Untitled

CONTENTS
Part One DISPUTE OVER BELAGAVI INTENSIFIES

#Inter-state Boundary Dispute 16
Current Affairs Analysis CONTENT REGULATION IN GOVT. ADVERTISEMENT

#Content Regulation #LG-CM 19
02 GOVT. CLEARS COOPERATIVES BILL

#Cooperatives 22
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AD-HOC JUDGES

#Adhoc Judges #Article 224 24
# G S P a p e r ( P r e l i m s) & G S P a p e r I I I ( M a i n )
DISCREPANCIES IN ASSAM’S NRC
ANTI-COMPETITIVE PRACTICES BY BIG TECH COMPANIES
#CAG #Performance Audit 25
#Digital Economy 02
EARLY SUSPENSION OF WINTER SESSION
MONETARY POLICY COMMITTEE
#Sessions of Lok Sabha 28
#BANKING 04
RTI V NEW DRAFT DIGITAL PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION
DECLINING BAD ASSETS BILL #RTI #Data Protection 30
#Banking 05 PAROLE & FURLOUGH
REPORT ON TRENDS AND PROGRESS OF BANKING IN INDIA #Parole #Furlough 31
#Banking 06 RULE 267 OF RAJYA SABHA

#Suspension #Debates 32
EXPERT COMMITTEE ON SWAMITVA SCHEME
PROBLEMS OF PRISONERS
#Land Reforms 07
#Prison #Reforms #Prison Statistic Report 2021 32
48TH GST COUNCIL MEETING
REMOTE VOTING FOR MIGRANT WORKERS
#Taxation 09
#Prison #Reforms #Prison Statistic Report 2021 36
RoDTEP PRACTICE QUESTIONS 38
#Schemes 10
REMITTANCES
#External Sector 11
40
PRACTICE QUESTIONS 12 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & Security
# GS P a p e r ( P r e l i m s ) & G S P a p e r I I & I I I ( M a i n )
13 REPORT ON DIASPORA
#Diaspora 40
CONSTITUTION, POLITY AND GOVERNANCE SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION
# G S P a p e r ( P r e l i m s) & G S P a p e r I I ( M a i n ) #Developing Countries 42
JAN VISHWAS BILL TABLED IN PARLIAMENT INDO-NEPAL RELATIONS
#Jan Vishwas Bill #Decriminalisation of Laws #Neighbourhood 44

#Overcriminalisation 13 INDIA AND CHINA RELATIONS
FULFILL TRIPLE TEST CONDITIONS: HC #Neighbourhood 47
#Triple Test #OBC Reservation #Municipalities 15 INDIA AND CENTRAL ASIA RELATIONS
#Extended Neighbourhood 50
INDIA EU BTIA GREAT INDIAN BUSTARD
#Economic relations 52 #biodiversity 76
DRUG TRADE ASIAN ELEPHANTS

#Narcotics #Organised Crime 54 #asianelephant #ecology #biodiversity 77
PRACTICE QUESTIONS 56 GREAT BARRIER REEF
#coralreef #greatbarrierreef #climatechange 78
PRACTICE QUESTIONS 80
58
SOCIETY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE 82
# GS P a p e r I & G S P a p e r I I ( M a i n)
RESERVATIONS
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
#Social Justice 58 # GS P a p e r ( P r e l i m s ) & G S P a p e r I I I ( M a i n)
NEED TO CHANGE CRITERIA FOR SCHEDULED TRIBES MICRONUTRIENT MALNUTRITION

#Social Justice 59 #Health #Nutrition 82
ISSUES OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITY FIVE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS GET GI TAG

#Vulnerable Sections 62 #IPR 84
PRACTICE QUESTIONS 64 DARK PATTERNS

#ICT 85
END TO END ENCRYPTION
66 #ICT 86
INTRA NASAL VACCINE

Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & #Biotechnology 87
Disaster Management CERVICAL CANCER
# GS P a p e r ( P r e l i m s ) a n d GS P a pe r I & I I I ( M a i n ) #Health #Vaccination 88
KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK FIRST GLOBAL SURFACE WATER SURVEY SATELLITE
#Protected Areas 66 #Physics 90
CPCB’S REPORT ON RIVER POLLUTION UNCONTROLLED RE-ENTRY OF SATELLITES
#Pollution 67 #Physics #Space Technology 91
MILLETS NET ENERGY GAIN IN NUCLEAR FUSION

#Sustainable Agriculture 69 #Nuclear physics 92
CLIMATE RESILIENT CROPS STREPTOCOCCUS (STREP A)

#climateresilience #agriculture 70 #Health 94
KUNMING – MONTREAL AGREEMENT SPACE SENSORS TO HELP DETECT METHANE

#CBD #IPBES #Kunmingmontrealagreement 71 #Space 94
WINTER STORM IN U.S PRACTICE QUESTIONS 94
#Climatology 73
PROJECT LION
#Wildlife Protection 74 96
HIMALAYAN MEDICINAL PLANTS IN IUCN RED LIST
HISTORY, HERITAGE & CULTURE
#Biodiversity 75
# GS P a p e r ( P r e l i m s ) & G S P a p e r I ( M a i n )
MAN-ANIMAL CONFLICT MITIGATION TEAM SELECTED FOR
THE WILDLIFE TRUST OF INDIA AWARD ENCROACHMENTS AROUND CENTRALLY PROTECTED
MONUMENTS, SITES #Art&Culture 96
#wildlifetrustofindia #wildlife #trust #biodiversity 75
SAHITYA AKADEMI AWARDS
COASTAL RED SAND DUNES OF VIZAG’
#artandculture, #literature 97
#redsanddunes 76
LIBERATION OF BANGLADESH
#post-independence history 98
Part Three
DOKRA ART
#tribalart #handicrafts 99
Essays of the month
NATRAJ SCULPTURE
#medievalart #shaivism 99
110
UNESCO’S TENTATIVE LIST THE TEST OF TOLERANCE COMES WHEN WE ARE IN
MAJORITY; THE TEST OF COURAGE COMES WHEN WE ARE
#unescosites #artandculture 100
IN A MINORITY. #Philosophical SUBMITTED BY: HENNA N
PRACTICE QUESTIONS 101 AHAMMED 111
THE PROPER USE OF SCIENCE IS NOT TO CONQUER
Part TWO NATURE, BUT TO LIVE IN IT. # Science & Technology

SUBMITTED BY: NIKITA PAWAR 113
Ethics, Integrity and WHEN THE WINDS OF CHANGE BLOW, SOME PEOPLE
BUILD WALLS, WHILE OTHERS BUILD WINDMILLS
Aptitude # Philosophical
SUBMITTED BY: CHANDRAKANT 115
103
SOCIAL REFORM: A MATTER OF LAW OR ETHICS
#Ethics #Integrity #Aptitude 104
CASE STUDIES for Practice

MAINS GS PAPER IV 107
Part ONE
Current
affairs
analysis
logical .simple .targeted
analysis & explanation
of all relevant news of the month
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
# GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper III (Main)
ANTI-COMPETITIVE
o Increasing returns to scale: Digital businesses
tend to have rapidly diminishing marginal costs as
PRACTICES BY BIG TECH they grow, so scale quickly is the best strategy.
o Network effects: As number of users on a platform
COMPANIES grows, so does the utility of every user of that
platform. Larger platforms with more users may
#Digital Economy provide increased efficiency to all its users. But this
leaves space for only a small number of platforms in
the market.
Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance has recently
submitted its report on ‘Anti-Competitive Practices by Big Tech o Winner takes all markets: These powerful returns
with increasing size make digital market to peak
Companies’ flagging their anti-competitive practices and has
quickly (within 3 to 5 years) to monopolistic
called for an ex-ante framework legislation and identification
dominant players with limited fair competition.
of players that can negatively influence competition.
Leading players in one digital market can quickly
DIGITAL MARKETS unlock in adjacent markets and increase their global
• Widespread adoption of internet & communication dominance.
technology (ICT) along with growth of multitude digital • Impact on competition: Since digital markets do not
companies has led to distinct digital markets. have sufficient competition, they are prone to
significant anti-competitive behaviour by leading
• These digital markets are present across national and
players.
global economy in most sectors. Ex. Education,
healthcare, e-commerce, transportation etc. o Monopolistic players can use their pricing power to
extract rents from consumers.
• Economic drivers of digital markets inevitably lead to
o Winners can stifle dynamic innovation by buying out
the rise of a relatively few leading players. These
possible competitors or by not engaging in sufficient
leading players are collectively referred to as Big Tech
dynamic innovation themselves.
Companies.
o Winners can use their advantage in one market to
• Nature of Digital Markets: gain competitive advantage in other markets
o Digital markets are driven by increasing returns to through bundling, tying and other unfair means.
size while traditional markets have diminishing o Winners can corner the market for valuable inputs
returns to size, leading to strong competition among (such as talented people) making it difficult to
multiple players. compete against them.
o Returns in Digital markets are not just from ANTI-COMPETITIVE PRACTICES
traditional scale and scope effects but also powerful Anti-competitive practices are business or government
network and learning effects. practices that prevent or reduce competition in a market.
FOCUS | JANUARY 2023 | RAU’S IAS 2

Economic Development
The actions are undertaken by one or more businesses so the final price, impact the ability of offline players to
that dominant firms can generate supernormal profits make profit and hurts end-users.
and deter competitors from the market. They include:
• Exclusive Tie-ups: An e-commerce platform may
• Anti-Steering Provisions: Anti-steering provisions are decide to enter into an agreement with a brand, to
clauses wherein a platform prevents its business users allow the sale of the brand's products on its platform,
from steering its customers to offers other than those exclusively. This not only hampers the business of
provided by the platform. E.g., App Stores can mandate other e-commerce platforms but may also lead to
the usage of their own payment system, thus eliminate losses for offline sellers.
competition from other payment applications.
• Search and Ranking Preferencing: Search and
• Self-preferencing/Platform Neutrality: Self- Ranking Preferencing indicates search bias in favour of
preferencing distorts the competitive process by sponsored products, or orders fulfilled by the
unduly promoting its own services or the services of its marketplace itself, instead of organic search results.
subsidiaries, excluding rivals. This lack of platform
• Restricting Third-Party Applications: It is an act of
neutrality can lead to a negative effect on downstream
restricting the installation or operation of third-party
markets.
applications.
• Bundling and Tying: Tying and bundling are common
• Advertising Policies: Big Tech company's
business practices that consist of the combined sale of
advertisement business can be a monopolist threat
two or more products or services. Many digital firms
because it owns every step in a system that connects
force consumers to buy related services, which creates
ad sellers and buyers, which gives The Big Tech
asymmetry in pricing and leads to the removal of
company an unfair edge over the market.
competition from the market.
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE
• Data Usage: Digital firms collect massive amounts of
Competitive behaviour needs to be evaluated ex-ante
customer data. Such data may be misused for tracking
before digital markets end up monopolized. To this end,
and profiling end-customers and organisations may
the committee has recommended:
also cross-utilize such data for other services provided
• Regulating Digital Markets: Unlike physical markets,
by them. This may entrench the market position of Big
digital markets (internet-based companies) may be
Tech companies, but it creates barriers to entry and
dominated by a few leading players emerging in a short
expansion of small and new companies.
period. Such competitive behaviour needs to be
• Acquisitions and Mergers: Killer acquisitions, or large
evaluated before markets end up monopolised,
firms buying highly valued start-ups without the
instead of the ex-post evaluation done presently.
transaction being subject to merger control rules that
• Digital Gatekeepers: India must identify leading
focus upon turnover, is a recurrent issue in digital
players in digital markets that can negatively influence
markets. As per the current Competition law, the
competitive conduct. They should be categorised as
Competition Commission of India (CCI) is not able to
Systemically Important Digital Intermediaries (SIDIs)
review certain mergers and acquisitions as they do not
based on their revenue, market capitalisation, active
meet the required thresholds of assets and turnover.
businesses and end users. SIDIs should annually
• Deep Discounting: E-commerce, food delivery and
submit a report to CCI detailing measures taken to
hotel booking sites offer huge discounts on their
comply with various mandatory obligations.
platforms, but there is a lack of transparency about the
• Self-Preferencing: SIDIs must not favour their own
basis of these discounts. Tactics like dynamic pricing
services over those of their competitors when
and bogus sales (inflating price and then offering a
mediating access.
discount) lead to service providers losing control over

MONETARY POLICY
• Bundling and Tying: SIDIs should not force businesses
or end users to subscribe to any further services for
being able to use their core platform service.
COMMITTEE
• Data Usage:
#Banking
o SIDI should not process the personal data of end
users who use the services of third parties if such
parties use the core services of SIDI. Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) hiked the policy repo rate
by 35 basis points and simultaneously RBI lowered the GDP
o Personal data from the relevant core service of the
projection for FY23 to 6.8% from 7%.
SIDI should not be cross utilised in other services
provided separately by the platform. ABOUT MONETARY POLICY
o iii) End users should not be signed into other Monetary policy refers to a policy of central bank to
services of the platform unless he has been regulate money supply in the economy to achieve certain
presented with a specific choice to which he has objectives like price stability, accelerating economic
consented. growth or exchange rate stabilization. RBI uses various
tools to achieve these objectives. One such tool is Liquid
• Mergers and Acquisitions: A SIDI should:
adjustment facility (LAF)
o Inform CCI of any intended concentration where the
• Liquid adjustment facility (LAF): It is a facility
merging entities or the target provide services in the
provided by RBI to scheduled commercial banks to
digital sector or enable the collection of data,
avail of liquidity in case of need or to park excess funds
irrespective of whether it is notifiable to the CCI.
with RBI on an overnight basis against the collateral of
o Inform CCI of such a concentration before its government securities.
implementation and following the conclusion of the
• Repo rate is interest rate charged by the RBI on
agreement, the announcement of the public bid, or
overnight loans given to the commercial banks under
the acquisition of controlling interest.
the Liquidity Adjustment Facility.
• Third-party Applications: SIDIs should allow and
• Reverse repo rate is an interest rate given by the RBI
technically enable the installation and use of third-
to commercial banks when the latter parks one-day
party software applications. Such software applications deposits with the RBI.
should be accessible by means other than the relevant
• These rates are referred as key policy rates.
core services of the platform.
Expansionary Contractionary
• Proposed Legislative Changes: The Report
Monetary Policy Monetary Policy
recommends two changes:
Action To infuse liquid To absorb liquid from the
o Digital Competition Act: India needs to enhance its
into the market market
competition law to address needs of digital market.
Government should enact a Digital Competition Act Tool Reduce policy Increase policy rates
to ensure a fair, transparent & contestable digital rates
ecosystem.
Goal Accelerate Inflation control
o Revamping Competition Commission of India
economic growth
(CCI): CCI should be strengthened to address anti-
competitive behaviour in digital markets. It • During the period May-December 2022, Monetary
suggested creation of a specialised digital markets Policy Committee (MPC) has increased the policy repo
unit in CCI. This unit would: (a) monitor established rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF)
and emerging SIDIs (b) give recommendations to cumulatively by 225 basis points to take the repo rate
Central government on designating SIDIs (c) to 6.25%. This was done to control the inflation (CPI)
adjudicate on cases related to digital markets. under the targeted 6%.

MONETARY POLICY COMMITTEE (c) Estimate of time-period within which inflation

• In 2016, RBI Act, 1934 was amended to provide a target shall be achieved.
statutory basis for implementation of flexible inflation FIRST FAILURE OF MPC TO MEET INFLATION TARGET
targeting framework. • Inflation in India in the nine-month period from
Inflation target January to September 2022 remained above the
• Central government, in consultation with RBI, upper tolerance limit of inflation target of RBI.
determines inflation target in terms of Consumer Price • This was the first time when RBI failed in its statutory
Index (CPI), once in every five years. It is notified by obligation to maintain inflation target.
Central Government in the official gazette. • Under Regulation 7 of RBI MPC and Monetary Policy
• Central Government notified inflation target of 4% CPI Process Regulations, 2016 a separate meeting of
with tolerance of 2% i.e., RBI was given the target to MPC is required to be scheduled as part of the
control inflation in the band of 2% to 6%. normal policy process to discuss and draft the report
Monetary Policy Committee to be sent to the government.
• RBI Acts provides for constitution of a 6-member • Thus, RBI scheduled an extraordinary meeting of RBI
Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to determine policy on November 3, 2022 to discuss failure of inflation
rate required to achieve the inflation target. target.
• The MPC was to be headed by Governor of RBI. There • Although MPC is responsible for maintaining the
two other members from the RBI in ex-officio capacity. inflation target, the report is authored by RBI.
(i) Deputy Governor of RBI in charge of Monetary Policy However, MPC will be consulted in the preparation
(ii) One office of RBI to be nominated by Central Board of the report.
of RBI. • The report is required to be sent to the government
• Three members of RBI are nominated by Government. within one month from the date on which the RBI
failed to meet the inflation target.
• MPC is required to meet at least four times in a year
(statutory requirement). The quorum for MPC meetings • The report has yet not been made public by RBI.
is four members. However, as of now MPC meets six
times a year.
• Voting mechanism: Each member of MPC has one DECLINING BAD ASSETS
vote. In case of equality, Governor has a casting vote. #Banking
• Each Member of the Monetary Policy Committee writes
a statement specifying the reasons for voting in favour
According to the recently released RBI’s Financial stability
of, or against the proposed resolution.
report (2022), scheduled commercial banks' gross non-
FAILURE OF MAINTAIN INFLATION TARGET performing assets (GNPA) has dropped to a seven-year low,
• Central government has notified following as factors while net NPA has contracted to a decade low. The GNPA ratio
that constitute failure to achieve the inflation target: of SCBs decline to 5% in September 2022 and the net non-
(a) Average inflation is more than upper tolerance performing assets (NNPA) ratio stood at 1.3%.
band (more than 6% in present inflation
BASICS OF BAD ASSETS
target) for any three consecutive quarters.
• Non-Performing Assets (NPA): An asset that is not
(b) Average inflation is less than lower tolerance
returning in the form of principal or interest during the
band (less than 2% in present inflation target)
for any three consecutive quarters. last 90 reporting days is classified as NPA.
• In the event, RBI fails to meet the inflation target, it • Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA): GNPA is an
shall send a report to Central Government stating absolute amount which reflects the total value of non-
(a) Reasons for failure to achieve inflation target. performing assets for the bank in a particular financial
year.
(b) Remedial actions proposed to be taken by RBI.

REPORT ON TRENDS AND

• Net Non-Performing Assets (NNPA): NNPA subtracts
the provisions made by the bank from the gross NPA.
Hence, net NPA gives you the exact value of non-
performing assets after the bank has made specific
PROGRESS OF BANKING IN
provisions for it.
INDIA
• Provisioning is a mechanism to deal with bad assets.
Under provisioning, banks have to set aside some
#BANKING
funds to a prescribed percentage of their bad assets.
The percentage of bad asset that has to be ‘provided RBI recently released the report on trends and progress of
for’ is called provisioning coverage ratio. The banking in India.
provisioning coverage ratio is the percentage of bad
ABOUT BANK BALANCE SHEET
assets that the bank has to provide for from their own
Bank balance sheets report the assets, liabilities, and bank
funds –most probably from profit.
capital for an individual bank.
IMPACT OF NON-PERFORMING ASSETS
Assets are items that the bank owns. This includes loans,
securities, and reserves.
Rising NPAs
Liabilities are items that the bank owes to someone else,
including deposits and bank borrowing from other
Low credit institutions.
Firms unable to
creation and low
pay back loans Bank capital are funds that are raised by either selling
investment
new equity in the bank, or that come from retained
earnings (profits) the bank earns from its assets net of
liabilities.
Economic Low employment Balance sheet of a commercial bank

slowdown generation and
low demand Liabilities Assets
• Deposits • Cash and Balances

Vicious cycle of NPAs
- Demand deposits with RBI
REASONS FOR DECLINING NPAS
- Savings bank • Balances with banks
• Drop in slippage ratio: The slippage ratio is the rate at
which good loans are turning bad. It is measured by deposits and money at call and
- Term deposits short notice
Fresh accretion of NPAs during the year ×100
• Borrowings • Investments
Total standard assets at the beginning of the year
• The slippage ratio is around 2% in September 2022 for - Govt and other
SCBs, which is the lowest since 2015. Low slippage securities
shows how well the asset qualities are managed by the • Loans and Advances
bank. • Fixed assets
• Increasing write-offs: Banks voluntarily choose to
REPORT ON TRENDS AND PROGRESS OF BANKING IN
write off NPAs to maintain healthy balance sheets.
INDIA 2021-22
According to the data given by finance ministry, banks
had written-off bad loans worth ₹ 10,09,511 crore in the The report released the balance sheet analysis of all the
last 5 years. In the first half of FY 2022-23, the loan Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) in the last fiscal year.
write-offs as a ratio of GNPAs increased to 22.6%. Some of the findings are:
• These factors not only helped in reducing the share of • Large share of PSBs: Public sector banks (PSBs) have
bad assets but also increased the profitability of the lion’s share in consolidated balance sheet of all
scheduled commercial banks in the last one year. scheduled commercial banks. At end- March 2022, they

accounted for 62% of total outstanding deposits and deposit growth. This was majorly because of
58% of total loans and advances extended by SCBs. moderation of deposit growth due to COVID-19
• Liability: Household financial saving rates declined to induced precautionary tendencies. This suggest that
a 5-year low in 2021-22, which was reflected in subdued the banks resorted to increased borrowings to meet
the credit demand.
Liability composition of SCBs in 2021-22
• Assets:
o On the asset side, the main development was the
EXPERT COMMITTEE ON
strengthening of the credit pick-up through the year.
Credit growth accelerated to a ten year high at end-
SWAMITVA SCHEME
Sep (2022). During 2021-22, as credit growth picked #Land Reforms
up and deposit growth moderated, the incremental
credit-deposit (C-D) ratio reached a four-year high. The Report of the Expert Committee on the SVAMITVA Scheme
o Around 80% of SCB’s investments are in government was released on November 2022 which provides the guiding
securities (G-secs). principles that States may adopt to realize the objectives of
• Maturity Profile of Assets and Liabilities: the SVAMITVA Scheme holistically.
o Maturity transformation is the essence of banking SVAMITVA YOJANA

business, and asset-liability maturity mismatches • It is a central sector scheme which aims to conduct
are inevitable as banks extend longer-term loans surveying of land parcels in rural inhabited areas using
against short-term deposits. During 2021-22, Drone Technology. The survey shall be done across the
however, maturity mismatch moderated across all country in a phased manner of four years (2020-2024).
durations in comparison with the previous year, • Ministry of Panchayati Raj is the nodal ministry for
reflecting improvements in asset-liability implementing the scheme. States will have to sign an
management. MoU with Survey of India for allowing mapping of
o Banks, especially from private sector, ramped up villages of States and for States to join CORS network.
short-term borrowings in 2021-22 taking advantage • States will need to conduct appropriate amendment to
of the lower interest rates in the year. The the Land Revenue Code to grant the format of the
investment portfolio of PVBs and FBs is Property Card due authority and validity.
concentrated in the short-term category indicative OBJECTIVE
of active investment risk management by these
• Provide integrated property validation solution for
banks.
rural India.

• Bring financial stability to citizens of rural India by • Resource crunch and shortage of manpower for
enabling them to use their property as a financial asset ground verification and drone survey.
for taking loans and other financial benefits. • Inefficient coordination between the State
• Creation of accurate land records for rural planning government and the Survey of India in ground
• Determination of property tax, which would accrue to operations. E.g., Delayed notification of villages to be
Gram Panchayats directly in States where it is devolved surveyed, non-compliance of cluster-based drone-
or else, add to the State exchequer flying, delayed information of ownership data etc.
These factors delay the completion of survey work and
• Creation of survey infrastructure and GIS maps that can
inefficient utilization of resources.
be leveraged by any department for their use
• Siloed approach in data sharing between
• Support in preparation of better-quality Gram
government departments causes delays in ground
Panchayat Development Plan by using of GIS maps
verification. Geo-spatial and record-of-rights data
• Reduce property related disputes and legal cases. across departments is not updated frequently. Further,
COMPONENTS there is an unavailability of MIS for managing and
• Establishment of Continuous Operating Reference monitoring the progress of the scheme.
System (CORS) Network: • Difficult terrain and connectivity issues in hilly
ο The network will be fully functional till 2022. Once regions of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu &
operational it will allow all departments related to Kashmir, and Ladakh.
rural development to conduct survey works and • Issues in collection of property tax by Gram
implementation of scheme using GIS based Panchayats due to bottlenecks like lack of updated and
applications. accurate property registers with Panchayats depicting
ο CORS overhauls jarib or traditional survey system in size, area, and the number of properties. High cost of
rural Abadi area and provides accuracy up to 5 cm accurate valuation and difficulty in enforcement of
level horizontal positioning in real-time. tax collection.
ο Future updates can be easily done with the use of RECOMMENDATIONS

the ROVERs. • Time-bound implementation of SWAMITVA scheme:
• Large scale mapping using Drone ο For timely completion, need for village-wise close
ο Rural inhabited (Abadi) areas would be mapped by monitoring of the survey process by the National
Survey of India in collaboration with State Revenue Steering Committee and the State Steering
Department to generate revenue maps to confer Committee.
ownership property rights. ο A comprehensive workflow-based IT Platform
ο Based on these maps, property cards would be should be developed by the Ministry of Panchayati
issued to rural household owners in Abadi areas. Raj. This software should generate appropriate MIS
ο High resolution and accurate image base maps

reports for the supervisory agencies for taking
corrective actions.
would facilitate creation of most durable record of
property holdings in areas with no legacy revenue • Ensure the security of personal data:
records ο To maintain the integrity of sensitive data,
• IEC Activities ownership of data created under the SVAMITVA
scheme should preferably be with a single agency
• Enhancement of Spatial Planning Application 'Gram
Manchitra' which should be responsible for making this data
available to other agencies and ensuring compliance
• Online Monitoring System
with security and privacy policies.
CHALLENGES
ο To ensure the privacy and security of personal data,
• Unawareness or lack of training in preparing data there should be appropriate protocols aligned with
files of drone-flying villages in a few states leads to the National Information Security Policy and
delays in drone-flying operations.

Guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs and

existing privacy laws. GST COUNCIL
• Develop linkages for informed decision-making As provided for in Article 279A of the Constitution, the
related to property tax assessment and collection: Goods and Services Tax Council. The Council comprises of:
Ministry of Panchayati Raj should make software for a
• Union Finance Minister (who will be the Chairman of
property tax management system based on the
the Council)
SVAMITVA scheme data. Property registers should be
created and ownership data of the properties should • The Minister of State (Revenue) and
be linked to the record of rights. Assessment of tax • The State Finance/Taxation Ministers
should be automatic and various NOCs related to It shall make recommendations to the Union and States
property tax collection systems should be issued on the following issues:
online. • The taxes, cesses and surcharges levied by the Centre,
• Promote adoption of record of rights for availing the States and the local bodies which may be
bank loan: Property cards issued under the SVAMITVA subsumed under GST
scheme must have a QR code or any other such unique
• The goods and services that may be subjected to or
identifier which may enable the bank to verify the
exempted from the GST
authenticity of the property card and the latest status
• Model GST laws, principles of levy, apportionment of
of the property instantly, to extend bank loan.
IGST and the principles that govern the place of supply
• Adoption of RADPFI (Rural Area Development Plan
• The threshold limit of turnover below which the goods
Formulation and Implementation) Guidelines and
and services may be exempted from GST.
SVAMTIVA data for accurate village level-planning:
This data should be used for the preparation of annual MAJOR RECOMMENDATIONS OF 48TH GST COUNCIL
Gram Panchayat, Block Panchayat and District MEETING
Panchayat Development Plans. • Decriminalisation of offences under GST: The GST
• Capacity building and training of manpower: Council has recommended
ο Training for skill up-gradation of the state ο various measures to decriminalise the GST offences
officials at basic, supervisory and executive levels such as raising the minimum threshold of tax
for the specific roles and responsibilities covering amount for launching prosecution under GST from
Surveying methodology, Revenue Processes, Drone one crore to two crore, except for the offence of
Survey technology, GIS data generation, digital data issuing fake invoices.
handling, etc. ο To reduce the workload of courts, the compounding
ο Skill-based training of the manpower resources for amount under certain offences has been reduced
ground-level activities like Drone Pilots, GNSS from 50% to 150% of the amount, to 25% to 100% of
surveyors, Drone Data Processors, ground data the amount involved
collection surveyors/supervisors, Map Verifier, • Ease of doing business for MSMEs:
Revenue surveyors, etc. ο To facilitate e-commerce for micro enterprises, the
council had granted in-principle approval for
48th GST COUNCIL allowing unregistered suppliers and composition

taxpayers to make the intra-state supply of goods
MEETING through e-commerce operators such as Amazon,

Flipkart etc., subject to certain conditions,
#Taxation ο Many small traders in the country are conducting
business activities without GST registration since
GST council met after a gap of 6 months under the their annual sale is below the GST threshold limit.
chairmanship of Union Finance Minister and took several Such traders will now be able to trade on e-
decisions to improve the ease of doing business. commerce.

• Refund to unregistered persons: There is no These issues led to the rise of demanded for a GST
procedure for claim of refund of tax borne by the appellate tribunal.
unregistered buyers in cases where the contract/
agreement for supply of services, like construction of
house and long-term insurance policy, is cancelled. The
RoDTEP SCHEME
Council recommended to prescribe a procedure for
#Schemes
filing application of refund by the unregistered buyers
in such cases. Union government decided to extend Remission of Duties and
UNRESOLVED ISSUE WITH GST: Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme to
pharmaceuticals, chemicals and iron & steel sectors with
• Rate rationalisation:
effect from December 15 (2022).
ο The weighted average Revenue Neutral rate (RNR)
BACKGROUND
has come down to around 11.5 per cent from the
• Government of India had introduced Merchandise
initial rate of 15-15.5 per cent, which necessitates
Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) in 2015 under
rate rejig. Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-20 with an objective to
ο The other issue is too many rates. As on date, there provide rewards to exporters to offset infrastructural
are four main rates under the GST: 5, 12, 18 and 28 inefficiencies and associated costs and Indian products
per cent. Then there are special rates of 0, 0.25, 1 competitive in international market.
and 3 per cent. Besides, there is also a provision of • Under this scheme, exporters are given financial
cess at the rate of 1 to 25 per cent. For services, there rewards as a percentage of value of exports, by way of
are four rates — 5, 12, 18 and 28 per cent, beside a duty credit scrips. These scrips can be transferred or
special rate of 0 per cent. There have been demands used for payment of several duties/taxes including the
customs duty/excise duty/GST.
for restructuring the slabs by merging either 12 and
18 or 5 and 12. • However, in 2019, WTO dispute settlement panel ruled
that the duty credit scrips awarded under MEIS are
ο Issue of inverted duty structure in sectors like
subsidies contingent upon export performance and are
Textiles demands rate rationalisation. prohibitive export subsidies under WTO’s Agreement
• Demand for GST appellate tribunal: National Anti- on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures.
profiteering Authority (NAA) was initially setup to • Against this backdrop, GOI introduced Remission of
control unfair profiteering by suppliers, where they Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP)
were not passing on benefits of reduction in tax rates Scheme in January 2021 in place of MEIS. Unlike the
to consumers, etc. latter, RoDTEP is not an export incentive scheme but a
duty remission scheme and is WTO compliant.
However, the NAA’s functioning has been marred by:
KEY FEATURES OF RODTEP SCHEME
ο litigation, with the very constitutionality of the body
• The scheme provides refund of duties and taxes which
coming under challenge.
are levied at central, state and local level and are not
ο The lack of methodology to determine the extent of refunded under any other mechanism. They include:
profiteering by companies has also been a sore
o Central and State Excise Duty on fuel for
point. transportation of export goods (petrol, diesel, CNG,
ο Further, NAA orders have no right to statutory PNG, etc.)
appeal and, hence, a plethora of writ petitions have o Coal cess or duty levied by States on electricity
been filed challenging such orders before the Delhi consumed for manufacturing of export goods
High Court. The very foundation of the NAA has, o Mandi tax levied by APMCs
therefore, been the subject of judicial scrutiny. o Toll tax and stamp duties on import-export
documentation

o Value added tax (VAT) wherever applicable • In case of India, largest sources of remittances have
• Refunds under the scheme would be issued in the form been from Indians working in the Gulf Cooperation
of transferrable e-scrips which could be used for paying Council (GCC) countries (UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia,
Basic Customs Duty on import of goods or may be Oman, Qatar, Kuwait), and USA and UK.
transferred electronically to other party. The benefit • Top five recipient countries this year are expected to be
will not be in the form of direct credit to the bank India ($100 billion), followed by Mexico ($60 billion),
account. China ($50 billion), Philippines ($38 billion) and Egypt
• When the RoDTEP scheme was introduced, sectors like ($32 billion).
pharmaceuticals, chemicals and iron & steel were • Migration and Development Brief report points to a
excluded from it due to fiscal constraints and their structural shift in India’s remittance economy, both in
exports were doing well even without such benefits. terms of the top destination countries, and the nature
However, with India’s exports momentum hit by of the jobs held by migrants. Remittances have
waning global demand, government decided to extend benefitted from a gradual structural shift in Indian
the scheme to these sectors as well. migrants’ key destinations from largely low skilled,
IMPACT ON EXPORTS informal employment in the Gulf Cooperation Council
(GCC) countries to a dominant share of high skilled jobs
At present, GST and import customs duties for inputs
in high income countries such as USA, UK, and East Asia
required to manufacture exported products are either
(Singapore, Japan, Australia, New Zealand).
exempted or refunded.
• In fact, between 2016-17 and 2020-21, while
• Export of goods or services is considered as zero-rated
remittances from the U.S., U.K. and Singapore
supply and GST is not levied on them.
increased from 26% to 36%, share from five GCC
• An existing duty drawback scheme provides refund of countries dropped from 54% to 28%. In 2020-21, USA,
custom duty paid on inputs which go into
with a share of 23%, surpassed Saudi Arabia as India’s
manufacturing of export products. top source country for remittances.
However, certain taxes/duties/levies which are outside
• This made a big difference during the pandemic, when
GST are not refunded for exports. Ex. Excise duties on Oil
Indian migrants in high income countries worked from
& Gas. RoDTEP scheme plugs this gap and make Indian home and benefitted from large fiscal stimulus
products competitive in the global market. packages while in the post pandemic phase, wage hikes
and record high employment conditions supported
REMITTANCES remittance growth in the face of high inflation.

• The report adds that Indian migrants took advantage of
#EXTERNAL SECTOR the depreciation of Indian rupee vis-a-via, US dollar to
increase their remittances.
FUTURE OF REMITTANCES
Remittances to India are set to touch a record $100 billion in
• Growth in remittances will fall to 2% in 2023 as GDP
2022, according to World Bank’s latest ‘Migration and
growth in high income countries continues to be slow
Development Report’. India received $89.4 billion in 2021 —
eroding migrants’ wage gains. For South Asia as a
this is the first time a country will reach the $100 billion mark.
whole, the growth in remittances is expected to fall
FOREIGN REMITTANCES IN INDIA from 3.5% in 2022 to 0.7% in 2023.
• Remittances denote a sum of money sent by one party • For India, remittances are forecast to grow by 4% next
to another. However, the term describes the money year, supported large share of Indian migrants earning
sent by someone working abroad to their family back relatively high salaries in USA, UK and East Asia.
home.

Practice questions
MCQs
Q.1) Consider the following statements: standing deposit facility (SDF) rate as the lower
1. Central Government, in consultation with RBI, bound (floor).
determines the inflation target in terms of the Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Wholesale Price Index (WPI), once in 5 years. (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
2. The Expansionary monetary policy reduces the (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
inflation levels in the country.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Q.4) With reference to Reserve Bank of India (RBI),
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only consider the following statements:
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 1. Trend and Progress of Banking Report is annually
released by the RBI.
Q.2) With respect to “Migration and Development 2. Prompt Corrective Action framework applies to all
Brief titled(2021)”, consider the following banks operating in India, including Small Finance
statements: Banks.
1. It is published by International Monetary Fund. 3. Startup sector has been granted Priority Sector
2. Saudi Arabia surpassed the U.S as India’s top Lending status by the RBI.
source country for remittances. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q.5) Which of the following are characteristics of
Q.3) With reference to Liquidity Adjustment Facility Digital Markets. What are the implications of
(LAF) of RBI, consider the following statements: Network Effects?
1. Repo rate is the rate at which the RBI borrows 1. As companies grow in digital markets, their
money from commercial banks against collateral of marginal costs keep on falling.
eligible government securities. 2. Due to network effects, customers do not migrate
2. Under the SDF route, the RBI would require to competing platforms.
providing G-Secs as collateral to the Banks 3. Monopolies tend to rise in digital markets.
3. The LAF corridor has the marginal standing facility Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(MSF) rate as its upper bound (ceiling) and the (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Descriptive Questions
Q1. Discuss the reasons behind rise of monopolistic tendencies in digital markets. Suggest reasons to address the
situation.
Q2. Despite the flexible inflation targeting framework, inflation has remained higher than upper tolerance band of RBI.
Discuss the mechanism set out if RBI fails in its inflation target.
Answers: 1-d, 2-d, 3-c, 4-b, 5-d

CONSTITUTION, POLITY AND
GOVERNANCE
# GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper II (Main)
JAN VISHWAS BILL TABLED

• Reducing compliance burden gives impetus to
business process reengineering and improves Ease of
IN PARLIAMENT living of people.

• Simplifying, digitising and rationalising
#Jan Vishwas Bill #Decriminalisation of compliances are being taken to achieve these goals.
Laws #Overcriminalisation India needs to shed the baggage of antiquated laws that
adversely affect developmental trajectory.
Jan Vishwas Bill (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2022 was • Boosting Global Investments in India: Fear of
imprisonment for minor offences is a major factor
tabled in Parliament with the objective of “decriminalising”
hampering the growth of the business ecosystem and
183 offences across 42 legislations to further enhance trust-
individual confidence.
based governance for ease of living and doing business.
• Settlement of large number of issues by
Decriminalisation of many minor offences by replacing them
compounding method, adjudication and administrative
with monetary penalties has been identified. The endeavour is
mechanism, without involving courts will enable
not only to make lives and businesses easier but also to reduce persons to remedy minor contraventions and defaults,
judicial burden. sometimes committed unknowingly by them, and save
time, energy and resources.
MEANING OF DECRIMINALISATION OF LAWS
• Rationalisation of monetary penalties: Besides
• According to Black’s Law Dictionary,
decriminalisation of minor offences, the Bill also
decriminalisation can be said to be an official act
envisages rationalisation of monetary penalties,
generally accomplished by legislation in which a depending on the gravity of offence, bolstering the
criminal act or omission is made non-criminal and trust-based governance.
without punitive sanctions. DECRIMINALISATION UNDER THE VISHWAS BILL
• The repeal or amendment of statutes made certain First, we need to understand the difference between fine
acts criminal so that those acts no longer are crimes and penalty as the term fine has been replaced by penalty
or subject to prosecution. in some instances.
Fine is referred to as a sum of money ordered by the court
OBJECTIVES & REASONS
to pay for an offence, after the complete prosecution in a
• Outdated rules and regulations cause trust deficit matter.
and government endeavours to redefine the regulatory
Penalties do not involve court proceedings and they are
landscape under Ease of Living and Ease of Doing imposed when a person does not comply with the
Business reforms. provision of a specified act.

Constituti0n, Polity and
Governance
• In certain Acts, offences have been decriminalised • Increase in number of prisoners due to over-
by imposing a penalty instead of a fine. For instance, criminalisation: As per National Crime Records
under the Patents Act, of 1970, a person selling a falsely Bureau’s Prison Statistics of 2021, a total of 5.54 lakh
represented article as patented in India is subject to a prisoners were confined in prisons against a capacity of
fine of up to one lakh rupees. 4.25 lakh.
• Replaces fine with a penalty, which may be up to ten CONCERNS HIGHLIGHTED
lakh rupees. In case of a continuing claim, there shall • Replacing penal provisions with fines is not exactly
be an additional penalty of one thousand rupees per de-criminalisation: Most provisions of the Bill either
day. omit penal provisions or replace them with fines in
• Revision of fines and penalties: The Bill increases legislations such as Air Act, Environment Protection Act,
fines and penalties for various offences in specified Forest Act, Drugs and Cosmetics Acts, Cinematograph
Acts. Further, these fines & penalties will be increased Act, Patents Act etc. An examination of the Bill reveals
by 10% of the minimum amount every three years. that stress has been on replacement of imprisonment
• Appointing adjudicating officers: As per the Bill, clauses with fines which can hardly be termed as
Central Government may appoint one or more ‘decriminalisation’.
adjudicating officers for determining • Issue of Quasi-decriminalisation: There is a
penalties. Adjudicating officers may: distinction between regulatory offences & penal
(i) Summon individuals for evidence offences and exemplifies the same through functional
distinction between a tax and a fine. While purpose of a
(ii) Conduct inquiries into violations of respected
tax is primarily regulatory in nature, fines carry with it
Acts.
an element of censure and stigma. This functional
These Acts include Agricultural Produce (Grading and distinction is increasingly being diluted under our
Marking) Act, 1937, Air (Prevention and Control of
legislative frameworks which frequently deploy these
Pollution) Act, 1981, Environment (Protection) Act, elements of censure and stigma to regulatory domains.
1986, and Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991.
• Imprisonment Clauses in Economic Legislations:
CONSEQUENCES OF OVERCRIMINALISATION
Observer Research’s report, ‘Jailed for Doing Business’
• Frequent use of criminal law and institutions as a found that there are more than 26,134 imprisonment
political tool: Ex. use of Enforcement Directorate clauses in a total of 843 economic legislations, rules and
under Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 regulations which seek to regulate businesses and
(PMLA), Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 economic activities in India. In this light, the number of
(FEMA) or Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 offences deregulated under the Bill seems to be a mere
(FEOA). drop in India’s regulatory framework. This will hardly
• Over-criminalisation conveys a strong government improve ease of doing business in India.
among public: Criminalisation often becomes a • Regulatory offences to be considered for
medium for governments to put across a strong image ‘decriminalisation’ need to be prioritised not only
as opposed to punishing wrongful conduct. from the point of view of the ease of doing business, but
Governments offer little in the way of justifications to also from the points of view of the ills that plague our
support such decisions. This phenomenon has been criminal justice system itself.
termed “Overcriminalisation” by scholars. Examples – • Decriminalisation should not be limited to
excessive use of National Security Act, Encounter of
regulatory domains: The Bill conforms to
criminals by the police to evade due process etc. understanding of government that decriminalisation
• Majority of pending cases are concerning criminal should be limited to regulatory domains. However, the
proceedings: As per National Judicial Data Grid, of the time is now ripe to shift focus to existing penal offences
4.3 crore pending cases, nearly 3.2 crore cases are as well. Debates are ongoing about decriminalisation of
criminal proceedings. It can be said that the growing several penal offences such as Sedition, offences under
number of pending criminal cases shares a direct NDPS Act & UAPA Acts, triple talaq and anti-conversion
relation with the number of criminal laws.

Governance
laws etc. There is an urgent need to assess these The court had earlier rejected state government’s decision
offences on a principled basis. and asked State Election Commission to notify local polls
WAY AHEAD without OBC reservation.
The intent of the Bill is merely to ensure that WHAT MADE SUPREME COURT CHANGE ITS VERDICT?
imprisonment is replaced with fines for as many offences • Supreme Court gave go-ahead for local body polls in
as possible. The extent to which it succeeds in Madhya Pradesh with OBC reservation, based on
‘decriminalising’ offences, however, is questionable. There revised recommendations in a second report of a State
is a need for comprehensive exercise to rectify the Backward Class Commission.
concerns expressed in the Article. • SC gave its approval based on following considerations:
(i) Submission of revised recommendations of State
FULFILL TRIPLE TEST Backward Commission

(ii) Completion of delimitation exercise in the state and
CONDITIONS: HC its notification thereof.
#Triple Test #OBC Reservation (iii) Maximum limit of 50% reservation was not
breached.
#Municipalities
• Empirical report was part of the triple test formula to
provide reservations in local polls.
Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court has quashed UP
Government's draft notification for reservation of Other TRIPLE TEST FORMULA
Backward Classes (OBCs) in urban local body elections. The Determination of Reservation to OBC in local bodies
court has ordered holding the polls without reservation for the based on three following conditions:
OBCs. On the decision of Allahabad High Court, Chief Minister 1. Set up a dedicated Commission to conduct empirical
of UP has said that the government will set up a commission inquiry into nature of backwardness in local bodies.
in the perspective of urban body general elections and will
2. Specify proportion of reservation required to be
provide reservation facility to the citizens of OBC based on
provisioned local body-wise
triple test.
3. Such reservation shall not exceed aggregate of 50%
ORDER OF ALLAHABAD HIGH COURT
of total seats reserved for SCs/STs/OBCs taken
• Lucknow Bench of Allahabad High Court has allowed together.
conducting Urban Local Body elections in Uttar Pradesh
UNDERSTANDING SC JUDGMENT - K. KRISHNAMURTHY
without any reservations for the Other Backward Class
(DR.) V. UNION OF INDIA
as earlier mandated by the Supreme Court.
PETITIONER ARGUMENTS
• The High Court held that until “triple test/conditions”
mandated by Supreme Court is completed by the state • Petitioner challenged Articles 243D (6), 243-D (4), 243T
government, no reservation for Backward Class of (6) and 243D (4) of the Constitution on the ground that
citizens shall be provided. reservation provided under the provisions is
discriminatory in nature based on caste and gender.
• Order was passed after hearing a batch of Public
Interest Litigations (PILs) alleging that exercise of • Petitioner challenged Karnataka Panchayati Raj Act,
reservation of seats in municipalities is being carried 1993 which provided reservations to Scheduled Caste,
out by state government in “complete derogation and Scheduled Tribe, Women and Backward classes of
defiance” of the mandate of Supreme Court in the case about 15%, 3%, 33% and 33% respectively.
of Suresh Mahajan vs State of Madhya Pradesh. Constitutional on Reservation for OBC in Local
PREVIOUS SUPREME COURT’S JUDGMENT Bodies
Supreme Court by modifying its earlier order had allowed • Article 243 D (6): Nothing in this Part shall prevent
implementation of reservation for Other Backward Legislature of a State from making any provision for
Classes (OBC) in local body elections in Madhya Pradesh. reservation of seats in any Panchayat or offices of

Governance
Chairpersons in the Panchayats at any level in favour of breached in local self-government. Exceptions can only
backward class of citizens. be made for Scheduled Tribes for their representation
• Article 243 T (6): Nothing in this Part shall prevent the in panchayats located in Scheduled Areas.
Legislature of a State from making any provision for • Article 243-D (6) & Article 243-T (6) are
reservation of seats in any Municipality or offices of Constitutionally Valid: Since they are like provisions
Chairpersons in the Municipalities in favour of which merely enable State Legislatures to reserve seats
backward class of citizens. and chairperson posts in favour of backward classes.
Concerns about disproportionate reservations should
SC JUDGMENT
be raised by way of specific challenges against the State
• Linking of Reservation not Possible: Supreme Court Legislation.
held that reservation policy as under Article 243-D &
• Quantum of Reservation to be determined by
243-T is distinct from that of reservation policies under
respective state based on empirical findings: Under
article 15 (4) & 16(4) and hence both kinds of
respective State Legislations, the onus is on executive
reservations cannot be linked.
to conduct a rigorous investigation into patterns of
• Socio-Economic backwardness different from backwardness that act as barriers to political
Political backwardness: SC held that backwardness in participation which are indeed quite different from the
social and economic sense does not imply political patterns of disadvantages in the matter of access to
backwardness. For reservation under Article 15(4) & education and employment.
16(4), due regard is given to merit, but the same criteria
• Article 243-D (4) & Article 243-T (4) are Constitutionally
cannot be applied for reservation in local bodies. This is
Valid: Reservation of chairperson posts in the manner
because voters are not influenced by merit but rather
contemplated by Article 243-D (4) and 243-T (4) is
by a candidate’s ability to canvass support, ideologies,
constitutionally valid. These chairperson posts cannot
affiliation to any group and past records of
be equated with solitary posts in the context of public
achievements. Thus, backwardness in social and
employment.
economic parameter can act as a barrier for backward
people to have effective political participation. • Determination of Reservation to OBC in local bodies
based on three following conditions:
• Reservation in Local Self-Government beneficial for
Society: As reservation is a more effective tool to 1. To set up a dedicated Commission to conduct
achieve empowerment of weaker sections of society. empirical inquiry into the nature of the
Democratic decentralisation not only brings backwardness in local bodies.
governance closer but also make governance more 2. To specify the proportion of reservation required to
participatory, accountable and inclusive to the weaker be provisioned local body-wise
section. Hence such reservation would benefit the 3. Such reservation shall not exceed aggregate of 50%
society as a whole and not only any community. of the total seats reserved for SCs/STs/OBCs taken
• Creamy Layer cannot be Excluded: Exclusion of together.
creamy layer concept in reservation policy of Local Self-
Government may not be feasible like that of Article
15(4) & 16(4). As at the level of Panchayat and
DISPUTE OVER BELAGAVI
Municipality, objective of representation is only to put INTENSIFIES
forward the interest of weaker sections and hence it
would be counter-intuitive to exclude better off #Inter-state Boundary Dispute
reserved category people from the representation.
• Horizontal Reservation to be Excluded: While The dispute over Belagavi between Maharashtra and
deciding ceiling of 50% of reservation, horizontal Karnataka has intensified as both states have staked their
reservation shall not be included while aggregating claim over the region. The area of Belagavi or Belgaum before
total reservation. Upper ceiling of 50% vertical Independence was within the Bombay Presidency and was
reservations in favour of SC/ST/OBCs should not be transferred to Karnataka after states reorganisation in 1956.

Governance
There are areas along the boundary where there are Marathi RECENT INTER-STATE BOUNDARY DISPUTES
speaking population in Karnataka and Kannada speaking • Tussle over Belagavi: Based on recommendations of
population in Maharashtra. This has led to claim and SRA, 1956, Belgaum was included in Karnataka as
counterclaim by both the states over certain areas along their majority population was Kannada Speaking.
boundary. The boundary dispute over Belagavi is not the only Subsequently, Maharashtra petitioned Centre to
boundary disputes and there are other disputes between include Konkani-speaking areas in Maharashtra which
different states including the boundary disputes in led to constituting Mahajan Committee. It suggested
Northeastern India. Increasing boundary disputes within the retaining Belagavi in Karnataka and transfer some
country also has an impact on federal relations of states. areas of Karnataka to Maharashtra and vice versa.
However, the dispute continues along border areas. In
CHANGE IN FEDERAL POLITY AFTER STATE’S
1957, Maharashtra claimed 814 villages and the three
REORGANISATION
urban settlements of Belagavi, Karwar and Nippani in
• At the time of independence, there were four categories Karnataka. Karnataka not only rebuffed Maharashtra’s
of states namely PART A, PART B, PART C & PART D claims but also began to claim areas in Kolhapur,
States. Sholapur and Sangli districts in Maharashtra.
• However, State Reorganisation Act, 1956 (SRA) removed • Punjab Claims Chandigarh: Punjab Reorganisation Act
these criteria and it created 14 states & 6 Union 1966 resulted in 1. formation of a new state Haryana
Territories (UT). From 1956 till present times, India has whose areas were carved out of Punjab 2. formation of
witnessed changes in boundaries and nature of states Union territory of Chandigarh and 3. transfer of certain
and UTs. territory from Punjab to Himachal Pradesh. Since then,
• Some UTs were categorised as states, two UTs were Chandigarh has been the joint capital of both Punjab
recently merged, two UTs have legislative assemblies and Haryana. However, Punjab Government has passed
a resolution urging the central government to transfer
and former state of Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated
Chandigarh to the state of Punjab. The resolution was
into two UTs one having legislative assembly.
passed after Centre amended the rules governing the
• Even though changes in the state’s boundaries were
functioning of the Bhakra Beas Management Board and
carried out through States Reorganisation laws passed placed it under its control.
by Parliament, still disputes relating to boundary or
• Inter-state Disputes in North: Assam has had
even sharing of river water remains.
boundary disputes with all the north-eastern States that
IMPORTANT FACTS – STATE REORGANISATION were carved out of it as these divisions were based on
administrative decisions where local tribals were not
• First States Reorganisation Commission (SRC) was
consulted. While Nagaland became a State in 1963,
constituted in 1953 - appointed by Prime Minister
Meghalaya first became an Autonomous State in 1970
Jawahar Lal Nehru. SRC was headed by S. Fazal Ali
and a full-fledged State in 1972. Arunachal Pradesh and
and had two members namely K. M. Panikkar & H. N.
Mizoram were separated from Assam as Union
Kunzru.
Territories in 1972 and as States in 1987. None of the
• Constitution 7th Amendment implemented states new States accepted the “constitutional boundary” that
reorganisation and added Article 350A -facilities they said was dictated by the partisan administration of
for instruction in the mother-tongue at the primary undivided Assam without consulting the tribal
stage of education to children belonging to linguistic stakeholders. They also claimed that the disputed areas
minority groups. were traditionally under the control of tribal chieftains
• SRA, 1956 also provided for the following: who were not consulted before demarcating
Amendment to First & Fourth Schedule; Provision of boundaries of states.
High Courts for the new States; Zonal Council; • Assam-Mizoram Border Dispute: Dispute started
Delimitation of Constituencies; All India Services; after Mizoram (earlier a district of Assam known as
Services under State Public Service Commission. Lushai Hills) was carved out as a separate state in 1980.
Present dispute along 165 km boundary stems from

Governance
1875 notification, derived from Bengal Eastern Frontier • Leads to aggravated violence and destruction of public
Regulation (BEFR) 1873 that differentiated Lushai Hills property – as was witnessed along Assam-Mizoram
from plains of Cachar, and another notification of 1933 Border in 2020.
that demarcates boundary between Lushai Hills & • Disturbance in public order along border.
Manipur. Mizo leaders are against 1933 demarcation
• Results in demand for new states
whereas Assam leaders have claimed 1933
demarcation to be the final demarcation of boundary • Regional identity takes the centre stage – demand for
between Lushai Hills & Manipur. Bodoland, Nagalim etc.
MECHANISM TO SETTLE INTER-STATE BOUNDARY
• Assam-Arunachal Border Dispute: Along 800 km
dates to 1873 when inner line regulations bifurcated the DISPUTES
plains and hills. This resulted in formation of Northeast National Commission to Review Working of
Frontier Tracts (NEFT) in 1915. However, in 1951 based Constitution (NCRWC) suggested following mechanism
on Gopinath Bordoloi Committee’s Report on which exists within the constitutional framework to settle
administration of NEFA, around 3,648 sq km of “plain” inter-state disputes:
area of Balipara and Sadiya foothills was transferred • Judicial Mechanism under Article 131
from Arunachal Pradesh (then NEFA) to Assam’s then
• Solving dispute through Inter-State Council under
Darrang and Lakhimpur districts. This is still the bone of
Article 263
contention. Arunachal claims that transfer of land in
1951 was arbitrary as local tribes were not consulted • Parliament altering the boundary under Article 3
who had customary rights over these lands. Whereas • Adjudication of river water related disputes under
Assam finds the demarcation done as constitutional. Article 262
• Assam-Meghalaya Border Dispute: Assam & A. JUDICIAL MECHANISM
Meghalaya have a longstanding dispute in 12 stretches
• Article 131 of Constitution confers original jurisdiction
of their 884-km shared border. Both states signed
to Supreme Court of India to deal with disputes
agreements in 2022 to settle the dispute over six out of
involving legal rights of States and UTs with Centre or
a total of twelve areas of the interstate boundary
others States and UTs.
dispute between them. In August, they decided to form
regional committees. However, the recent firing and • Article 131 covers any dispute between:
violence along the borders may derail the upcoming (a) Government of India and one or more States.
talks of settlement on boundary disputes. (b) Government of India and any State or States on one
REASONS FOR INTER-STATE BOUNDARY DISPUTES side and one or more other States on the other; or
• Successive reorganisation of states resulted in (c) Two or more States
continuous change in boundaries. B. SOLVING DISPUTES THROUGH INTER-STATE COUNCIL
• Failure of forums such as Inter-State Council Zonal (ARTICLE 263)
Council to resolve boundary disputes • Article 263: Empowers President to establish Inter-
• Non-compliance of recommendations of Committee State Council to:
Reports
(a) Inquire and advise disputing states or Union and one
• Non-compliance of judicial or administrative orders or more states.
• Failure to reach an amicable solution on border (b) Investigate and discuss issues or subject in which
disputes states and Union have common interest.
• Border issues used for political gains (c) Recommend for better co-ordination of policy and
IMPACT OF INCREASING BORDER DISPUTES action on matters of interest.
• Affects federal relations between states • Accepting Sarkaria Commission’s
• Results in economic blockade at times leading to recommendations, GoI notified establishment of
disruptions in supply chain and logistics. Inter-State Council through Presidential Order in 1990.

Governance
• Inter-State Council is chaired by Prime Minister. 1980s, there was another demand for a separate state
Other members include: for Bodos – Bodoland, and for Assam to be divided "50-
o Chief Ministers of all States – Members 50". As a result of these continuous demands, there had
been widespread incidents of violence over the years.
o Chief Ministers of Union Territories having a
To resolve the five-decade-old Bodo issue in Assam, the
Legislative Assembly and Administrators of UTs not
Bodo Accord was signed in January 2020 resulting in the
having a Legislative Assembly – Members
surrender of 1615 cadres with a huge cache of arms and
o Six Ministers of Cabinet rank in the Union Council of ammunition at Guwahati.
Ministers to be nominated by the Prime Minister –
• Bru-Reang Agreement: Due to ethnic violence in
Members
western part of Mizoram in October 1997, many
• Functions of Inter-State Council minorities Bru (Reang) families migrated to North
o Making recommendations upon such subject and Tripura in 1997-1998. A landmark agreement was
for better coordination of policy and action regarding signed in 2020 to resolve the 23-year-old Bru-Reang
any issue or subject matter. refugee crisis by which more than 37,000 internally
o Inquiring into and advising upon disputes which displaced people are being settled in Tripura.
may have arisen between/among States. (However, • National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) Agreement:
this power had not been conferred by the The National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) formed
Presidential Order on the Inter-State Council). in 1989 has been involved in violence, operating from
o Investigating and discussing subjects in which their camps across international borders. After several
some or all the States, or the Union and one or more years of negotiations with the Government of India
of the States have a common interest. and Government of Assam, an agreement was
signed with National Liberation Front of Tripura
o Deliberating upon other matters of general interest
to the states as may be referred by the Chairman. (SD) in 2019 resulting in surrender of 88 cadres with 44
weapons.
C. PARLIAMENT ALTERING BOUNDARY UNDER ARTICLE
• Karbi Anglong Agreement: Karbis are a major ethnic
3
group of Assam, whose history has been marked by
• Parliament may by law
killings, ethnic violence, abductions and taxation since
(a) form a new State (or UT) by separation of territory the late 1980s. To resolve the long-running dispute in
from any State or by uniting two or more States (or UT) the Karbi regions of Assam, the Karbi Anglong
or parts of States or by uniting any territory to a part Agreement was signed on September 04, 2021, in
of any State (or UT) which more than 1000 armed cadres renounced
(b) increase the area of any State violence and joined the mainstream of society.
(c) diminish the area of any State • Assam-Meghalaya Inter-State Boundary Agreement: A
(d) alter the boundaries of any State landmark agreement was signed in 2022, to settle
dispute over six areas out of a total of twelve areas of
(e) alter the name of any State
interstate boundary dispute between states of Assam
AGREEMENTS SIGNED TO BRING PEACE AND and Meghalaya. This agreement alone resolved
PROSPERITY TO THE NORTHEAST around 65% of border disputes between two states.
Long pending disputes between various states in the
Northeast had been a major concern in the development
of the region. Many decades-long disputes are finally CONTENT REGULATION IN
getting permanently resolved through the proactive
efforts of the Central government. This has given a push GOVT. ADVERTISEMENT
to integration and trust and has paved the way forward for #Content Regulation #LG-CM
long-term peace and progress.
• Bodo Accord: During 1960s, Bodos and other tribes of
Delhi Lieutenant-Governor has directed implementation of a
Assam called for separate state of Udayachal. In late
2016 order of Committee on Content Regulation in

Governance
Government Advertising (CCRGA). The order calls for constitute their committees and will therefore, come
recovering Rs. 97.14 crore plus interest from the ruling Aam under the jurisdiction of the CCRGA.
Aadmi Party (AAP) for “political advertisements”. • CCRGA, after its investigation, passed an order ruling
ABOUT COMMITTEE ON CONTENT REGULATION IN that several Delhi government advertisements had
GOVERNMENT ADVERTISING - CCRGA violated guidelines such as publishing false/misleading
• CCRGA is a three-member body was formed by Union ads, mentioning the party in power by name, self-
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in 2016, to glorification and targeting political opponents.
regulate content of Central and State government • It directed the Delhi government’s Directorate of
advertisements on all media platforms. Information and Publicity (DIP), which issues
government campaigns, to identify specific
• CCRGA was formed on directions of Supreme Court in
advertisements, quantify money spent on them, and
its judgment in Common Cause case in 2015.
recover it from the AAP.
• As per directions of Supreme Court, states are
• Now LG of Delhi has directed Chief Secretary of Delhi to
mandated to set up their respective three-member
recover Rs. 97 crores from Aam Aadmi Party as political
committees on Content Regulation of Government
advertisements were published as government
Advertisements. So far, very few states have
advertisements.
constituted their respective committees on content
UNDERSTANDING THE CONSTITUTIONAL POSITION OF
regulation for government advertisements.
DELHI
GUIDELINES ISSUES BY SUPREME COURT ON
Essentials of Constitution 69th Amendment Act
GOVERNMENT ADVERTISEMENT
• 69th Constitution Amendment Act and Government of
• Supreme Court had issued a set of guidelines for public-
National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCT) Act, 1991 was
funded advertising by governments.
enacted based on recommendations of Balakrishnan
• Guidelines suggest that government advertisements: Committee.
o Should maintain political neutrality • 69th Constitution Amendment added Article 239AA and
o They should avoid glorification of political Article 239AB to Constitution to give constitutional
personalities status to National Capital Territory of Delhi.
o Should not cast a negative impression on parties Article 239AA - Special provisions concerning Delhi
critical of the government • Provides for Legislative Assembly of Delhi that can
o Should not be used at patronising media houses legislate on matters in State & Concurrent List except –
CAN UNION TERRITORY OF DELHI ALSO CONSTITUTE State List: Entry 1 – Public Order; Entry 2 – Police; Entry
18 – Land. Delhi also cannot legislate on Entries 64, 65
THEIR OWN COMMITTEE ON CONTENT REGULATION
and 66 of State List so far as they relate to Entry 1, 2 and
IN GOVERNMENT ADVERTISING?
18.
• This issue arose after a Congress leader filed a
Article 239AB - Provision in case of failure of
complaint against Aam Aadmi Party for violating SC’s
constitutional machinery in NCT of Delhi
guidelines in publishing advertisements.
• President after receiving report of LG may suspend
• Even the CCRGA issued a notice to the Delhi
operation of Article 239AA or any law made under
Government on violating the guidelines.
Article 239AA for one year.
• In its response, the Delhi government informed the
DELHI HIGH COURT JUDGMENT - 2016
CCRGA that it was going to form a committee of its own
as per the 2015 order of the SC, which mandated states • LG is administrative head of NCT of Delhi and not CM –
to set up its own committee. as Delhi is a UT and not a full fledges state.
• Mr. Maken filed a petition in Delhi High Court which • LG enjoys discretionary power and has greater role in
ruled that Union Territories are not authorised to administration of NCT.

Governance
• This judgment tilted the balance in favour of Central governance and will help in cultivating the idea of
Government by emphasising on the discretionary respect for representative government.
power of LG. • Collaborative Federalism: Refers to collaborative
CONSTITUTION BENCH JUDGMENT ON LG-CM nature of functioning of Union along with states to
RELATIONSHIP ensure development and progress. Concept of
• Elected Government cannot be undermined by an collaborative federalism applies to Delhi owing to its
unelected Administrator: This effectively restored the special status under Constitution. SC held that Union
primary role played by “representative government” in government and State governments should endeavour to
National Capital Territory of Delhi which was earlier address common problems with the intention of arriving at
restricted by the Delhi High Court judgment. a solution by showing statesmanship, combined action and
• Consent of LG not required in every decision: Held sincere cooperation. In collaborative federalism, Union
that LG could, in the event of disagreement with the and State governments should express their readiness to
council of ministers, refer a decision to the President, achieve the common objective and work together for it. If
but would be bound by the President’s decision on the collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers is not
matter. given the expected weightage, then there will be corrosion
• Article 239AA envisages Representative Form of of essential feature of representative government.
Government for NCT of Delhi: Article 239AA provides • SC on Sovereignty of People: The Court held that it is
for Delhi a directly elected Legislative Assembly which the people who are sovereign in a democracy and the
shall have legislative powers over matters falling within decisions of elected government in Delhi represent
State List and Concurrent List, (except police, land & public will, perception and popular sentiment. A well-
public order).
deliberated legitimate decision of Council of Ministers
• LG to act on Aid & Advice of COM as per Article cannot be stymied by negative attitude of LG. The
239AA: except when he decides to refer the matter to negative attitude of LG impacts the concept of collective
President for final decision. Thus, LG has no responsibility as mandated in the Constitution of India.
independent decision-making power and must
• Difference of Opinion - In case of difference of opinion
o Either act on the ‘aid and advice’ of the Council of
with Council of Ministers, the LG should straightaway
Ministers or
refer the dispute to the President for a final decision
o He is bound to implement the decision taken by without sitting over it or stultifying the governance in
President on a reference being made by him. the National Capital.
• Any Matter cannot be understood as Every Matter:
• Resolution of Difference - The Lieutenant Governor
The phrase “any matter” referred in proviso to clause (4)
must, by a process of dialogue and discussion, seek to
of Article 239AA cannot be inferred to mean “every
resolve any difference of opinion with a Minister. If it is
matter” by LG. Thus, power of LG under the said proviso
not possible to resolve the dispute, then LG must
represents exception and not the general rule which
approach the Council of Ministers for resolution of
has to be exercised in exceptional circumstances. Thus,
dispute on any matter.
LG cannot refer every matter of Delhi Government to
President as this will lead to work paralysis. • If Differences are Not Solved - A reference to the
President is contemplated by the Transaction of Business
• Working Harmoniously with elected government:
Rules only when the above modalities fail to yield a
Supreme Court cautioned the LG against sending every
solution. In such situations the matter may be referred
“trivial” dispute with the government to the President
to the President for his decision.
and suggested that “LG must work harmoniously with
his Ministers”. The Bench advised both CM & LG of Delhi • Balakrishnan Committee was formed in 1987. It
holding constitutional posts to work in a collaborative recommended that Delhi should continue to be a
manner to fulfill the concept of “Collaborative Union Territory but should be provided with a
Federalism” as envisaged in our Constitution. Such co- Legislative Assembly and a Council of Ministers
operation will strengthen the concept of constitutional responsible to such Assembly with appropriate

Governance
powers to deal with matters of concern to the SALIENT FEATURES - THE MULTI-STATE COOPERATIVE
common man. SOCIETIES (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2022
• The Committee also recommended that with a view • Bill has proposed setting up
to ensuring stability and permanence, the o Cooperative election authority
arrangements should be incorporated in the
o Cooperative information officer
constitution to give the National Capital a special
o Cooperative ombudsman to make governance of
status among the Union Territories.
multi-state cooperative societies more democratic,
• Hence as per Constitution (69thAmendment) Act,
transparent and accountable.
1991, Article 239AA and Article 239AB were added
• The election authority will ensure that elections are
to the Constitution to give constitutional status to
held in a fair, free and timely manner, which in turn
the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
will help reduce complaints and malpractices.
• The proposed Bill will have provision to debar
GOVT. CLEARS offenders for three years and will bring in more
“electoral discipline.” The cooperative ombudsman will
COOPERATIVES BILL set up a mechanism for redress of member grievances
“in a structured fashion.
#Cooperatives
• The Bill proposes to appoint a Cooperative
Information Officer, who will “enhance” transparency
Union Cabinet has approved an amendment to cooperative by providing members timely access to information.
society’s law aimed at making the governance of multi-State
• Promote Equity and Facilitate Inclusiveness,
cooperative societies more democratic, transparent and
provisions relating to representation of women and
accountable. Multi-State Cooperative Societies
Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe members on the
(Amendment) Bill, 2022, incorporates provisions of 97th
board of multi-state cooperative societies have been
Constitution Amendment which gave constitutional status
included.
and protection to cooperative societies and made the right to
form cooperative societies a fundamental right (Article 19). • Promote Professional Management -provisions have
The amendment bill seeks to amend the Multi-State been made to bring in co-opted directors with
Cooperative Societies Act, 2002 by plugging the loopholes. experience in the field of banking, management,
The government also intends to bring a new National cooperative management and finance or having
Cooperative Policy. Cooperative Societies are organisations specialization in any field relating to the objects and
formed by group of people to promote economic interests of activities undertaken by such multi-state cooperative
its members and distribute certain part of profit among its society.
members. Multi-State Cooperative Societies means a society CONCERNS – FUNCTIONING OF COOPERATIVE
registered under the Act and having functions in more than SOCIETIES
one state. • Regional disparity in cooperative development:
PURPOSE OF MULTI-STATE COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES Cooperative structure has managed to flourish only in
(AMENDMENT) BILL, 2022 a handful of States like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka
• Enhance transparency and accountability etc. Currently, central government provides equity and
credit support to cooperative societies. This benefit
• Improve ease of doing business
thus gets concentrated in few states where
• It aims to incorporate provisions of the 97th cooperatives have developed. Regions where
Constitutional Amendment. cooperatives are developed are already relatively well-
• Reform electoral processes off states; there is a need to focus on development of
• Strengthen monitoring mechanisms cooperatives in poorer parts of the country.
• Improve composition of the Board • Issues of membership: Inability to ensure active

membership, speedy exit of non-user members, lack of
• increase financial discipline and enable raising of funds

Governance
member communication & awareness building Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) rate for cooperative
measures. societies was reduced from 18.5% to 15%.
• Governance challenges: Serious inadequacies in • As per the notification by Credit Guarantee Fund
governance including that related to Boards’ roles and Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE), non-
responsibilities. scheduled Urban Co-operative Banks, State Co-
• Cooperatives not seen as economic institutions: A operative Banks and District Central Co-operative
general lack of recognition of cooperatives as economic Banks as Member Lending Institutions of the scheme
institutions both amongst policymakers and public at with specified eligibility criteria. This will help in
providing adequate, affordable and timely credit to
large.
the co-operative institutions to give a boost to the co-
• Inability to attract & retain competent
operative based economic development model.
professionals leading to poor services and low
• Mandate of Government e-Marketplace has been
productivity.
expanded to allow cooperative societies to register
• Lack of efforts for capital formation particularly that
as buyers on the GeM platform.
concerning with enhancing member equity and thus
• Centrally sponsored project for digitalization of
member stake.
63,000 functional Primary Agriculture Credit
• Lack of cost competitiveness arising out of issues Societies (PACS) has been sanctioned.
such as overstaffing, a general top-down approach in
• Model Bye-laws -In order to diversify the business
forming cooperatives including the tiered structures.
activities of Primary Agriculture Credit Societies and
• Politicization and excessive role of government make them vibrant multipurpose economic entities,
chiefly arising out of the loopholes and restrictive draft model Byelaws are being prepared in
provisions in the Cooperative Acts. consultation with State Governments, National
• Irregular elections make office bearers remaining in Cooperative Federations and other stakeholders.
office indefinitely, reducing their accountability and • A new scheme titled “Cooperation to Prosperity”
increase corruption. is being formulated in consultation with all the
WAY FORWARD stakeholders for all-round development of
cooperatives at all levels.
• Thus, need was felt for fundamental reforms in the
functioning of co-operatives to: • National Co-operative Database: To facilitate
Government to make appropriate policy
o Revitalize the institutions to ensure their
interventions, a National Co-operative Database is
contribution in the economic development of the
being created in consultation with State/UT
country.
Governments, National Co-operative Federations
o Serve the interests of members and public at large. and other stakeholders.
o Ensure their autonomy, democratic functioning and • Modernize and professionalize education and
professional management. training in cooperative sector, steps are being
STEPS TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO STRENGTHEN taken to reorient the training and educational
INDIA’S COOPERATIVE ARCHITECTURE Cooperative Institutions in consultation with all the
stakeholders.
• Government has provided relief to cooperative sugar
mills by clarifying that they shall not be subjected to SC JUDGMENT IN RAJENDRA. N. SHAH CASE
additional income tax for paying higher sugarcane • Earlier Gujarat High Court had ruled that, “co-operative
prices to farmers up to Fair and Remunerative Price societies” are placed under Entry 32 of the State List and
(FRP) or State Advised Price (SAP). hence was within state’s jurisdiction to legislate. So, any
• Government reduced surcharge for cooperative change in that status by the Centre would require the
societies from 12% to 7% for those having a total ratification by at least one-half of the state legislatures
income of more than Rs. 1 crore and up to Rs. 10 as per Article 368(2) of the Constitution. It also affected
crores. Further, to provide a level playing field federal principles and was against the basic structure of
between cooperative societies and companies,

Governance
the Constitution. Thus, 97th Constitutional Amendment • Process for appointment of ad-hoc judges must not
was invalidated. linger on and the government must cooperate in such
• Supreme Court upheld the Gujarat High Court appointments to clear backlogs.
judgment but did not strike down Part IXB in its entirety. • Last year, SC had identified five situations in which the
The Court by applying Doctrine of Severability held judiciary could seek the aid of ad-hoc judges, including
Article 243ZI to 243ZQ as unconstitutional leaving aside when vacancies were over 20% of sanctioned strength
Article 243ZR and 243ZS. and cases had been pending for over five years.
• Supreme Court struck down part IX B of the APPOINTMENT OF ADDITIONAL, ACTING & RETIRED
Constitution related to cooperative societies but JUDGES IN HIGH COURT
declared the part related to multi-State cooperative
Appointment of Judges to High Court under Article 224 and
societies both within the various States and in the Union
224A is done by the President in accordance with the
territories of India as valid.
Memorandum of Procedure (MoP) for such appointments.
• The Court also referred Kihoto Hollohan judgment
where Doctrine of Severability was applied on Tenth ARTICLE 224 – APPOINTMENT OF ADDITIONAL AND
Schedule to render Paragraph 7 of Tenth Schedule of ACTING JUDGES
the Indian Constitution as invalid. • Appointment of Additional Judges: By President-
• However, the minority judgment questioned the Article 224(1)
independent workability of Article 243ZR & 243ZS • Reason to Appoint Additional Judge: Increasing
without other provisions of PART IXB and declared the arrears of work in High Court
entire PART IXB as constitutionally invalid. • Appointment of Acting Judges: by President- Article
224(2)
AD-HOC JUDGES • Reason to Appoint Acting Judge: when permanent

Judge of HC (other than Chief Justice) unable to
#Adhoc Judges #Article 224 perform their duties
• Prescribed under MoP: Appointment for Acting
Successful senior lawyers are generally not interested in giving Judges for not less than three months unless there
up their lucrative legal practice to become Judges of High are special reasons for doing so.
Court. Increasing pendency of court cases is a major concern FOR BOTH – ADDITIONAL & ACTING JUDGES
and as an alternative, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul has
• Qualification: Qualified to be judge of a High Court
suggested that such lawyers can be offered judgeship for
• Retirement: Additional or Acting Judges shall not hold
adhoc basis or for a limited period under Article 224A.
office after attaining age of 62 years.
WHAT IS THE NEW SUGGESTION?
ARTICLE 224A – APPOINTMENT OF RETIRED JUDGES
• SC is hearing a case filed by NGO Lok Prahari seeking
AT SITTINGS OF HIGH COURTS
invocation of Article 224A for appointment of ad-hoc
judges in High Courts. • Appointment of retired Judges at sittings of High
Courts by the President
• SC observed said senior advocates in High Courts may
not be willing to give up their lucrative legal practices • Criteria - person who has been High Court Judge
permanently but may be interested in joining the Bench • Allowance –entitled to such allowances as the
as ad-hoc judges under Article 224A of Constitution for President may determine
a limited period of about two years. • Shall have all the jurisdiction, powers and
• Process should not be so cumbersome or complex that privileges of High Court Judge but shall not be
the whole purpose for which ad-hoc appointment is deemed to be Judge of that High Court
made is lost. • Consent -The retired judge must give his consent for
• Retired judges who were willing to come back to the appointment under Article 224A.
Bench as ad hoc judges would bring their experience in
dealing with arrears.

Governance
• Appointment under Article 224A does not 5. A situation of mounting arrears is likely to arise if the
constrain regular appointment process in High rate of disposal is consistently lower than the rate of
Courts. filing over a period of a year or more.
• Ad hoc Judge would receive the same APPOINTMENT OF AD HOC JUDGES & RETIRED JUDGES
emoluments, allowances and benefits as are AT SUPREME COURT
admissible to the permanent/additional Judges. APPOINTMENT OF AD HOC JUDGES - ARTICLE 127
• Emoluments paid to Ad Hoc Judges would be • When there is a lack of quorum of judges in Supreme
charged on Consolidated Fund of India. Court
• Constitution is silent on – [tenure of Ad Hoc • CJI with the previous consent of President and after
Judges+ number of judges to be appointed] – under consultation with Chief Justice of High Court request in
Article 224A writing to a Judge of a High Court duly qualified for
• Process Prescribed under MoP – appointment as a Judge of the Supreme Court to attend
the sittings of the Supreme Court.
o Whenever the necessity for such an appointment
arises, Chief Justice will, after obtaining consent of • The Chief Justice of the High Court will communicate his
the person concerned, communicate to Chief consent for the release of a particular Judge after
Minister of the State the name of the retired Judge consulting the Chief Minister of the State in which the
High Court is situated.
and the period for which he will be required to sit
and act as Judge of the High Court. • Judges appointed under Article 127 shall have all the
jurisdiction, powers and privileges, and shall discharge
o The Chief Minister will, after consultation with the
the duties, of a Judge of the Supreme Court.
Governor, forward his recommendation to the
Union Minister of Law, Justice and Company ATTENDANCE OF RETIRED JUDGES AT SITTINGS OF THE
Affairs who would then consult the Chief Justice of SUPREME COURT – ARTICLE 128
India in accordance with the prescribed • CJI with the previous consent of President may request
procedure. any person
o On receipt of CJI’s advice, the same would be put o who has held the office of a Judge of the Supreme
up to the Prime Minister, who will then advise the Court or
President as to the person to be appointed to it o who has held the office of a Judge of a High Court and
and act as a Judge of the High Court. is duly qualified for appointment as a Judge of the
o As soon as the President gives his consent to the Supreme Court
appointment, the Secretary to the Government of to sit and act as a Judge of the Supreme Court
India in the Department of Justice will inform the • Allowances - as the President may by order determine
Chief Justice of the High Court and the Chief
• Powers -shall have all the jurisdiction, powers and
Minister and will issue the necessary notification
privileges of Supreme Court Judge.
in the Gazette of India.
• But shall not otherwise be deemed to be, a Judge of
FIVE TRIGGER POINTS TO USE ARTICLE 224A FOR Supreme Court
JUDICIAL APPOINTMENT: SC OBSERVATION
1. If the vacancies are more than 20% of the sanctioned
strength. DISCREPANCIES IN
2. The cases in a particular category are pending for over
five years.
ASSAM’S NRC
3. More than 10% of the backlog of pending cases is over
#CAG #Performance Audit
five years old.
4. The percentage of the rate of disposal is lower than the The Comptroller and Auditor-General (CAG) have detected
institution of the cases either in a particular subject large-scale anomalies in the updating of the National Register
matter or generally in the Court. of Citizens (NRC) in Assam.

Governance
ABOUT CAG strengthen the system of tax assessment and collection
• CAG of India is Supreme Audit Institution of India (SAI) by the central and state revenue departments. Systems-
appointed by President under Article 148. As a based audit of revenues helped the Ministry of Finance
constitutional body, CAG by auditing the accounts and to frame amendments to various acts, rules, and
related activities of the government and its institutions procedures.
acts as the guardian of public purse. • Performance audits: They are of two types. (i)
• CAG’s (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Compliance-oriented (are things being done right?) or
Act, 1971 (Under Article 149) provides for duties and (ii) Research oriented (are the right things being done?).
powers to compile and audit accounts. The CAG is also
AUDIT AS PER CAG’S (DUTIES, POWERS AND
the head of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department,
CONDITIONS OF SERVICE) ACT, 1971
the affairs of which are managed by officers of Indian
Audit and Accounts Service. Completeness and accuracy of accounts is examined in
audit to verify that there is proper voucher or proof of
FUNCTIONS OF CAG
payment. Section 13 of the Act mandates Comptroller and
• Audit all receipts and expenditure of Union and States
Auditor General the duty to audit all expenditure from
which are payable into the Consolidated Fund of India
and of each State and of each Union territory having a Consolidated Fund of India, of each State and each Union
Legislative Assembly and ensure that rules and Territory having a Legislative Assembly.
procedures are followed. AUDIT OF EXPENDITURE IS COMPREHENSIVE AND
• Ascertain legal sanctity for amounts disbursed by INCLUDES
Parliament and State Assemblies. • Audit against provisions of funds: Audit against
• Audit all transactions of the Union and of the States provision of funds is aimed at ascertaining whether
relating to Contingency Funds and Public Accounts. moneys shown in accounts as having been disbursed,
• Audit all trading, manufacturing, profit and loss were legally available for and applicable to service or
accounts and balance-sheets and other subsidiary purpose to which they had been applied or charged.
accounts kept in any department of the Union or of a
• Regularity audit: Objective of regularity audit is to see
State - and report on the expenditure, transactions or
whether expenditure conforms to the authority, which
accounts so audited.
governs it.
• Audit of receipts and expenditure of bodies or
authorities substantially financed from Union or State • Propriety audit: Propriety audit is directed towards
Revenues including government companies and examining the propriety of executive action beyond the
corporations. formality of expenditure to its wisdom, faithfulness and
• Scrutinise the procedure under which loan is granted to economy, and bringing to notice cases of waste, losses
any authority or body. and extravagant expenditure.
• Inspect any office of accounts under the control of the • Efficiency-cum-performance or value for money
union or of a State, including treasuries, and such audit: It is a comprehensive appraisal of progress and
offices responsible for the keeping of initial or efficiency of execution of development and other
subsidiary accounts. programs and schemes wherein an assessment is made
DIFFERENT KINDS OF AUDIT as to whether these are executed economically and
• Efficiency-cum-performance audit: Started in 1958 whether they are producing the results expected of
on recommendations of Public Accounts Committee in them.
lieu of growing development schemes and projects (like • Systems audit: Organization and systems governing
multipurpose hydroelectric power projects) launched
authorization, recording, accounting and internal
by the central government.
controls are analyzed and performance evaluated with
• System-based Audit of Revenues: Introduced in 1960 reference to standards of quality.
on Public Accounts Committee’s recommendations to

Governance
SCRUTINY OF FUNCTIONS OF CAG BY PUBLIC and considered only at the audit stage when the
ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE expenditure has already taken place.
• As per parliamentary rules, CAG’s reports are examined • Increasing tendency of government expenditure
by the PAC, except for the ones prepared on being out of purview of audit as funding of NGOs by
commercial undertakings, which are examined by the government and PPP are outside the mandate of CAG
Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU). Over time, audit.
a convention also developed that the CAG would assist • Over centralisation of functions of audit of expense
the Estimates Committee whenever required. and revenue of Union and State government – impacts
quality of audit
• The Committee on Public Accounts scrutinizes
Appropriation Accounts of the Government of India and • Disciplinary control and regulation over officers
the reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of belonging to first and second line of financial control in
India presented to President of India under Article 151. public works – also leads to corruption in
• While scrutinizing the Reports of the CAG on Revenues • Reduced financial oversight due to off-budget
financing undertaken by PSUs through market
Receipts, the Committee examines various aspects of
borrowings based upon loan repayment guarantee by
Government’s tax administration such as cases
the Government.
involving under-assessments, tax-evasion, non-levy of
duties, misclassifications etc. SUGGESTIONS FOR STRENGTHENING CAG
• PAC thus, identifies the loopholes in the taxation laws Even increasing demand from citizens for probity and
accountability especially in matters of public finance has
and procedures and makes recommendations to check
increased the salience of CAG and its functioning. Thus,
leakage of revenue.
the following steps need to be taken to strengthen CAG:
CONCERNS – FUNCTIONING OF CAG
• Appointment of the CAG should be done by multi-
• Independence: There are no qualifications or selection member Select Committee to make the appointment
criteria mentioned in the constitution and it resulted in process participatory and transparent. The Chairman of
lack of transparency in the appointment procedure. PAC should be part of this committee.
• Appointment of CAG by the Executive reflects bias – • Expanding the powers of CAG by empowering it to
despite PAC’s recommendation of appointment by a audit NGOs substantially funded by State and Public
Select Committee. Private Partnership Projects.
• Shorter tenure: Although the Constitution provides for • CAG to be given powers of RTI to extract information
a 6-year term to the CAG, the cap of 65 years of age has from ministries/departments in fixed time.
recently been reducing the actual durations of • Panchayats and municipalities finances to be
succeeding CAGs, which hinders the independent and audited by CAG as an increasing expenditure happens
proper operation of the institution by preventing through this time.
continuity in the leadership and reduced expertise. • CAG to develop mechanisms for incorporating
• Access to records: Though the CAG has the authority social audit and use of technology in making audit
to inspect any Government office, often the supply of process more participative and efficient.
records is denied or inordinately delayed with the sole • CAG should audit major public welfare schemes of
objective of obstructing meaningful audit. the government.
• Limited role: CAG’s role in auditing private companies • Involvement of Public Accounts Committee in CAG
and NGOs is very limited and its jurisdiction has not appointment process as in the UK.
been updated to cope with the changes in the Indian • Review and Performance Audit on revenue
economy such as LPG reforms, the increasing role of allocations for welfare schemes apart from Regulatory
civil society & NGOs and PPP mode of investments. and Proprietary Audit.
• Post-Mortem Authority: CAG, In India, has no control • Inclusion of PPPs and Panchayati Raj Institutions
over the issue of money from the consolidated fund under CAG.

Governance
• Convert CAG into multi-member commission recommend early conclusion of the session was taken at a
assigning each specific sphere of responsibility with meeting of Lok Sabha's Business Advisory Committee chaired
CAG acting as first among equals. by the Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Both Lok Sabha and Rajya
• Mandating a timeline to receive required documents Sabha have their respective Business Advisory Committees.
from Government departments and imposing ARTICLE 85 - SESSIONS OF PARLIAMENT,
monetary penalties for deliberate default and PROROGATION AND DISSOLUTION
negligence.
1. The President shall from time to time summon each
• CAG should reveal financial impropriety and restrain
House of Parliament to meet at such time and place
from reporting notional losses.
as he thinks fit, but six months shall not intervene
• Increased role of Private sector: Challenge to ensure between its last sitting in one session and the date
accountability amid loopholes in Public-Private appointed for its first sitting in the next session.
Partnership arrangements which facilitate avoidance of
2. The President may from time to time—
public audits.
(a) prorogue the Houses or either House
• Growing welfare spending: Multifold increase in
(b) dissolve the House of the People.
public expenditure due to welfare schemes pose
questions about their efficiency and raises demand for CONDUCT OF BUSINESS BY PARLIAMENT
performance audit by CAG. DURATION BETWEEN SESSIONS
• Increased role of Civil society organisations/NGOs: • The parliament ordinarily meets in three sessions in a
CSOs and NGOs have increased spending under CSR year. These are the Budget Session, Monsoon session
activities, but their spending does not come under and Winter session. However, the Constitution of India
jurisdiction of CAG. does not mention about the different sessions of
• Increased Decentralisation: More decentralisation Parliament.
and devolution to local bodies require audit, however, • The President shall from time to time summon each
it is outside purview of CAG. House of Parliament, but six months shall not
• Colonial structure: Centralization of entire financial intervene between its last sitting in one session and the
audit system to one individual (CAG) poses challenges date appointed for its first sitting in the next session.
in public audits. SPECIAL ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT
• Notional loss: Credibility issues with CAG on reporting • At the commencement of the first session after
presumptive losses. E.g., CAG pointed out Rs 1.76 lakh-
o Each general election to the House of the People and
crore notional loss to exchequer in 2G-spectrum
allocation, which was later found misleading. o At the commencement of the first session of each
year,
CONCLUSION
• The President shall address both Houses of Parliament
Hence, the institution of CAG must be fundamentally
(LS + RS) assembled and inform Parliament of the
restructured to be relevant in the present era of complex
causes of its summons.
government operations and to meet the evolving
challenges of public audit. ADJOURNMENT
• Adjournment of a house does not terminate the session
of the house.
EARLY SUSPENSION OF • It merely postpones the proceedings of the house to a
WINTER SESSION future date. But prorogation brings an end to a session

of the house.
#Sessions of Lok Sabha • Adjournment Sine Die refers to adjournment of the
House of Parliament for an indefinite period without
Government has decided to end the ongoing winter session on assigning any specific day or date for its reconvening.
23rd December 2022 instead of 29th December. The decision to The power of Adjournment Sine Die lies with the
presiding officer of the House – Chairman/Speaker.

Governance
CHAIRMAN, DEPUTY CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN • Timetable for completion of work - The Committee
• The Presiding Officers of Rajya Sabha have the (in suitable cases) has the power to indicate in the
responsibility to conduct the proceedings of the House. proposed timetable the different hours at which
• The Vice-President of India is ex-officio Chairman of various stages of a Bill or other Government business
Rajya Sabha. should be completed.
• Rajya Sabha also chooses from amongst its members, a • Priority of work decided by Government - The
Deputy Chairman. Committee only allots time in respect of the business to
be transacted by the House during the Government
• There is also a Panel of Vice-Chairmen in Rajya Sabha,
the members of which are nominated by the Chairman, time. However, the priority in respect of these items is
Rajya Sabha. determined by Government.
• In the absence of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman, • Bills, Motions & Short Duration Question - The
a member from the Panel of Vice-Chairmen presides Committee also selects Bills for discussion in the House,
over the proceedings of the House. Motions and Short Duration discussions admitted by
RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN PARLIAMENTARY the Speaker and recommends time for discussions.
PROCEEDINGS • Late & Extra Sittings of House – Committee
• Every Minister and the Attorney-General of India shall recommends proposals for late sittings of the House,
have the right to speak in, and otherwise to take part in dispensing with the Question Hour or lunch hour,
the proceedings of – extension of sittings of the House beyond the normal
o either House, hours of adjournment and fixing of additional sittings/
o any joint sitting of the Houses, and cancellation of sittings are placed before the Committee
for its recommendation.
o any committee of Parliament of which he may be
named a member. REPORT OF COMMITTEE CIRCULATED AMONG
BUSINESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE – LOK SABHA MEMBERS
• It is constituted at the commencement of new Lok • The recommendations of the Committee are presented
Sabha after the general elections. No specific term of its to the House in the form of a report and Printed copies
office is laid down in the rules but like other of the report are circulated to members.
parliamentary committees, it holds office until a new • A motion that the House do agree with the report of the
committee is nominated by the Speaker.
Committee is moved in the House on the following day.
• In practice, however, the Committee is usually
• After the report is agreed to by the House, the allocation
reconstituted every year and assumes office in the first
of time as approved by the House is notified and it takes
week of June. It consists of 15 members including the
effect as an order of the House.
Speaker who is the ex-officio Chairperson of the
Committee. The members of the Committee are • No variation is permissible in the allocation of time
nominated by the Speaker. order except on a motion adopted by the House.
• The Deputy Speaker, if he is not nominated on the • The Speaker may however increase the time on any
Committee may also be invited to attend the sittings of item by one hour in his discretion without a formal
the Committee, as a special invitee. motion being moved.
FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMITTEE BUSINESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE – RAJYA SABHA
• Time allotted for discussion - The function of the • The committee recommends the time that should be
Committee is to recommend the time that should be allocated for the discussion of the stage or stages of
allocated for the discussion of the stage or stages of
such Government Bills and other business as the
Government Bills and other business as the Speaker, in
Chairman in consultation with the Leader of the House
consultation with the Leader of the House, may direct
may direct for being referred to the Committee.
for being referred to the Committee.

Governance
• The Committee also recommends the time that should privacy of the the State Public
be allocated for the discussion of stage or stages of individual Information Officer or
Private members' Bills and Resolutions. unless the Central Public the appellate authority is
• It has the power to indicate in the proposed timetable Information Officer or satisfied that the larger
the different hours at which the various stages of the the State Public public interest justifies
Bill or other business are to be completed. Information Officer or the disclosure of such
the appellate authority is information”
• The Committee performs such other functions as may
be assigned to it by the Chairman from time to time. satisfied that the larger shall be omitted.
public interest justifies
• The timetable of business of the Rajya Sabha as settled
the disclosure of such
by the Committee is reported by the Chair to the House,
information:
which is then notified in Rajya Sabha Parliamentary
Bulletin Part-II. Provided that
information which
cannot be denied to
RTI VS. DRAFT DIGITAL Parliament, or a State
Legislature shall not be
PERSONAL DATA denied to any person.
PROTECTION BILL DEFINITION OF PUBLIC INTEREST UNDER DPP BILL,

2022
#RTI #Data Protection
“Public Interest” means in the interest of any of the
following:
Conflict between RTI and proposed Digital Personal Data
(a) sovereignty and integrity of India
Protection (DPDP) Bill, 2022 has been raised as the DPDP Bill
(b) security of the State
seeks to deny providing any personal information on
administration officials under Section 8(1)(j) of the Right to (c) friendly relations with foreign States
Information Act, citing the protection of “individual privacy”. (d) maintenance of public order
Proposed Amendment of (e) preventing incitement to the commission of any

Section 8(1) (j) cognizable offence relating to the preceding sub-
Section 8(1)(j)
of RTI Act clauses; and
Under DPP Bill, 2022
(f) preventing dissemination of false statements of fact.
Exemption from Clause (j) of sub-section
SC JUDGMENT - ROJER MATHEW VS SOUTH INDIAN
disclosure of (1) of section 8 of the Right
BANK AND OTHERS (2019)
information to Information Act, 2005
shall be amended in the • Violation of Judicial Independence - Supreme Court
There shall be no
following manner: declared the Rules framed under Finance Act 2017 as
obligation to give any
unconstitutional for being violative of principles of
citizen information The words
independence of judiciary.
which relates to • “the disclosure of which
• Deliberate Attempt to keep Judiciary Away - The
• personal information has no relationship to
Supreme Court held that search-cum-selection-
the disclosure of any public activity or
committee to appoint members of tribunals was an
which has no interest, or
attempt to keep the judiciary away (by the executive)
relationship to any • which would cause from the process of selection and appointment of
public activity or unwarranted invasion of members, vice-chairman and chairman of tribunals.
interest, or the privacy of the
• Aspect of Bias for the Government - The Court also
• which would cause individual unless the
held that Executive is a litigating party in most of the
unwarranted Central Public
cases which appears before the Tribunal and hence
invasion of the Information Officer or

Governance
cannot be allowed to be a dominant participant in board is completely left to the discretion of the central
tribunal appointments. government.
• Members of Tribunals mostly from Central • The ratio of Madras Bar Association v Union of India
Government - The Court observed that apart from has been ignored in the new draft Bill
National Company Law Tribunal (NCLAT), the selection • Adjudicatory Role of DPB may be compromised - The
committee for all other tribunals was made up either appellate adjudicatory officers are to be appointed by
entirely from personnel within or nominated by the the board members of the DPB who are solely
Central government or comprised most personnel from appointed by the executive members. Such
the Central government. appointments could undermine the independence of
• Most Selection Committee having only one Judge - the authority.
While the selection committee for NCLAT consisted of
two judges and two secretaries to the Government of
India, all other selection committees comprised only PAROLE & FURLOUGH
one judge and three secretaries to the Government of #Parole #Furlough
India.
MADRAS BAR ASSOCIATION SERIES CASE –
Bombay High Court has directed the Superintendent of
INDEPENDENCE OF TRIBUNAL
Amravati Central Prison to pay the legal expenses or the 'cost
• Constitution Bench dealing with the validity and of a petition' for denying furlough to a 60-year-old blast
appointment of members to the National Company convict on stereotypes reasons.
Law Tribunal (NCLT) under the Companies Act, 1956,
held that the selection committee should PAROLE FURLOUGH
comprise: • While parole is granted • Furlough is granted in
o Chief Justice of India or his nominee (as chairperson, for the prisoner to case of long-term
with a casting vote), meet a specific imprisonment.
o A senior Judge of the Supreme Court or Chief Justice exigency or specific • Furlough extends to
of the High Court, and purpose. fourteen days
o Two Secretaries in the Ministry of Finance and • Parole can be granted maximum.
Ministry of Law and Justice respectively. in case of short-term • It is not necessary to
• Subsequent Constitution Bench decisions in Madras imprisonment. state the reasons while
Bar Association (2014), Rojer Mathew (2019) and the • Duration of parole releasing the prisoner
decision of the Madras High Court in Shamnad extends to one month. on furlough.
Basheer have repeatedly held that principles of the
• In case of parole, • The grant of furlough is
Madras Bar Association (2010) are applicable to the
reasons are to be to break the monotony
selection process and constitution of all tribunals in
indicated before of imprisonment and to
India.
release enable the convict to
CONCERNS HIGHLIGHTED IN THE ARTICLE - DIGITAL
• For parole, specific maintain continuity
PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION BILL, 2022
reason is required, with family life and
• Amending RTI Act poses a serious problem with the
whereas furlough is integration with society.
right of privacy-vis-à-vis the right to freedom of
meant for breaking the • Although furlough can
speech.
monotony of be claimed without a
• Independence of Data Protection Board
imprisonment. reason, the prisoner
Questionable - Concerns have also been raised around
• When a prisoner is on does not have an
the independence of the proposed ‘Data Protection
parole his period of absolute legal right to
Board’ which is expected to act as the enforcer of the
release does not count claim furlough.
provisions of the revamped Bill. As per the draft law, the
appointment of the chairperson and members of the

Governance
towards the total • When a convict is on the rule moved by the Opposition has been accepted in the
period of sentence. furlough, he is eligible Winter Session.
• Parole can be granted to have the period of PRECEDENT TO INVOKE RULE 267
number of times release counted
• Six such notices were declined by Chairman Jagdeep
towards the total period
Dhankhar, prompting Trinamool Congress member
of his sentence
Derek O’Brien to point out the precedents. He said that
undergone by him.
there were 11 instances between 1990 and 2016 when
• The grant of furlough
this rule was invoked for various discussions
must be balanced
against the public • The last instance was in 2016 when then Chairman
interest and can be Hamid Ansari allowed for a debate on “demonetisation
refused to certain of currency”. In this session, the members have moved
categories of prisoners. notices under the rule demanding debate on various
• Since furlough is not issues, including the India-China stand-off.
granted for any reason, RULE 267 - SUSPENSION OF RULES (RULES OF

it can be denied in the PROCEDURE AND CONDUCT OF BUSINESS IN THE
interest of the society. COUNCIL OF STATES)
• There is limitation in the • Any member, may, with the consent of the Chairman,
case of furlough move that any rule may be suspended in its application
SUPREME COURT ON FURLOUGH & PAROLE to a motion related to the business listed before the
Council of that day and if the motion is carried, the rule
• State of Maharashtra v. Suresh Pandurang
in question shall be suspended for the time being:
Darvakar - Period of furlough is treated as a period
• Provided further that this rule shall not apply where
spent in the prison. However, period spent on parole is
specific provision already exists for suspension of a rule
not to be counted as remission of sentence. Since the
under a particular chapter of the Rules.
furlough is granted for no reason, it can be denied in
the interest of society, whereas parole is to be granted
only on sufficient cause being shown. PROBLEMS OF PRISONERS
• State of Haryana v. Mohinder Singh - When a prisoner #Prison #Reforms
is on parole his period of release does not count
towards the total period of sentence. While when he is
President of India while addressing the Constitution Day
on furlough, he is eligible to have the period of release Celebrations in November 2022 highlighted the situation of
counted towards the total period of his sentence Indian Prisons. She suggested that the problem of
undergone by him. overcrowding in Indian prisons should not be solved by
making more prisons. Rather the approach should be in
releasing unwell or old inmates, reducing penalties, allowing
RULE 267 OF RAJYA SABHA bail at affordable costs, employing anti-carceral ways of
#Suspension #Debates holding people accountable for their crimes, and expediting
trials. Appreciating instances of speedy delivery of justice, she
urged the executive, judiciary and legislature to evolve an
Rule 267 of Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in effective dispute resolution mechanism to mitigate the
people’s plight. Thus, there is a need to take more preventive
Council of States (Rajya Sabha) allows for suspension of the
measures rather than taking deterrent measures which call
day’s business to debate an issue suggested by a member has
for an eye for an eye. So, in this analysis let go through the
become a cause of disagreement. Not a single notice under

Governance
problems faced by prisoners and overall need for prison • In 2020, Karnataka reported that 41 sub jails under the
reform. control of Revenue Department are not included due
WHAT IS A PRISON? to lack of information from them. Further, 6 sub jails
under Prison Department have been permanently
The Prisons Act 1894 defines Prison as:
closed.
• “Prison” means any jail or place used permanently or
Note: Figures as on 31st December of the respective
temporarily under the general or special orders of a
year
State Government for the detention of prisoners, and
includes all lands and buildings appurtenant thereto, • Occupancy Rate means number of inmates staying in
but does not include – jails against the authorized capacity for 100 inmates.
(a) any place for the confinement of prisoners who are • The overall occupancy rate of Indian prisons has
exclusively in the custody of the police. decreased from 140% in 2007 to 118% in 2020,
(b) any place specially appointed by the State However, it has again increased to 130.2% in 2021. The
Government highest occupancy rate was in District Jails (155.4%)
(c) any place which has been declared by the State followed by Central Jails (123.7%) and Sub Jails (102.9%).
Government, by general or special order, to be a The occupancy rate in Women Jails was 56.3% as on
subsidiary jail 31st December 2021.
• Prisons exist at three levels: 2. PRISONS DOMINATED BY THE UNDERTRIALS
Taluk level Sub Jail Year No. of No. of No of No. of Total No.
Convicts Undertrial Detenues Other of
District level District Jail Prisoners Inmates Prisoners
Zonal/Range level Central Jail 2019 1,44,567 3,32,916 3,223 681 4,81,387
Prison Statistics India – 2021 Report 2020 1,12,589 3,71,848 3,590 484 4,88,511
Indian prisons face three long-standing structural constraints: 2021 1,22,852 4,27,165 3,470 547 5,54,034
overcrowding, understaffing and underfunding. The inevitable • As per data provided by States/UTs.
outcome is subhuman living conditions, poor hygiene, and
• Figures are as on 31st December of each year
violent clashes etc. State of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar accounts
for the maximum number of prisoners in jail. According to
Prison Statistics India – 2021 Report, published by National ABOUT UNDERTRIAL PRISONERS
Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the total number of prisons at • Undertrial prisoners are those accused facing trial in
national level has increased by 1% from 1,306 in 2020 to any court and during such trials are kept in judicial
1,319 in 2021. custody in prison.
ISSUES PLAGUING INDIAN PRISONS: • When undertrial prisoners are kept in prison, it alters
1. OVERCROWDED JAILS: the basic criminal jurisprudence which believes that
an accused unless proven guilty cannot be
PRISONS - TYPES & OCCUPANCY
considered a criminal in the eyes of law.
Year No. of Actual No. of Occupancy
PROBLEMS FACED BY UNDERTRIAL PRISONERS
Prisons Capacity Prisoners at Rate at the
of Prisons the end of end of the • Undertrials are subjected to psychological and
the year year physical deprivations of jail life, usually under
more difficult conditions than are imposed on
2019 1,351 4,00,934 4,81,387 120.1% convicted defendants.
2020 1,306 4,14,033 4,88,511 118.0% • Significantly affects their socio-economic
2021 1,319 4,25,609 5,54,034 130.2% standing – Loss of job and the social stigma in the
society increase the burden of their detention as
• As per data provided by States/UTs.

Governance
such burden generally falls heavily on the innocent • Unnatural deaths include suicide, murder by inmates,
members of the family. death due to assault by outside elements, death due to
• Lack of legal aid - majority of the undertrial firing, death due to negligence or excesses, accidental
prisoners lacked legal awareness and necessary deaths inside prison, etc. Number of unnatural deaths
means to approach the courts. Thus, there is a need in prisons has decreased by 2.1% from 189 in 2020 to
to improve access to justice especially for the 185 in 2021. Among the 185 un-natural deaths of
vulnerable sections as it will also help to achieve the inmates:
goals of Article 39A. o 150 inmates have committed suicide,
o 11 inmates were murdered by inmates,
3. UNNATURAL DEATHS IN PRISON:
o 6 inmates died in accidents,
Total No. of No. of Un-natural
No. of Natural o 3 inmates died due to assault by outside elements,
Year Deaths in Deaths (incl.
Deaths
Prisons Suicide) o 1 inmate died due to firing and
2019 1,764$ 1,538 160 o 1 inmate died due to negligence/excess during 2021.
2020 1,887$ 1,642 189

o For a total of 52 inmate deaths, cause of the death is
yet to be known.
2021 2,116$ 1,879 185
• Suicide under category of Unnatural deaths has
• As per data provided by States/UTs. been further subcategorized into following modes:
• Rajasthan has reported that causes of 66 deaths in Hanging, Poisoning, Self-Inflicted Injury, Drug
2019, 56 deaths in 2020 and 52 deaths in 2021 were Overdose, Electrocution and Others.
not known. 4. UNDERSTAFFING OF THE PRISONS: As per Prison
• Number of deaths in prisons has increased from Statistics Report 2021, sanctioned strength of jail-staff was
1,887 in 2020 to 2,116 in 2021, having increased by 89,479 while actual strength was 64,449 as of 31st
12.1%. December 2021 due to vacancies not being filled up.
• Natural Deaths - Out of 1,879 Natural Deaths

furnished by the States, 1,796 inmates have died due to
illness and 83 inmates have died due to ageing.
RECORDS OF PRISON STAFFS AS OF 31ST DECEMBER 2021

STAFFS SANCTIONED STRENGTH ORIGINAL STRENGTH
Officers 2019 - 7,239 2019 - 4,840
(DG/Addl. DG/IG, DIG, AIG, Supdt. ----------------- -----------------
etc.) 2020 - 7167 2020 - 4,958
------------------
2021 - 7461 2021 - 5,382
Jail-cadre 2019 -72,273 2019 - 51,126
(Head Warder, Head Matron, ------------ ------------
Warder, etc.) 2020 – 65,742 2020 - 46,839
--------------- --------------
2021 – 66, 346 2021 - 49,573
Correctional Staff 2019 - 1,307 2019 – 761
(Probation Officer/Welfare Officer, -------------- -----------------
Psychologist/Psychiatrist, etc.) 2020 – 1315 2020 – 789
-------------- ----------------
2021 - 1391 2021 - 886
Medical Staff 2019 - 3,320 2019 - 1,962
---------- --------------
2020 – 3316 2020 – 2232
------------- --------------
2021 - 3497 2021 – 2080

Governance
• So, there is a need to fill up the vacancies for prison 8. LACK OF REFORMATIVE APPROACH:
staffs in India. • Absence of reformative approach in the Indian prison
5. JUDICIAL BACKLOGS system has not only resulted in ineffective integration
• Judicial system in India is under tremendous with society but also has failed to provide productive
pressure: As of 2022, over 4.7 crore cases are pending engagement opportunities for prisoners after their
in courts across different levels of the judiciary. Of release.
them, 87.4% are pending in subordinate courts, 12.4% STEPS BY GOVERNMENT
in High Courts, while nearly 1,82,000 cases have been 1. FOLLOW NEW PRISON MANUAL 2016:
pending for over 30 years. So, there is a need to reduce
• MHA has approved New Prison Manual 2016, which
Disposal Time for Cases and better Case Clearance
aims at uniformity in laws, rules and regulations
Rate (CCR).
governing the administration of prisons and the
• Disposal Time is measured as period between date of management of prisoners across India.
filing and date when decision is passed.
• Approval of Prison Manual is based on Article 39A of
• Case Clearance Rate is the ratio of the number of the Constitution which calls for free legal aid to the poor
cases disposed of each year to the number of cases and weaker sections of society and seeks to ensure justice
instituted in that year, expressed as a percentage. It is for all.
mainly used to understand the efficiency of the system
• Guidelines to be followed as per Prison Manual 2016
in proportion to the inflow of cases.
include:
• Both Disposal Time and CCR can be bettered by
o Under Trial Review Committee to be set up in each
appointing more Judges in District & Subordinate
district,
Courts, High Courts and Supreme Court.
o Earliest release of undertrials as per the provision of
6. SYSTEMIC DISCRIMINATION
law,
• There is rampant corruption in the prison system which
o Empanelling competent lawyers for the under trials
results in discrimination based on economic situation of
and appointment of jail visiting advocates.
a prisoner.
o Setting up of a legal aid clinic in every prison.
• Socioeconomically disadvantaged prisoners are
o Improvement in the living conditions of jails
deprived of basic human dignity and often subject to
especially for women,
cruel torture. Dalits and Adivasis are over-represented
in Indian prisons. o Management Information System to be in place in all
jails and
• For example, some jail manuals continue to focus on
purity as prescribed by the caste system and assign o Legal literacy classes in prisons
work in prison based on the prisoner’s caste identity. o Annual review of the implementation of the Model
• National Dalit Movement for Justice and the National Prison Manual 2016.
Centre for Dalit Human Rights report ‘Criminal Justice in 2. MODERNIZATION OF PRISONS SCHEME
the Shadow of Caste’ explains the social, systemic, legal, • The scheme for modernization of prisons was launched
and political barriers that contribute to this. Legislations in 2002-03 to improve the condition of prisons,
such as the Habitual Offenders Act and Beggary Laws prisoners and prison personnel.
allow the police to target them for reported crimes.
• Various components included construction of new jails,
7. POOR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH repair and renovation of existing jails, improvement in
• Problem of overcrowding, poor sanitary facilities, lack sanitation and water supply etc.
of physical and mental activities and lack of decent 3. SOME UNDER TRIALS SHOULD BE RELEASED ON BAIL
health care, increase the likelihood of health problems.
• In 2017, 268th the Law Commission of India
Further, mental health care has negligible focus in
recommended that undertrial who have completed
Indian prisons.

Governance
one-third of their maximum sentence for offences • Minimum security is kept in such prisons and prisoners
attracting up to seven years of imprisonment be are engaged in agricultural activities.
released on bail. 12. IMPLEMENT IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATIONS OF
4. LEGAL AID FACILITY TO UNDERTRIAL PRISONERS ALL INDIA JAIL REFORMS COMMITTEE (MULLA
• MHA has issued an advisory to all States and UTs COMMITTEE)
informing them about the Legal aid facility available to • National Prison Commission to oversee the
under-trial prison inmates. modernization of the prisons in India.
• Besides this, Model Prison Manual 2016, which has a • Banning clubbing together juvenile offenders with
dedicated chapter on Legal Aid, provides detailed hardened criminals in prison and enacting
information about the legal services available to prison comprehensive and protective legislation for the
inmates and free legal services available to them. security and protective care of delinquent juveniles.
6. SPECIAL COURTS 13. USING INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION
• Special fast-track courts should be set up to deal TECHNOLOGY trials through video conferencing should
exclusively with petty offences which have been be encouraged especially during COVID times.
pending for more than five years. WAY FORWARD
• Such fast-track Courts can hear petty offences where • Prison administration is an important component of
imprisonment for an offence does not exceed 3 years. criminal justice system. These steps should be taken by
7. CAPACITY BUILDING OF PRISON STAFF prison administration to improve the conditions of
• It is of paramount importance that the prison staff is prisons in India and to work towards behavioural
trained in how to treat and deal with inmates. change of convicts and undertrials.
• The Supreme Court, in September 2017, directed that • Thus, there is a need to take preventive measures
there should be proper training for senior staff. rather than subjecting the prisoners including
8. POST-RELEASE FINANCIAL SECURITY FOR PRISONERS undertrials and aged convicts to unnecessary trauma
• Wages that are paid to prisoners who are serving and confinement.
sentences should be increased and should be on par • There is a need to implement President Murmu’s
with global benchmarks. message on the need to de-incarcerate and stop
• This will encourage the prisoners to work hard and building more prisons as the three-judge Bench of the
improve their savings for their life outside prison. Supreme Court led by Justice U.U. Lalit recently quoted
9. SKILL DEVELOPMENT OF THE PRISONERS Oscar Wilde while commuting a death sentence, we
must recognise that ‘Every saint has a past, and every
• Skill Development of prisoners will ensure livelihood of
prisoners once they are released. This will also allow sinner has a future.’
them to integrate with society.

• Thus, skill development will empower the prisoners REMOTE VOTING FOR
financially and will encourage them to lead a social life
when released. Such step helps in reforming the MIGRANT WORKERS
behaviour and mindset of prisoners to learn to lead a
#Election Reforms
normal life.
11. OPEN PRISONS SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED
Given the regional variations in demographic trends and
• Open jails are special Jails that exclusively confine only
economic opportunities, India has a high rate of migration,
convicted prisoners.
which doubled in the census decade of 2001-2011. Migrants
• Convict Prisoners with good behaviour, satisfy certain
often see their political and economic rights compromised at
norms prescribed in the prison rules are lodged in open
their place of origin and residence. The Election Commission
prisons.

Governance
of India (ECI) has now proposed a mechanism to facilitate • Out-migration (leaving one's place and settle in
remote voting for domestic migrants. another) is predominant among the rural population in
IMPORTANCE OF CONDUCTING ELECTIONS overall domestic migration.
• In any country practising democratic norms, conduct of • Stagnation in Voter Turnout - In its letter to parties,
regular elections can be said to be the most visible the EC expressed concern over the stagnation in voter
turnout as approximately 1 out of 3 voters do not
symbol of the democratic process.
participate in the direct elections held in India.
• Article 324 of Indian Constitution empowers Election
Registered Electors Voter turnout
Commission with superintendence, direction and Year of election
(Crores) (%)
control of the preparation of the electoral rolls along
with conducting elections to Parliament, State 1951 17.32 45.67
Legislatures and for the office of President and Vice- 1957 19.37 47.74
President. 1962 21.64 55.42
• Even the Supreme Court has held that democracy is one 2009 71.70 58.21
of the inalienable basic features of the Constitution of 2014 83.40 66.44

India and forms part of its basic structure. 2019 91.20 67.40
• It is here where the role of Election Commission ABOUT REMOTE VOTING MACHINES
becomes very significant to conduct a free, fair and
• Remote Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) prototype can
transparent election in India as it enhances electoral
be used for up to 72 constituencies simultaneously
trust among people which further improves the quality from a single, remote polling booth.
of democracy in India through greater voter
• It is a standalone, non-networked system having same
participation.
security features as that of existing EVMs.
MIGRANT POPULATION NOT ABLE TO VOTE IN INDIAN • RVM Contains the following components:
ELECTIONS
o Remote Control Unit – RCU
• Dr Shamseer V.P. v Union of India - SC on the issue of
o Remote Ballot Unit – RBU
alleged denial of voting opportunities for domestic
o Remote Voter Verified Paper Audit Trial – RVVPAT
migrants had directed the Election Commission to
o Constituency Card Reader – CCR
explore options for Remote voting for domestic
o Public Display Control Unit – PDCU
migrants.
o Remote Symbol Loading Unit – RSLU
• Inability to vote due to internal migration (domestic
migrants) is one of the prominent reasons to be PROPOSED RVM VOTING METHOD
addressed to improve voter turnout and ensure • Remote voter has to pre-register for remote voting
participative elections. Approximately 85% of the facility by applying online/offline within a pre-notified
internal migration is within the States. time before election with his home constituency.
• Voter's details will be verified at home constituency and

• Reasons for Migration - Although there is no central
the voter's request for home voting will be approved
database available for migration within the country, the
after successful verification.
analysis of available data in public domain points to
• Special multi-constituency remote voting polling
work, marriage and education-related migration as
stations will be set up in the places of their current
important components of domestic migration.
residence.

Governance
CHALLENGES IN USING RVM
ADMINISTRATIVE CHALLENGES LEGAL CHALLENGES TECHNOLOGICAL CHALLENGES
• Identifying domestic migrants to • Defining Migrant Workers or domestic • Method of remote voting
set up separate polling stations. migrant • Familiarity of voters with the
• Providing remote voting facilities • Re-defining territorial constituency and new method for voting with
for every election. remoteness. multi-constituency Remote
• Provisions for polling agents and • Ensuring registration of voters at their EVM or other technology
ensuring identification of voters to home constituency and the place of • Counting of Votes at Remote
avoid impersonation. voting i.e., their temporary stay booths and then transmitting
• Appointing polling personnel for • Accommodate change in temporary votes to their home
remote voting and its supervision place of such migrant voter – for constituencies.
• Implementing Model Code of example, a migrant voter registered in

Conduct at such polling stations or Delhi has shifted to Mumbai and his
areas for conduct of elections in home constituency is in Kerala.
other place – especially for state • Amending various Electoral Laws such
assembly elections as
o RP Act 1950 & 1951
o Conduct of Election Rules, 1961
o Registration of Electors Rules, 1960
WAY FORWARD changes required in legislation, changes in

• Election Commission has invited all Recognised 08 administrative procedures and voting
National and 57 State Political Parties on to method/RVM/technology, if any other, for the domestic
demonstrate the functioning of multi-constituency migrants.
prototype Remote EVM. Technical Expert Committee • Based on feedback received from various stakeholders
members will also be present. and demonstration of prototype, Election Commission
• Election Commission has solicited views of recognized will appropriately carry forward the process of
political parties on various related issues including implementing remote voting method.
practice questions
MCQs
Q.1) Consider the following statements regarding Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
proposed remote voting in India: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
1. It necessitates the remote voters to initially register (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
with their home constituency Returning Officer in
offline mode only. Q.2) Consider the following statements:
2. It will require amendments to Representation of 1. The Constitution has not prescribed a minimum age
People Act 1950 and 1951 and the Conduct of for the appointment of high court judges.
Election Rules 1961.

Governance
2. Like the Supreme court, the constitution provides 1. It is a committee formed under the Supreme Court
for the provision for making a distinguished jurist as of India regulate Central government
a judge of the high court. advertisement.
3. The constitution mentions the retirement age of 2. High Courts have also been advised to form similar
both Supreme and High Court judges. committees to regulate State government
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? advertisement.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(a) 1 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
Q.3) Consider the following statements:
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
1. Adjournment of a house does not terminate the
session of the house and the power to adjourn a
Q.5) The provisions of the CAG’s (Duties, Powers and
House is that of the President under the
Conditions of Service) Act, 1971 mandates which
Constitution.
of the following functions explicitly for the
2. Adjournment Sine Die leads to adjournment of
Comptroller and Auditor General of India?
Parliament for an indefinite period without
1. Audit of receipts and expenditure of bodies or
assigning any specific day or date for its
authorities substantially financed from Union or
reconvening.
State Revenues including government companies
3. Prorogation leads to termination of the session of
and corporations.
the Parliament and can be done by the Speaker or
2. Audit all transactions of the Union and of the States
Chairman.
relating to Contingency Funds and Public Accounts.
3. Audit of Public-Partnership Projects or joint
(a) 3 only
ventures with only minority participation by the
(b) 2 only government agency without approval from the
(c) 1 and 2 only President or Governor.
(d) 1 and 3 only Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 3 only
Q.4) Consider the following statements about (b) 2 and 3 only
Committee on Content Regulation in (c) 1 and 2 only
Government Advertising (CCRGA):
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Q1. CAG is the most important functionary to ensure financial accountability of government. Highlights the powers of
CAG. Also, highlights challenges faced by CAG is fulfilling its objectives.
Q2. Cooperatives are important developmental institutions in India. Discuss the challenges faced by Cooperatives and
also suggest measures to further empower them.
Answers: 1-b, 2-c, 3-b, 4-d, 5-c

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS &
Security
# GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper II & III (Main)
REPORT ON DIASPORA
• New Diaspora: They migrated from India after the
post-Independence period. There are two broad
#DIASPORA classes among the New Diaspora (i) Less educated,
working-class people who migrated in search of
manual and less wages paying jobs. Vast majority of
Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs such people migrated to Middle Eastern countries,
released a report on India’s Diaspora. Indian diaspora refers South-East Asia etc. They have gone to these countries
to people whose origins can be traced to India or who are mostly for work and come back to India. (ii) Highly
Indian citizens living abroad. This includes Non-Resident educated, skilled working professionals who have
Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), and Overseas migrated to developed countries such as USA, UK,
Citizens of India (OCI). (IO category was merged with OCI Canada, Australia and EU etc. They have gone to these
category). countries have taken up leadership roles in various
INDIAN DIASPORA large corporates.
• Ministry of External Affairs is nodal ministry for
• Diaspora is a generic term to describe people who
Diaspora issues.
migrated from territories that are currently within India
and their descendants. Official classification of Indian SIGNIFICANCE OF DIASPORA
Diaspora includes Overseas Citizens of India and Non- ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION

Resident Indians. • Diasporas influence national economies in several
• India’s has a large diaspora with over 31 million ways, including remittances to family members in their
home country, foreign direct investment,
including 13 million NRIs and 18 million OCIs.
entrepreneurial endeavours, facilitation of trade and
• Indian Diaspora has broadly been classified into Old
transfer of knowledge/skills. They can serve as an
and New Diaspora. important economic resource, especially in developing
• Old Diaspora: They left India during colonial rule as nations.
indentured labourers. They are found in countries and • Remittances Transfers (monetary or in-kind) from a
regions like Caribbean Islands, Mauritius, Seychelles, migrant to his or her home country. They are perhaps
Fiji etc. Due to their long past association with India and the most visible economic implication of a diaspora.
the duress under which they left the country, they have Most remittances are sent to low & middle-income
weak familial relations with India. However, cultural ties countries.
survive. There are large number of twice migrants from • Remittances can function as a sort of private form of
the old diasporas (both free and forced migrants) to the social protection that can supplement or substitute
Europe and USA. public social protection spending. Increased

International Relations & Security
remittances tend to reduce public social protection • These are indicative of the growing economic influence
expenditure. of Indian Diaspora over the world and a testimony of
• Main contribution of remittances is to households that the same in the past can be given by signing of India-
receive them, but significant spillover benefits to wider USA nuclear deal.
community have been observed through increased FOREIGN POLICY
consumption and community development projects • Institutionalisation of the Diaspora-diplomacy in recent
• Brain gain occurs when migrants learn skills & obtain times is indicative of prominence of the role played by
education abroad and then transfer their knowledge Diaspora in the foreign policy formulation and acting as
and skills back to their homeland, either through their an instrument of Soft-power and thus meeting the
networks within the country or through return ends or limitations of the hard-power.
migration. • For ex. Senate India Caucus i.e., is a bipartisan coalition
• Through knowledge transfer, sending countries can that promotes relations between USA and India.
gain from skilled emigration. As skilled migrants ISSUES WITH DIASPORA POLICY
accumulate intellectual, social, and economic capital in
Parliamentary Standing Committee highlighted the
the host country, this can be strategically utilized by
following Issues in India’s Diaspora Policy
home country to mitigate brain drain effect.
• Policy for diaspora: No clear policy on diaspora is in
• Indian IT sector is an example of a brain gain effect. The
place, despite their socioeconomic contributions to the
diaspora was instrumental in bringing skills, human
development of the country.
and social capital, and networks needed to grow the
• Database on Indian diaspora: Ministry of External
sector in India.
Affairs does not have updated data on Indian diaspora,
• International Trade, Investment, and
as registration with Indian Embassies is voluntary. In
Entrepreneur-ship: Size of a diaspora population has
the absence of such a database, welfare schemes may
a significant and positive correlation with international
not be implemented properly.
trade between host nation and diasporic homeland.
• Emigration Management Bill: Emigration
Findings from India show that the Indian 15 diaspora
Management Bill, 2022 has been under consultation
has been instrumental in promoting trade linkages
and vetting for a long time. It seeks to establish an
between India and other nations in the Asia Pacific
emigration framework, liberalise clearances, and
region
strengthen welfare for overseas migrants.
• FDI from diaspora is strongly influenced by diaspora’s
• Multiple portals for grievance redressal: Several
affinity for their culture in the homeland.
portals such as e-Migrate, and Centralised Public
POLITICAL EFFECT
Grievance Redressal and Monitoring System
• Policy can often shape a diaspora; likewise, diaspora (CPGRAMS) are in place to resolve the grievances of
groups can have a significant effect on policy. Indian nationals abroad. Multiple portals may delay
Diasporas often mobilize networks and resources to grievance resolution due to duplication of
support a certain cause in either their homeland or work. Resolution of grievances in most cases may
their host countries require a connection at the local level.
• Evolution and growth of diasporas have been • Rehabilitation of workers: During the COVID-19
congruent with increasing globalization that has been pandemic, many workers including Gulf returnees lost
driven in significant part by policy changes. their jobs. As the pandemic eased, few workers have
• Preferential trade agreements stimulate significantly returned to their places of employment abroad. Thus,
increased migration and strong diaspora communities a rehabilitation scheme to ensure livelihood security
facilitating increased international trade agreements. for workers who lost their jobs or were unable to return
• Indian diaspora today occupies top position in foreign to their place of employment is required.
countries for ex. KAMALA HARRIS in USA or the recent • Skilling of potential migrant workers: International
election of RISHI SUNAK as the PM of UK. labour market has now become demand-driven,

compared to the earlier supply-driven system. With that migrant workers can go abroad and secure
new labour markets emerging in east-Asian countries employment with better wages.
such as Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, the skilling of • Providing skills that match the destination country’s
potential migrant workers is a challenge. requirements is an important challenge, especially in
• Students in Ukraine and China: Several Indian the post-COVID era.
medical students studying in Ukraine and China were • Ministry of External Affairs should ensure that Indian
unable to resume their courses physically or complete private medical institutions enrol returnee students
their internships in India due to the COVID-19 outbreak. from Ukraine by granting a one-time
• NRI Marriages: Increasing cases of women being exemption. Indian students enrolled in medical
deserted in NRI marriages. Registration of Marriage of colleges in China, should be allowed to complete the
Non-Resident Indian Bill, 2019 has not been enacted remaining part of their internship in India.
yet. • One-Stop centre scheme be launched without delay.
• One-Stop Centres: Ministry of External Affairs had • Government should consider setting up Special
decided to establish overseas centres to help Economic Zones, exclusively for projects to be set up by
distressed NRI women. However, it is not yet in place. NRIs/PIOs.
• Rising conflicts and instability due to the Shia-Sunni • Government should consider issuing special
conflicts and radical Islamism. Regressive and medieval infrastructure bonds for attracting NRI/PIO
policies like employers seizing the travel documents investments like the Israel Bonds.
upon arrival known as "Kafala" labour system are
• Negotiating Standard Labour Export Agreements with
exploitative. Discriminative practices owing to a racist,
the host countries. Monitoring and supervision of our
colonial mindset persists even the Cultural integration
overseas workers by our Missions. Compulsory
becomes difficult.
insurance schemes cover the risks faced by our
WAY FORWARD overseas workers.
• Ministry of External Affairs should draft a clear policy
document on the diaspora which would serve as a
guiding principle for engagement with the community. SOUTH-SOUTH
• Indian Embassies should encourage the diaspora to
register themselves, which would allow the Ministry to
COOPERATION
effectively implement welfare schemes. #DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
• Parliament should enact Emigration Management Bill,
at the earliest. South-South Cooperation has been highlighted as a priority
• Ministry of External Affairs should complete its by Prime Minister and India’s Foreign Minister during India’s
consultation and enact a law for the benefit of NRI G20 Presidency.
women. SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION
• CPGRAMS portal is the quickest way to interact with • South-South cooperation refers to collaboration
state governments or the district police, but it is not among countries of the South (Developing and Least
popular overseas. It recommended that the Ministry of Developed Countries) in all domains, including
External Affairs should publicise the portal so it can be economic, political, cultural, environmental and
used to resolve grievances effectively. technical.
• Ministry of External Affairs should draft a • The division of “North” and “South” is used to refer to
comprehensive rehabilitation scheme in coordination the social, economic and political differences that exist
with the concerned Ministries, Departments, state between developed countries (North) and developing
governments, and stakeholders. countries (South).
• Need to improve the quality of domestic skilling and • It should be noted that the division is not faithful to the
standardising curricula across the country to ensure actual geographical division. A country is defined as

North or South not by location but depending on the South today in terms of wealth and power, needs
certain economic factors and the quality of life of its and capabilities.
population. • Collective institutions created to voice concerns of
NEED FOR SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION Global South such as Non-Aligned Movement and New
• Innovative forms of knowledge exchange, technology International Economic Order have been largely
transfer, emergency response and recovery of rendered dysfunctional.
livelihoods led by the South are transforming lives. • Strong regional competition and opposition among
• Countries of South have contributed to more than half countries of global south.
of world's economic growth in recent years. • Lack of financial capacity among countries of Global
• Intra-south trade is higher than ever, accounting for South.
more than a quarter of all world trade. INDIA’S EFFORT TOWARDS SOUTH-SOUTH
• Outflows of foreign direct investment from the South COOPERATION
represent a third of the global flows. • With impressive growth and greater openness in recent
• Remittances from migrant workers to low- and middle- years, India has become a key player in the global
income countries reached 786 billion dollars last year, economy.
which helped lift millions of families out of poverty. • India’s trade and investment policies increasingly affect
• Ambitious and transformational 2030 Agenda for global growth and development prospects, be it
Sustainable Development cannot be achieved without through the supply of generic medicines to African
the ideas, energy and tremendous ingenuity of the countries or expansion of trade and investment,
countries of the Global South. including access to markets in India.
ISSUES IN SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION • During Covid-19 Pandemic, India began VACCINE

MAITRI campaign, at a time when much more advance
• Stronger countries in South could not refrain from
and better-placed countries of the north fell short of
temptation of taking advantage of weaker partners.
their promises.
China has especially been a consistent perpetrator.
• India’s growing economic power is changing the
• Extraction of natural resources with disregard for
dynamics of global economic governance. Within World
environment and implications to public health has
Trade Organisation, (demand for TRIPS waiver) its
been an accustomed practice of many international oil
profile and influence have risen dramatically over the
companies.
last decade. India positions itself as the voice of
• Some countries misuse the principle of lack of
developing countries in global trade talks
conditionality by asking for financial assistance under
• India’s economic footprint is extended through the
pretext of implementing some socially impactful
activities undertaken by its government institutions.
project but appropriate it for devious projects.
Through its lines of credit program, the Indian
• Principle of non-interference serves as a limitation. In
Government helps facilitate economic flows to other
unwavering obedience to this principle, the focus of
countries.
countries like India and China is on doing business with
• India’s technical support, training and institutional
little regard for local-internal conflict.
support through its ITEC (India Technical and Economic
• North-oriented mindset and traditional vertical links
Cooperation) program and technology transfers, are
with metropoles and the world still dominated by US
much valued by low-income countries. India's
hegemony.
positioning as a strong ‘knowledge partner’ adds
• Mutual suspicions and rivalries, including between significant value to its relationships with other
bigger and smaller states and lack of experience in developing countries
working together and low-level administrative barriers.
• India has consistently expanded its development
• Global South is not a coherent group and does not have cooperation portfolio through grant assistance to
a single shared agenda. There is differentiation within Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar,

Nepal and Sri Lanka, for projects in infrastructure, However, in 2021, after the military standoff at the Line of
hydroelectricity, power transmission and other sectors Actual Control (LAC) over Chinese transgressions, the Indian
identified by the host Governments as priority areas for government issued several financial measures on Chinese
the development of their countries. investment and imports, including new “Procedure for
• India is actively pushing for the cause of countries of Approval and Facilitating Import/Export (Cross Border) of
global south and particularly that of Least developed Electricity”.
countries in the field of climate change and The procedure included clause (6.3(i)) that prohibited trade
championing the cause of common but differentiated with power plants that had ownership from a country that
responsibility. shares “land border” with India but has no bilateral power
treaty with India — indicating China and Pakistan.
• India has also set up India-UN Development
Partnership Fund for championing greater HYDROPOWER ISSUES
partnerships. ($150 Mn). • Issue of control and management of hydropower
CONCLUSION stations: Hydropower projects developed by India are
still under regulation and control of Indian Engineers.
• India’s objective should not be to rebuild a global trade
Nepal accused India of intentionally not-transferring of
union among the South and extract best deal from
maintenance technology.
advanced countries most favourable for South.
• Lack of confidence on both sides: Power-sharing
• India should be eager to become a bridge between the
cooperation between India and Nepal is overshadowed
North and South by focusing on practical outcomes
by water issues. Nepal accuses India to get maximum
rather than returning to old ideological battles.
benefits from hydropower projects like Kosi and
• India has often portrayed itself as a “Southwestern
Gandak projects.
power” that is capable of building deep partnerships
• Perception of Indian bias towards Madhesi: Maoist
with the US and Europe and at the same time,
were regularly protesting against Indian investment as
championing the interests of the Global South.
India prefers to invest in a region that benefits more to
Madhesi/ terai region people. Other parts of Nepal are
INDO-NEPAL RELATIONS seen to not benefit from Indian projects.
#Neighbourhood • India refuses to set up hydropower projects in
mountainous regions saying Nepali Mountain region
is environmentally fragile. This led to anti-India
Upper Tamakoshi plant has been operational since 2021 in
sentiments
Nepal was constructed by several contractors chosen through
an international tender. The main contractors were Chinese, • China’s involvement: In 2012 Nepal approved a $1.8
Indian and European companies. Situated close to Nepal billion contract with China for hydropower projects
border with Tibet, the project on the Tamakoshi river was which was designed to supply electricity to China. In
called “Nepal’s Three Gorges dam,” given its size and its 2017 Nepal scraps licenses and signed fresh MoUs with
contribution to making Nepal a power surplus country in the Chinese companies.
“wet” or rainy season. • Lack of effective institutional arrangements and
India is refusing to purchase power from the project for its statutory provisions. There are overlapping roles and
grid, Nepal’s government has now asked New Delhi to allow a responsibilities of existing institutions in Nepal which in
bilateral transmission from the power plant to Bangladesh, turn affects power trade negotiations.
which has been willing to buy the power. • Lack of political stability in Nepal: Instability of
After four years of negotiations, India and Nepal signed a elected governments and selective bias against India
pathbreaking Power Trading Agreement (PTA) in 2014, leads to slow progress of project due to delay in
agreeing to the exchange of electricity and cooperation in hy- awarding contracts.
dropower sector, and Indian companies participate in • Fear of domination by India: Nepal has not
developing several Nepali projects. developed its hydropower potential due to a fear that

if they undertake hydropower generation, India will • India Nepal terai region border Is almost 400 km and it
assert dominance over the generated hydroelectricity holds 2 integrated check posts, five check posts with
as India is geographically most suitable buyer for immigration and customs facilities and almost 12 to
Nepal’s electricity. 13th soft check posts. Seeing the long border this
• Kosi treaty: A section in Nepal feels that barrages have number seems to be less.
a normal life of 50 years and India getting a lease of 199 • There is consistent encroachment of India towards
years has given India rights to control it for long beyond Nepali territory, specifically in forest-covered areas.
the need. Indian state of Bihar manages the barrage • Kalapani Dispute: Nepal amended its Constitution
and does not release adequate water for irrigation and and laid claim on the Kalapani river areas which
during floods, opens the gates, leading to many villages currently forms part of Indian provinces of
getting submerged completely. Uttarakhand. This has increased tensions between
WAY AHEAD FOR HYDROPOWER COOPERATION both countries.
• An independent regulator is needed for generation, • Susta Dispute: Susta is territory which is part of West
transmission and distribution of electricity. Champaran district of Bihar. It is claimed by Nepal as
• An independent power transmission grid organisation part of Susta rural municipality as part of its Lumbini
is required to wield the surplus power from Province. The dispute is due changing course of river
independent power producer. Gandak.
• Transmission network within the country needs to be SUGGESTIONS FOR RESOLVING BORDER ISSUES
strengthened by Nepal. • Opening of more transit routes and integrated check
• India should also provide a transit facility for export of posts
Nepali electricity. • Fencing the border completely and allowing transit
• Facilitate private sector with cooperation in through fixed identified time.
Hydropower sector. • A Cross Border Crime Control Action Plan can be
BORDER ISSUE prepared and jointly enforced. Shashastra Seema Bal
(SSB) can be empowered with modern technology and
India and Nepal share open, porous and non-
empowered under the Passport Act to arrest criminals.
standardized borders. There is no requirement for a visa
or passport to move into each other's territory. There is • In certain areas, there is an issue of clear-cut border
no upper time limit mentioned for staying in India or demarcation, specifically in Susta and Kalapani
Nepal. (problem is because of changing course of rivers).
India and Nepal are facing a range of border issues : • Border patrolling and surveillance through non-
• Problem of trafficking: drugs, arms and ammunition, physical barriers (drones and e-surveillance).
women and children. • Specialised forces for border security like Sashastra
• Operation of transnational terrorist groups and Seema Bal and an increased role of police.
transnational crime syndicates. • Creation of wider No man’s land.

• Issue of fake currency & support to fundamentalist • Creation of public transportation system owned by
forces. respective governments across the border.
• Intelligence reports suggest that Pakistan has been • Restriction over private vehicles crossing the border to
taking advantage of open border to infiltrate into India regulate trafficking.
and that it uses Nepal border route to pump fake ECONOMIC REASONS
currency into India to destabilise Indian economy • Issues faced by Nepali workers in India: Nepali
• Criminals of both nations use each other’s territory for people working in India face economic exploitation like
refuge making it tough for law enforcement agencies to less salary, long working hours, non-equal payment,
track and catch criminals. and delays in post-retirement benefits.

• Transit points for Nepal’s trade: India has allowed constructing dry ports. PM Oli has stated that he will
the use of Haldia and Vishakhapatnam ports by Nepal follow a policy of equidistance from both neighbours.
for third-country trade and designated customs points • In the last decade, Chinese engagement with Nepal has
have been established. Nepal has been asking for got strengthened at a soft policy level. China has made
access to more ports such as Dhamra and Mundra port inroads into Nepal in, education and health sectors.
for its imports and exports.
• During last five-year interactions between Chinese and
• Trade barriers: Nepal accused India of making high Nepali governments have increased. Students from
standards for Nepalese companies to get registered in Nepal are moving to China in large numbers. Trade and
India. Nepal asks India to make differential parameters, number of projects with China have increased which
especially pharmaceutical centres. could be used only with engagement of India.
• Rules and regulations related to repairing heavy • Nepal is developing a new framework to deal with India
machinery: Heavy machinery purchased from India and negotiate with India using China factor. Step for
can be brought to India for repair within three years, hard negotiation used by Nepal for renewal of India
however, after three years Indian engineers will have to Nepal Treaty of friendship and withdrawal from
visit Nepal which has high charges. BIMSTEC military drill in India.
• Nepal wants more Indian investment, establishing • Nepal wants to break free from the hold of India and
engineering and medical colleges and training centres wants to India and China both to contribute to greater
for Nepali people. prosperity for Nepal. Nepal is using geopolitics policy
• Trade imbalance: India exports goods worth $6.38 rather than pro-Chinese; China geographically cannot
billion to Nepal and imports goods worth $437 million play a role in Nepal both economically and
from Nepal. Nepal is demanding promotion of Nepali geopolitically.
trade in India. India and Nepal signed a trade treaty in • Nepal has asserted that its relationship with China is
1996 which was later revised in 2009. 95% of Nepali purely economic and will not be hurting Indian
trade happens with India. strategic interests in any way.
CHINA FACTOR IN INDO-NEPAL RELATIONSHIP CHINA’S INTEREST IN NEPAL
• China-centric Nepal policy of India: Since Nehru, • China want’s Nepal’s territory to not be used by
India's Nepal policy has been China-centric. Nehru had Tibetans for breeding discontent against China.
no hesitation in suggesting India’s security will have
• Increasing power of Communist Parties in Nepal
priority over Nepal's independence. Nehru made it
facilitated greater political influence for China’s
clear that India cannot have an as intimate relationship
influence in Nepal.
with any country as it has with Nepal.
• Gives China greater say in its frontier areas and
• China card of Nepal: Nepali elites played with India's
gateway into the politics of South Asia, which India has
insecurity and kept on using China's card against India.
traditionally considered as its region of hegemonic
India could not stop increasing influence of China in its
dominance.
backyard.
• The rising Nepal and China cooperation also signals
INCREASING CHINESE INFLUENCE IN NEPAL
that the Himalayas are not a barrier anymore and for
• Nepal has procured arms from China in violation of the India, a strategy to check the Chinese engagements is
1950 Treaty. required rather than reactions.
• Chinese investment in Nepal is around US$8 billion. • This provides an opportunity for India, China and Nepal
Nepal’s GDP is $21 billion. to work together to develop this entire Himalayan belt
• Nepal has expressed interest to join BRI, linking to into a transit region i.e., a convergence of economic
Lhasa in Tibet through Kathmandu through rail links. interests of India, China, and Nepal.
Nepal has invited Chinese investment and is taking CONCERNS OF INDIA
steps to develop overland trade connectivity by
• Chinese inroads into Nepal are aimed at
counterbalancing Indian influence in Nepal.

• Maoism in Nepal has been encouraged by China and • Yangtse plateau lies in India’s Tawang district
they have potential links with the Indian Naxalite (Arunachal Pradesh), which is claimed by China.
movement, though this is not an officially accepted
• The sixth Dalai Lama was born in Tawang in the 17th
view by the Indian government.
century, and the district is home to the second-largest
• India needs to engage Nepal in multiple dimensions Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the world.
and increased dependency which will automatically
• Chinese side calls it an inalienable part of Chinese
distance it from China.
Tibet.
CONCLUSION
• Tactical importance of Yangtse Plateau:
• There is no need for being overly concerned or become
o Offers an unrestricted view of entire Tawang Valley
too complacent. Nepal cannot overlook India even
and Bum La pass, providing a tactical advantage.
when they produce electricity with China, they will have
o PLA has been making inroads in the region with
to sell it to India. Besides geography, people-to-people
construction infrastructure.
contacts, and cross-cultural links are great cementing
factors. o India first occupied the area in 1986, during the
seven-year SUMDORUNG CHU CRISIS with China—a
• India wants Kathmandu from falling into trap of China's
major standoff over Yangtse plateau.
charm offensive, but at the same time, India needs to
work out its strength. India should improve its track INDIA-CHINA BORDER DISPUTE
record in the implementation of projects. In the age of • India shares a 3488-km boundary with China along
growing interdependence, every country will go for J&K, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim &
multiple alignments. Arunachal Pradesh.
• Border between India and China is not demarcated
INDIA AND CHINA throughout and there is no mutually agreed Line of

Actual Control (LAC).
RELATIONS • Entire border is divided into three sectors: Western
#Neighbourhood sector is disputed (Ladakh); Middle sector is largely

settled and peaceful (Himachal Pradesh &
Uttarakhand) and Eastern sector is unsettled and
Recently, a few hundred Chinese soldiers armed with batons, disputed (China claims entire Arunachal).
spikes, and other primitive weapons tried to dislodge an • China claims that the border claimed by India as
Indian Army outpost on a ridge on the disputed border signed by British India and Tibet was under colonial
between India’s easternmost state, Arunachal Pradesh and pressure and a weak China. China does not agree.
Tibet, which is governed by China. New Delhi blamed Beijing • British India had failed to produce a single integrated
for trying to “unilaterally change the status quo” while and well-defined northern boundary separating the
Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) said it was conducting Indian subcontinent from Xinjiang and Tibet.
a regular patrol when its troops were “blocked by Indian Army IN THE WESTERN SECTOR
illegally crossing” border, known as Line of Actual Control Western sector i.e., Aksai Chin Sector
(LAC).
• The two sides differ over boundary line that
TAWANG DISTRICT (YANGTSE PLATEAU) separates Ladakh region from Xinjiang province of
• Arunachal Pradesh has been the site of regular China.
skirmishes in recent months, even as tensions remain • India accuses China of illegally occupying Aksai Chin
high in Ladakh region on the western section of China- and some other parts of Ladakh region. China sees
India border. Chinese provocations in the east reflect a Aksai Chin as extension of Tibet plateau whereas
India claims it is an extension of Ladakh plateau. The
breakdown of Indian deterrence.
region is mostly uninhabited.

• Aksai Chin is important for China as it connects two Panchsheel Agreement of 1954
backward provinces of China i.e., Tibet and Xinjiang. • The “Agreement on Trade and Intercourse between
• British Johnson Line where Aksai Chin was part of the Tibet region of China and India” was signed in
Kashmir another advocated McDonald line under 1954. It is remembered as the Panchsheel
which Aksai Chin falls under Xinjiang Province of Agreement.
China. • The doctrine indicated the willingness to ‘Respect
• As a result, disagreement prevails with India each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.’
claiming Johnson Line to be correct and China Confidence Building Measures (CBMs)
claiming McDonald Line to be correct.
• The two countries are also engaged in Confidence
• In the official map of India of 1950, India marked east Building Measures (CBMs) on the border with
of Karakoram range as “boundary undefined”. bilateral agreements signed in 1993, 1996, 2005,
• Currently, LAC at present separates India and China 2012 and 2013.
in the absence of a mutually agreed boundary, there • In 2003, the two sides agreed on the appointment of
is a difference in perceptions about the alignment of Special Representatives (SRs) for consultations
the line. aimed at arriving at a framework for a boundary
EASTERN SECTOR: MCMAHON LINE settlement that would provide the basis for the
• In eastern sector, boundary was delineated in 1914 delineation and demarcation of the border.
Shimla conference of British India, China and Tibet. • By the beginning of the 21st century, the two sides
• British proposed formation of Outer Tibet bordering had agreed not to let border dispute affect bilateral
India & Inner-Tibet bordering China. engagements. This was inked into Agreement on
Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for the
• A boundary demarcating Tibetan region of China
Settlement of the India-China Boundary Question
and the North-east Frontier Areas of India (current
signed in 2005.
Arunachal Pradesh) was agreed upon by British and
Tibetan representatives which came to be called • In 2012, India and China agreed on the
McMahon Line. establishment of a working mechanism for
Consultation and Coordination on India-China
• China does not recognize McMahon line as it was
borders.
signed between British and Tibet which was not a
sovereign state at the time. • In November 2018, Special Representatives of China
and India held border talks at Chengdu in southwest
• As a result, China claims Arunachal Pradesh
China. The talks were aimed to achieve an early
especially Tawang as part of Tibet.
solution to the dispute and to maintain peace and
• India on its part while recognizes Chinese suzerainty
tranquillity at the borders
over Tibet and considers McMahon line to be the
official boundary. CHINESE ASSERTION IN BORDER AREAS
INITIATIVES TO RESOLVE BORDER ISSUES • Reflects lack of effective deterrence of India: If the PLA
Shimla agreement of 1914 can try to dislodge India from a place like Yangtse,
where India has deployed forces for decades, then it
• Through this agreement, McMahon Line was
recognised as the legal boundary between India and surely can target any place on LAC. Effective deterrence
China. is a function of visible capacity to inflict unacceptable
• However, China rejects the Shimla agreement and damage—whether military, economic, or diplomatic.
the McMahon line, contending that Tibet was not a • Power Asymmetry: Widening power gap between India
sovereign state and therefore did not have the and China—military, technological, economic, and
power to conclude treaties. diplomatic—now constrains India’s response to China’s
aggression.

• China’s disinterest finding long-term solution to outbreak. There is rising anti-China propaganda within
boundary settlement: India. Ex – Calls for boycotting Chinese products.
• China has been making unilateral raids and claims on INDIA’S CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT WITH CHINA:
India’s territory, particularly on Ladakh and Arunachal • Despite conflicts on borders, India has been attending
Pradesh. China questions the veracity of the border, as multilateral summits hosted by China and inviting
present borders were established by a colonial British
Chinese delegations to India, Indian military
Government.
has participated with the PLA in joint exercises.
• Despite establishing a mechanism to peacefully
• India has not undertaken any quid pro quo military
resolving the border dispute, not much headway has
operations to take control of Chinese territory on
been made in this respect.
border, which it could use as a bargaining chip to
• India’s questioning of Karakoram Highway project
reverse Beijing’s ingresses in Ladakh.
passing through Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK)
• India and China have so far held 16 rounds of border
(China Pakistan Economic Corridor) and staying away
talks between senior military commanders and political
from Belt and Road Initiative marked a shift in China’s
stand towards India. engagements, but an agreement on actions to reduce
tensions in Ladakh has been slow to materialize.
• India’s growing convergence with the USA driven QUAD
also contributed to China’s mistrust towards India. • Despite border skirmishes, trade between India and
China has reached record highs. India is the biggest
• Aggressive wolf warrior diplomacy and assertiveness of
recipient of grants from Beijing-based Asian
Xi Jinping also contributed to China’s increasing
incursions towards India. (China has abandoned its Infrastructure Investment Bank. This economic
policy of peaceful rise as enunciated by Deng Xiaoping). entanglement has further diminished India’s
deterrence.
• Chinese underestimates of Indian capability, appetite,
and even willpower to defend its territories. • Challenge for India is becoming more concerning on
• China has destroyed the edifice of CBMs and border eastern part of LAC—between Arunachal Pradesh and
management protocols with Galwan, Yangtze, spiked Tibet—where China has an infrastructure and military
clubs, and tasers. advantage, putting India on defensive.
• China’s wanted to distract world’s opinion away from RESTRAINT AND ACCOMODATION FROM CHINA
COVID-19 as China was being blamed for COVID-19. • While Indian troops have shown remarkable restraint,
• Abrogation of Article 370 of Indian Constitution which incidents can spin out of control under provocation,
removed special status of J&K and created two UTs of leading to serious escalation.
J&K and Ladakh also contributed to China’s increased • China should accept that India being a credible
assertion.
neighbour with legitimate aspirations.
• India has been engaged in increasing its military
• India wants to benefit from initiatives that contain
presence and border infrastructure along border areas
China, but it is fearful of antagonizing the superpower
in Ladakh & Arunachal Pradesh. Ex. Construction
and thus willing to collaborate with it in certain areas.
Darbuk Shyok Daulet Beg Oldie (DSDBO) road and
plans for construction of Arunachal Highway along • India’s quest for multipolarity or its desire to safeguard
China’s border. its sovereignty. After all, China is India’s primary

strategic challenger, with which it shares a 2,000-mile
• Economic Reasons: India was the first one to put curbs
disputed border, and Beijing ultimately wants New
on Chinese FDI to prevent “opportunistic takeovers” of
Delhi to accept its hegemony. Despite these threats,
firms hit by the lockdown induced by the COVID-19

India’s policy toward China is currently characterized by however change if violence due to the Taliban's
caution, confusion, and contradiction. resurgence in Afghanistan increases and spreads to
other countries in the region. The five republics have
INDIA AND CENTRAL ASIA been largely secular and liberal so far. Religious
extremism, fundamentalism and terrorism pose
RELATIONS challenges to all these societies and regional stability.
#Extended Neighbourhood • Drug trade & Great Game: CARs face serious threats
from illegal drug trade emanating from Afghanistan.
Traditionally, Central Asia has been an arena of ‘’great
India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval chaired the First games’’. The modern version is being played out even
India Central Asia meeting of NSA’s. Indian NSA highlighted today. Russia, China, US, Turkey, Iran, Europe, EU,
the need to curb terrorism and terrorist financing in Japan, Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan have
Afghanistan, and use of trade and connectivity routes via Iran substantial security and economic stakes in the region.
is key to regional security,
GREAT GAME IN CENTRAL ASIA
The meeting was an outcome of India Central Asia virtual
• Central Asian region stretches from Caspian Sea in the
summit held in January this year, where Prime Minister
West to China and Mongolia in the East, and
Narendra Modi hosted leaders of Kazakh stan, Kyrgyzstan,
from Afghanistan and Iran in South to Russia in North,
Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan and agreed to have
including the former Soviet republics of Kazakhstan,
security chiefs meet regularly to discuss India’s “extended
Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
neighbourhood”
• Geopolitical scenario is undergoing a sea change in last
ABOUT CENTRAL ASIA COUNTRIES
few years in Central Asia. These radical transformations
Central Asian countries are a group of five countries in geopolitical front of Central Asia are taking place
Kazakhstan (largest), Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, largely due to the interplay of both global and regional
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. All these countries were forces and their subsequent impact on the region.
earlier part of the USSR and became independent
• Taliban takeover in Afghanistan has renewed focus
sovereigns after the fall of USSR. Some features of these
on these republics to tackle the new challenges of rising
countries are:
extremism in the region.
• Doubly Landlocked: All five countries are doubly
• US hopes to use Central Asia as an important region
landlocked because their neighbours are also
in its Indo-pacific strategy to counter Russia and
landlocked. For these countries to integrate
China.
substantively with the world economy and develop
fruitful economic relations with the outside world, they • Russia considers this region as its backyard and has
need to have access to warm-water seas. considerable leverage given Soviet past of these
countries.
• Mineral-rich region: All five countries are richly
endowed with natural and mineral resources. These • CARs are crucial for China given high level of
countries have vast stretches of unexplored minerals economic engagement and BRI which passes through
including uranium, oil and gas making them an this region.
important region for India's economic interest. INDIA - CENTRAL ASIA RELATIONS
• Political stability: All five republics have been by and • Historical & cultural relations: India has several
large peaceful and stable throughout the 25 years of millennia-old historical, cultural and civilisational links
their independent existence. with Central Asia. The region related to India through
• Extremism: Although terrorist groups like Islamic silk road through which Buddhism spread in region and
Movement of Uzbekistan, Hizb-ut-Tahrir and others are economic and cultural ties bloomed. India enjoys a
present in the Ferghana valley, they have not been very good reputation and soft power in these countries.
active or effective in creating disturbances. This could Bollywood movies and songs are particularly popular in

the region. Many Indian students go to these countries telemedicine connectivity, linking all five Central Asian
to pursue higher education. States.
• Strategic Importance: The region is India’s extended 2. Connectivity
neighbourhood and is centrally located in India's • As for land connectivity, India has reactivated
continental neighbourhood. International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
• Geopolitics: Geopolitically the region is important for • India is modernizing infrastructure of Chabahar port in
India to counter the increasing Chinese influence with Iran, which could become an important link in trade
its Belt Road Initiative in India's continental and transport communications between markets of
neighbourhood. With Taliban's takeover of Central and South Asia.
Afghanistan, Central Asia can play a crucial role in • India recently joined Ashgabat Agreement, which was
India's strategic calculations in the region. instituted in 2011 to establish an international
• Energy needs: India is an energy deficit country. This multimodal transport and transit corridor between
region is extremely well endowed with hydrocarbon Central Asia and Persian Gulf. Its objective is to
resources and other mineral and natural enhance connectivity within Eurasian region and
resources. These countries are also rich in strategic synchronize it with other regional transport corridors,
including International North–South Transport
minerals such as Uranium.
Corridor (INSTC).
• Connectivity: Because of the presence of Pakistan and
3. Economic and Humanitarian engagement:
China on the northern borders and hostile Taliban in
Afghanistan, India does not have direct access to these • First meeting of India-Central Asia Dialogue was held in
Central Asian republics. 2019 in Samarkand (Uzbekistan) which established a
platform for strengthening cooperation between India
• Trade: Despite enormous potential, India's trade with
and Central Asian countries
this region has been minimal because of a lack of direct
• India has provided humanitarian medical assistance to
connectivity. Largest trading partners of this region are
these countries for COVID-19 relief.
still Russia & China owing to geographical proximity.
• India has provided a US$ 1 billion Line of Credit for
INDIAN INITIATIVES TO STRENGTHEN RELATIONS WITH
priority development projects in fields such as
CENTRAL ASIAN REPUBLICS
connectivity, energy, IT, healthcare, education, and
1. Connect Central Asia Strategy agriculture in the region.
• India's 'Connect Central Asia' Policy is a broad-based • India-Central Asia Business Council (ICABC) has also
approach, including political, security, economic and been launched for boosting business to business
cultural connections. engagement.
• India is stepping up multilateral engagement with 4. Other areas of cooperation
Central Asian partners using the synergy of joint efforts • Joint statement on India-Central Asian dialogue
through existing fora like the Shanghai Cooperation focused on the need to combat terrorism by destroying
Organisation, Eurasian Economic Community (EEC) safe havens, infrastructure, networks & funding.
and the Customs Union. India has become a member • Connections between our people are the most vital
of the SCO of which majority of the central Asian linkages to sustain our deep engagement.
countries are members.
• India already has a robust exchange of students. India
• India looks to Central Asia as a long-term partner in will encourage regular exchanges of scholars,
energy and natural resources. Central Asia possesses academics, civil society and youth delegations to gain
large cultivable tracts of land, and it sees potential for deeper insights into each other’s cultures.
India to cooperate in production of profitable crops CHALLENGES IN INDIA'S OUTREACH TO CENTRAL ASIA
with value addition.
Strategic concerns:
• India is setting up a Central Asian e-network with its
• India has no direct connectivity with this region.
hub in India, to deliver, tele-education and

• Takeover of Afghanistan by Taliban has severely • India must increase its developmental and
altered India's strategic calculations in the region. humanitarian aid to the region and promote closer
However, India can leverage its relationship with CARs people-to-people ties through education, knowledge
to engage with Taliban. transfer, medicine and health, culture, cuisine and
• China’s open-handed outreach to the region in form of tourism.
big-ticket connectivity projects under Belt & Road • Multilateral organisations like SCO, EAEU, and CICA can
Initiative reduces space available for India. serve as platforms for sustained engagement and
• China has been expanding its regional presence, as regular exchange of ideas.
seen in ‘5+1 format’ launched in 2020 to further its • SCO is a crucial grouping that provides India with a
influence. Its advances are causing concerns about strategic convergence with Russia and China on
‘debt-trap diplomacy’ given economic situation of addressing new security challenges, enhancing
Central Asian countries. This provides India with an infrastructural development projects, and creating a
opportunity to leverage its good relations to counter network of regional oil and gas pipelines for larger
the fears of 'Chinese Debt diplomacy'. benefit of Central and South Asian region.
• Being part of the erstwhile USSR, Russia still has • Regular meetings with leaders of the region at the
considerable influence on these countries. However, to highest political level.
counter Chinese influence, Russia has been promoting • Quick and effective operationalisation of connectivity
its own Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) to pursue projects such as Chabahar Port, INSTC agreement and
regional and economic integration. Ashgabat Agreement to give connectivity a push.
Connectivity projects not materialising: • Coordination with the region in especially checking
• US sanctions on Iran and increasing Chinese presence rising extremism and terrorist groups. This is especially
have caused delays in operationalising the Chabahar important in wake of rise of Taliban in Afghanistan.
port fully.
• INSTC project has witnessed slow growth due to a INDIA EU BTIA
combination of factors including low trade volumes,
incomplete infrastructure, and sanctions.
#Economic relations
• India must redouble its efforts in connectivity to further
its regional presence. This becomes more important in The road to a successful India-EU Bilateral Trade and
the context of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, with two Investment Agreement (BTIA) is going to be bumpy largely
of its six corridors running through Central Asia. because of India’s inward-looking approach to investment
protection under international law as enunciated in India’s
Limited Economic Partnership:
2016 Model BIT. The following differences between the two
• India has been a latecomer and has turned its attention sides are daunting.
to the region only in recent years. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN INDIA & EUROPEAN UNION
• India’s trade with the region amounts to US$ 2 billion, OVER TRADE ISSUES
owing to limited connectivity & low economic • Untapped Investment Potential from EU into India:
engagement. This amount is less than 0.5% of India’s Overall FDI to India has stagnated for the past decade
total trade, whereas the region’s trade with China at around 2% of GDP. In case of EU, while its share in
amounts to US$ 100 billion. foreign investment stock in India increased from €63.7
WAY FORWARD billion in 2017 to €87.3 billion in 2020, this is way below
the EU foreign investment stocks in China (€201.2
• India needs to direct investment to the region to reap
billion) or Brazil (€263.4 billion).
economic benefits of strategic location of Central Asia
that puts it at the crossroads of key trade and • Termination of BIT by India: India’s decision to
commerce routes. unilaterally terminate BITs has negatively impacted FDI

inflows to India. Thus, India needs the Investment goes back on the specific assurances made to an
Protection Agreement (IPA) with the EU to attract FDI investor to induce investments on which the investor
for achieving the aspirational milestone of becoming a relied while investing.
$ 10 trillion economy by 2030. • Concerns over labour mobility: India wants greater
• Concerns over Taxation: India wants to push taxation ease of movement of temporary skilled workers to
measures outside the scope of the treaty by making provide services in the EU. European nations have been
tax-related regulatory measures non-justiciable. The pursuing a policy of protectionism after successive
EU has difficulty accepting this proposition given the financial crises caused a rise in unemployment.
recent history of India’s tax-related investment Moreover, liberalization in immigration policies
disputes with Vodafone, Cairn Energy, and Nissan. including for migrant workers is subject to the
• EU’s Demand for Judicial Reforms: EU’s investment decisions of individual countries, thereby limiting the
proposal to India talks of creating a two-tier court-like mandate of EU to negotiate with India.
system with an appellate mechanism and tenured • Demands for Market Access: EU wants greater
judges to resolve treaty disputes between investors market access for its wines and spirits, and India should
and the state. This proposal is connected to EU’s stand lower its tariffs for their imports. Wines and spirits are
internationally for creating a multilateral investment considered luxury items in India and therefore there is
court (MIC), negotiations for which are going on at no reasonable cause for such tariff reduction.
United Nations Commission on International Trade • Data Certification Status: EU is not granting data
Law (UNCITRAL). The MIC is aimed at overcoming secure certification to India, which would facilitate the
weaknesses of the current arbitration-based system of cross-border transfer of personal data that is required
settling investor-state disputes. India’s position on by Indian companies, especially in the IT industry.
creating an investment-court-like system is unknown.
• Other Issues:
India has not publicly contributed to the ongoing
o Agricultural products have been excluded from the
negotiations at UNCITRAL towards establishing a MIC.
negotiations. European countries give huge subsidies
• Concerns of Most Favourable Status: EU’s
to their agro-products, due to which Indian
investment proposal contains a most favoured nation
agricultural products are not able to compete.
(MFN) provision to ensure that EU investors do not face
o EU has asked India for a change in government
discrimination vis-à-vis other foreign investors.
procurement policies. India has denied these
However, India’s position is not to include MFN
prospective changes as agricultural procurement is
provision in its investment treaties because of the
followed on basis of developmental motive rather
apprehension that foreign investors will use MFN
than profiteering motive.
clause to indulge in disruptive treaty shopping. The
solution to such disruptive treaty shopping is to o EU is varied data localization rules within India. This
negotiate for a qualified MFN provision and not exclude has led to disagreement on the operating guidelines
it altogether. for e-commerce companies.
• Fair & Equitable Treatment: EU investment proposal WAY FORWARD
contains what is known as a fair and equitable India and European Union should find a common ground
treatment (FET) provision, which is missing in the Indian over the above differences. European Union has been
2016 Model BIT. The FET provision protects foreign trying to diversify its supply chain away from China. This
investors, for example, by making the states liable if it provides an opportunity for India to accelerate its exports

and get larger technology and investments from • Existence of chemical and pharmaceutical industries in
European Union in India. several South Asia countries makes the region
attractive for syndicates to source precursors and
other chemicals used in manufacturing synthetic drugs
DRUG TRADE to neighbouring regions where production exists.
#Narcotics #Organised Crime DRUG TRADE IN INDIA’s NORTH-EAST
• Shan state of Myanmar is the largest producer of illegal
Union Finance Minister has urged investigative agencies such drugs within the infamous Golden Triangle—a tri-
as Department of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) to capture the junction at the Myanmar, Laos and Thailand borders.
masterminds behind the proliferating smuggling of drugs Production of the potent and profitable
such as cocaine into country, stressing that just seizing mules methamphetamine has made the region, world’s
and peddlers is not enough to engender public confidence in largest producer and exporter of meth.
actions against the drug menace. Further urging DRI sleuths • Precursor chemicals are sourced easily from across the
to be smarter than smugglers, ‘must leave trail or evidence’ border in China to Shan state, while some amounts are
and ‘indicate their modus operandi.’ also procured from India. Myanmar’s instability has
DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE INTELLIGENCE (DRI) encouraged expansion in production capacities.
• DRI is the apex anti-smuggling agency of India, working • India’s long, porous land border with Myanmar
under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs, provides a haven for entry of drugs such as heroin.
Ministry of Finance, Government of India. Consignments of heroin seized in Indian cities like
• It is tasked with detecting and curbing smuggling of Guwahati and Dimapur have originated from the
contraband, including drug trafficking and illicit Golden Triangle. Myanmar’s heroin and meth enter
international trade in wildlife and environmentally India at two points, Moreh in Manipur and Champai in
sensitive items, as well as combating commercial Mizoram
frauds related to international trade and evasion of • Synthetic drug problem along India’s north-eastern
Customs duty. border is even worse than north-western borders.
• DRI releases Smuggling in India Report. DRUG TRADE IN INDIA’s WESTERN
STATUS OF DRUG TRADE IN INDIA • The return of Taliban in Afghanistan has spiked
• UNODC’s latest World Drug Report has listed a sharp Heroine production in Golden Crescent region to
rise in the trafficking of amphetamine-type stimulants India’s west. Heroine production is one of the major
(ATS) which includes amphetamine, sources of revenue for the Taliban regime.
methamphetamine, “ecstasy,” and prescription • Taliban uses trade networks in the region to export to
stimulants.
other markets using shipping lines from India.
• Number of new psychoactive substances (NPS),
• These drugs often find entry into India using porous
including potent synthetic opioids, reported by
borders with Pakistan, use of Drones etc. The drug
Member States continues to increase
problem among youth of Punjab is particularly a very
• India is located in the proximity of East and South-East
high risk.
Asia region, where a large synthetic drug market exists,
STATUS OF DRUG ABUSE IN INDIA
South Asia is not immune to the threats posed by
synthetic drug manufacturing, trafficking and use. • Drug Survey’s by Ministry of Social Justice and
• Several countries in South Asia are being targeted as a Empowerment reflects that drug use in India has been
destination for synthetic drugs like methamphetamine on an increasing trajectory.
trafficked from neighbouring East and South-East Asian • Opioid use has increased from 0.7% in the previous
and South-West Asia. report to a little over 2% in the latest report in 2019.

• More disturbingly, heroine has replaced natural Psychotropic Substances Act of 1985. India has entered
opioids (opium and poppy husk) as the most abused into 26 bilateral agreements to tackle the threat of drug
opioids. trade.
ISSUES IN TACKLING DRUG PROBLEM • Border Guarding Forces: Border Security Force (BSF),
Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Indian Coast Guard (ICG),
• Location between Golden Crescent & Golden
Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the National
Triangle: With its long porous borders, lengthy
Investigation Agency (NIA) also play a key role in illegal
coastline and location between the Golden Crescent of
trafficking of drugs in India.
Southwest Asia and the Golden Triangle of Southeast
• Narco-Coordination Centre was established in 2016.
Asia, India is greatly susceptible to the drug trade.
• A mechanism under the NCB which was restructured in
• India’s drug enforcement challenge is accentuated by
2019 into a four-tier district-level scheme.
India’s large size and huge pharmaceutical
• Seizure Information Management System (SIMS)
industry.
was also launched in 2019 under Narcotics Drugs and
• Shortage of Staff and manpower: Northeast region Psychotropic Substances Act, for better coordination of
faces a shortage of staff and equipment to tackle the all drug law enforcement agencies.
illicit traffic of drugs.
• Constitution of National Fund for Control of Drug
• Increased use of dark web and cryptocurrencies by Abuse
drug peddlers and buyers: Anonymity of dark web
• Project SUNRISE was launched specially for the
makes it difficult for enforcement authorities to track
Northeast region to tackle rising HIV prevalence,
movement of drugs or even seize money in
especially among the people injecting drugs.
cryptocurrency.
• NASHA MUKT BHARAT campaign was also launched.
• Nexus between drug traffickers, criminal networks
and terrorists: Exploitation of trafficking routes by MULTILATERAL EFFORTS TO CURB DRUG TRADE
terrorists with the help of well-entrenched criminal • India’s NCB works with several international agencies
networks to infiltrate with arms and explosives adds a like SAARC Drug Offences Monitoring Desk, BRICS,
critical dimension to the security of the borders. Breach Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Program, ASEAN Senior
of international borders of India by drug traffickers Officials on Drug Matters, BIMSTEC, United Nations
implies that the same routes could be used for Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and International
smuggling weapons and terrorists into the country. Narcotics Control Board (INCB), among others, to
• Insurgency and drug trade: Trade-in illegal narcotics combat the illicit trade of drugs.
is estimated to be the second largest by value in the • India is also a signatory to UN Convention on
world today, surpassed only by the weapons industry. NARCOTIC DRUGS (1961), UN Convention on
Drug traffickers, often allied with insurgent groups, are
PSYCHOTROPIC Substances (1971), UN Convention on
theoretically able to buy a controlling interest in
TRANSNATIONAL ORGANIZED CRIME.
governments they cannot overthrow by force.
• BIMSTEC sub-group on ‘Prevention of Illicit Trafficking
MEASURES BY INDIAN GOVERNMENT
in Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and
• Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB): NCB is primary Precursor Chemicals.’ Member states agreed to set up
agency responsible for curbing trade in illicit drugs &
of hotline for focal points and BIMSTEC Drug Offences
precursor chemicals. NCB shares intelligence with
Monitoring Desk for intelligence sharing.
other agencies like Directorate of Revenue Intelligence
• India’s NCB should continue to enhance its cooperation
(DRI), Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC), and
Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) for better with Myanmar’s Central Committee for Drug Abuse
coordination. NCB also take required actions to control Control. It may be useful to revive and strengthen this
drug trafficking under the Narcotics Drugs and cooperation.

• More concerted dialogue in BIMSTEC on issues of inter- the time. Exposing a drug traffic network requires years
state drug trade logistics, border security, identification of planning, intelligence and sustained efforts. Thus,
of vulnerable populations, investment in rehabilitation focus of enforcement agencies should be on tracking
centres, and role of Myanmar authorities may help the network.
tackle the growing problem. • Special skills, dedicated units: Investigation of illegal
• Multidimensional engagement with the Mekong drug trafficking is a specialised task. There is a need to
region: Mekong Ganga Cooperation can play an develop special skills within state police organisations
important role in rehabilitation of individuals who have dealing with drugs. Officers must be trained in
investigation techniques to track organized crime
been forced to start drug trafficking. MGC group
syndicates.
comprising India and five ASEAN countries (Thailand,
Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam) adopted the • Enhancement of punishment under Illegal Drug
MGC Plan of Action for 2019–22, focusing on Control Act: Punishments under NDPS and other laws
should be commensurate with quantity of contraband
rehabilitation measures for drug offenders.
recovered. The law should distinguish between the
WAY FORWARD
trafficking of drugs done by smugglers and that by
• Effective coordination among enforcement small-time sellers who are generally street peddlers.
agencies: Coordination in illicit drug control is function
• Creating awareness among citizens: Many times,
of the Narcotics Control Bureau, Department of
students and young people may not be aware of
Revenue. Licensing functions for medicinal and
harmful effects of illicit drugs. Youth, especially, suffer
scientific purposes are performed by narcotics
from insecurity and depression and fall prey to drug
commissioners at the central and state level.
peddlers. create awareness, police organisations
• Sharing of intelligence: Many state and central should join hands with Education department, Health
agencies work in isolation. The state police generally and family welfare department to educate students
catch distributors and peddlers, whereas central and youngsters.
agencies focus on apprehending big-time smugglers.
• Establishment of de-addiction centres & camps:
There is an urgent need to develop a system for sharing
There are many NGOs which run de-addiction camps
of information.
where people are helped to come out of drug
• Focus on source of supply: Generally, investigation addiction. Some of these centres are expensive.
officers obtain information, catch peddlers and Therefore, government agencies can establish district-
distributors of illegal and narcotic drugs. Many times, wise de-addiction centres and camps to help
they fail to locate source of supply. The link between enforcement agencies of government to root out this
distributor, transporter and supplier is missing most of menace.
practice questions
MCQS
Q.1) Consider the following statements about 2. It is principally responsible for tackling the issue of
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence: tax evasion in income tax returns.
1. The body functions under the Central Board of 3. It publishes Smuggling in India report.
Direct Taxes under Ministry of Finance. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 3 only

(b) 1 and 2 only (c) Nepal

(c) 2 and 3 only (d) Myanmar
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Q.4) World Drug Report is published by which of the
Q.2) Which of the following ministries is responsible following?
for Diaspora issues? (a) UNODC
(a) Ministry of External Affairs (b) UN Secretary General
(b) Ministry of Home Affairs (c) Interpol
(c) Prime Ministers’ Office (d) UNSC
(d) NITI Aayog
Q.5) Yangtse Plateau, recently in news, is located in?
Q.3) Susta, a place in news, is a matter of boundary (a) Arunachal Pradesh
dispute between India and which country? (b) Ladakh
(a) China (c) Himachal Pradesh
(b) Pakistan (d) Gilgit Baltistan
Q1. There has been marked increase in China’s incursions along India’s borders. What is the reason behind the increase
in border incursions by China? Suggest steps that India should follow to address the situation.
Q2. India-Nepal relations have failed to realise their full potential. Highlight the major conflict areas in the relationship.
Also, suggest steps for India to address the situation.
Answers : 1-a, 2-a, 3-c, 4-a, 5-a

SOCIETY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
# GS Paper I & GS Paper II (Main)
RESERVATIONS
• Over-expansion of potential beneficiaries: Over the
years, compulsions of democratic politics have led to
#Social Justice additions, both to number of categories who qualify
for benefits and to lists of caste/communities in each
category. A greater inclusion has led to demands for
Being a welfare state, India has taken a host of affirmative expansion of the quota beyond the judicially
actions for upliftment of vulnerable sections. Affirmative sanctioned limits, in the name of social justice.
action refers to policies and initiatives that aim to reduce • Caste as sole criterion for identification of
discrimination and promote equal opportunities for beneficiaries: Policy of affirmative action is premised
disadvantaged and marginalized groups in society. These on a one-dimensional understanding of the nature of
policies are often implemented in response to a history of social injustice. Though caste is a proxy for multiple
discrimination and inequality based on factors such as race, disadvantages in Indian society, caste cannot become
caste, gender, and sexual orientation. The goal of affirmative sole criterion for identifying actual beneficiaries. It
action is to level the playing field and ensure that all reinforced a perception in the policy circles that what
members of society have the same opportunities to succeed, is not captured by caste is not worthy of redressal by
regardless of their background. This can include initiatives affirmative action.
such as targeted hiring and recruitment, education and
• Fixation with reservation: Reservation has become
training programs, and policies that support access to
only a quick-fix and knee-jerk reaction to any legitimate
healthcare and other essential services.
grievance of a social group.
ISSUES WITH EXISTING AFFIRMATIVE ACTIONS
RESERVATION DEMANDS FROM DOMINANT CASTES
• Limited to state sector and its institutions: Policies
Reservation in education and public employment is a
were focused exclusively on a share in opportunities
social measure provided by the government to secure
provided by state sector. The subject matter of social
rights and privileges of those communities who faced
justice is confined to state and its institutions. Ex:
historical injustice due to caste discrimination. However,
Reservations in Higher education and public
in recent past, there have been growing demands for
employment. The potential benefits of affirmative
such reservations from several dominant castes like
action of the government got minimalised with the
Marathas, Jats, Patels, Kapus etc.
reduction of role of the state post-LPG due to closure
of PSUs, recusal of state from various welfare roles Arguments in favour Arguments against
which were outsourced to various players. of Reservations Reservations
• Over-reliance on principle of proportional • Agrarian distress • Not a poverty eradication

representation: Policies of social justice are biased in • Unemployment measure.
favour of the justification in terms of representational crisis • Proliferation in demand
deficits. This overreliance on the principle of • Vote bank politics for reservation from
proportional representation as end rather than a tool • Relative deprivation more castes.
to redress disadvantages, deprivation and • Mere inclusion of these
discrimination reinforced the singular caste identity castes into OBCs does not
while masking the inequalities across sub-castes.

Society and Social Justice
address structural would mean the privileged among the beneficiaries

reasons. are not excluded altogether from the benefits of
• Reinforce Caste identities. reservation but are placed at the end of the queue.
• Lacks authenticity behind o Limiting multi-generational advantages: For ex,
claims in the absence of a if parents of the candidate have availed the benefit
caste-based census. of reservation to get a Class II job, then she would
• Despite reservation policy be eligible for reservation benefit only for Class I job
in place, SC/STs continue i.e., for the superior post but not otherwise.
to be at the bottom of • Multi-dimensional deprivation index: Caste can
social hierarchy. continue to be the sole criterion in cases like job
reservations for SC and ST. In other cases, as in job
EWS RESERVATION
reservations for OBC, caste can be used as the primary
• 10% reservation quota for economically weaker
criterion but supplemented by a multi-dimensional
sections (EWS) within general category introduced
deprivation index. This approach would open itself to
through 103rd Constitutional Amendment, 2019, has
newer categories of disadvantage like physically
passed basic structure constitutional test through a
handicapped, disadvantaged minorities, victims of
split verdict of 3:2.
displacement and so on.
• The quota is exclusive for people from general
• Redesigning mechanism of affirmative action:
category and excludes Scheduled Castes (SCs),
Reservation should be used as a measure of last resort,
Scheduled Tribes (STs), and socially and educationally
rather than as the first or only tool of social justice. A
backward classes. It applies to all government jobs and
system of strong incentives and disincentives could go
private and state-funded educational institutions.
a long way in introducing affirmative action in the
However, EWS quota judgment has been opposed: private sector. For ex. For increasing women’s
• Economic criteria: Intent of reservation, when it was representation that is based on incentives to political
introduced in 1950, was social justice for oppressed parties would be better than the system of
and marginalised communities who faced historical geographical reservations provided for in current
injustice and was based on idea of compensatory Women’s Reservation Bill.
discrimination. So, it cannot be solely based on • Robust data collection: Periodical collection of data
economic criteria. regarding caste groups and their deprivation status is
• Poverty or Social exclusion: Reservation is not a necessary for any affirmative action. This could be
poverty alleviation mechanism but a remedy to social institutionalized by a statutory requirement of an
exclusion of marginalised sections like lower castes. annual Equal Opportunity Report to Parliament that
Social exclusion is defined as a process that involves simply publishes data for employment and education
denial of fair and equal opportunities to certain social for different social groups across the country.
groups based on their group identity, resulting in
inability of individuals from excluded groups to 'fully
participate’ in life of their communities. NEED TO CHANGE
• Discriminatory: Exclusion of SCs, STs, and socially and
educationally backward classes is discriminatory. CRITERIA FOR SCHEDULED
Disproportionately poor groups are excluded from a
quota that is, in principle, meant to target economic TRIBES
deprivation regardless of caste. EWS quota is targeted
towards castes that do not suffer any social
#SOCIAL JUSTICE
discrimination.
SUGGESTIONS In recent times, there has been increasing demand for
• Refining target groups: delisting of tribal communities, from the list of Scheduled
tribes under Article 342 of Constitution, who have converted
o Sub-categorisation: Adopting the ‘last beneficiary’
principle for privileged among deprived groups. This to other religions, primarily Christianity. This has raised

debate over the criteria followed by the government to • Backwardness.

designate a community as a scheduled tribe. These are not mentioned in the Constitution.
Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs established a task force under PROCEDURE FOR LISTING COMMUNITIES AS
the leadership of erstwhile Tribal Affairs secretary Hrushikesh SCHEDULED TRIBES
Panda in 2014. Panda committee compiled a list of over 40
• STEP-1: Representations are received by State
communities from India that should be included in
Governments or Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs for
Scheduled Tribe List on a priority basis. (26 Tea-tribes, 9 from
Odisha, 8 from Chhattisgarh, few from Andhra Pradesh and inclusion/exclusion of any community in/from the list
Tamil Nadu). of Scheduled Tribes of a State/UT under Article 342 of
Constitution.
SALIENT FEATURES OF TRIBES
• STEP-2: State government or UT administration needs
An amalgam of the various traits ascribed to tribal groups
to first recommend and forward the proposal to the
include:
Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs. If the State
• Tribes have a segmentary but egalitarian system.
Government or UT Administration does not
• They are not mutually inter-dependent, as are castes recommend the community’s case for inclusion will die
in a system of organic solidarity.
down.
• Absence of complex political structures
• STEP-3: After State government/UT administration has
• Endogamy recommended for inclusion of the community in ST
• Strong and functional kinship bonds, cooperation list, Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs forwards the
• Territorial integrity proposal to Registrar General of India (RGI). If the RGI
• Cultural and linguistic distinctiveness is not satisfied, the case for inclusion ends.
• Lower levels of technology • STEP-4: If the RGI is satisfied with the proposal, the
case for inclusion is forwarded to National
• Sustained by relatively primitive subsistence
Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) for its
technology such as shifting cultivation, hunting, and
gathering recommendation.
• Many tribes follow Animism as a form of religion • STEP-5: After the consent of the NCST
recommendation, the proposal is taken to Union
TRIBE CASTE Cabinet for its consent.
Egalitarian Hierarchy • STEP-6: After the consent of the NCST, the matter is
Segmentary Organic taken up by the Parliament in the form of a bill to

amend the Presidential Order issued under Article 342
Communal ownership of Individual ownership of the Constitution, which lists the scheduled tribes in
resources each State and UT.
Endogamy to preserve Endogamy based on the ISSUES WITH PRESENT CRITERIA FOR SCHEDULING
tribal identity purity-pollution principle
• Transition and Acculturation: Over the period, tribal
EXISTING CRITERIA AND PROCESS communities have been undergoing the processes of
EXISTING CRITERIA transition & acculturation due to impacts of planned
change, modernization & globalization. Tribes do show
Existing criteria followed by the government for the
some distinctness in their culture but the regional
specification of a community a scheduled tribe as defined
by the Lokur committee (1965) are: variations cannot be ruled out due to acculturation
influence of adjoining populations. Most tribes got
• Indications of primitive traits,
converted to mainstream religions like Hinduism and
• Distinctive culture,
Christianity.
• Geographical isolation,
• Issues with Isolation: Migrations in India were
• Shyness of contact with the community at large, and frequent for political, economic and ecological

reasons. Even the most isolated groups were part of a ISSUES WITH CURRENT PROCUEDURE FOR
wider network of economic relations. There are only a SCHEDULING
few tribes, which are isolated like the Jarawa and the • Procedure for inclusion of communities defeats
Sentinelese in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Constitution agenda for affirmative action and
• Problematic Idea of ‘Primitiveness’: The term inclusion is cumbersome and time consuming.
"primitive" has been challenged as a value-loaded term • The proposal must get consent of States
indicating a condescending attitude by outsiders. government/UT administration, Registrar General of
Besides, the so-called primitivity is a stage in evolution India, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes,
of a community through which all communities have Union Cabinet and Parliament. If the proposal is
passed or passing. The tribals themselves resent being defeated at any one spot it is rejected.
called primitive. • Office of Registrar General of India lacks expertise of
• Reasons identified by Panda Committee why some Anthropologists and sociologists to comment on
communities are not included as STs: proposals for exclusion and inclusion of community
into ST list.
o Some existing communities who form sub-sets
• Registrar General of India has not created a databank
among the existing Scheduled Tribe have not got
on tribes/castes based on ethnographic study/surveys.
benefit of Scheduled Tribes.
This limits the ability to do justice to identifying
o Phonetic Variations: Some communities are communities as STs.
known by names which have little phonetic or
• RGI’s decision is based on census records. However,
spelling differences with existing ST tribes.
there are inconsistencies in the census records. For ex.
o Bifurcation of States: Few communities were left Census 1891 listed tribes as ‘Tribal religion’, 1901 and
out when States were bifurcated i.e., they were 1911 census described them as ‘Tribal animists’, 1921
included as ST in one state and left out of ST list in census included them under ‘Hill and forest tribes’,
other state. 1931 census described them as ‘primitive tribes’ and
o Due to forced migration: There are communities 1941 census as ‘tribes’. After Census 1951, they are
who were denied inclusion in ST list, as they were under the constitutional category of Scheduled Tribes.
forcibly taken away from their homelands as PROPOSED CRITERIA FOR INCLUSION OF NEW
indentured labour to other states or were displaced COMMUNITIES IN ST LIST
due to industrialisation, where they were left out of The following criteria points are proposed for
the ST list. Thus, there is a need to differentiate consideration by National Commission for Scheduled
between voluntary migration and forced Tribe and must be looked at from a holistic perspective,
displacement and thus, these communities should rather than as an isolated criterion. These criteria have
be included in ST List. Ex. Tea Tribes of Assam who been suggested by Hrushikesh Panda Committee. All the
were forcibly taken as indentured labourers from following criteria should be looked at holistically and
Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha to Assam. Tribes who have none should take precedence over another.
had to be resettled from one state to another due • Common Community Names for Group Identity or
to hydropower and irrigation projects on Narmada may have different names such as sub-tribes/sections,
River affected STs in Madhya Pradesh. synonyms/ phonetic variations or the name/names by
which they identify themselves and the names by
If these outdated criteria are still going to be adopted,
which their neighbours call them.
there may be hardly few communities to qualify for ST
status and many of the existing ST communities will lose • Distinct Language/Dialect which may or may not
exist today. The community may be bilingual speaking
their ST status. Hence, there emerges the need to revisit
own language among themselves and local/regional
the existing criteria so that apparent historical injustice
language to communicate with others.
can be addressed practically and contextually. A more
flexible criterion should be adopted for this purpose, • Presence of a Core Culture relating to life cycle,
rather than following a rigid and dogmatic approach. songs, dances, paintings, folklore.

• Endogamy or marital relationship primarily within CHALLENGES FACED BY PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
their community & with other Scheduled Tribes. • Inadequate data: The figure of total Divyangjan
• Autonomous Religious Beliefs and Practices where population of 2.68 crore is based on 2011 census and
not reflective of status of disabled population.
traditional magico-religious functionaries are from the
community, though practicing Hindu 'way of life' would • Denial of Disability:
not be a bar. o Fear of stigma often forces family members to hide

the disability or refer to it as a mere physical illness.
• Traditional Institutions of Social Control relatively
o PwDs often face harassment in acquiring the
intact.
disability certificate due to bureaucratic apathy.
• Low Level of Techno-Economy: Simple, less
• Problem in accessing govt benefits/entitlements:
diversified, simple exchange of goods and services,
o Government arbitrarily exempted certain
mutual interdependence. establishments from giving job quota to the
• Relative Socio-Economic & disabled. E.g., Blanket ban on all disabled persons,
Educational backwardness when compared to rest of including acid attack victims, in all categories of
population of the State. police forces.
o Posts which are reserved for disabled remain
• Historical geographical isolation which may or may
unfilled due to mismatch of skillset requirements.
not exist today.
o Government initiatives like Digital India are
• Reforming the procedure for inclusion: Office of RGI increasingly delivering basic government functions
should merely be required to provide information through information technologies, but many of
available with it. these are still inaccessible for users with visual or
other disabilities.
• Reformed procedure: Panda Committee suggested a
reformed procedure suggesting that once a proposal • Exclusion from economic sphere:
is received from a State government, it should be o Several PWDs have been denied or kept away from
wage labour due to wrong notion that disabled
circulated simultaneously to NCST, RGI and
could not work and even if they work, output would
Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI), each of which
not be worth to the payment made.
needs to give their opinions in 6 months. After
o PwDs are also denied of property rights
opinions of the above institutions should then be
• Harassment: Superstitions prevailing in communities
considered by a special committee on Scheduling of
also play a big role in subjecting the people with
Communities which will be headed by Tribal Affairs
disabilities to various harmful treatments.
Secretary, and representatives from NCST, RGI, AnSI,
• Women with disability face more discrimination but no
State Governments and State Tribal Research Institute.
special reservation for women within the disabled
category.
ISSUES OF PERSONS WITH NATIONAL POLICY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

(2006)
DISABILITY Government of India formulated National Policy for
Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in 2006 which deals with
#Vulnerable Sections Physical, Educational & Economic Rehabilitation of
persons with disabilities. The policy majorly focuses on
Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and following:
Empowerment in its recent report has flagged casual • Prevention of Disabilities: Emphasis on prevention of
approach of government over setting up of disability centres. disabilities through routine immunization, awareness
In this context, let us discuss various challenges faced by measures and appropriate mother and childcare.
Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

• Rehabilitation measures: Physical rehabilitation, allocation of land, poverty alleviation schemes (5%
which includes early detection and intervention, allotment) etc. have been provided for persons with
counselling & medical interventions and provision of benchmark disabilities and high support needs.
aids & appliances.
• Every child (between 6-18 age) to have right to free
o Educational rehabilitation including vocational education.
education.
• Government funded educational institutions and
o Economic rehabilitation by providing reservation in government recognised institutions will have to
public employment and promoting wage provide inclusive education to children with
employment in private sector and self-employment. disabilities.
• Barrier-free environment: Make buildings, • States must ensure accessibility in public buildings
transportation systems and other public facilities (Both Government & private).
barrier-free to enable PwDs to participate in everyday
Guardianship: Grant of guardianship by District Court
activities without assistance.
under which there will be joint decision making
• Identity: Ensure that the PwDs obtain the disability between the guardian and persons with disabilities.
certificates in the shortest possible time by adopting of
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES
simple, transparent and client-friendly procedures.
• Broad-based Central and State Advisory Boards on
• Social Security: Governments will be encouraged to
Disability to be set up to serve as apex policy making
develop a comprehensive social security policy for
bodies at Central and State levels.
disabled.
• Office of Chief Commissioner of Persons with
Apart from the above, government increased the number
Disabilities to be assisted by 2 Commissioners and
of recognised disabilities through Rights of Persons with
an Advisory Committee.
Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD). Despite the strong policy
• Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities
support, people with disabilities frequently encounter
and State Commissioners will act as regulatory
discrimination from various social classes.
bodies and Grievance Redressal agencies and also
RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, 2016 monitor implementation of the Act.
• Disability has been defined based on an evolving • District level committees to be constituted by States
and dynamic concept. to address local concerns of PwDs. Details of their
• List of disabilities have been increased from existing constitution and functions of such committees
7 to 21 and Central Government can add more types would be prescribed by State Governments in the
of disabilities. rules.
• National Fund and State Fund to be created to
• Apart from Physical disabilities, Intellectual
provide financial support to the persons with
disabilities, Mental illness, Neurological conditions
disabilities. The existing National Fund for Persons
and Blood disorders such as Haemophilia,
with Disabilities and Trust Fund for Empowerment
Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease has been
of Persons with Disabilities will be subsumed with
included in the list disabilities.
the National Fund.
• Persons with benchmark disabilities are defined as
PENALTIES FOR OFFENCES
those certified to have at least 40% of disabilities
• Provisions of penalties for offences committed
specified above.
against PwDs and also for violation of the
RIGHTS OF DISABLED provisions.
• Responsibility of government (Central & State) to • Whoever intentionally insults or intimidates a
take effective measures to ensure that PwDs enjoy person with disability, or sexually exploits a woman
their rights equally with others. or child with disability, shall be punishable with
• Reservation in higher education (not less than 5%), imprisonment between six months to five years and
government jobs (not less than 4%), reservation in fine.

• Special Courts will be designated in each district to • Providing assistive devices and appliances at low cost
handle cases concerning violation of rights of PwDs. to increase their accessibility.
MEASURES NEEDED • Ayushman Bharat should be aligned with policy

objectives to aim at universal coverage of PwDs
Government should insert a provision regarding
including provision of therapeutic services for PwDs.
compliance of provisions of RPwD Act, 2016 by
educational institutions while recognizing/granting • Involving PwDs in decision-making process at various
permission to them. levels for better policy formulation, monitoring and
implementation.
• Accessible e-content of all course curriculums should
be developed. Persons with disabilities are a valuable human resource
for the country and seek to create an environment that
• Ensuring inter-operability of disability certificates for
provides them equal opportunities, protection of their
availing benefits meant for PwDs across all States.
rights and full participation in society.
practice questions
MCQS
Q.1) In order to declare a community to be schedule 2. Criteria for inclusion of communities in ST list are
tribe, which of the following agencies/ listed in the Constitution.
institution/ person participate? 3. Tea tribes of Assam are original inhabitants of
1. Registrar General of India North-East India.
2. Ministry of Tribal affairs Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?
3. State government (a) 1 and 3 only
4. National commission on Schedule Tribe (b) 2 and 3 only
5. Parliament of India (c) 1 and 2 only
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (d) 1, 2 and 3
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only Q.4) Consider the following statements about Rights
(c) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016:
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 1. There is a provision for reservation for persons with
scheduled disabilities in higher education and
government jobs.
Q.2) Hrushikesh Panda Committee, recently in news
is related to which of the following? 2. Mental Illness has been considered to be disability
under the Act.
(a) Reform of administration of PESA
3. Provision for punishment insulting and
(b) Reform of scheduling of tribes.
intimidation of disabled.
(c) Reform of tribal education.
(d) Reform of Forest Rights Act.
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Q.3) Consider the following statements:
1. Scheduled Tribes benefit of ST status in all states of
India.

Q.5) Consider the following statements about 2. Reservation for EWS are provided in both public
reservation in favour of Economically Weaker and private employment.
Section: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. All poor households are eligible for the benefit (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
under Economically Weaker Section. (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Descriptive Question
Q1. Despite the Supreme Court upholding reservation in favour of the Economically Weaker Section, this has been
opposed. Highlight the key concerns against EWS reservations. Also, highlight suggestions for rationalising
reservation policy of India.
Q2. Criteria and process of scheduling of communities as Scheduled Tribes is obsolete. Highlights the key concerns
against the current criteria and process. Also, suggest measures to improve the same.
Answers: 1-d, 2-c, 3-d, 4-d, 5-d

Geography, Environment,
Biodiversity & Disaster
Management
# GS Paper (Prelims) and GS Paper I & III (Main)
KAZIRANGA NATIONAL Himalayan biodiversity hotspot in Golaghat &

Nagaon district.
PARK
#Protected Areas
Kaziranga project is a part of larger Assam Project on Forest

and Biodiversity Conservation (APFBC) for which Agence
Française de Développement (AFD) has committed funding of
€80.2 million for a 10-year period, between 2014-2024. The
project conceptualized reforestation of 33,500 hectares of
land and training of 10,000 community members in alternate
livelihoods by 2024. AFD program has been effective in skilling • In 1985, the park was declared as a World Heritage
of communities, particularly forest-dwelling communities. Site by UNESCO.
• Assam government has now begun a massive • Along with iconic Greater one-horned rhinoceros,
reforestation drive with the help of the AFD. the park is breeding ground of wild water buffalo,
• There are 35 six-seven-foot-tall embankments or Hoolock Gibbon, Tiger, Leopard, Indian Elephant,
highlands that have been constructed in various areas Sloth Bear, swamp deer, etc. (It has largest number
around the park, that animals can climb on to and seek of one-horned rhinoceros in India (2/3rd of global
refuge during the annual flooding. one-horned rhinoceros resides here).
• The project has developed infrared-based early • Over time, tiger population has increased in
warning systems, triggered by elephant footfall, to Kaziranga. It was declared as Tiger Reserve in 2006.
either scare off herds from human habitat or to warn • It is recognized as an Important Bird Area by Bird Life
villagers. International for conservation of avifaunal species.
KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK Birds like lesser white-fronted goose, ferruginous
duck, Baer’s pochard duck and lesser adjutant,
• Formed in 1908 on recommendation of Mary
greater adjutant, black-necked stork, and Asian
Curzon, it is located on the edge of Eastern

Geography, Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management
Openbill stork specially migrate from the Central atmospheric oxygen dissolved in water for biochemical
Asia during the winter season. oxidation of organic matter, which is the source of
• Kaziranga is vast expanse of tall elephant grass. carbon. It is surrogate measure for degree of organic
pollution of water.
• Fecal Coliform:
CPCB’S REPORT ON RIVER No Mean or Average BOD (Weiqhtaqe-70 %)
POLLUTION Mean or Average BOD BOD Score

(In mg/l) (X)
#Pollution 1 > 48 100
2 24-48 80
CPCB executes National Water Quality Monitoring Program
(NWMP) for assessment of water quality of aquatic resources 3 12-24 60
in India. The assessment indicates organic and microbial 4 6-12 40
contamination of aquatic resources is a major concern for
5 <6 20
both rivers and static water bodies. The number of polluted
stretches in India’s rivers has fallen from 351 in 2018
to 311 in 2022, though number of most polluted stretches is Total Category Class of Category of
practically unchanged. Score* (Z') the Monitoring Monitoring location
• Water Quality monitoring is an essential component to location
maintain & restore wholesomeness of resources by 81-100 Category -I Critically Polluted
prevention & control of pollution as prescribed under
61-80 Category-II Severely Polluted
Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
41-60 Category -III Moderately Polluted
• However, Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution),
Act, 1976 does not define level of wholesomeness to be 21-40 Category -IV Less Polluted
maintained or restored in different water bodies. <20 Category -V Good or Fit For Bathing
• Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has tried to
define wholesomeness of water in terms of safe human
Note: Above suggested criteria are intended only for
uses, and thus, taken human uses of water as base for
categorization of the river monitoring locations. However, if
identification of water quality objectives for different
any State/UT desires to identify any other water body such as
water bodies in the Country.
lakes, tanks may also apply these criteria depending on the
HOW ARE THE RIVERS CLASSIFIED? need and the requisite achievable goals for rejuvenation of
• Water quality data is analysed and mean or average such water bodies.
values of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and CAUSES OF RIVER POLLUTION IN INDIA
Faecal Coliform (FC) is estimated.
• Garbage dumping: high population densities along
• Based on total score estimated for parameters BOD the riverbanks and reckless dumping of solid and
(weightage 70%) and FC (Weightage 30%) the plastic waste into the rivers make them highly
monitoring location is categorized as ‘polluted’ location. vulnerable to pollution.
• Polluted monitoring locations in a continuous • Cultural practices: cremation and last rites lead to
sequence are defined as ‘polluted river stretch’. discharge of ash particles in the river leading to thermal
• Biochemical Oxygen Demand: Defined as the amount pollution. High pH and sodium levels further alter the
of dissolved oxygen needed by aerobic biological chemical composition of the rivers.
organisms in a body of water to break down the organic • Washing & sewage: chemical detergents and
material present in a water sample, at a specific defecating around rivers cause high pollution in rivers.
temperature and specified period. Also known as
• Industrial Waste: waste materials coming out from
Biological Oxygen Demand. Microorganisms use
industries contain many harmful substances like lead,

mercury and petrochemicals which are disposed into cheap watercraft manned by cheap labour for sand
water makes the water contaminated. dredging. Engines of these boats cause pollution.
• Sand Dredging: Dredging operators- usually the • High agricultural runoff: Chemical fertilizers and
unlicensed ones- deploy kerosene and diesel-fueled polluted waters finally enter the rivers.
LAWS TO DEAL WITH WATER POLLUTION IN INDIA • Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Cess Act,
• Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Act, 2003: to provide for the levy and collection of a cess on
1974: Central Pollution Control Board and the State water consumed by persons operating and carrying on
Pollution Control Board have been established to certain types of industrial activities.
encourage and conduct research and investigation for
• Indian Penal Code: Section 277 of IPC provides for
the prevention of contamination of water and to advise
punishment to be given to the person who commits an
Central Government for the matters relating to
offence of fouling of a public reservoir.
prevention and control of water pollution.

• Damodar Valley Corporation Prevention of Water • Temperature: Generally, Millets are grown in tropical
Pollution Act, 1948: to address issues of high and sub-tropical up to an altitude of 2,100m. It is a heat
industrial discharges into the Damodar ecosystem. loving plant and for its germination minimum
temperature required is 8- 10°c. A mean temperature
Right To Clean Water: a Fundamental Right
range of 26-29°c during the growth is best for proper
• Under Indian Constitution, judiciary has included
development and good crop yield.
right to clean water and environment under ambit of
Article 21, Article 48, Article 51(g). • Rainfall: It is grown where rainfall ranges from 500-
900mm. Kodo Millet has a heavy water requirement
• In Narmada Bachao Andolan Vs. Union of India, the
which grows well in moderate rainfall of 50-60cm.
Supreme Court, held that right to clean water is a
fundamental right under Article 21 of Indian • Soil: Millet has wide adaptability to different soil from
Constitution. very poor to very fertile and can tolerate a certain
• Uttarakhand high court in a PIL, gave River Ganga degree of alkalinity. The best soils are alluvial, loamy
and Yamuna a ‘living entity status’ and sandy soil with good drainage.
• Topography: Kodo millet can be grown in gravelly and
WAY AHEAD
stony soil such as in the hilly region.
Government has taken a lot of steps in this regard like
National River Conservation Plan (NRCP), Atal Mission for • Field preparation: The first ploughing should be done
Rejuvenation & Urban Transformation (AMRUT), Smart deep with a soil turning plough at the onset of
Cities Mission programs of Ministry of Urban monsoon. Fine tilth is imperative for proper
Development and “Namami Gange” under Ministry of Jal germination and crop establishment
Shakti. However, following steps must be taken at the PROPERTIES AND ASSOCIATED BENEFITS
earliest:
• Can withstand high Temperature and long period of
• Preventing agricultural runoffs: Reducing the drought.
chemical inputs and including organic manures.
• Poor soils and difficult terrain also support millet
• Treating waste: Industrial and urban waste must be
• Can grow in sub topical and tropical areas with low or
treated before they are disposed into river channels.
seasonal rainfall. Less than 76 cm or as dry crop in
Waste to energy generation can lead a long way.
rotation.
• Promoting bioremediation to treat waste by natural
• Millets are anti acidic; gluten free; Helps to prevent type
processes.
2 diabetes; Effective in reducing blood pressure;
• Keeping strict checks on illegal dredging so that river
Reduces risk of gastrointestinal conditions like gastric
can maintain its natural flow and strengthen its own
ulcers or colon cancer; Eliminate problems like
regenerative capacity.
constipation, excess gas, bloating and cramping; Millet
• Maintaining minimum flow of river: This can be done
act as a probiotic feeding micro flora in our inner
by maintaining natural ecosystems & properly
ecosystem.
managing dams.
• It will also be critical for climate change measures in
drylands and important for smallholder and marginal
MILLETS farmers.
• Bioethanol can be created using sorghum (jowar) and
#Sustainable Agriculture pearl millet (bajra), and that this fuel could bring down
carbon emissions by about half.
Union Agriculture Minister will be hosting a special 'Millet- DISTRIBUTION
only' lunch for members of Parliament of both Lok Sabha and • India, Nigeria and China are the largest producers of
Rajya Sabha to mark "Millet Year".
millets in the world, accounting for more than 55% of
GROWING CONDITIONS OF MILLETS the global production.

• Major producers in India include Rajasthan, Andhra • Promote awareness about nutri-cereals among
Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, consumers across the country to create demand
Maharashtra, Gujarat and Haryana. • Millets like sorghum are a good fodder source; as a
SLOW ADOPTION OF MILLET-BASED PRODUCTS result, integration of nutri-rich millet fodder with
• Millets are increasingly seen as “poor person’s food”. existing millet supply chain models in beneficial to
contribute to enhanced farmers’ income
• Historical policy neglect of these crops.
• Lower or near absence of production support when
compared to the support enjoyed by other crops CLIMATE RESILIENT CROPS
• Near lack of reach of improved methods of production
and technologies
#climateresilience #agriculture
• Lack of appropriate post-harvest processing
technologies for small millets except finger millet
Kerala-based NGO, Thanal, has embarked on a unique
• Competition from other market friendly remunerative conservation experiment, planting 300 climate-resilient
crops. varieties of traditional rice on 1.5 acre of land at its
• Absence of public or private funded promotion of agroecology centre in Panavally in Wayanad district.
millets as a nutritious food category IKKI JATHRE (FESTIVAL OF RICE)
GOVERNMENT STEPS TAKEN • Sensitise people to significance of conserving
• Integrated Cereals Development Programs in Coarse traditional crops that have ability to withstand harsh
Cereals ICDP-CC based Cropping Systems Areas under climatic conditions.
Macro Management of Agriculture -MMA. • Sets stage for knowledge sharing and co-creation of
• Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive knowledge between tribal farmers and experts.
Millet Promotion – INSIMP a part of Rashtriya Krishi CLIMATE RESILIENT CROPS
Vikas Yojana” – RKVY which is the only comprehensive
Development and identification of climate resilient crop
initiative to support millet production.
varieties with enhanced tolerance to heat, drought,
• Rainfed Area Development Program – RADP: a flooding, chilling and salinity stresses are essential to
component of the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana – RKVY. sustain and improve crop yields to cope with the
FUTURE STRATEGY challenges of climate change.
• Additional areas should be brought under millets which Abiotic stresses such as drought, heat or cold may trigger
will significantly increase the cropping intensity in a series of responses in plants that include changes in
dryland agriculture and contribute to higher output gene expression, metabolic and molecular mechanisms.
and farm revenues. EFFECT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON AGRICULTURE
• Use post-kharif fallow lands with residual soil moisture • The impact of climate change is directly or indirectly
in high rainfall regions like central and eastern Indian related to crop, water and soil as it influences water
states. availability, changes intensity and frequencies of
• Promote millet based intercropping systems. drought, effects microbial population, soil organic
• MGNREGA funds can be used to develop common matter reduction, yield reduction, depletion of soil
wastelands into cultivable lands, and an integrated and fertility as driven by soil erosion, etc.
target-oriented strategy may be drawn up for this • Economic survey in 2017-18 cautioned that “climate
purpose. change might be reducing annual agriculture income in
• Establishment of primary processing facilities at the the range of 15% to 18% and up to 20% to 25% for
farm gate/village level; hence, primary processing units unirrigated areas”.
should be included under the National Food security • This creates food shortages, nutrient deficiencies in
Mission (NFSM) and agriculture machinery schemes of humans due to inadequate intake of healthy food
the Ministry of Agriculture. makes humans vulnerable to health issues.

• High temperature causes moisture stress situation, Major biotic and abiotic stresses affecting crops that limit
directing to sunburn and cracking symptoms in fruit crop productivity is given in the following figure:
trees like apricot, apples and cherries
KUNMING – MONTREAL
GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES
• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana to promote

organic farming in the country. AGREEMENT
• National Innovation on Climate Resilient #biodiversity
Agriculture: aims at strategic research on adaptation
and mitigation, demonstration of technologies on
United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15) ended in
farmers' fields and creating awareness.
Montreal, Canada, in December 2022 with a landmark
• National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture aims to agreement to guide global action on nature. The new deal is
focus on drought and pest resilient crops. known as Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana: to improve to be achieved in 2030.
on-farm water use efficiency to reduce wastage of • It was chaired by China and hosted by Canada.
water, enhance the adoption of precision-irrigation and • This agreement has been achieved under Convention
other water saving technologies (More crop per drop), on Biological Diversity (CBD).
enhance recharge of aquifers and introduce HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF UNCBD

sustainable water conservation practices. • UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC) and UNCBD were both outcomes of 1992
• PM-KUSUM: Focusing on solar powered irrigation
Rio Earth Summit — as was Convention to Combat
pumps.
Desertification (CCD), which deals with the issue of
• Few state governments like Andhra Pradesh, Himachal land degradation. UNCBD came into force in 1993.
Pradesh, Sikkim, etc., have initiated programs to • Objectives of UNCBD are: (a) Conservation of
promote natural and organic farming practices on a Biodiversity (b) Sustainable use of components of
large scale biological diversity (c) Fair & equitable sharing of

benefits arising out of utilization of genetic 30×30 TARGET

resources. This target calls for 30% of Earth’s land and sea to be
• Signatories to Convention on Biological Diversity conserved through establishment of protected areas
(CBD) meet every two years to work on a global (PAs) and other area-based conservation measures
plan to halt biodiversity loss and restore natural (OECMs).
ecosystems. A related commitment is to ensure that restoration
• CBD has given rise to two ‘supplementary’ activities would be started on at least 30% of degraded
agreements — Cartagena Protocol of 2003 and land or marine ecosystems by 2030.
Nagoya Protocol of 2014.
KEY FACTS
• Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety seeks to protect
• Agreement calls upon members to adopt biodiversity-
biodiversity from genetically modified organisms by
supporting methods such as agroecology and
ensuring their safe handling, transport and use.
sustainable intensification.
• Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing
• It also talks about turning cities into hosts of
deals with the commercial utilisation of biological
biodiversity, by expanding urban green and blue
and genetic resources, for example, by pharma
spaces. Urban planning should also be biodiversity-
companies. It asks the host countries to provide
inclusive, enhancing native biodiversity, ecological
access to its genetic resources in a legal, fair and
connectivity and integrity, and improving human health
non-arbitrary manner and, as mentioned above,
and well-being and connection to nature.
offers them a fair and equitable share of benefits
• Four GBF goals for 2050 deal with
arising out of the utilisation of those resources.
o Maintaining ecosystem integrity and health to halt
• Montreal meeting was the 15th edition of this
extinctions,
conference, hence the name COP15.
o Measuring and valuing ecosystem services provided
• It seeks to respond to Global Assessment Report of
by biodiversity,
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services issued by
o Sharing monetary and non-monetary gains from
Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on
genetic resources and digital sequencing of genetic
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) in 2019
resources with indigenous people and local
which provides ample evidence that, despite ongoing
communities,
efforts, biodiversity is deteriorating worldwide at rates
unprecedented in human history. An average of o Raising resources for all countries to close a
around 25% of species in assessed animal and plant biodiversity finance gap of an estimated $700 billion.
groups are threatened, suggesting that around 1 • GBF envisages that there will be access to justice and
million species already face extinction. information related to biodiversity for indigenous
• In total there are 23 targets and 4 goals. peoples and local communities, respecting their
cultures and rights over lands, territories, resources,
• It sets out targets for 2030:
and traditional knowledge.
o On protection for degraded areas,
MONITORING AND IMPLEMENTATION
o Resource mobilisation for conservation,
• Member nations need to submit a revised and updated
o Compensation for countries that preserve
national biodiversity strategy and action plan in the
biodiversity,
conference to be held in 2024.
o Halting human activity linked to species extinction,
• Further, parties to UNCBD should submit national
o Reducing by half the spread of invasive alien species reports in 2026 & 2029 to help prepare global reviews.
(introduced plants and animals that affect endemic
o High level discussions on progress reviews should
biodiversity),
be held in 2024 and 2026.
o Cutting pollution to non-harmful levels
FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS
o Minimising climate change impact & ocean
• By 2030, GBF hopes to see at least $200 billion raised
acidification.
per year from all sources — domestic, international,

public and private — towards implementation of • However, applying CBDR principle to biodiversity
national action plans. conservation has not been straightforward as
• In terms of international funding, developing countries compared to climate negotiations, and there have been
should get at least $20 billion a year by 2025 and at repeated disagreements between global north and
least $30 billion by 2030 through contributions from south on the issue.
developed countries. • Global Environment Facility which caters to multiple
INDIA PUSHES FOR NEW BIO DIVERSITY FUND conventions, including UNFCCC & UNCCD, remains the
only source of funding for biodiversity conservation.
• At the COP15 biodiversity conference in Montreal, the
country said that there is an urgent need to create a GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY (GEF)
new and dedicated fund to help developing countries • Global Environment Facility is the world’s largest funder
successfully implement a post-2020 global framework of biodiversity protection, nature restoration, pollution
to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. reduction, and climate change response in developing
• India emphasised that conservation of biodiversity countries.
must be based on 'Common but Differentiated • It finances international environmental conventions
Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities' (CBDR-RC) and country-driven initiatives that generate global
as climate change also impacts nature. benefits.
• As 196 parties to Convention on Biological Diversity • GEF partnership connects 184 member governments
(CBD) finalise negotiations for a post-2020 Global with civil society, Indigenous Peoples, and private
Biodiversity Framework (GBF)—a new set of goals and sector, and works closely with other environmental
targets to halt and reverse biodiversity loss—there financiers for efficiency and impact.
have been repeated calls for the inclusion of the CBDR • GEF funds are available to developing countries
principle in finance-related targets. seeking to meet the objectives of international
• Established as seventh principle of Rio Declaration environmental agreements.
adopted at the Earth Summit in 1992, CBDR is defined • Support is provided to government agencies, civil
as states have common but differentiated society organizations, private sector companies,
responsibilities in view of the different contributions to research institutions, and other partners to implement
global environmental degradation. projects and programs related to environmental
conservation, protection, and renewal.
WINTER STORM IN U.S

• Bomb cyclone actually refers to an extratropical
surface cyclone: a storm occurring outside of tropics,
#Climatology usually between 30- and 60-degrees latitude if it
happens in the Northern Hemisphere, whose central
pressure falls at least 24 millibars over a 24-hour
48 killed as massive winter storm wallops much of U.S. period.

The polar jet stream occurs in the troposphere, at

• U.S. Eastern Seaboard is one of the regions where altitudes between 5-9 miles above the surface. It marks
bombogenesis is most common. That’s because storms the boundary between surface air masses, separating
in the midlatitudes—a temperate zone north of the warmer, mid-latitude air and colder, polar air.
tropics that includes the entire continental U.S.—draw polar vortex is occasionally knocked off kilter when
their energy from large temperature contrasts. Along especially strong atmospheric waves in the
the U.S. East Coast during winter, there’s a naturally troposphere break upward into the stratosphere. The
potent thermal contrast between the cool land and the vortex slows, and it may wobble, slide off the pole, split
warm Gulf Stream current. Frigid Arctic air from the into several lobes, or—in the most extreme cases—
meandering polar vortex met very warm air to the east. temporarily reverse direction. Regardless of their
• Over warmer ocean, heat and moisture are abundant. “flavor,” these disruptions have one thing in common:
But as cool continental air moves overhead and creates a spike in polar stratosphere temperatures, which is
a large difference in temperature, the lower why they’re called sudden stratospheric warmings.
atmosphere becomes unstable and buoyant. Air rises, In the weeks following the stratospheric upheaval, the
cools and condenses, forming clouds and precipitation. polar jet stream will often develop a wavy shape, with
• When a strong jet streak overlies a developing low- deep troughs and steep ridges that can become nearly
pressure system, it creates a feedback pattern that stationary for days. The exact nature of the
makes warm air rise at an increasing rate. This allows interaction—how the polar jet “feels” the disruption in
the pressure to drop rapidly at the center of the the polar vortex and why it reacts the way it does—isn’t
system. As the pressure drops, winds strengthen fully understood. Under the high-pressure ridges,
around the storm. warm air floods north into parts of the Arctic, often
driving extreme melt, while polar air fills the low-
• As the winds blow, the rotation of the Earth creates a
pressure troughs, bringing wintry conditions farther
cyclonic effect. The direction is counter clockwise in the
south than average. The Arctic Oscillation often slips
Northern Hemisphere.
into its negative phase.
• The rapid development of a bomb often makes it
harder to forecast its exact intensity and timing. This in
turn increases the risks to life and property PROJECT LION
POLAR VORTEX #Wildlife Protection
Arctic polar vortex is a band of strong westerly winds
that forms in the stratosphere between about 10 and Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change has
30 miles above the North Pole every winter. The winds prepared Project Lion document titled 'Lion@47: Vision for
enclose a large pool of extremely cold air. (There is an Amrutkal'.
even stronger polar vortex in the Southern Hemisphere PROJECT LION
stratosphere in its winter.) The stronger the winds, the
• Project lion envisages landscape ecology-based
more the air inside is isolated from warmer latitudes, conservation of Asiatic Lion in Gujarat by integrating
and the colder it gets. conservation and eco-development.

• The Project is being implemented in the Gir Landscape • IUCN Status: Critically endangered
in Gujarat, the last home of Asiatic Lion. • Commonly known as Patwa, is a perennial shrub with
OBJECTIVES OF PROJECT LION restricted distribution that is endemic to Uttarakhand.
• Secure & Restore habitat of lions of managing its
• The species is threatened by deforestation, habitat
growing population.
fragmentation and forest fires.
• Scale up livelihood generation & participation of local
2. Fritilloria cirrhosa
communities.
• IUCN Status: Vulnerable
• Become a global hub of knowledge on big cat disease
diagnostics and treatment. • It is a perennial bulbous herb.
• Create inclusive biodiversity conservation. • Threats: Poor germination potential, high trade value,
ABOUT ASIATIC LIONS extensive harvesting pressure and illegal trade.
• Asiatic lions are slightly smaller than African lions. • In China, the species is used for the treatment of
• The most striking morphological character, which is bronchial disorders and pneumonia. The plant is also a
always seen in Asiatic lions, and rarely in African lions, strong cough suppressant and source of expectorant
is a longitudinal fold of skin running along its belly. drugs in traditional Chinese medicine.
• Males have only moderate mane growth at the top of 3. Dactylorhiza hatagirea
the head, so that their ears are always visible.
• IUCN Status: Endangered
• Habitat: At present Gir National Park and Wildlife
• Threatened by habitat loss, livestock grazing,
Sanctuary is the only abode of the Asiatic lion. The last
deforestation, and climate change. It is extensively
surviving population of the Asiatic lions is a compact
used in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and other alternative
tract of dry deciduous forest and open grassy
scrublands in southwestern part of Saurashtra region systems of medicine to cure dysentery, gastritis,
of Gujarat. chronic fever, cough and stomach aches.
• Not found in wild in any other Asian country. • It is a perennial tuberous species endemic to the Hindu
Kush and Himalayan ranges of Afghanistan, Bhutan,
• IUCN Status: Endangered.
China, India, Nepal, and Pakistan.
• Lion is one of the 5 big cats found in India. They are:
Lion, Tiger, Leopard, Clouded Leopard and Snow
Leopard. Cheetah has recently been reintroduced in MAN-ANIMAL CONFLICT
India (though not found naturally in the wild).
• Gir Conservation Area: Comprises of Gir Forest MITIGATION TEAM
National Park and Sanctuary (Also known as Sasan Gir),
Paniya Wildlife Sanctuary, Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary.
AWARDED WILDLIFE TRUST
Gujarat government has also decided to introduce
Lions in Barda Wildlife Sanctuary.
OF INDIA AWARD
#wildlife #biodiversity
HIMALAYAN MEDICINAL
An eight-member team from Chinnakkanal that comes under
PLANTS IN IUCN RED LIST Munnar forest division, which has been instrumental in
#Biodiversity bringing down incidents of man-animal conflict in the region,
has won recognition for its efforts.
Three medicinal plant species found in the Himalayas have Wildlife Trust of India(WTI) is a wildlife conservation
made it to IUCN Red List of Threatened Species following a NGO formed in 1998 in response to the many crises
recent assessment. confronting India’s wildlife and wild habitats.
1. Meizotropis pellita

It is a non-profit organisation that aims to safeguard on cross dating assigned to Late Pleistocene epoch,
India’s natural heritage by conserving the wildlife and which is 20,000 BC.
its habitat.
GREAT INDIAN BUSTARD

COASTAL RED SAND #biodiversity
DUNES OF VIZAG
Supreme Court has asked the Government, whether a
#geo-heritage
focussed approach, something like Project Tiger, can be taken
up for saving the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard
ERRA MATTI DIBBALU (GIB).
• Site is located near Vishakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) KEY FACTS
• It was declared as a geo-heritage site by the Geological One of largest flying birds in the world.
Survey of India (GSI) in 2014 MAJOR REASONS FOR DECLINE IN POPULATION

• Loss of Habitat due to increase in population,
GEO-HERITAGE SITES
agriculture and infrastructure development etc.
Geological Survey of India (GSI) declares geo-heritage
• Collision with electricity transmission lines.
sites/ national geological monuments for protection
and maintenance. The State-wise details are given in • Stray dogs which are known to attack the bustard’s
Annexure. GSI or the respective State governments eggs and young ones
take necessary measures to protect these sites. DISTRIBUTION

The Species were formerly widespread across India and
• The site is about 18,500 to 20,000 years old and it can
Pakistan. However, at present, its population is estimated
be related to the last glacial period.
to be of less than 200 across Rajasthan, Gujarat,
• The site is known for its red sand dunes. Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Andhra
• Such sand deposits are rare and have been reported Pradesh.
only from three places in the tropical regions in south PROTECTED AREAS DEDICATED TO GIB
Asia such as Teri Sands in Tamil Nadu, Erra Matti
• Rajasthan: Desert National Park - Jaisalmer and Balmer
Dibbalu in Visakhapatnam and one more site in Sri
• Gujarat: Naliya Sanctuary in Kutch
Lanka. They do not occur in equatorial regions or
• Madhya Pradesh: Karera Wildlife Sanctuary (The
temperate regions
species disappeared from Madhya Pradesh in early
• The uniqueness of this site is that the red sediments
90s’)
are a part of the continuation of the evolution of the
• Maharashtra: Nannaj Grasslands, Solapur
earth and represent the late quaternary geologic age.
• Andhra Pradesh: Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary
With a height of up to 30 m, they exhibit badland
topography with different geomorphic landforms and CONSERVATION STATUS
features, including gullies, sand dunes, buried • Critically Endangered Category of IUCN Red List.
channels, beach ridges, paired terraces, the valley in • Listed in Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection)
the valley, wave-cut terrace, knick point and waterfalls. Act, 1972.
• The site also has archaeological significance, as studies • It is also listed in Appendix-I of CITES.
of artefacts indicate an Upper Palaeolithic horizon and • Declared as the state bird of Rajasthan.

ASIAN ELEPHANTS
females, as well as sub-adult and juvenile males and
females.
#biodiversity • A recent study from the resource-rich, well-protected

ecosystem of Kaziranga NP in NE India, suggests that
female-led herds move about their activity centres
India is home to nearly 60% Asian elephants and the last considerably more than adult males.
count of the species in 2017 had put the number at • Range and distribution- More than 50% are in India.
29,964. The number of elephants in India has increased in
RHINOCEROS
the past few years.
KEY FACTS
• IUCN Status: Endangered #biodiversity
• Asian Elephants inhabit grassland, tropical evergreen
forest, semi-evergreen forest, moist deciduous forest,
Greens worldwide called Kaziranga National Park, greatest
dry deciduous forested and dry thorn forest, in
conservation success story in 2005 when it completed a
addition to cultivated and secondary forests or
century. Much of it is attributed to a rhino protection force
scrublands.
that shoots alleged poachers at sight; more than 55 armed
• Elephants can range over large areas and as a men have been killed within the boundary of the 1,300 sq. km
consequence, elephants disperse seeds over longer tiger reserve for unauthorised entry since 2012-13.
distances than most other herbivores and thus are RHINOCEROSES DISTRIBUTION ACROSS WORLD
responsible for structuring and maintaining plant
1. Indian or Greater One-horned Rhino: IUCN Status -
diversity within ecosystems.
Vulnerable, Schedule 1 of WPA
2. Sumatran Rhino: IUCN Status - Critically endangered
3. Javan Rhino: IUCN Status - Critically endangered
4. Black Rhino: IUCN Status - Critically endangered
5. White Rhino: IUCN Status - Near Threatened
HABITAT & DISTRIBUTION: GREATER ONE HORNED
RHINO
• The preferred habitat of an Indian rhinoceros are
primarily areas that contain grasslands and wetlands
located in the foothills of the Himalayas and the
Brahmaputra and Ganges valley.
• At present, the species are restricted to small patches
in the Indo-Nepal Terai, northern parts of West Bengal,
and Assam. Formerly they were extensively distributed
• Given their large area requirements, elephants are in the Brahmaputra and Gangetic valley.
regarded as “umbrella species” because their • According to the State of Rhino Report 2022, the poor-
conservation will also protect a large number of other sighted herbivore’s number in Kaziranga is an
species occupying the same area. They may also be estimated 2,613, more than 65% of its total population
considered “flagship species” because of their iconic or of 4,014 across 11 habitats in India and Nepal. A decade
cultural value and “keystone species” because of their ago, the rhino’s population in these domains was 2,454.
important ecological role and impact on the • A section of conservationists say the focus is too much
environment. on the rhino but agree this has made other animals in
• Asian Elephant society is organised into well-defined, its domains a beneficiary.
matrilineal communities or clans comprising adult

• For instance, number of tigers has increased in Assam said Kaziranga has the highest density of tigers — 32.64
at a rate higher than elsewhere in India. A 2010 count per 100 sq. km — in the world.
GREAT BARRIER REEF

Corals are of two types — hard corals and soft corals.
• Hard corals extract calcium carbonate from seawater
#coralreef #greatbarrierreef to build hard, white coral exoskeletons. Hard corals are
in a way the engineers of reef ecosystems and
#climatechange measuring the extent of hard coral is a widely accepted
metric for measuring the condition of coral reefs.
Scientists working on Australia's Great Barrier Reef have • Soft corals attach themselves to such skeletons and
successfully trialled a new method for freezing and storing older skeletons built by their ancestors. Soft corals also
coral larvae they say could eventually help rewild reefs add their own skeletons to the hard structure over the
threatened by climate change. years. These growing multiplying structures gradually
form coral reefs.
• In a December lab trial, the world's first with Great
Barrier Reef coral, scientists used the cryomesh to Corals share a symbiotic relationship with single celled
freeze coral larvae at the Australian Institute of Marine algae called zooxanthellae. The algae prepares food for
Sciences (AIMS). corals through photosynthesis and also gives them their
vibrant colouration.
• Cryogenically frozen coral can be stored and later
reintroduced to the wild. SIGNIFICANCE OF CORAL REEFS
• Coral larvae will be stored at -196C (-320.8°F) • Biodiversity: Coral reefs support over 25% of marine
biodiversity even as they take up only 1% of sea floor.
WHAT ARE CORAL REEFS?
• Fishing: The marine life supported by reefs further
Corals are marine invertebrates or animals which do not
fuels global fishing industries.
possess a spine. They are the largest living structures on
the planet. Each coral is called a polyp and thousands of • Tourism & employment: In Australia, the Barrier Reef,
such polyps live together to form a colony, which grow in pre COVID times, generated $4.6 billion annually
when polyps multiply to make copies of themselves. through tourism and employed over 60,000
people including divers and guides.

• Coastal protection: They moderate the impact of • Clear water: Clear salt water is suitable for coral
strong waves on the coast and protect it. growth, while both fresh water and highly saline water
CONDITIONS RESPONSIBLE FOR CORAL FORMATION are harmful.
• Warm water: Most hard corals prefer water • Little or no pollution: even a minute increase in
temperatures that range between 23° and 29° Celsius, marine pollution can be catastrophic.
though some can tolerate temperatures as low as 68° • Wildlife population: Many coral reef animals play
F (20° C) and as high as 90° F (32° C). important roles within coral reef ecosystems. For ex,
• Shallow water: for good amount of sunlight to survive herbivores like parrotfish and sea turtles graze on algae
and ideal depths for coral growth are 45 m to 55 m and help keep algae populations under control.
below sea surface.
CORAL BLEACHING THREATS TO CORALS
LOCAL THREATS GLOBAL THREATS
Physical Rise in ocean

damage or destruction - temperature  Algae
coastal development, loss Bleaching mass
dredging, quarrying, deaths
destructive fishing
practices and recreational
misuse (touching or
removing corals).
Excessive sedimentation  Changes in ocean

clogging of mouths chemistry
acidification
Excessive nutrients 
Algae growth

Pathogens & toxic Overfishing – disturb food

substances  diseases web
Trash & micro plastic  Coral harvesting- for trade

block sunlight & enter into & jewellery
digestive systems
practice questions
MCQs
Q.1) The Great Indian Bustard has been included in (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
which of the following?
1. Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, Q.3) Consider the following statements regarding
1972. criteria for categorisation of river monitoring
2. Appendix I of CITES. location by CPCB:
3. Species recovery program under Integrated 1. Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution), Act, 976
Development of Wildlife Habitats Scheme. defines the level of wholesomeness to be
4. Appendix I of UN Convention on migratory species maintained or restored in different water bodies of
Select the correct option using the code given below: the country.
(a) 1 and 2 only 2. There is five-fold classification to measure the river
(b) 1 and 3 only pollution starting from category 1 to category 5.
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only 3. Category 1 is classified as the good/ fit for bathing
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 river.

Which of the above statements is/are correct? Select the
correct pairs from the options given below.
Q.2) Which of the following are the global targets
under the Kunming-Montreal Global (a) 1 only
Biodiversity Framework? (b) 2 and 3 only
1. Protect 30% of land and 30% of coastal and marine (c) 2 only
areas by 2030. (d) 1, 2 and 3
2. Ensure $100 billion per year to conservation
initiatives from public and private sources. Q.4) Consider the following statements about
3. Identification of subsidies that deplete biodiversity Kaziranga National Park:
by 2025. 1. Kaziranga has the highest density of One-horned
4. Complete annihilation of pesticides and highly Rhinoceros in India.
hazardous chemicals by 2030. 2. Kaziranga is located on the northern bank of
Select the correct answer using the code given below: Brahmaputra River.
(a) 1 and 3 only Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only (a) 1 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2 Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
Q.5) Consider the following statements about Erra (b) 2 only
Matti Dibalu: (c) Both 1 and 2
1. It is located in Tamil Nadu. (d) Neither 1 nor 2
2. The site is known for its red sand dunes.
Q1. What are Bomb Cyclones? Discuss the mechanism of their formation.
Q2. Discuss the significance of landmark agreement recently negotiated under the UN Convention on Biodiversity. How
far it is expected to address the issues that threaten biodiversity across the globe.
Answers: 1-d, 2-a, 3-c, 4-d, 5-c

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
# GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper III (Main)
MICRONUTRIENT
• Iron deficiency: Anaemia is responsible for 3.6% of
Disability adjusted life years or DALYs (years lost due to
MALNUTRITION premature mortality and years lived with disability)

• Iodine deficiency can lead to brain damage and during
#HEALTH #NUTRITION pregnancy & can cause several issues including
stillbirth, spontaneous abortion and congenital
Food Fortification is increasingly being used to address the anomalies.
issues of micronutrient deficiency. • Vitamin A deficiency is leading cause of preventable
FOOD FORTIFICATION blindness in children and increases risk of disease and
death from severe infections such as diarrhoeal
• Practice of deliberately increasing the content of one or
disease and measles.
more micronutrients in food to improve the nutritional
quality of the food. The addition of micronutrients can • Folic acid is an important nutrient that is necessary for
help to restore the micronutrient content lost during proper brain function and plays a key role in the
processing. For ex, rice and wheat are fortified synthesis of DNA and RNA. It is important for women
with iron, folic acid and Vitamin B12. of age, as adequate levels of folic acid can help to
prevent certain birth defects.
• Addition of micronutrients to food is used to address
micronutrient deficiencies along with dietary NEED OF FORTIFICATION IN INDIA
diversification and micronutrient supplementation. • High level of malnutrition among women and children.
• Various technologies are available to add As per the NFHS-5 report: Prevalence of Stunting-
micronutrients to regular rice, such as dusting, coating 35.5%, Wasting -19.3% and Underweight - 32.1%
and extrusion. among children and every second Indian women is
anaemic in India.
• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
has notified Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of • Deficiency of micronutrients or micronutrient
Foods) Regulations, 2018, which specifies standards for malnutrition, also known as “hidden hunger,” is a
fortification of staple foods such as Wheat, Rice, Maida serious health risk.
(with Iron, Folic Acid & Vitamin B12), Salt (Iron & Iodine), • India slipped to 101st position in Global Hunger Index
and Oil and Milk (with Vitamin A and Vitamin D). (GHI) 2021 out of 116 countries.
• These standards specify minimum & maximum levels • Global Nutrition Report 2021 says stunting among
of micronutrients which can be added to these staples. children in India higher than Asian average of 21.8%.
• Levels of addition of micronutrients have been kept • Rice is one of India’s staple foods, consumed by about
such as to provide 30%-50% of Recommended Daily two-thirds of population. Per capita rice consumption
Allowance of micronutrients. in India is 6.8 kg per month. Therefore, fortifying rice
CONSEQUENCES OF MICRONUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES with micronutrients is an option to supplement the diet
of the poor.

Science & Technology
BENEFITS OF PROVIDING FORTIFIED DIETS deficiency, protein inadequacy apart from micro-
• Wider coverage: Fortification of widely consumed nutrient deficiency. Food fortification will be a
staple foods is highly effective way of health fragmented approach to these complex problems.
improvement of improvised masses. • Hypervitaminosis:
• Quick results: Fortification show results in terms of o Haemoglobin production is targeted while solving
improvement of health in a relatively shorter duration. the problem of Anaemia. However, haemoglobin
• Cost effective solution: Fortification enables a synthesis does not happen with just iron alone.
threshold level of nutrition at a very low cost. For Several elements are required in far larger
instance, it takes just around 10 paisa to fortify a litre quantities, especially good quality protein, vitamin B
of oil. and C, folic acid etc. Adding more iron will only
succeed in increasing ferritin—an iron storage
• Culturally sustainable: Fortification does not require
protein, but will not lead to haemoglobin synthesis,
any changes in food habits. Hence it becomes a socio-
or treatment of anaemia.
culturally friendly method to deliver nutrients to
people. o Research shows that high ferritin is associated with
• No alteration of food characteristics: Fortification diabetes, especially during pregnancy.

does not alter characteristics of food like taste, aroma o Too much of Iron intake will create problem for
or the texture of the food normal physiological function of the body. Iron
• Economic growth and development: Copenhagen has oxidative properties and it can react with
Consensus estimate that every 1 Rupee spent on intestinal mucosa, which could become damaged by
fortification results in 9 Rupees in benefits to economy. existing infections, which are widespread in India.
While an initial investment to purchase both the o Tuberculosis, malaria and other infections become
equipment and vitamin and mineral premix is required, uncontrollable when iron is given at acute phase of
the overall costs of fortification are extremely low. these infections.
CASE STUDIES ON FOOD FORTIFICATION • Loss of other essential substances from the food:
• Fortified rice in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra: A pilot Food contains protective substances such as
project being implemented for fortified rice phytochemicals and polyunsaturated fat that are
in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district has witnessed adversely affected by process of blending
success in terms of preventing cases of Anaemia micronutrients.
from 9% to 29.5% within 2 years. Rice is a staple diet for • Anaemia does not have 100% correlation with iron
65% of India’s population, the distribution of fortified deficiency: There is no direct link between anaemia
rice through public safety nets like PDS, ICDS, PM- and iron deficiency. Anaemia is high among poor
POSHAN can help in reducing micronutrient children in rural areas but iron deficiency is more
deficiencies. among urban and rich across the country.
• Noon meal scheme in Gujarat: Micronutrient • High cost on subsidy: Fortification will increase the
fortified rice intervention for school children as part of cost of food delivered through public distribution
Mid-day meal scheme, found increased haemoglobin networks, putting burden on government finances.
concentration, 10% reduction in anaemia prevalence • Impact on small industries: Fortification creates a
and improved average cognitive scores. market driven solution for a social problem of
• Fortification of salt with iodine: Iodine deficiency is a malnutrition. In absence of parity of opportunity for
public health problem causing goitre and thyroid small and medium sized industry, their livelihoods can
problem. Iodized salt is widely available and has helped get threatened.
to significantly reduce the incidence of iodine • Costs involved: Although government is ready to give
deficiency. incentives to medium and large rice millers for
ISSUES WITH FORTIFICATION fortification of rice, the process itself is expensive and
• Fragmented approach to malnutrition: Malnutrition prohibitive for small players. An indicative cost of
in India is a multidimensional issue involving calorie

setting up rice fortification infrastructure for a Geographical Indications that have been registered. The
medium-sized mill is Rs 3.2 crore. unique features of the products, imparted by the agro-
SUGGESTIONS climatic conditions of the geographical area of their
production, are the basis for getting Geographical Indication
• A balanced, diverse and quality diet will be a better
tag.
option to meet nutritional requirements. National
Institute of Nutrition has recommended that a diverse ABOUT GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS
natural diet is required to meet normal population • Geographical Indications of Goods are defined as that
need of micronutrients in its ‘Nutrient Requirements of aspect of industrial property which refer to the
Indians’ released in 2020. geographical indication referring to a country or to a
• Less processed or unpolished rice: should be place situated therein as being the country or place of
encouraged specially in the Public Distribution System. origin of that product.
Less processed or unpolished rice are rich source of • Under Paris Convention for Protection of Industrial
rice bran having many micronutrients. Property, geographical indications are covered as an
• Nutrition rich processed food: Local farmers can element of IPRs.
supply nutritionally rich raw materials to micro, small • Geographical Indications are also covered under Trade
and medium processors for food-to-food fortificants Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS)
such as syrups, biscuits, porridge, powders, pudding Agreement, which was part of Agreement concluding
etc. Food fortificants greatly improve nutrition, while Uruguay Round of GATT negotiations.
supporting local livelihoods. • India, as a member of WTO, enacted the Geographical
• Natural breast feeding with proper latching Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act,
techniques can improve nutrition deficiency in critical 1999. This Act came into effect in 2003. Geographical
first 1,000 days. indication is for a period of 10 years but may be
• Organic farming technique naturally increases renewed from time to time on payment of renewal fee.
nutritional content of food and increases absorption in • Geographical Indication focuses:
the body.
o Place of origin of the product
• Nutri-gardens: Several studies have highlighted the
o Qualities, characteristics or reputation of the
importance of nutri-gardens or kitchen gardens.
Vegetables grown there organically increase nutritional product should be essentially due to the place of
levels in the food. origin.
• Mid-day Meal program and other school meal o There is a clear link between the product and its
programs should enhance dietary diversity - adding original place of production.
animal and plant protein like eggs, dairy, pulses along o Geographical indications are typically used for
with vegetables and fruit. agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirit
drinks, handicrafts, and industrial products.
PRODUCTS RECEIVING GI TAG FROM KERALA
FIVE AGRICULTURAL 1. ATTAPPADY ATTUKOMBU AVARA (BEANS)
PRODUCTS GET GI TAG • Grown in Attappady region of Kerala.
#IPR • Has higher anthocyanin content compared to other

beans which produces a violet colour in the stem and
fruits.
Five agricultural products of Kerala have been granted
o Anthocyanins are coloured water-soluble pigments
Geographical Indication (GI) status. Attappady Attukombu
belonging to Phenolic group.
Avara (beans), Attappady Thuvara (red gram), Onattukara
Ellu (sesame), Kanthalloor-Vattavada Veluthulli (garlic), and o Anthocyanin leads to red, blue or purple colour in
Kodungalloor Pottuvellari (snap melon) are the latest fruits & vegetables.

o Higher phenol content of Attapady Attukombu • Oxidative stress can damage the body’s cells, leading
Avara provides resistance to diseases and pests, to a range of diseases and causes symptoms of aging,
making the crop suitable for organic cultivation. such as wrinkles.
• Contents of calcium, protein & fiber content are high. • Free Radicals have short lifespan but can damage DNA
2. Attappady Thuvara (Red Gram) sequence and a greater number of free radicals can
• Seeds has white coat compared to other grams lead to various diseases including cancer.
• Seeds are larger and have a higher seed weight • Antioxidants fight free radicals and reduce oxidative
stress in the body. Antioxidants are found in vegetables
• Rich in protein, carbohydrates, fiber, calcium and
and fruits. Even several vitamins, such as vitamins E
magnesium
and C, are effective antioxidants.
3. Onattukara Ellu (sesame)
SATURATED & UNSATURATED FATS
• Its oil is known for its unique health benefits. Relatively
• Saturated fats have single bonds between their
higher antioxidant content in Onattukara Ellu helps
molecules and are saturated with hydrogen molecules.
fight free radicals, which destroy the body cells.
They tend to be solid at room temperature.
• Free radicals are highly reactive and unstable
• Unsaturated fats contain one or more double or
molecules that are made by the body naturally as a by-
triple bonds between the molecules. These fats are
product of normal metabolism
liquid at room temperature in oil form. They also occur
• Its high content of unsaturated fat makes it beneficial in solid foods.
for heart patients. Unsaturated fats are generally liquid
• Two types of Unsaturated fats: Monounsaturated fats
at room temperature
& Polyunsaturated fats.
4. Kanthalloor-Vattavada Veluthulli (garlic)
• Polyunsaturated fats have more than one carbon
• Garlic from Kanthalloor-Vattavada area in Idukki bond in their structure, known as a double bond, while
contains more sulphides, flavonoids and proteins. monounsaturated fats have a single carbon bond.
• It is rich in allicin, which is effective against microbial • The body does not by itself produces polyunsaturated
infections, blood sugar, cancer, cholesterol, heart fats and needs to be obtained from foods.
disease and damage to blood vessels. • Two main types of polyunsaturated fats: Omega-3
• Allicin is a compound which helps to reduce and Omega-6 fatty acids. The body needs both for
inflammation and blocks free radicals. Allicin is one of brain function and cell growth.
the main active components of garlic and what gives it

its distinct taste and scent.
DARK PATTERNS
• Garlic grown in this area is also rich in essential oil.
#ICT
5. Kodungalloor Pottuvellari (snap melon)
• Grown in Kodungalloor and parts of Ernakulam is
consumed as juice and in other forms. • Dark patterns are ‘user interface design choices’ that
• Melon is harvested in the summer, is an excellent thirst manipulate the data subject’s decision-making
process in a way detrimental to his or her privacy and
quencher and is high in vitamin C.
beneficial to the service provider.
• Contains nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, fibre
• Internet-based firms have been tricking users into
and fat
agreeing to certain conditions or clicking a few links.
FREE RADICALS & ANTIOXIDANTS
Unsuspecting users would not have accepted to such
• When oxygen molecules split into single atoms that terms or clicked URLs (uniform resource locator) if tech
have unpaired electrons, they become unstable free firms did not deploy deceptive tactics.
radicals that seek other atoms or molecules to bond to. • Dark patterns confuse users, introduce online
If this continues to happen, it begins a process called obstacles, make simple tasks time-consuming, have
oxidative stress. users sign up for unwanted services/products, and

force them to pay more money or share more personal encryption, user data will be protected even in case data is
information than they intended. breached in the cloud.
• Dark patterns differ from other marketing However, government agencies are not happy with the
strategies. Marketing strategies focuses on users’ development. The FBI said that while it remains a strong
preferences. Dark pattern’s objective is to make advocate of encryption, it is deeply concerned with the threat
consumers disregard their own preferences and act in that end-to-end encryption and user-only access poses. The
a manner inconsistent with them. They are designed to agency insisted they hinder its ability to protect Americans
be manipulative rather than persuasive, to encourage from cyber-attacks, violence against children, and terrorism.
users to make decisions they would not have made if END-TO-END ENCRYPTION
not for their influence. This is in sharp contrast to
• End-to-end encryption is a communication process that
persuasive marketing efforts that influence users to
encrypts data being shared between two devices. It
revise their preferences.
prevents third parties like cloud service providers,
RATIONAL FOR USE OF DARK PATTERNS internet service providers (ISPs) and cybercriminals
• Social media companies and Big Tech firms such as from accessing data while it is being transferred.
Apple, Amazon, Skype, Facebook, LinkedIn, Microsoft, • Process of end-to-end encryption uses an algorithm
and Google use dark or deceptive patterns to that transforms standard text into an unreadable
downgrade the user experience to their advantage. format. This format can only be unscrambled and read
• In U.S., Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken note by those with the decryption keys, which are only
of dark patterns and the risks they pose. FTC listed over stored on endpoints and not with any third parties
30 dark patterns, many of which are considered including companies providing the service.
standard practice across social media platforms and e- • End-to-end encryption has long been used when
commerce sites. transferring business documents, financial details,
• These include: legal proceedings, and personal conversations. It can
o Baseless countdowns for online deals also be used to control users’ authorisation when
accessing stored data, which seems to be what Apple
o Conditions in fine print that add on to costs
intends to do.
o Pre-checked boxes
APPLICATION OF END-TO-END ENCRYPTION
o Making it almost impossible to cancel or delete an
End-to-end encryption is used to secure communications.
account
Some popular instant-messaging apps that use it are
o Making ads appear as news reports or celebrity Signal, WhatsApp, iMessage, and Google messages. It is
endorsements also used to secure passwords, protect stored data and
o Auto-playing videos safeguard data on cloud storage.
o Forcing users to create accounts to finish a RATIONALE FOR USING END-TO-END ENCRYPTION
transaction • Apple in its report “Rising Threat to Consumer Data in
o Silently charging credit cards after free trials end. the Cloud,” highlighted that total number of data
o Using dull colours to hide information that users breaches more than tripled between 2013 and 2021.
should know about. Data of 1.1 billion personal records were exposed in
2021 alone.
• Extra layer of protection would be valuable to targets
END TO END ENCRYPTION of hacking attacks launched by well-funded.
#ICT • Enables secure data storage and secure data transfer
services.
• Secures users’ data from snooping by government
APPLE announced that it will be increasing the number of
agencies.
data points protected by end-to-end encryption on iCloud
from 14 to 23 categories. APPLE claimed that with end-to-end

BENEFITS OF USER’S DATA • Ease of administration: Does not require trained

• User data is protected from unwarranted parties health care workers.
including service providers, cloud storage providers, • Elimination of needle: Associated risks (injuries and
and companies that manage encrypted data. infections).
• End-to-end encrypted data can only be decrypted by • High compliance: Ideally suits for children’s and
trusted devices where users are signed in by their adults.
secured passwords. No one else can access the data. • Scalable manufacturing: Able to meet global
• Remains secure even in the case of a data breach in the demand.
cloud storage. • No need for refrigeration: The vaccine can be easily
stored and distributed at 2-8oC. This will lead to lower
INTRA NASAL VACCINE costs and easy distribution as no cold chains will be
required.
#BIOTECHNOLOGY ADENOVIRUS
• Adenoviruses are considered as excellent vectors for
Bharat Biotech has developed a nasal vaccine named delivering target antigens to mammalian hosts
iNCOVACC (Also known as BBV154) which is world’s first because of their capability to induce both innate and
intranasal vaccine for COVID-19. It is a novel adenovirus adaptive immune responses.
vectored, intranasal vaccine for COVID-19. • Adenoviruses are non-enveloped, double-stranded
ATTRIBUTES OF INTRA NASAL COVID VACCINE: DNA viruses.
• Broad Immune Response: An intranasal vaccine • In humans, adenoviruses generally cause mild
stimulates a broad immune response – neutralizing respiratory and gastrointestinal tract infections.
IgG, mucosal IgA, and T cell responses. However, in immunocompromised people, or people
with pre-existing respiratory or cardiac disorders
• Immune responses at site of infection (in nasal
adenovirus can have serious consequences.
mucosa): Essential for blocking both infection and
transmission of COVID-19. Nasal route has excellent • Reasons for using Adenovirus in vaccines:
potential for vaccination due to organized immune • Large sized and have a well characterized genome
systems of nasal mucosa. • Easy to manipulate genetically
• Non-invasive: Needle-free administration. • Safe and cause very few side-effects
MRNA VACCINES • The vaccine transfects molecules of synthetic RNA into

• mRNA vaccine is a type of vaccine that uses a copy of immunity cells. Once inside the immune cells, the
messenger RNA (mRNA) to produce an immune vaccine's RNA functions as mRNA, causing the cells to
response.

build the foreign protein that would normally be • COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer-BioNTech and another
produced by a pathogen. developed by Moderna are mRNA vaccines.
• These protein molecules stimulate an adaptive DIFFERENCES:
immune response which teaches body how to identify 1. DNA is much easy to prepare in laboratory. DNA based
and destroy corresponding pathogen or cancer cells. vaccine will be around 10 times cheaper.
• Delivery of mRNA is achieved by a co-formulation of the 2. DNA must enter the nucleus of the cell to produce the
molecule into lipid nanoparticles which protect the RNA spike protein. m-RNA based vaccine uses Ribosome in
strands and helps their absorption into the cells. the cytoplasm to produce the spike protein. So since in
ADVANTAGES OF MRNA VACCINES case of DNA vaccine, entry into nucleus is required,
• Non-infectious: As mRNA vaccines are not developed safety concerns are more.
from an active pathogen or an inactivated pathogen,
they are non-infectious.
• Can be produced faster and cheaper as compared to
CERVICAL CANCER
conventional vaccines. #Health #Vaccination
• Can be produced with fewer error rates.
• Replication mechanism can amplify antigen India is expected to roll out indigenously developed CERVAVAC
translation, decreasing the amount of starting vaccine for prevention of cervical cancer among girls aged 9-
material needed. 14 years through their schools by mid-2023.
• mRNA vaccines produce a reliable immune response ABOUT CERVICAL CANCER
and have few side effects.
• Cervical cancer ranks as 2nd most prevalent cancer
RISKS OF MRNA VACCINE in India; accounts for nearly one-fourth of world’s
• Can lead to inflammation and autoimmune issues. cervical cancer deaths, despite being largely
• Risk of unknown effects, both short and longer-term as preventable.
mRNA vaccines are new. • Current estimates indicate that every year
• mRNA is very fragile and thus they must be kept at approximately 1.25 lakhs women are diagnosed with
incredibly low temperatures to avoid degrading. cervical cancer, and over 75 thousand die in India.
COMPARISON OF M-RNA AND DNA VACCINE • 83% of invasive cervical cancers are attributed to
SIMILARITIES: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection in India, and
• Both vaccines deliver the message to cell to create 70% of cases worldwide.
desired protein so the immune system creates a • HPV types 16 and 18 (HPV-16 and HPV-18) together
response against this protein. contribute to approximately 70% of all invasive cervical
• Both produce a specific portion of the virus - spike cancer cases worldwide. HPV types 16 and 18 are
protein in case of coronavirus. frequently associated with invasive cervical cancer than
• Both are laboratory-made structures and not obtained other types. This indicates that HPV types 16 and 18 are
from the actual virus. more carcinogenic than other HPV types.
• Both are being touted for their cost effectiveness and • Most promising intervention for preventing cervical
ability to be developed more quickly than traditional, cancer is vaccination against human papillomavirus.
protein vaccines. Traditional vaccines often rely on • CERVAVAC is India’s first indigenously developed
actual viruses or viral proteins grown in eggs or cells quadrivalent human papillomavirus (qHPV) vaccine
and can take years and years to develop. that is said to be effective against four strains of the
• Both can theoretically be made more readily available virus - Type 6, Type 11, Type 16 and Type 18.
because they rely on genetic code–not a live virus or
• CERVAVAC is based on VLP (Virus-Like Particles), like
bacteria. This also makes them cheaper to produce.
Hepatitis B vaccination.

VIRUS-LIKE PARTICLES (VLP) VACCINE used VLP vaccine. In the HPV vaccine, VLPs are formed
• Virus-like particles are molecules that mimic viruses by main capsid protein, L1, which is the protein found
but are not infectious. They are a highly effective way on the casing of the germ.
of creating vaccines against diseases like human • The particle radius of virus-like particles ranges from 20
papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B, malaria etc. to 200 nm. VLPs have been demonstrated to penetrate
Working of VLP vaccines lymph nodes in less than 10 minutes, which indicates
• A virus-like particle is not infectious because it does not that they can quickly reach lymph nodes, where the
contain any viral genetic material. As they are like real immune system is activated in the event of an infection.
viral molecules, introducing a VLP into the body will • Antigen-presenting cells (APCs), which transmit
trigger an immune response, but a person will not disease particles to lymphocytes so that the immune
experience any symptoms of the virus they are being system will detect them in the case of an infection, can
vaccinated against. also take on VLPs because of their small size. VLPs can
be destroyed and a T-cell response triggered once an
APC has taken them on. The body's immunological
response to infection includes T cells.
• Vaccines based on nanoparticles: Advantages of

these nanoparticle-based vaccines are that they are
believed to possess high specificity, are very efficient,
and have good pharmacokinetic characteristics.
Nanoparticle-based VLP vaccines may eliminate the
need for vaccines to be injected and could potentially
be given in intranasal vaccines or inhalers.
BENEFITS OF A VLP VACCINE
• Once the body has had an immune response to the • VLP vaccines benefit from the VLP’s ability to present
VLP, it will recognize the virus and prevent infection in antigens in a repetitive manner, which allows for the
the future, giving people immunity to that virus. cross-linking of B cell receptors (BCRs).
• One or more structural proteins that can be stacked in • Strong immune response: VLPs have repetitive
different layers make up a VLP. They may include an surface patterns and a particulate structure that
outer lipid envelope, the top covering that many triggers strong immune responses and helps a person
different viruses utilise to protect themselves. The virus build up good immunity to a disease.
particle's genetic content is shielded by its outer coat.
• Enhanced Safety: Very safe, both for the person being
Some viruses can evade immune system detection by
vaccinated and for the people producing and
hiding in envelopes that contain components from the
administering the vaccines as there is no viable viral
person who has been exposed to the virus.
material in virus-like particle, meaning that the people
• Creating a VLP vaccine can use bacterial, yeast, insect,
producing vaccines could not contract the virus
or mammalian cells.
themselves. This means that anyone administering the
• Although VLP vaccines are recombinant vaccines, they vaccine will not contract the virus if they are exposed to
have the effectiveness of live-attenuated vaccinations.
the particles.
The immune system selectively targets a specific
• VLPs are not able to replicate, which makes them safer
portion of the germ in recombinant vaccinations.
than attenuated vaccines in some respects
• Human papilloma virus vaccine (also called a cervical
cancer vaccine), which is first offered to girls and boys • VLP offer protection against viral mutation: As
between the age of 12 and 13, is one type of commonly viruses are prone to mutation which makes previous

vaccines ineffective overtime. VLPs are a promising surface using its radar between 78°N latitude and 78°S
option to combat this issue. This is because the surface latitude every 21 days.
proteins of a VLP can be modelled to fight against a • Monitor water levels of different ocean features at a
specific combination of proteins on a novel version of resolution ten times that of current technologies. It will
a virus. provide data on more than 95% of world’s lakes larger
than 15 acres (62,500 square meters) and rivers wider
FIRST GLOBAL SURFACE than 330 feet (100 meters) across.
• NASA is lead sponsor of the mission, along with French
WATER SURVEY SATELLITE Space Agency (CNES) in partnership with Canadian
Space Agency (CSA) and UK Space Agency (UKSA).
#Physics
SIGNIFICANCE
• Provide a deeper understanding of water covering the
Recently, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched the Surface
planet Earth and how climate change affects the
Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite, an
oceans and life on Earth.
internationally developed mission to conduct the first global
survey of Earth’s surface water. • More precise monitoring of rising sea levels on Earth
and enhance ocean-circulation models.
SURFACE WATER AND OCEAN TOPOGRAPHY
SATELLITE • Monitor impending droughts & aid in managing limited
supplies of freshwater in drought-stricken areas.
• Launched by NASA by Falcon 9 rocket of SpaceX.
• Analyse how oceans absorb atmospheric heat &
• SWOT satellite incorporates advanced microwave
carbon dioxide in natural processes moderating global
radar technology with a three-year primary mission to
temperatures & climate change. Hence, it will improve
observe almost all the water on Earth’s surface and
accuracy of climate, weather and flood forecasts.
determine 90% of water levels by scanning Earth’s
HOW WAS WATER LEVEL SURVEYED BEFORE SWOT? was used that used nadir or straight-down, altimetry to
• Before the launch of the SWOT satellite, the measure sea surface height.
conventional method of measuring sea surface height

• This method involves sending a series of laser or radar • Risk of casualties: Rocket disintegrates as it falls. As
pulses to the surface. The time taken for the signals to smaller pieces fan out, potential radius of impact
return to the satellite is measured, revealing the increases on ground. Some pieces burn up entirely
distance to surface features. while others do not, and hence, debris can be deadly if
it drops on the land because of the speed at which it is
travelling. E.g., Debris from a Russian rocket in 2018
UNCONTROLLED RE-ENTRY and China’s Long March 5B rockets in 2020 and 2022
OF SATELLITES stroke parts of Indonesia, Peru, India and Ivory Coast.

• Risk of contamination: If re-entering stages still hold
#Physics #Space Technology fuel, there is a risk of atmospheric and terrestrial
chemical contamination. E.g., Parts of a SpaceX Falcon
9 that fell in Indonesia in 2016 included two
An open letter was published by the Outer Space Institute
“refrigerator-sized fuel tanks”.
(OSI) calling for both National and multilateral efforts to
• Kessler Syndrome: Uncontrolled re-entry of satellites
restrict uncontrolled re-entries of satellites.
can contribute to space debris, as it can generate
STAGES OF A ROCKET LAUNCH additional debris that remains in orbit and poses a risk
• Rockets have multiple stages. Once a stage has to other satellites, astronauts and space missions.
increased the rocket’s altitude and velocity by a certain • Lack of binding agreement: There is no international
amount, the rocket sheds it. binding agreement to ensure rocket stages always
• Some rockets jettison (drop) all their larger stages perform controlled re-entries nor on technologies with
before reaching the destination orbit; a smaller engine which to do so.
then moves the payload to its final orbit. o UN Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines (2010)
• Others carry the payload to the orbit and then perform recommend that re-entering spacecraft not pose ‘an
a deorbit manoeuvre to begin their descent. In both undue risk to people or property’, but do not define
cases, rocket stages come back down — in controlled what is an ‘undue risk’. This is because the level of
or uncontrolled ways. risk depends on a variety of factors, including the
size and mass of the spacecraft, the altitude and
speed at which it is re-entering the atmosphere, and
the location of the re-entry.
o UN Guidelines for the Long-term Sustainability
of Outer Space Activities (2018) call on
governments to address risks associated with
uncontrolled re-entry of space objects. However,
they do not specify how governments should
address these risks.
o There is no binding treaty that addresses rocket
body re-entries, apart from 1972 Liability
Convention, which mandates that a launching State
UNCONTROLLED RE-ENTRY shall be liable to pay compensation for damage
Uncontrolled re-entry is the phenomenon of rocket parts caused by its space object on surface of earth or to
falling back to earth in an unguided fashion once their aircraft in flight. However, the convention requires
missions are complete. Herein, the path of the rocket countries to pay for damages, not prevent them.
downwards is determined by its shape, angle of descent, WAY FORWARD
air currents and other characteristics. • Proper disposal: Satellites should be disposed of in a
CONCERNS FROM UNCONTROLLED RE-ENTRY controlled manner, such as by deorbiting them into a

designated "graveyard" orbit at the end of their useful • Fusion ignition also means scientific energy breakeven,
life, rather than leaving them in an active orbit. E.g., meaning it produced more energy from fusion that
India’s 300-kg RISAT-2 satellite was tracked by ISRO, laser energy used to drive it.
with eventual landing into Indian Ocean. • NIF produced 3.15 megajoules (MJ) of fusion energy
• Robust design and testing: Develop & implement output using 2.05 MJ of laser energy delivered to the
technical standards and best practices for design, target, demonstrating the fundamental science basis
construction and operation of spacecraft, to ensure for inertial fusion energy.
that they can withstand stresses of launch & operation ABOUT NUCLEAR FUSION
and that they are less likely to break up or malfunction • Nuclear fusion is defined as the combining of several
during re-entry. E.g., Development of smaller satellites small nuclei into one large nucleus with subsequent
which are likelier to burn up during re-entry. release of huge amounts of energy. It is opposite of
• Orbit monitoring and prediction: Governments and fission reaction, where heavy isotopes are split apart.
space agencies can establish procedures for Both fission and fusion reactions produce energy
monitoring the orbits of space objects and predicting without leading to greenhouse gases. Fusion has very
when they are likely to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere low radiation risk as compared to nuclear fusion.
so that appropriate measures can be taken to minimise • Also, by products of nuclear fission are also radioactive
the risks. E.g., For the re-entry of satellites, aim for an which needs proper disposal of waste material.
ocean to avoid human casualties. However, end products of nuclear fusion are Helium
and other atoms such as Tritium (isotope of Hydrogen).
• Space traffic management: Implementing a
These are safer.
comprehensive space traffic management system can
help to prevent collisions between satellites and other • Fusion reactors need a lot of activation energy and
temperatures (like that existing at the core of the sun).
objects in space, which can reduce the risk of
This is not the case with fission.
uncontrolled re-entry.
• Energy produced in Nuclear Fusion is much more than
• International cooperation: Governments and space
Nuclear Fission.
agencies can work together internationally to share
information and resources and coordinate their efforts • Harnessing fusion, the process that powers the Sun,
could provide a limitless, clean energy source. In the
to address the risks of uncontrolled re-entry.
sun, extreme pressure produced by its immense
gravity creates the conditions for fusion to happen.
NET ENERGY GAIN IN • Fusion reactions take place in a state of matter called
plasma. Plasma is a hot, charged gas made of positive
NUCLEAR FUSION ions & free-moving electrons that has unique
properties distinct from solids, liquids and gases. At
#Nuclear physics high temperatures, electrons are ripped from atom’s
nuclei and become plasma or an ionised state of
matter. Plasma is also known as fourth state of matter.
Scientists in USA’s National Ignition Facility (NIF) at
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), California, • Barrier height for two protons is ~ 400 keV, higher for
have for first time, achieved a net gain in energy from a nuclei with higher charges. We can estimate the
nuclear fusion reaction, seen as a big step forward to master temperature at which two protons in a proton gas
would (averagely) have enough energy to overcome
a technology that is considered the most dependable source
coulomb barrier: (3/2) kT = KeV 400 keV, which gives T
of energy in future.
~ 3 × 109 K. Interior of the sun has a temperature of
NATIONAL IGNITION FACILITY
1.5×107 K.
• National Ignition Facility announced achievement of MECHANISMS OF CONTROLLED NUCLEAR FUSION
fusion ignition, which is a major scientific breakthrough
• MAGNETIC CONFINEMENT: It uses a magnetic field to
for clean energy and national defence.
form a barrier between the hot fuel and the wall of the

reactor. Electric charges on ions and electrons prevent minimising rural-urban divide and balanced region
them from moving directly across a magnetic field, so growth.
the overall motion is a spiral line (a helix) along the • Limited risk of proliferation: Fusion does not employ
direction of field. This is called magnetic confinement.
fissile materials like uranium and plutonium
Ex. ITER is an example of this.
(Radioactive tritium is neither a fissile nor a fissionable
material). Thus, difficult to build nuclear weapons.
• No risk of meltdown: It is difficult to reach and
maintain the precise conditions necessary for fusion—
if any disturbance occurs, the plasma cools within
seconds and the reaction stops.
• International relation: India is part of International
Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER)
Assembly. The ITER members include China, European
Union, India, Japan, South Korea, Russia and United
• INERTIAL CONFINEMENT FUSION: Based on same States.
principle as hydrogen bomb. Fuel is compressed and INDIA’S INITIATIVE IN FUSION ENERGY
heated so quickly that it reaches the conditions for
• In 1955, during the first ‘Atoms for Peace’ meeting in
fusion and burns before it has time to escape. The
Geneva, Homi J. Bhabha saw a future in energy coming
inertia of the fuel keeps it from escaping, hence the
from thermonuclear fusion.
name inertial confinement fusion. Ex. National Ignition
Facility built at Livermore is an example of it. • Institute for Plasma Research (IPR) in Gandhinagar &
Hot Plasma Project at Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics,
SIGNIFICANCE OF NUCLEAR FUSION
Kolkata took lead in nuclear fusion research in India.
• Enormous amount of energy: Releases nearly 10
• Institute for Plasma Research owns two operational
million times more energy than a chemical reaction
tokamaks: (i) ADITYA (ii) Steady-State Tokamak (SST)-1.
such as the burning of coal, oil or gas and four times as
much as nuclear fission reactions, at equal mass. • ADITYA Tokamak: First indigenously designed and
built tokamak in India. Operating since 1989 and was
• Environmentally friendly: As technology does not
able to sustain a plasma temperature for 0.4 seconds.
lead to any greenhouse gas emission. Its major by-
In 2016, the tokamak was upgraded, and it has been in
product is helium: an inert, non-toxic gas.
the experimental phase since then.
• Sustainable supply of fuel: Fusion fuels are widely
• Steady State Tokamak-1 (SST-1): It is under design
available and nearly inexhaustible. Deuterium can be
and fabrication at Institute of Plasma Research. The
distilled from all forms of water, while tritium will be
objectives are a) Studying physics of plasma processes
produced during fusion reaction as fusion neutrons
in tokamak under steady-state
interact with lithium.
conditions, b) Learning technologies related to the
• No radioactive waste: Nuclear fusion reactors steady-state operation of the tokamak.
produce no high activity, long-lived nuclear waste.
• In 2005, India became a member of the ITER project
• Encourage space exploration: Ex. mineral mining and
o Institute for Plasma Research in Ahmedabad, which
prospecting for He-3.
is part of Department of Atomic Energy, is the Indian
• Diffusion of Innovation: In terms of better material side's lead institution participating in the project.
design, control systems, encouragement to semi-
o India is building several components of ITER reactor,
conductor manufacturing, cooling design,
conducting a number of experiments R&D activities
development of nanotechnology etc.
relevant to the project as a member country.
• Social justice: Nuclear fusion will bring abundant
supply of electricity resulting, rural electrification,

SPACE SENSORS TO HELP

o India has delivered the project with cryostats, in-wall
shielding, cooling water systems, cryogenic systems,
ion-cyclotron RF heating systems, electron cyclotron
RF heating systems, diagnostic neutral beam
DETECT METHANE
systems, and power supply. #Space
STREPTOCOCCUS (STREP A) • Observations from the Earth Surface Mineral Dust

Source Investigation (EMIT) and other NASA science
#Health instruments will be part of a global survey of point-
source emissions of methane from solid waste sites
such as landfills. It is being developed and conducted
There is a recent spread of severe Strep A infections in U.K.
by the non-profit Carbon Mapper organization.
which has resulted in the deaths of several children.
• In the remote-sensing survey in 2023, the researchers
STREP A
will use aircraft-based sensors, including the Airborne
• Strep A or Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a bacterium Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer-Next
found in the throat and on the skin. Generation (AVIRIS-NG), developed by NASA’s and
• The bacteria can cause a wide variety of skin, soft tissue Arizona State University’s Global Airborne Observatory
and respiratory tract infections including tonsillitis, which uses JPL-built imaging spectrometer.
sore throat, scarlet fever, impetigo, cellulitis and • The aim of the new initiative is to establish a baseline
pneumonia etc. assessment of global waste sites that emit methane at
• Spread by close contact between individuals, through high rates. A comprehensive understanding of high-
respiratory droplets & direct skin contact. emission point sources from waste sites is a critical
• Though harmless, in rare circumstances, the bacterium step to mitigating the sites and limit climate change.
produces a toxin that can gain access to the ABOUT METHANE
bloodstream and cause really serious illness. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, the source of
• Antibiotics are usually effective at treating Strep A or roughly a quarter to a third of global warming caused by
GAS infections. Currently, there is no vaccine available humans. Methane produced by the waste sector
to prevent them. contributes an estimated 20% of human-caused methane
emissions. Methane is more than 80 times more potent
than carbon dioxide in trapping heat in the atmosphere.
practice questions
MCQs
Q.1) Consider the following statements: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only
1. ITER is experimenting to generate net energy from (c) 3 only (d) 1 and 3 only
fusion of isotopes of helium.
2. A nuclear fusion reaction generates 100 times as Q.2) Consider the following statements:
much energy as nuclear fission reaction. 1. Cervical cancer, common among girls, is caused by
3. Presently nuclear fusion energy is not used double-stranded DNA based human
anywhere in the world for commercial purposes. papillomavirus.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 2. Vaccine exists for cervical cancer.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? celebrity endorsements. Credit cards are
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only silently charged after free trials end. It is also
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 common to use dull colours to hide
information that users should know about.
Q.3) With reference to intra nasal vaccine Which one of the following terms best applies
developed by Bharat biotech, consider the to the above scenario?
following statements: (a) Marketing strategies tech companies
1. It will provide broad spectrum immunity. (b) Dark patterns
2. It can mitigate the transmission of corona virus. (c) Social Media Algorithms
3. It can be used as a heterologous booster dose. (d) Virtual Private Network
4. It is a whole inactivated virus-based COVID-19
vaccine Q.5) Consider the following statements with
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? reference to Geographical Indication (GI) tag:
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 2 and 3 only 1. The Geographical Indication tag in India is issued
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 by the Ministry of Finance.
2. The tag assures that no other producer can misuse
Q.4) While using online platforms you observe the name to market similar products.
countdowns for online deals, pre-checked 3. The registration of a geographical indication is
boxes, auto-playing videos among other valid for a period of 5 years.
features. Sometimes you also feel that it is Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
almost impossible to cancel or delete an (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only
account. Ads appear as news reports or (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Q1. Food fortification is being pitched as an ideal solution for address India’s malnutrition problem. Discuss how food
fortification will help address the issue of malnutrition in India. Also, highlight the challenges with food fortification.
Answers: 1-c, 2-c, 3-d, 4-b, 5-b

History, HERITAGE & Culture
# GS Paper (Prelims) & GS Paper I (Main)
ENCROACHMENTS
• Action is initiated under Public Premises (Eviction of
Unauthorised occupants) Act, 1971, wherever
AROUND CENTRALLY applicable.

• Non-compliance with Show Cause Notice is followed by
PROTECTED MONUMENTS demolition order to offender and District
Collector/Magistrate to cause removal of such
#Art&Culture encroachment within a specified period. In certain
specific cases, ASI also files litigation against the
356 heritage structures which are protected by the ASI have encroachers before the Court of Law.
encroachments across the country, Tourism and Culture NATIONAL MONUMENTS AUTHORITY
Minister Kishan Reddy told the Rajya Sabha. Highest number • National Monuments Authority (NMA) is a statutory
of such sites are in Uttar Pradesh followed by Tamil Nadu. body under Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
India has a total of 3,695 Centrally Protected Monuments or
• It has been set up as per provisions of Ancient
Sites in the country, under the protection of the
Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains or
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). ASI officials are
AMASR Act, 1958 (amended in 2010).
conducting regular inspections to end encroachments.
FUNCTIONS OF NMA
REASONS BEHIND ENCROACHMENTS
• Protection and preservation of monuments and sites
• Rapid urbanisation of Indian cities (poor urban through management of the prohibited and regulated
planning) area around the centrally protected monuments.
• Rising number of slums around the protected sites. • To consider grant of permissions to applicants for
• Increasing pressure on land (more population over construction-related activity in the prohibited and
limited land) regulated area.
• Commercialisation of land around the protected areas • To categorize all protected monuments and protected
(presence of land mafias) areas declared as of National importance as per AMASR
act 1958.
• Presence of public offices (e.g., Allahabad fort has a
• To balance the needs of individuals and growth and
defence presence)
development and requirements of preservation and
• Leniency in public actions on the encroachments.
protection of these monuments.
• Popular politics during the elections. • Make recommendations to Central Government for
PROCESS OF IDENTIFICATION OF AN ENCROACHED grading and classifying protected monuments and
SITE protected areas.
• When an encroachment is noticed by field office of ANCIENT MONUMENTS AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES
Archaeological Survey of India, FIR is lodged with the AND REMAINS ACT, 1958
local police followed by Show Cause Notice by • Preservation of historical monuments and
Archaeological Survey of India to the offender. archaeological sites and remains of national

History, Heritage & Culture
importance (Monuments over 100 years old are • Though set up by the Government, the Akademi
protected under the Act). functions as an autonomous organisation.
• Protection of sculptures, carvings, and other similar • It was registered as a society in 1956, under the
objects. Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• Regulation of archaeological excavations. • Languages: Besides the 22 languages enumerated in
• Authorization: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) the Constitution of India, the Sahitya Akademi has
functions under this act. recognised English and Rajasthani as languages in
which its programme may be implemented. Thus, total
Amendments in 2010:
24 languages.
• Strengthened penal provisions, to prevent
HISTORY OF SAHITYA AKADEMI
encroachments and illegal construction close to
monuments – which was happening on a large scale. • In 1944, Government of India accepted in principle a
proposal of Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal that a
• Defines Prohibited area: One Hundred metres around
every national monument where no construction, National Cultural Trust should be set up to encourage
public or private is permitted. cultural activities in all fields. The trust was to consist of
three Academies, including the Academy of letters,
• Defines Regulated area: Two Hundred metres beyond
visual arts and performing arts.
the prohibited area, where any construction requires
permission of a newly constituted National • After freedom, a consensus emerged in favour of
Monuments Authority. establishing three National Academies one of letters,
New proposed amendments: another of visual arts and the third of dance, drama
and music.
• An Expert committee will decide on the extent of
prohibited and regulated areas around each • On the advice of Abul Kalam Azad, the union minister
monument and activities permitted herein. of education, institutions were to perform their
• ASI would be given enforcement powers, such as in the function as an autonomous institution.
Forest Act, which would empower it to act against those • SANGEET NATAK AKADEMI: Apex body in the field of
encroaching at protested sites. performing arts
• LALIT KALA AKADEMI: Apex body in the field of visual
SAHITYA AKADEMI arts

• SAHITYA AKADEMI: Apex body in the field of letters
AWARDS (literature)
#art&culture #literature • The Government of India decided to establish a

National Academy of letters to be called Sahitya
Akademi by its resolution in 1952 and formally
Sahitya Akademi has announced literary awards (2022) in 24
inaugurated by Government of India in 1954.
languages.
AWARDS GIVEN BY SAHITYA AKADEMI
ABOUT SAHITYA AKADEMI
• SAHITYA AKADEMI FELLOWSHIP: Highest honour
Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters, is
conferred by the Sahitya Akademi or a writer is by
the central institution for literary dialogue, publication
and promotion in the country and the only institution that electing him as its fellow. The fellowship is limited to 21
undertakes literary activities in 24 Indian languages, writers only at a given time.
including English. • ANNUAL SAHITYA AKADEMI AWARD: This is an award
OBJECTIVE OF SAHITYA AKADEMI given to the most outstanding original book by an
Indian author published in India, first published in any
• To work actively for development of Indian letters and
to set high literary standards, to foster and co-ordinate of the languages recognised by Sahitya Akademi during
literary activities in all Indian languages and to promote 5 years prior to the year, preceding the year of the
through them all cultural unity of the country. Award. (Translations are not eligible for this award).

Thus, each year 24 books are awarded, one under each status as Urdu and English in United Pakistan. Thus,
language. very early after the formation of United Pakistan a
• YUVA PURASKAR: It is a literary honour which Sahitya language movement in support of Bengali rocked
Akademi annually confers on young writers (less than Pakistan in 1948.
35 years of age) for outstanding works in 24 major • Unequal distribution of resources: Despite having a
Indian languages. (24 Awards are given out in all 24 larger population, West Pakistan dominated the
languages recognised by SAHITYA AKADEMI). country politically and received more money from the
common budget. East Pakistan was already poor at the
time of Pakistan’s creation yet this economic disparity
LIBERATION OF only increased after creation of Pakistan.
BANGLADESH • Political differences: Despite having

population, political power was dominated by West
higher
#post-independence history Pakistan. Bengalis were under-represented in the

government of Pakistan and ethnic tensions between
December 16 is celebrated as Vijay Divas (liberation of both. Bengali nationalist leader, Sheikh Mujibur
Bangladesh and India’s military victory over Pakistan in the Rehman, announced his six-point program for regional
1971 war). While it was a partition for Pakistan, it is taken as autonomy for East Pakistan and won landslide victory
a major military and diplomatic win for India. It was also in 1970 elections. He was not allowed to form the
biggest-ever military surrender after World War II. The event government; military was ordered to suppress
also saw birth of independent sovereign country of dissenters in East Pakistan. This was followed by a
Bangladesh. violent crackdown launched in March 1971 by West
Pakistan, led by Tikka Khan.
BACKGROUND
• Awami leaders fled to India to seek safety and there
• Partition of India under the Independence of India Act,
was a major influx of refugees to India.
1947 resulted into creation of two countries. One was
India and the second was Pakistan divided on religious • Indira Gandhi was vocal and appealed to international
lines. community for assistance in the crisis. India sponsored
Mukti Bahini and provided training in refugee camps
• East Bengal had more population as compared to West
to East Pakistani Bengali nationals.
Pakistan.
RATIONALE BEHIND INDIAN INTERVENTION
• Geographically Separation among two units:
Pakistan consisted of two divisions (between 1947- • Enemy nation on two frontiers was against India’s
1971), West Pakistan (Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan and strategic interest.
North-West Frontier Province) and East Pakistan (East • Major waves of refugees in Northeast India were
Bengal, , geographically separated by India in between. creating socio-economic-ethnic issues.
East Pakistanis were popularly known as "Pakistani • Poor connectivity, and having a hostile East Pakistan
Bengalis"; to distinguish this region from India's state hindered the growth of the north-eastern part of the
West Bengal (which is also known as "Indian Bengal"). country.
This meant that political elite of United Pakistan
• Humanitarian factors
needed to take larger responsibility and pursue
inclusion and accommodation, however, this was not • In December 1971 India defeated Pakistan and more
the case leading to partition. than 93000 Pakistani soldiers were arrested.
• Language controversy: Urdu was made the only CONSEQUENCE

federal language of united Pakistan. However, Urdu • Pakistan suffered a defeat and it lost half of its deprived
was the language of West Pakistan. Bengali the region.
language of East Pakistan was marginalised and 56% of • Bangladesh, the new nation, was created. Mujibur, who
population had Bengali as their language. People of became the first President of Bangladesh, was
East Pakistan felt alienated and demanded the same liberated by Pakistan.

• In 1972, the Shimla Agreement between India and • Once the mould is made, the wax model is melted and
Pakistan was signed, acknowledging the independence drained away.
of Bangladesh. • A hollow core can be created by introduction of a heat-
ABOUT SHIMLA AGREEMENT proof core that prevents molten metal from filling the
Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and President of mould.
Pakistan, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on 2nd July 1972 signed the • Common on every continent except Australia, lost-wax
Shimla Agreement to withdraw soldiers. They decided to method dates from 3rd millennium BC and has
abjure conflict and confrontation that had in the past sustained few changes since then.
marred relationships and to work towards the • Even Bronze Dancing girl of Indus Valley Civilisation was
establishment of permanent peace, friendship, and created using the same technique. Even during the
cooperation. Chola period, the Sculpture of Nataraja was also
IMPORTANT PROVISIONS OF AGREEMENT created using the same technique.
• Relations between two countries shall be regulated by
the principles and purposes of the United Nations
Charter.
NATRAJ SCULPTURE
• Resolve their differences by peaceful means. #medievalart #shaivism
• Commitment by both countries to peaceful
coexistence, respect for each other's territorial integrity Government of Tamil Nadu has stopped the auction of
and sovereignty, and non-interference in each other's Vijayanagar empire’s Nataraja artefacts
internal affairs, based on equality and mutual gain, is
CHOLA SCULPTURE & NATARAJ
the precondition for reconciliation, good
neighbourliness, and lasting peace between them. • Duration: Imperial Chola (9-13th century)
• Concept: Belongs to 5th century
DOKRA ART • Metal: Bronze

• Technique: Lost Wax
#tribalart #handicrafts
• Purpose: Single image Shiva's roles as creator,
preserver, and destroyer of Universe. It conveys the
Dokra is a tribal metal art that has gained prominence in
Indian conception of the never-ending cycle of time
recent years.
FEATURES OF NATARAJ STATUE
ABOUT DOKRA
• Regions: East and South Indian states especially • Shiva's dance is set within a flaming halo.
Chhattisgarh and Odisha. • God holds in his upper right hand Damaru (hand drum
• Artist: Mostly tribal communities that made the first sounds of creation)
• Metal used: Copper and Brass • His upper left-hand holds Agni (the fire that will destroy
• Technique: Metal casting by Lost Wax technique the universe).
• Duration: Almost a month for each artefact. • Lower right hand, he makes Abhay mudra (Gesture that
• Specialization: Human figures, Animal and Birds allays fear).
• History: 5000 yr. old technique • Dwarf-like figure being trampled by his right foot
• Adilabad Dokra has GI Tag. represents apasmara purusha (illusion, which leads
mankind astray).
ABOUT LOST WAX TECHNIQUE:
• Lost-wax process, also called cire-perdue, method • The energy of his dance makes his hair fly to the sides
of metal casting in which molten metal is poured into • The symbols imply that, through belief in Shiva, his
a mould that has been created employing devotees can achieve salvation.
a wax model.

• Oldest temple of the city is Amba ji Mata temple

belonging to 11th century.
• Hatkeshwar Temple: 17th century temple of Lord Shiva
(shows Solankis ornate style)
• Sharmishtha Lake: it has water from the Kapila river.
ABOUT UNAKOTI
• Location: Tripura
• Relevance: Famous for its colossal rock cut panels
depicting Hindu deities. Unakoti provides evidence of
ancient Saiva worship in Tripura from 8th-9th centuries
CE.
• Duration: Bas-relief sculptures at Unakoti are on
UNESCO’S TENTATIVE LIST stylistic grounds ascribed to 8th to 9thcentury CE, to

period of Pre-Manikya rule. The rock art may have been
#unescosites #artandculture patronised by the ‘Deb’ generation of Sri Bhumi
Features:
Three new sites have been added to tentative list of UNESCO. • There are three kundas (religious ponds) which were
These sites are Vadnagar (Gujarat), Unakoti (Agartala), and sacred to religious practices under Brahmanical
Sun Temple (Modhera). Hinduism and are a big part of the annual
ABOUT VADNAGAR Ashokashtomi Mela (fair) held at Unakoti.
• Most central and conspicuous figure at the site is
known as Unkotiswara Kala Bhairav. Colossal rock-cut
image of Shiva is about 30 feet in height, portrayed with
third eye vertically on forehead and the other two eyes
indicated with double incised lines without any pupils.
• Ancient town of Vadnagar is an L-shaped town with

Sharmishtha Lake located on its north-eastern edge.
• It is a multi-layered and multi-cultural mercantile
settlement with its history stretching back to nearly
8thCentury BCE.
• Last ruling dynasty of this place was the Gaekwad. • Other structures include: Kamadahana, Kirata and
Kirati (Shiva & Parvati), kamadhenu, Nandi,
Architectural:
kalyanasundaramurty, chaturmukhalinga and one Eka-
• Single storey stone structural gateways (arch form). mukalinga.
Most of these gateways belong to the 11-12th century.
ABOUT MODHERA SUN TEMPLE
• Density of labyrinthine web of roads.
• Location: Backdrop of River Pushpavati (Gujarat).
• Pattern of land use is urban. Shops on the ground level • Built: during the reign of Bhima I of the Chaulukya
and residences on the upper level. dynasty or Solanki Dynasty (in 1026-27 CE)

and/or natural heritage of outstanding universal value

and therefore suitable for inscription on the World
Heritage List.
• States Parties are encouraged to prepare their
Tentative Lists with participation of a wide variety of
stakeholders, like site managers, local and regional
governments, local communities, NGOs etc.
• States Parties should submit Tentative Lists, which
should not be considered exhaustive, to World
Heritage Centre, at least one year before the
submission of any nomination. States Parties are
encouraged to re-examine and re-submit their
Tentative List at least every ten years.
• Nominations to World Heritage List will not be
Unique features: considered unless the nominated property has already
been included on the State Party's Tentative List.
• The temple complex is built in the Māru-Gurjara style.
• World Heritage Convention, formally Convention
• The temple complex has three
Concerning Protection of World Cultural and Natural
components: Gūḍhamanḍapa, the shrine
Heritage, is an international treaty signed in 1972,
hall; Sabhamanḍapa, the assembly hall and Kunḍa, the
which created World Heritage Sites, with primary goals
reservoir.
of nature conservation and the preservation of cultural
• Magnificent kund known as the Ramakund, built in properties.
rectangular shape containing 108 shrines to various
• The convention guides the work of World Heritage
gods and demi-gods.
Committee. This committee is responsible for the
• Three main shrines positioned on the three sides of the selection and recommendation of World Heritage sites.
kund, dedicated to Ganesh and Vishnu and an image of
• The convention defines which sites which can be
Lord Shiva dancing the ‘tandav.’
considered for inscription on World Heritage List, sets
• It has a ‘Sabha Mandap’ or the assembly hall. out duties of each country's governments to identify
• Twelve Sun representations carved on the pillars potential sites and to protect and preserve them.
represent the sun according to the twelve months. • Signatory countries pledge to conserve the World
ABOUT TENTATIVE LIST OF WORLD HERITAGE SITES, Heritage sites situated on their territory, and report
UNESCO regularly on the state of their conservation. The
• States Parties are encouraged to submit their Tentative convention also sets out how World Heritage Fund is to
Lists, properties which they consider to be cultural be used and managed.
practice questions
MCQs
Q.1) Consider the following statements about 1. All monuments of historical value are protected
Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites under the Act.
and Remains Act, 1958:

2. National Monuments Authority has been formed 3. All languages of India are promoted by it.
under this Act. Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q.4) Consider the following statements above is/are
Q.2) Consider the following statements: correct?
1. Dokra is a famous traditional thick rug, made out of 1. Unakoti: Assam
cotton. 2. Modhera: Gujarat
2. Dokra craft of West Bengal has been granted GI tag. 3. Vadnagar: Maharashtra
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Select the correct answer using the code given above is/are
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only incorrect?
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (a) 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1 and 2 only
Q.3) Consider the following statements about
Sahitya Akademi: Q.5) Maru Gurjara style of architecture is associated
1. It is a statutory body formed under the Ministry of with?
Culture. (a) Odisha temples (b) Khajuraho temples
2. It gives out Jnanpith Award. (c) Gujarat temples (d) Kashmir temples
Q1. Highlight the artistic significance of chola bronze sculpture. Also, highlight the significance of Natraj statues.
Q2. The independence of Bangladesh would not have been possible without India’s intervention. Discuss the factors
that led to partition of Bangladesh. Also, enumerate the steps India took to ensure independence of Bangladesh.
Answers: 1-b, 2-b, 3-d, 4-c, 5-c

Part TWO
Ethics, Integrity
& Aptitude
Coverage from varied sources
Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude
SOCIAL REFORM: A MATTER OF LAW OR ETHICS

#Ethics #Integrity #Aptitude
Recently, more than 70 people lost their lives in a hooch example, the law against sati practice led India to get out
tragedy in Bihar. Liquor prohibition exists in Bihar for the the rid of such horrific tradition of burning wives alive.
last six years. Such tragedies are not limited to Bihar only
Relevance of law in changing the behaviour:
but keep happening now and then in many regions of
India. Importance of law in changing the behaviour of people
can be seen through following evidence.
A question arises whether behaviour change is a matter
of law or just ethics. One more important question is • Eradication of untouchability from India.
whether a state should curtail right to liberty of its subject
• Eradication of devadasi tradition from India.
in the name of welfare.
• End of slavery from USA
With the help of this article, we will analyse the role of law
and ethics in moulding and directing the behaviour of the • End apartheid from USA.
people in a society. Inefficacy of law:
NEED FOR LAW FOR CHANGING LIQUOR BEHAVIOUR Many times, we see that law has failed miserably in
Constitutional obligation: achieving its goal of changing behaviour.
Article 47 of the Indian constitution directs the For example:

state/government to prohibit consumption of intoxicating • Despite having laws against dowry, it is still prevalent
drinks and drugs. It says that the state must raise the level in India.
of nutrition and the standard of living to improve public
• Widespread corruption throughout the world despite
health.
having many laws and institutions to curtail it.
Moral obligations:
• Failure of liquor prohibition Acts.
• Social contract theory: As per this theory, state is
WHY LAW FAILS IN SOME SITUATIONS?
morally obligated to ensure welfare of the subjects.
Success of law depends on various factors like:
• Justice theory: Due to habit of liquor consumption in a
male dominant society like India, others, particularly • Design of Law/policy: How law is discussed and
framed. In the case of successful laws, we find years of
family members become victims. Hence to ensure
discussion with the maximum number of possible
justice for vulnerable sections (females and children) it
stakeholders. For example, law against sati practice
is justified to prohibit liquor.
was brought after long demand of the society in which
• Greatest good to greatest number: As per utilitarian it was being practised, while laws which were enacted
theory liquor prohibition can promote the greatest in a hurry without any discussion generally get failed
good to the greatest number. As pleasure of a single to create intended impact. For example, laws against
drunken person adversely affects the whole family. liquor in most states have been brought in hurry and
without discussion with major stakeholders.
Historical evidence:
• Justification of Law: People follow justified and
We have several examples where law has played a crucial
reasonable laws with enthusiasm. For example, Covid
role in changing attitudes and behaviours of society. For

related rules were followed by the masses as the society along with external and compulsive tools like
strictness was justified to prevent loss of lives. laws, rules, regulations etc.
• Rationale behind Law plays a crucial role in its • Hence it is argued by various ethical thinkers, that
success. For example, rationale behind anti-slavery behaviour change is matter of ethics rather than of
laws was strong as such practices were against the law. Virtue ethics focuses on character of the individual
humanity, hence slavery got eradicated. rather than his act.
• Feasibility of Law: For example, lockdown norms • The behaviour of the masses in a particular society is
could be implemented due to their feasibility while driven by individualistic beliefs, values, perceptions
anti-corruption laws get failed due to lack of feasibility. and needs along with the culture and traditions of that
society.
• Implementation strategy: Implementation strategy
refers to operational plan that guides the process to • From the perspective of ethics, beliefs, values, attitude,
make the policy happen in effect. There are six criteria behaviour and persuasion are interlinked.
for the effective implementation of law:
ETHICS AND SOCIAL CHANGE
o Clarity of objectives and consistency
• With the help of this Article, we will decode this
o Validity of cause behind law invisible relation and we will also analyse the role and
tools of ethics to change the behaviour of the masses
o Structuring of implementation process
to bring social reforms or revolutions.
o Commitment of officials to implement law
• Behaviour implies an individual or group's actions,
o Supportiveness of civil society moves, conduct or functions towards other objects.
o Persistence in socioeconomic conditions This conduct is directly influenced by attitude of a

person.
• Institutional and societal context: Institutional
• Attitude is an expression of favour or disfavour
efficacy and social awareness can help in proper
implementation of laws. For example, land reforms towards a person, place, thing or event. This feeling of
favour or disfavour is driven by the beliefs and values
were effectively implemented in Kerala while the same
of the person.
laws failed in the northern belt due to a lack of
institutional efficacy and societal awareness. • Belief is an internal feeling that something is true,
even if it is unproven or irrational; things we hold to be
ETHICAL TRANSFORMATION OF SOCIETY
true. Belief is the simplest form of mental
• Moreover, every law is framed by members of society representation and, therefore, building block of our
and implemented by members of society. Laws are thought process. Beliefs are core ideals to deal with
aimed at regulating the behaviours of the members of change in mindset of a person. Changing beliefs
the same society. Hence, society has very crucial role depends upon various factors like changes in socio-
at every stage of law from formulation to economic conditions, time and space, laws, rules,
implementation. Thus, success of any law ultimately regulations, political regimes, tools and techniques of
depends upon the nature of society itself. persuasion.
• Nature of society is decided by social norms, traditions • Values are inbuilt mechanisms of an individual or a
and customs. These traditions are nothing but group to decide what is right or wrong. Value denotes
culmination of process of socialisation. Because the degree of importance of something (or even an
through socialisation society shapes the choices and action). In this way, values help in determining what
values in society. actions are best to do. Values are ‘beliefs’ of a person
• Ethics of society are largely shaped by society itself. about ‘what is important’ for that person. For example,
Hence, if we want to reform society then we need to Value can be socialistic or individualistic, honesty is a
change the internal beliefs, values, perceptions, value recognised by society but one is free to value
attitudes and behaviours prevalent in members of vegetarianism or non-vegetarianism. In this way,

change in societal values may require a more complex component of attitude of people which is affected by
and multipronged strategy rather than just passing a the psyche rather than laws.
law without considering other relevant factors.
• Behaviour: Behavioural component refers to past
• This implies that if we want to change the behaviour of experiences or behaviour regarding an attitude object.
a person towards anything, then we need to change his For sustaining behaviour, change is a precondition that
beliefs and values toward the same. Behaviour is a it should be driven by internal acceptance and
manifestation of attitude, hence, to change the motivation rather than external adherence and force.
behaviour of a person, we need to understand various
In a democratic country eating habits should be
aspects of attitude.
considered a matter of individual liberty. However, if this
ATTITUDES COMPRISE THREE COMPONENTS habit starts to harm others or compromises others right
to free and full, then it may be curtailed by using tools of
• Cognition: Cognitive component of attitude refers to
social awareness and persuasion along with laws rules
beliefs, ideas, thoughts and attributes we associate
and regulations framed after wider deliberation and
with an object. There is a need to change cognitive
preparation.
aspect of alcoholic persons about the direct and
indirect impacts of alcohol. Here law has a minimal role
to play while social awareness campaigns can have
deeper impact.
• Affective: Affective component of an attitude refers to

feelings or emotions linked to an object. Most social
reforms become successful only by using this

CASE STUDIES for Practice

MAINS GS PAPER IV
Case Study 1: The upland areas in a state remained on “Supreme Court had issued directives to furnish a report
after carrying out a new survey. Yet, the government has
edge with concerns over the satellite survey for
now published the report prepared in 2021 after
demarcation of buffer zones around protected areas
dillydallying for seven months,” he said.
running high, despite the government’s efforts to allay
fears about the dispossession of property and regulation Mr Chennithala said the government was bound to suffer
of activities. Citizens turned out in large numbers in Idukki a serious setback if it submitted the map in its present
and Kottayam to submit complaints about the draft buffer form before the top court. He accused the government of
zone map published by the government because their fumbling in the dark without carrying out the ground
livelihood and culture would be negatively affected due to survey.
reduction in the buffer zone area. Because the forest is Considering this whole controversy, the state government
the sole source of livelihood for the local tribe. They also has constituted an expert committee to investigate the
have an emotional attachment to the forest and its matter. You are appointed as head of that team. You are
biological diversity. The tribe is also known as the an environmental expert in the same state. Your job
protector of the forest and its biodiversity. application is pending before the government of the day.
Some credible sources revealed that this sudden Your wife is a cancer patient in the last stage. You are in
reduction in the buffer zone is a result of collusion urgent need of this highly remunerative job.
between the state and the business class. Because this (a) What are the options available to you under the given
forest is very rich in red Sandalwood which is in high situation?
demand in the domestic as well as global market. (b) Critically examine the options listed by you.
Moreover, there is a large amount of rare earth metal
(c) What type of mechanism would you suggest ensuring
which is in high demand for the rising electric-vehicle
environmental compliance?
industry.
(d) What are the ethical dilemmas you faced in exercising
A tense situation prevailed at Angel Valley of the state,
your option?
near Erumely (a place in the state), after a protest against
buffer zone demarcation turned unruly, resulting in SOLUTION
damage to public property. Forest officials filed a This case deals with various issues like collusive
complaint about vandalism and threats by protesters. corruption, environmental degradation, violation of law
Some legal experts highlighted that the controversial draft etc.
is a clear violation of rules regarding eco-sensitive zones. (a) Options available with the head of the committee.
If this draft comes into force, then there is a high I. Investigating the case from all aspects with full
probability of not only environmental degradation but expertise and integrity.
also hurting the goal of inclusive development.
II. Overlooking the concerns of the protesters.
Erumely panchayat decided to explore the possibility of
III. Finding the middle path to achieve development
impleading itself in the case on the buffer zone issue
with environmental protection.
under the consideration of the Supreme Court.
(b) Evaluation of the options
Meanwhile, Opposition political parties continued to turn
the heat on the government on the issue. Option Merit Demerit
Senior leader Suresh Chennithala of the opposition I Ensure justice to In case of accusations
political party said the draft buffer zone map published by duty. comes true then
the government was riddled with errors and inaccuracies.

development is demanding the ouster of Ankur Mohan, director of the

compromised. school, for allegedly discriminating against the students
and staff based on caste. The State Higher Education
II He may get a Possibility of
Minister, R. Sindhu, has now instituted a high-level inquiry
lucrative job. environmental
on the issue and you are the head of that committee. You
degradation.
are a joint secretary whose file for promotion to cabinet
Loss of livelihood of secretary is under process in the office of the same
locals and long-term minister who is a relative of Mr Mohan. The team has been
damage. instructed to submit their findings in two weeks.
III May ensure May hamper The institute has witnessed several waves of protests
development and biodiversity and since its opening in 2016. In the latest bout of protest, led
environmental sustainable by the students’ council of the school, they have raised a
protection in the development in the set of charges against Mr Mohan that varied from caste
short run long run. discrimination to forcing sanitation workers to do
domestic labour at his official residence, including
(c) Mechanisms to ensure environmental compliance
cleaning of toilets.
• Participation of all major stakeholders in buffer zone-
According to the students, Mr Mohan took the lead in
related issues
shortening three-year courses offered by the institute into
• Mandating environmental audits in such eco-sensitive
two-year programmes without due consultation and
zones for clearance of any developmental project.
research. The sanitation workers, employed by the
• Institutionalising the review process of such
institute on a daily wage basis, have testified their
developmental projects in protected areas.
experience of receiving inhumane treatment at the hands
(d) Ethical dilemmas involved in the case are: of Mr Mohan. Another Dalit employee of the institute has
• Environment Vs Development: What to prefer approached the SC/ST commission with a complaint of
environment or economic development? caste discrimination against Mr Mohan.
• Personal interest Vs public interest: Whether to get a Documents that emerged in the public domain showed
lucrative job to save his wife by ignoring the concerns that as many as 26 out of the 30 seats reserved for
of locals, but doing so may pose a threat to the different categories of students have not been filled while
livelihood of locals and degradation of the admitting students to the 2022 batch. It showed that
environment. several candidates were denied admission with the
• Law Vs ethics: Prima facie, the government is abrupt introduction of cut-off marks by the institute’s
authorised to change the boundaries of protected academic committee.
areas hence he may find nothing wrong in this
The protest, which had been largely limited to the
controversial draft but the same draft is against the
institute’s campus in the first few days, struck a chord with
values of humanity and the environment.
filmmakers, film students as well as cinephiles during the
• Conclusion: Thus, it can be concluded that economic 27th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) in
development and environmental protection should not
Thiruvananthapuram. An array of faces from
be considered in binary rather they should be treated
contemporary local cinema, including filmmakers
as complementary and supplementary in nature to
Aashiqui Abu, Mahesh Narayanan, Joe Baby, Kamal, K.M.
ensure sustainable and inclusive development.
Kamal, Vidhu Vincent, actor Sajith Madathil and musician
Shahbaz Aman joined the students at a protest staged at
Case Study 2: All students of the State-run M.R. the main venue of the event.
Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science and Arts, a Mr Mohan has stayed largely aloof from the public eye.
film school at Thekkumthala, Kottayam, have been on an But talking to The Hindu, he denied all the charges and
indefinite strike since last month. The students have been maintained that “the truth has a way of revealing itself”.

Eminent filmmaker A.K. Gopalakrishnan, chairman of the Option Merit Demerit

institute, has been firm in his support for Mr Mohan and
described him as a ‘well-bred man’. i Justice to duty. May lose a
Establish universal promotion.
The statement, however, drew sharp reactions and the
protesters issued an open letter challenging Mr action.
Gopalakrishnan’s stance. The institution, meanwhile, is ii Denial of duty. May get

also accused of indulging in retaliatory action by promotion
cancelling the room reservations for 52 students who
iii Preventing the Escaping from
arrived in Thiruvananthapuram to attend the IFFK.
probability of conflict the duty
Though the students attempted to contact the director
of interest
and other officials, their calls went unattended. The State
Chalachitra Academy later arranged temporary (c) As head of investigating team, one should follow
accommodation for the students. The State government option number 1st because by doing so
has taken serious note of the issue as is evident from its • He will uphold foundational values of civil servants that
decision to institute a high-level inquiry into the issue. It, is integrity, objectivity and honesty etc.
at the same time, does not want to antagonise A.K. • He may ensure greatest good to the greatest number
Gopalakrishnan, a filmmaker of towering stature, and is that is the students.
treading a cautious path before taking any final decision.
• He may establish universal action and can create a role
(a) Under the given conditions, what are the options model for others in future.
available to you as a head of the inquiry committee? • He will promote virtue ethics in society at large.
(b) Critically evaluate each of the options listed by you. (d) Probable consequences of ignoring the demands of
(c) What option would you adopt and why? the students:
(d) What can be the consequences of overlooking the • Caste-based discrimination may be increased in the
questions raised by the protesting students? institutions.
SOLUTION • Exploitation of workers may continue.
Introduction: • Promote crony capitalism because the duration of

course has been reduced without reducing fees.
The above-given case deals with multiple issues like caste-
based discrimination, misuse of authority, irresponsible • Violation of law of land because reserved seats are not
behaviour, lack of transparency etc. being filled.
(a) Options available are: • Damage reputation of the institution, which in turn may
harm the institution in the long run.
I. Investigating all accusations of students against Mr
• Peaceful protests may turn into a violent one.
Mohan with full zeal and honesty.
Conclusion: Thus, based on above discussion we can
II. Saving the director by misleading investigation.
conclude that to ensure quality education and justice to
III. Recusing from the case.
society at large such accusations should be dealt with on
(b) Evaluation of options a priority basis efficiently and transparently.

Part Three
Essays
of
the month
Selected essays from Rau’s GSI students
Essays OF THE MONTH
The test of tolerance comes when we are in

majority; the test of courage comes when we
are in a minority.
#Philosophical
SUBMITTED BY: OISHANI SARKAR
Disclaimer: The viewpoints in the topic are strictly Minorities are easier to oppress by the majority members.
personal of the writer above. The role of Rau’s IAS Study People tend to conform to the demands of the latter and
Circle is to present the write-up in its original form, forego their thoughts. For instance, IES officer Satyendra
hence the study circle neither endorses nor rejects any Dubey relentlessly raised his voice against the corruption
viewpoint in the submission. The purpose is only to collusion in the Golden Quadrilateral project. Despite
showcase the manner of writing. being one of the very few persons to protest against the
wrong, no number of threats could deter him from his
Therefore, it is the sole responsibility of the reader to
goal.
use his/her intellect to check the veracity of viewpoints.
On turning the pages of history, we see the remarkable
When in the majority, we often tend to take
example of the Mughal ruler – Akbar. His values of
decisions which serve our interests but may
religious tolerance are relevant to date. He abolished the
prove to be detrimental to the interest of
pilgrimage tax of Hindus and the Jizya tax. He believed
others. ‘Tolerance’ doesn’t imply
that such taxation demeaned the stature of other
abandoning our thought process; it means making room
religions. His principle of ‘Sulah-i-Kul’, harmonious
for others’ freedom of expression. As Voltaire rightly said,
relationships among all, upheld the values of tolerance
‘I disapprove of what you say but I will defend to the death
and fraternity. Although he had all the powers, he stood
your right to say it’.
the test of tolerance with grace and dignity.
On the other hand, according to Plato’s cardinal virtues,
Further, the beginning of the Indian freedom struggle
courage refers to the ability to do justice. When in
reminds us about the test of courage when we stand in
minority, we fear the outcomes and the repercussions
minority. The awareness among the masses about British
that follow the actions.
exploitation was brought in by the few educated Indians.
The test of tolerance and courage stand on the premises
They showed courage to speak against oppressive
of impartiality and integrity respectively. The group
colonial rule through the press and pamphlets. Defying
conformity effect is a challenge to both tests. When we are
their rule, the fighters did not beg down under the
in majority – be it power or strength in numbers, we are
pressure.
inclined to use our powerful position to exploit situations
Similarly, the social reformers stood firm on their ground
to our advantage. E.g., when bills are passed through
to reverse the historical evils prevailing in society. Raja
voice votes by the Parliament, without taking into
Rammohun Roy was the only one to revolt against the
consideration the views of the minority. It is perceived that
exploitation of women under the garb of the ‘Sati’ system.
the ruling party was intolerant of the views of others.
Despite being alone, the protests by the orthodox
Similarly, the test of courage calls for commitment
Brahmanical society could not stop him from repealing
towards intellectual integrity.

Essays OF THE MONTH
the law. The passing of such a test of courage proves our On a different note, when we glance through our society,
loyalty towards our constitution. we see declining tolerance for women. This has become
evident through the increasing number of serious crimes
Now, if we look into the political dimension, we see many
against women, unequal work pays, refusal to grant
cases of intolerance that have cropped up in yester years.
maternity leaves, etc. Patriarchy is strengthening its roots
The misuse of section 124A of the Indian Penal Code to
in the form of selective sex abortion, domestic violence
gag the voices of protest by a section of politicians has
and so on. At this juncture, the test of tolerance is required
raised concern nationwide. Moreover, states like Tamil
on the part of men so that women get equal access to
Nādu and West Bengal are facing a tussle between the
benefits. Women require to excel in the test of courage.
Governor and the Chief Minister. Parochialism in the
So that they can use the law and get justice through
outlook is raising questions on the sustainability of
constitutional means.
cooperative federalism.
However, such prejudice and stereotypes are not
This happens mainly because most powers are with the
restricted to women alone. With the abrogation of section
Central Government and the Governor is seen as an agent
377 in the Navtej Singh Johar case, the rights of the LGBT
of the Centre by the state. Although it’s not true, sadly the
community have come to light. The narrow outlook
level of tolerance among both comes down and ego play
towards this community has been conclusively proven by
comes in between, hampering the federal structure, we
the rampant discrimination against them. To establish an
need seamless patience, respect and willingness to
inclusive society, we need to be more tolerant and
consider bridging the increasing gap of intolerance.
cooperative towards such minority and vulnerable
Furthermore, in the sphere of international relations, sections of our society.
India has shown the courage to stand apart even when no
Moreover, the ruthless use of the environment has posed
major power supported her. During the cold war era, India
a challenge to the sustenance of humanity. Human beings
along with Egypt, Indonesia, Ghana and Yugoslavia
have outnumbered the rest of living beings and are
formed the Non-aligned Movement, declaring its
dominating the globe with technology and the
independent stand from any power bloc. Its principles
exploitation of resources. Our rising intolerant attitude
remained intact irrespective of any international
towards our ecosystem has increased the intensity of
pressure.
disaster and augmented the process of climate change.
Presently, in the context of the Russia – Ukraine war, India
Thus, from the above, we can say that an amicable
abstained from voting against Russia. Despite pressures
attitude is required to stand true to the tests of courage
from Europe and USA, her display of valour on an
and tolerance. Such values need to be inculcated through
international platform has awarded her a unique position
value education in schools and colleges. We should have
in global politics. Replying to the Western criticism, S. Jai
an empathetic attitude towards the minority section and
Shankar has said, ‘I am not sitting on the fence just
honesty to speak against the injustice caused by people in
because I don’t agree with you. It means I am sitting on my
the majority. This will help us to reach our targets of
ground.’
inclusivity and collective growth.

Essays OF THE MONTH
The proper use of science is not to conquer

nature, but to live in it.
# Science & Technology
SUBMITTED BY: NIKITA PAWAR
Disclaimer: The viewpoints in the topic are strictly personal financial sector, cryptocurrency has enabled the seamless
of the writer above. The role of Rau’s IAS Study Circle is to transfer of money from anywhere. The researchers are
present the write-up in its original form, hence the study about to open space tourism to common people and if
circle neither endorses nor rejects any viewpoint in the possible, to establish human settlements on Mars.
submission. The purpose is only to showcase the manner of
writing. A human being is an inquisitive creature with endless and
sometime senseless pursuits but here the question arises
Therefore, it is the sole responsibility of the reader to use
his/her intellect to check the veracity of viewpoints. is this all sustainable? Are we not trying to overpower
nature with these discoveries and trying to undermine its
“Orbiting the Earth in the spaceship, I saw
role? Let us try to understand this.
how beautiful our planet is. People, let us
preserve it and not destroy it!” The request Recently, there were massive floods in Bangalore, India’s
was made by Yuri Gagarin, the first man on IT capital. Life came to a standstill. People had to wait in
Earth to travel into space. traffic on waterlogged roads for hours to reach the office.
The dilemma was, in the office, they work to develop
From the 20th century, when this was said by Yuri, to
applications which will enable delivery in minutes. In this
today, we have made huge advances in the scientific field.
case, we can make out that in front of nature’s rage, no
From human-like robots to drones delivering food at the
one is superior.
doorstep to gaining evidence about far-away planets,
humans have achieved things which were unthinkable a Science has indeed made our life easier, but we fail to
few decades ago. Our scientific stripes have changed our understand that science has sprouted from nature itself.
lives considerably. Science is not something that humans have developed
single-handedly. Nature and Science go hand in hand. Till
The humans lived in caves and were hunter-gatherers,
the time our scientific discoveries were in line with
slowly the settlements developed, and along with-it
nature’s limits, use thrived but as we overstepped our
science also developed. Previously unknown things
limits, we are suffering from nature’s ravages.
became known. For ex. Earth is round, not flat, that plants
also have life, Darwin’s theory of evolution explained It does not come as a surprise that whatever natural,
human evolution. climatic catastrophes we are facing today are man-made.
Humans have given primacy to their own needs by
From Cave dwellers, we’ve started living in AI homes.
neglecting and disturbing the natural balance of research
Science has aided humans in discovering lifesaving
in the name of science. As a result, we’ve warming, ozone
medicines and advances in biotechnology touching new
layer depletion, rising CO2 levels, rising levels of ocean
heights every day. With the help of AI, warfare strategies
waters, extinction of flora and fauna, frequent floods and
are revolutionized. Now, instead of soldiers, robots can be
droughts, extreme weather events, space debris etc.
deployed on the borders. Precision targeting is being used
for attacking enemy targets through missiles. In the

Essays OF THE MONTH
An American author once said a very true thing “After one We can do it by using science for only those purposes
look at this planet any visitor from outer space would say which are in sync with nature. Science should not be
– “I want to see the manager.” We, humans, are the useful only for humans but for animals and plants too. We
managers of this planet. No one else, but we must need to shun all those technologies which benefit us but
maintain the proper balance between nature and our threaten these poor creatures.
needs otherwise nature will take its revenge. After all,
We have already done our share of destruction by making
nature can survive without us, but we cannot survive
many species go extinct by destructing their habitats in
without nature.
our fruitless pursuit of scientific advancements. Now, it's
So, the proper use of science is what we need to high time to that other species are also allowed to enjoy
understand. The first thing we need to do is to get away planet earth as equals of humans. The eco bridges are one
from our self-interest and self-fulfilling prophecies to look step toward this as many animals get killed while crossing
after Mother nature. We need to get everything right; we the bridge after being hit by trains and vehicles.
have done wrong to mother nature. Sustainable Development Goals are also another step in
this regard. There should be development and
Science has moved faster by reducing travel time. It is
development in science, but it must be sustainable,
through cars, railways, aeroplanes etc. But this has posed
because after all this land, this water, this air, this planet –
a problem of pollution. We must search for ways to make
is perhaps only place where life as we know can thrive.
our travels eco-friendly. The e-vehicles need to be
The use of Artificial intelligence can help us in predicting
popularized and now technologies should be developed
the consequences of any event. This will help us minimize
to make affordable electronic vehicles.
damage to the environment.
Science can be used to harness renewable energy such as
With the advancements in science, humans have come to
solar power and wind power as a judicious and
think of themselves as owners of the planet but what we
sustainable source of human energy needs. Science can
fail to understand is that we are very-very small creatures
be used for making climate–resilient seeds and crops and
in front of nature. Our ancestors grew with nature, but we
to improve soil fertility. Science can be used to find
are growing out of nature. Indians have always been
effective solutions to rising CO2 levels in the atmosphere
winners in scientific inventions from ancient times and we
and depletion of the ozone layer. Science can be used to
are also a culture that never worships nature and its part
develop technologies which will make life easier for the
of our age-old civilization. This harmonious relationship
disabled. Science and its use are not bad. It depends on
which we have shown with nature is a need of the 21st
how we use it. If we use science in harmony with nature,
century. In the 21st century, our scientific developments
it will reap benefits. ‘Excess of anything is bad’ and science
have reached such a level that we seem to be overdoing
is no exception.
it. It is therefore important to draw a line where we need
Today, we are facing a paradox – we are searching for life to stop. We must make sure that our actions do not hurt
on other planets and galaxies, meanwhile, we are nature. We need to understand that because we all share
destroying life on our planet. Nature’s destruction is our this planet, we must learn to live in harmony and peace
destruction, so how do we get this balance correct with each other and with nature. This is not just a dream
between science and nature? or an abstract thought, but a necessity.

Essays OF THE MONTH
When the winds of change blow, some people

build walls, while others build windmills
# Philosophical
SUBMITTED BY: CHANDRAKANT
Disclaimer: The viewpoints in the topic are strictly personal The advent of Aryans brought a new dynamism to Indian
of the writer above. The role of Rau’s IAS Study Circle is to society (iron age). However, gradually orthodoxy crept in
present the write-up in its original form, hence the study & later discriminatory tendencies started developing in
circle neither endorses nor rejects any viewpoint in the society. The Caste system became rigid and exploitative.
submission. The purpose is only to showcase the manner of Reactionary forces began to rise against Brahmanical
writing. orthodoxy and caste system. However, it was only under
Therefore, it is the sole responsibility of the reader to use Buddha & Mahavira that considerable success could be
his/her intellect to check the veracity of viewpoints. won against the caste system. Both did not fight any wars
but tried to educate and enlighten society. Rather than
In a left-wing extremism-affected backward listing the demerits of the caste system, they focused on
district of Chhattisgarh, two officers namely, developing a new ethic with its roots in reason, logic &
Raj and Aman, were on an emergency prayers rather than rituals, sacrifices and superiority of
deputation for stopping protests and birth.
strikes of local villagers against the state government for
acquiring tribal land for a proposed road project. Teachings of Buddha & Mahavira were wheels to society
which drove everyone on the path of salvation. Buddha’s
Raj in his village took coercive measures & deployed local idea of the Middle Path or Ashtanga Marg still holds its
police & instructed them to take punitive actions against importance in promoting social equality and cohesive
any indiscipline. On the other hand, Aman calmly analysed bonding in society.
the situation and persuaded the locals that the proposed
project will provide various benefits like job opportunities, During the Indian freedom struggle, the Britishers
better health & education facilities and transportation will imposed various irrational and exploitative policies. They
improve. racially discriminated against Indians which led to the
birth of Indian opposition in the form of revolutionaries &
Aman’s persuasion completely changed the narrative and Gandhian ideology. Revolutionaries employed violence &
outlook of locals & they pro-actively helped the workers in coercive struggle against the British. They believed in the
the construction of the road project. While in the former philosophy of the bomb. For example, Bhagat Singh
case, the protest turned violent. Thus, the above story bombed the Central Assembly in opposition to certain
highlights that walls are not always the best solution, legislations being pushed over Indians, however, the
rather using one’s emotional intelligence & realizing the Britishers easily suppressed them.
demand of the situation leads to a rational decision which
is beneficial for the larger good of society. On the other hand, Gandhiji brought a revolution in
society and widened the social base of national
Change always brings a new direction to society; however, movements. Gandhiji’s call for Non-Cooperation
it depends on oneself whether to adopt oneself to make Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement and Quit India
it work in one’s favour or stand against and deny change Movement was supported by everyone including women,
which may turn out to be adverse. This is evident from the tribals and other marginalised communities. Gandhi’s
following: emphasis on Satyagraha (Struggle for Truth) put the
Britishers in dilemma regarding a method to counter it.

75/-
Essays OF THE MONTH
The references from great personalities highlight that greenhouse gas emissions to the point that climate
though walls or rigid action may bring a short-term change is threatening the entire existence of life on Earth
benefit, it is only by regulating one’s thoughts and efforts as we know it. International agencies like UNFCCC,
to make the best of any situation that leads to the most UNCBD, UNEP etc. have been advocating for rapid
optimal outcome. decarbonisation of economic activity and the pursuit of
sustainable production and livelihood based on
Even in modern times, several instances indicate that
renewable energy.
adaptive transformation yields a beneficial result if one
realizes its true potential. The story of LPG Reforms Also, forces of globalization, westernization or
pursued by India in 1991 is one such story of courage. modernization have increased disparities in society
India’s 1991 LPG reforms were a watershed in India’s between the haves and have-nots and between rural and
history which completely upended India’s economic urban areas. Increasing inequality, as highlighted by a
setup. The ideals of privatisation, liberalization & recent OXFAM report, is not good for society at large.
globalization gave a push and new energy to India’s (According to the Oxfam report, the top 10% of India’s
entrepreneurial class whose energies were unshackled people hold 80% of the wealth, so opposition by them
from the rigid regulations. Utilizing this opportunity, against these changes is natural & justifiable. Modern
people from rural areas started migrating to urban areas Technologies such as AI, ML, Internet of things, robotics
to get jobs & women entered agricultural fields and supercomputers have been increasing
(feminisation of agriculture) which played a significant unemployment, particularly for the most vulnerable.
role in women’s empowerment. Those who opposed it Technology has given birth to the atomic bomb, the
failed to reap its benefits. bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki being surely the
most horrific incident in human history.
Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to tap into
opportunity during the crisis was evident. The pandemic All the above examples suggest that change brings hope,
shut down transportation networks, people were stuck in light, innovation, and excitement and opens the door to
their homes, economic activity plunged due to lockdowns new possibilities. But there exist some people who will be
and a severe depression hit most of the world. However, alienated from these benefits, so the question arises what
India launched the Atma-nirbhar Bharat Mission which should be done?
not only promoted indigenous industries but also reduced
Change is the law of nature; nothing remains stagnant,
the current account deficit & India emerged as a global
according to Charles Darwin, natural relation & evolution
hub of skilled manpower which in turn contributed to
is a universal rule which cannot be violated, so the
India’s growth & GDP.
mitigation lies in expanding the advantages of change to
Willingness to adapt and adopt innovative technologies every man, species & environment & biodiversity.
emerged as a booster for India’s sustenance. India used
According to Plato, “we must live like cells of an organism
open-source platforms to develop apps for contact
where the health of one affects the health of all” i.e., inter-
tracing, and vaccine rollout (COWIN), and zoom was used
dependence & socialization are inherent in everyone’s
for conducting meetings and keeping education going.
character so an effort should be made towards inclusive
The psychological barrier that technology is not reliable
& cooperative growth, the seeds of which benefit
was broken for good. Today, google pay, e-commerce
everyone.
purchasing, e-governance etc have made service delivery
efficient & quicker. Also, efforts should be made to inculcate values of
reasoning, emotional intelligence, cognition and most
But can we say that evolution & change always leads to a
importantly following the Ashtanga Marg of Buddha that
fruitful result? Should it never be opposed? Modern
helps to change even the most adverse & worst situation
technologies such as internal combustion engines and
in one's favour & develop a sense of interconnectedness
urbanization have markedly improved the quality of life of
with others to cherish the chare of benefit with the
humans. But at the same time, these technologies and
humanity at large.
their production systems have led to a marked increase in

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CONTENTS

Part One DISPUTE OVER BELAGAVI INTENSIFIES

Current Affairs Analysis CONTENT REGULATION IN GOVT. ADVERTISEMENT

02 GOVT. CLEARS COOPERATIVES BILL

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AD-HOC JUDGES

REPORT ON TRENDS AND PROGRESS OF BANKING IN INDIA #Parole #Furlough 31

#Banking 06 RULE 267 OF RAJYA SABHA

CONSTITUTION, POLITY AND GOVERNANCE SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION

# G S P a p e r ( P r e l i m s) & G S P a p e r I I ( M a i n ) #Developing Countries 42

JAN VISHWAS BILL TABLED IN PARLIAMENT INDO-NEPAL RELATIONS

#Jan Vishwas Bill #Decriminalisation of Laws #Neighbourhood 44

DRUG TRADE ASIAN ELEPHANTS

NEED TO CHANGE CRITERIA FOR SCHEDULED TRIBES MICRONUTRIENT MALNUTRITION

ISSUES OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITY FIVE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS GET GI TAG

PRACTICE QUESTIONS 64 DARK PATTERNS

INTRA NASAL VACCINE

MILLETS NET ENERGY GAIN IN NUCLEAR FUSION

CLIMATE RESILIENT CROPS STREPTOCOCCUS (STREP A)

KUNMING – MONTREAL AGREEMENT SPACE SENSORS TO HELP DETECT METHANE

THE PROPER USE OF SCIENCE IS NOT TO CONQUER

Part TWO NATURE, BUT TO LIVE IN IT. # Science & Technology

CASE STUDIES for Practice

o Returns in Digital markets are not just from ANTI-COMPETITIVE PRACTICES

FOCUS | JANUARY 2023 | RAU’S IAS 2

FOCUS | JANUARY 2023 | RAU’S IAS 3

FOCUS | JANUARY 2023 | RAU’S IAS 4

MONETARY POLICY COMMITTEE (c) Estimate of time-period within which inflation

FOCUS | JANUARY 2023 | RAU’S IAS 5

REPORT ON TRENDS AND

Economic Low employment Balance sheet of a commercial bank

• Deposits • Cash and Balances

FOCUS | JANUARY 2023 | RAU’S IAS 6

Liability composition of SCBs in 2021-22

o Maturity transformation is the essence of banking SVAMITVA YOJANA

FOCUS | JANUARY 2023 | RAU’S IAS 7

ο Future updates can be easily done with the use of RECOMMENDATIONS

ο High resolution and accurate image base maps

FOCUS | JANUARY 2023 | RAU’S IAS 8

Guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs and

48th GST COUNCIL allowing unregistered suppliers and composition

MEETING through e-commerce operators such as Amazon,

FOCUS | JANUARY 2023 | RAU’S IAS 9

FOCUS | JANUARY 2023 | RAU’S IAS 10

REMITTANCES remittance growth in the face of high inﬂation.

FOCUS | JANUARY 2023 | RAU’S IAS 11

Answers: 1-d, 2-d, 3-c, 4-b, 5-d

FOCUS | JANUARY 2023 | RAU’S IAS 12

JAN VISHWAS BILL TABLED

IN PARLIAMENT living of people.

FOCUS | JANUARY 2023 | RAU’S IAS 13

FOCUS | JANUARY 2023 | RAU’S IAS 14

FULFILL TRIPLE TEST Backward Commission

FOCUS | JANUARY 2023 | RAU’S IAS 15

FOCUS | JANUARY 2023 | RAU’S IAS 16

FOCUS | JANUARY 2023 | RAU’S IAS 17

FOCUS | JANUARY 2023 | RAU’S IAS 18

FOCUS | JANUARY 2023 | RAU’S IAS 19

FOCUS | JANUARY 2023 | RAU’S IAS 20

FOCUS | JANUARY 2023 | RAU’S IAS 21

• Improve composition of the Board • Issues of membership: Inability to ensure active