
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○ The AMASR Act (amended in 2010) provides for the preservation of ancient and historical monuments
and archaeological sites and remains which are deemed or declared to be of ‘national importance’
under the law (refer image).
• Management of MNI: Ministry of Culture manages all the Centrally Protected Monuments (CPMs) of
National Importance, through the Archaeological Survey of India.
○ National Monuments Authority (NMA), established in 2010 under ‘The Ancient Monuments and
Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010’, helps Central Government
in grading and classifying Monuments of National Importance (MNI).
○ NMA also looks after the limits of prohibited and regulated areas.
✓ Prohibited Area, i.e., 100-meter (m) radius of the monument having a ban on construction
activities, and
✓ Regulated Area, i.e., 200 m further away from prohibited area with regulations on construction.
• Over 60% of MNIs are in just five states (Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and
Maharashtra).
7.5. ROOTS OF DEMOCRATIC VALUES IN INDIA

Why in News?
In a recent episode of Mann ki Baat PM while observing that India is a democratic society by nature stated that
democracy has been an integral part of our daily lives for centuries.
Institutions/practices mentioned by PM
Particulars About
• Dated around 920 A.D in reign of Parantaka Chola-I (907-955 AD).
• It is an ancient Chola village once known as Chaturvedimangalam and is located near Chennai
Uthiramerur in Tamil Nadu.
Inscriptions • Chola self-government was built upon 'general assemblies' or 'sabhas' or 'maha sabha' of
villages.
• As per Uthiramerur inscriptions on Chola Kudavolai Election System, every village was
categorised as kudumbu (ward in modern day parlance) where representatives of general
assembly were elected.
• Qualification for contesting: Must own land, own a house built on legally owned site, have
knowledge of 'Mantrabrahmana’, and above 35 years of age and below 70 years.
• Disqualification: of elected members for acts of misconduct included accepting bribes,
misappropriating else’s property.
• Established to facilitate gathering Lord Basaveshwara (1105-1167)
for philosophy and experience.
• Anubhava Mantapa was one of the
earliest Parliament in history of
mankind.
o Prabhudeva, a great Yogi, was
Anubhava the President and Lord
Basava acted as the Prime • He was a 12th century poet and born in
Mantapa of Lord
Minister. Karnataka.
Basaveshwara
• Only difference between the • Known for Socio-Religious Reforms, Anubhava
present-day parliament and Mantapa, Vachana Literature and Lingayat
Anubhava Mantapa is that Movement in south India.
members were not elected by • Basava Purana, written by Palkuriki Somanatha in
people but were picked up or 13th-century, holds full account to Basavanna’s
nominated by higher authorities life and ideas.
of Mantapa.
• It ruled the region comprising present-day Telangana and Andhra Pradesh from 12th to 14th
Kakatiya centuries, with Warangal as Capital.
Tradition • There were elected committees in the villages to look after installation and maintenance of
tanks, canals, and reservoirs.
• Bhakti movement facilitated the accommodation of interpretations of freedom and equality
Bhakti and paved the way for the emergence of a secular democratic society.
movement • It also aimed at supporting the cause of establishing egalitarian society, women
empowerment, and community development based on social democracy.
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7.6. FESTIVALS IN NEWS
7.6.1. HARVEST FESTIVALS OF INDIA
• Makar Sankranti is major harvest festival
celebrated across India and different states
celebrate festival under different names,
traditions, and festivities.
o Festival is dedicated to Sun God, Surya and
marks the first day of sun’s transit into
Makara (Capricorn).
o Makar Sankranti heralds end of winter and
start of longer days as sun moves northward.
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7.6.2. OTHER IMPORTANT FESTIVALS IN NEWS
Gangasagar Mela • West Bengal demanded a national status for Gangasagar mela.
• It takes place every year on the island of Gangasagar in state's 24 South
Parganas.
o Devotees gather at confluence of Ganga and Bay of Bengal to take a sacred
dip during Makar Sankranti (mid-January).
o Gangasagar is an island in Ganges delta located on continental shelf of Bay
of Bengal.
o It is said to be India's second largest pilgrimage gathering after Kumbh
Mela.
Gaan Ngai Festival • Zeliangrong community of Manipur celebrates Gaan Ngai festival.
o It is the biggest post-harvest and cultural festival across the state.
• Zeliangrong community comprises three Naga tribes - Rongmei, Liangmai, and
Zeme tribes- living at tri-junction of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland.
o Zeliangrong is Southern group of Naga languages belonging to Tibeto-
Burman languages under Sino-Tibetan Language Family.
o In Nagaland, Liangmais and Zeme are recognised as Zeilang.
o Rongmei Nagas are also known as Kabui.
Parshuram Kund Festival • Parshuram Kund Festival held in Arunachal Pradesh.
o It is an annual religious fair when pilgrims come for a holy dip at Parshuram
Kund on Makar Sankranti.
o Parshuram, son of Sage Jamadagni, was sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
• Parshuram Kund is a sacred pond located in Tailung area of Mishmi plateau in
lower reaches of Lohit River in Lohit District.
• Kund falls within Kamlang Reserve Forest Area and is surrounded by dense
forest of Rudraksha trees of Elaeocarpaceae family.
Joon Beel Mela • This mela is organised annually on Magh Bihu (celebrated in the (mid-January),
in the Morigaon District of Assam.
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• Organised under the traditional king of the Tiwa tribe called Gobha Deoraja
that once ruled the area.
o Magh Bihu is a traditional harvest festival of Assam.
• It has kept alive the system of barter as a means of procuring goods.
• Tribal communities like Tiwa, Karbi, Khasi, and Jaintia from nearby hills
participate in the fair.
Siang Unying Festival • Siang Unying Festival is an important festival of Adi community was celebrated
at Boleng, Arunachal Pradesh.
o It is celebrated to mark beginning of Adi community’s new year i.e., arrival
of spring season; and to strengthen the bond among community.
• Adi constitutes a major group that inhabit lower part of Lower Dibang Valley
district especially Roing and Dambuk areas.
o Adis are basically dependent on agriculture. Both wet rice cultivation and
shifting cultivation are practiced.
o Padams, Milangs, Komkars, Minyongs and Pasis collectively call themselves
as Adi meaning hill people.
Attukal Pongala • The Attukal Pongala held in Attukal Temple, Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala).
• It is the largest congregation of women for a festival in the world.
o Pongala, which means 'to boil over’, is the ritual in which women prepare
sweet payasam and offer it to the Goddess or ‘Bhagavathy’.
• 'The ten-day-long celebration commences in the Malayalam month of
Makaram-Kumbham (Feb - March) on the Karthika star.
7.7. AWARDS IN NEWS

7.7.1. PADMA AWARDS
Why in News?
Padma Awards were presented by President.
144
7.7.2. OTHER AWARDS IN NEWS
Param Vir • On Parakram Diwas, 21 largest unmanned islands of Andaman &
Chakra Nicobar Islands were named after 21 Param Vir Chakra (PVC)
(PVC) awardees.
o Parakram Diwas is celebrated on occasion of the birth
anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
• PVC is India's highest military decoration, awarded for displaying
distinguished acts of valor during wartime.
o It was designed by Mrs. Savitri Khanolkar.
• Cast in bronze, it carries state emblem at centre on a raised circle
surrounded by four replicas of Indra's Vajra, flanked by sword of
Shivaji.
o Major Somnath Sharma (Posthumous) was first PVC awardee.
Jeevan • President approved conferment of Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards-2022.
Raksha • Awards is given to a person for meritorious act of human nature in saving the life of a person.
Padak Series o It is given in three categories, namely Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak; Uttam Jeevan Raksha
of Awards- Padak and Jeevan Raksha Padak.
2022 o Persons of all walks of life are eligible for these awards.
o It can also be conferred posthumously.

Ganjam kewda • There is a rising demand for kewda oil from Odisha’s Ganjam region.
• Ganjam kewda (Pandanus fascicularis) oil is steam-distilled from the flower of aromatic
screwpine plant and used as an aromatic in the food industry and other sectors.
o Male spike is attractive for its characteristic aromatic odour, whereas female spike is
odourless and develops into a woody drupe.
• It is registered under Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act,
1999.
Yuva Sangam Portal • Yuva Sangam registration portal was launched.
• It is an initiative of Government of India to strengthen people to people connect especially
between youth belonging to North Eastern India and other States.
• It will focus on conducting exposure tours of youth between 8 North Eastern States and
other States.
• It is conceptualized under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) in collaboration with various
other ministries and departments such as Culture, Tourism, Railways etc.
o EBSB aims to promote mutual understanding between people of different states/UTs
through state/UT pairing.
Runestone • Archaeologists in Norway have claimed to found
the world’s oldest runestone (Stone with runic
inscriptions.
o Inscriptions are up to 2,000 years old and
date back to earliest days of history of runic
writing.
• Runes are the characters in several Germanic
alphabets that were used in northern Europe
from ancient times until the adoption of Latin
alphabet.
o They have been found on stones and different household object.
o Early runic inscriptions were written from right to left like the earliest alphabets.
Hakku Patra • The PM has recently distributed the Hakku patra to the members of Banjara tribes in
Karnataka.
• Hakku Patra
o It is a legal document that details a person’s legitimate inheritance or ownership of a
particular property.
o With the help of this document, the bearer is eligible to purchase and sell land to which
the title deed is granted by the government.
o The Banjaras, are also known as Lambadi, Gour Rajput, Labana.
o They are a historically nomadic trading caste who may have origins in the Mewar
region of Rajasthan.
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7.9. ERRATA
PT 365 Culture (April 2022-December 2022)
• Article 1.4. QUTB SHAHI ARCHITECTURE: The map showing Qutb Shahi Dynasty, the region was
incorrectly indicated as undivided Andhra Pradesh. The correct map is given below.
• Article 2.2. TOYS OF INDIA: In the Indian Toys Map, Choppu Saman has been incorrectly mentioned in
Telangana. The correct information is Choppu Saman is from Tamil Nadu.
146
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PT 365 UPDATED PART 1

1.2. FEDERALISM: UNIQUE STATUS OF DELHI

1.3. SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE

1.6. OFFICE OF MAYOR

Case for direct election

1.7. ONLINE GAMING

1.9. ASPIRATIONAL BLOCK PROGRAMME (ABP)

1.10. VIBRANT VILLAGES PROGRAMME (VVP)

1.11. PUBLIC SERVICE CONTENT

1.12. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

2.3. INDIA-SOUTH KOREA

2.5. INDO-RUSSIAN FRIENDSHIP TREATY

2.6. INITIATIVE ON CRITICAL AND

2.7. INDIAN DIASPORA

2.9. INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL ARCHITECTURE (IFA)

2.10. WASSENAAR ARRANGEMENT

2.11. INDIA AND UN PEACEKEEPING

• India was the first country to contribute to the

2.12. INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS/INSTITUTIONS

International • IMO has adopted a new

2.13. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

2.14. PLACES IN NEWS

1. Austria (Capital: Vienna)

2.15. MILITARY EXERCISES IN NEWS

3.1.2. NATIONAL RURAL LIVELIHOOD MISSION (NRLM)

3.1.3. KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS IN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

3.2. FISCAL POLICY

3.2.2. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES (G-SECS)

3.2.3. FUEL TAX RATE

3.3. BANKING, ASSET QUALITY, RESTRUCTURING AND MONETARY

Key Changes Proposed in the IBC Framework

3.3.3. LOAN-LOSS PROVISIONS (LLPS)

3.3.4. SECURITIZATION OF STRESSED ASSETS FRAMEWORK (SSAF)

3.3.5. RBI RELATED DEVELOPMENTS

3.4. PAYMENT SYSTEMS AND FINANCIAL MARKETS

o Target population refers to underserved or

3.4.3. KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS IN FINANCIAL MARKETS

3.5. EXTERNAL SECTOR

3.5.2. KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS IN EXTERNAL SECTOR

International IP • India ranked 42nd on International IP Index released by US Chambers of Commerce.

3.6. LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

3.6.2. INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANIZATION (ILO)

3.6.3. PERIODIC LABOUR FORCE SURVEY (PLFS)

3.7. INNOVATION, SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

3.8.2. AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS

3.8.3. KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS IN AGRICULTURE

3.10.2. DIGITAL PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE

3.11.2. GLOBAL RISK REPORT 2023

3.11.3. GLOBAL ECONOMIC PROSPECTS REPORT

3.11.4. WORLD ECONOMIC SITUATION AND PROSPECTS 2023 REPORT

3.11.5. WORLD ECONOMIC OUTLOOK (WEO)

4.1.2. INITIATIVES IN NEWS

4.2.2. 1ST ALL INDIA ANNUAL STATES' MINISTERS CONFERENCE

4.2.3. TRADITIONAL WATER CONSERVATION

4.3.2. FIRST SYNCHRONIZED VULTURE SURVEY

4.3.3. MANGROVES ECOSYSTEM

4.3.4. FIFTH INTERNATIONAL MARINE PROTECTED AREAS CONGRESS

4.3.5. DRAFT GEO-HERITAGE SITES AND GEO-RELICS (PRESERVATION AND

4.3.6. PROTECTED AREAS IN NEWS