SHIKSHA Current Affairs Magazine March 2024

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MARCH 2024
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Contents
GS 1 : Heritage,culture ,Geography of the World and Society

1. Delisting of Monuments by ASI
2. A women’s urban employment guarantee act
3. JORC classification vs. UNFC
4. Subduction Zone discovered beneath Gibraltar Strait
5. Hate Speech: Interpreting Section 153A IPC
GS 2 : Polity, Governance, International Relations
1. UNDP’s Human Development Report 2023/2024

2. Rajya Sabha Elections
3. Understanding the world of the informal waste picker
4. SC’s Stand on Stay Order
5. Defamation in the Digital Age
6. White Revolution 2.0
7. Legislators Immunity against Criminal Prosecution
8. SC's stand on Parliamentary Privileges
9. Association for Democratic Reforms’ (ADR) analysis on Criminalization of
Politics
10. Holistic Progress Card (HPC): Revolutionizing Student Assessment
11. Election Commission partners with banks, post offices for voter awareness
12. Expert committee on Arbitration reforms
13. Self Help Groups
14. Urban Frame Survey using Bhuvan
15. Press and Registration of Periodicals Act (PRP Act) 2023
16. President approves Uttarakhand’s UCC Bill
17. India ‘one of the Worst Autocratisers’: V-Dem Democracy Report
18. Concern over denial of bails in District Courts
19. CAA Rules, 2024
20. Law Commission report on 'Trade Secrets and Economic Espionage'
21. Kovind Committee report on Simultaneous Elections
22. How women in India have fared
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23. NITI For States’ Platform
24. Defence Ministry denotifies civil areas of 10 cantonments
25. Gender Pay Gap
26. Rajya Sabha’s Role as a part of Basic Structure
27. Combating Misinformation in India
28. Gaza and Haiti on the brink of famine
29. Supreme Court's Stay on Govt’s Fact Check Unit
30. India-Brazil 2+2 Ministerial Dialogues
31. Ethanol 100
32. Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Fisheries scheme
33. Uses of Cannabis
34. Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2024
35. All about MGNREGA
GS 3 : Economy, Science and Technology, Environment

1. Establishment of International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
2. RBI updates the Framework related to Regulatory Sandbox scheme
3. Despite policy backing and funding, care for rare diseases not optimal
4. Genome India project
5. GST collections up 12.54% in February 2024
6. Significance of Hydrogen Powered Ferry
7. Harnessing AI to Address India’s Water Crisis
8. Stage II of India’s 3-stage nuclear programme
9. New Initiatives for Cooperative Sector
10. ADITI Scheme to Fund India’s Defence Start-ups
11. INS Jatayu: India’s new Naval Base in Lakshadweep
12. Calculation of Green Credit
13. India’s Solar Slowdown: Trends and Projections
14. Bengaluru’s Water Crisis
15. Mission Gaganyaan
16. India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement
17. First national report on AMR Surveillance in India’s fisheries, livestock sectors
18. Resolution on sustainable lifestyles adopted by UNEA
19. Global Resources Outlook 2024
20. Pros and Cons of Tiger Safari in India
22. India’s 1st Green Hydrogen Plant in Stainless Steel Sector
23. Living Animal Species (Reporting and Registration) Rules, 2024

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24. Significance of Atmospheric Research Testbed (ART)
25. AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters
26. Equity Issues in IPCC Reports
28. Free trade has two faces and the one offering harmony must prevail
29. State of Global Climate Report
30. Changing cancer nomenclature can improve treatment outcomes: doctors
31. WMO’s State of the Climate Report, 2023
32. Top 1% Indians’ income share is higher now than under British-rule
33. Solar Waste Management
34. Water for Peace
35. Pakistan’s Piracy of Indian Basmati Rice Varieties

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GS 1 : Heritage, culture ,Geography of the World and Society
1. Delisting of Monuments by ASI
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) plans to declassify 18 monuments from

protected status citing diminished national significance.
Monument of national importance
 AMASR Act, 1958- Section 4 of the Act states that ancient monuments or
archaeological sites which are of historical, archaeological or artistic interest
and which have been in existence for not less than 100 years may be declared
as of national importance.
 Coverage- It covers temples, cemeteries, inscriptions, tombs, forts, palaces,
step-wells, rock-cut caves, and even objects like cannons and mile pillars
(“kos minars”) that may be of historical significance.
 Designation importance- If designated by ASI, it authorises the central
government to “maintain, protect and promote the site”, which may be
considered of significant historical importance, as mandated by the Act.
 Protection- The monuments of national importance are to be conserved and
maintained by the ASI as an important site pertaining to history and culture,
and any kind of construction-related activity is not allowed around the
protected site.
 Regular inspection- ASI should regularly inspect protected monuments to
assess their condition, and to conserve and preserve them.
 Prohibit encroachments- In cases of encroachment, the ASI can file a police
complaint, issue a show-cause notice for the removal of the encroachment,
and communicate to the local administration the need for demolition of
encroachments.
 Delisting monuments- ASI plans to delist 18 monuments demand no longer
of national importance, drawn from a list of 24 traceable monuments.
Why ASI plans to delist monuments?
This is the first such large-scale delisting exercise in several decades.
 ASI has invoked section 35 under AMASR Act to delist the 18 monuments,
stating that these “have ceased to be of national importance”.

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 Section 35- It states that if the Central Government is of the opinion that any
ancient monument or archaeological site and remains have ceased to be of
national importance, it may, by notification in the Official Gazette, declare
that such a monument or site and remains shall no longer be considered to be
of national importance.
 Delisted monuments- The precise location of these monuments, or their
current physical state, is not known.
 Untraceable- It refers to those sites that have been lost due to various factors
such as urbanisation, encroachments, construction of dams and reservoirs, or
sheer neglect.
 Lost monuments- Some lesser-known sites have deteriorated or disappeared,
with no public memory remaining to identify their locations.
 Impact-Delisting means the ASI will no longer protect these monuments,
allowing for regular construction and urbanization activities in the area.
 Public feedback- A gazette notification invites public objections or
suggestions within 2 months regarding the delisting of these monuments.
Challenges faced by ASI
 Historical dysfunctionality- ASI focused more on uncovering new

archaeological sites rather than conserving and protecting existing ones.
 Poor resource allocation- Post independence, the government's allocation of
resources prioritized sectors like health, education, and infrastructure over
heritage protection which resulted in limited funding and attention towards
preserving historical monuments.
 Loss of monuments- The Ministry of Culture's report to a parliamentary
committee revealed that 50 out of India's 3,693 centrally protected
monuments were missing which underscores the challenges in adequately
safeguarding these sites against various threats such as urbanization,
encroachment, and neglect.
 Shortage of security personnel- Only 6.71% of the protected monuments
have security guards, this compromises the ability to monitor and protect
these sites effectively, leaving vulnerable to damage and theft.
 Urban development- The Parliamentary panel suggested that the
Barakhamba Cemetery in Delhi Cemetery in Delhi might have been
compromised due to the redevelopment of the New Delhi railway station
 Remote monuments- While high-profile monuments may receive more
attention, smaller and remote sites are often neglected, increasing the risk of
their loss.
 Failed guardianship- Supreme Court observed that Archaeological Survey of
India (ASI) failed to act as guardian of India’s heritage in the context of Taj
Mahal as it faces threats from political interference and encroachments.

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What lies ahead?
 A comprehensive holistic approach is required to increase funding, improved

coordination between government agencies, community engagement, and
leveraging technology for better monitoring and conservation efforts.
 The recent delisting of monuments reflects larger effort to rationalize and
categorize monuments based on their significance and heritage value.
 However it also underscores the need for better preservation strategies and
resources to protect India's rich cultural heritage.
2. A women’s urban employment guarantee act
 Reducing gender gaps and increasing women’s empowerment are part of the
Sustainable Development Goals. Notwithstanding ethical and constitutional
imperatives, there is also evidence suggesting that increasing women’s
employment rates can be an engine for economic growth.
 Despite functioning at a fraction of its intended capacity, the Mahatma

Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has been
pivotal in providing financial autonomy to women in rural areas.
 More than half the MGNREGA workforce are women. However, urban
realities are different. Social norms, lack of safety, and hostile transportation
options are some of the factors inhibiting urban women to enter the
workforce.
What data is explaining?
 The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) pegs women’s employment rate in
urban areas at 22.9% in the last quarter of 2023. There are clear signs of high
unmet demand for employment among urban women.
 First, the unemployment rate in urban areas, which is a measure of how
many would like employment (irrespective of whether they are actively
seeking it or not), is 9% compared to 4% in rural areas.
 Second, there are two types of unemployment individuals who would like to
work and are actively seeking a job versus those who would like to work but
may not be actively seeking a job.
 A much larger share of unemployed women in urban areas are seeking
employment compared to rural areas. Further, nearly 25% of urban women
have completed higher secondary education compared to 5% in rural areas.
The low urban employment rates among women also points to wastage of
much potential.
 The article presents statistics from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)
indicating that approximately 10.18 crore women in urban areas aged 15-59

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are out of the workforce. When including those who are self-employed or
engaged in casual labor, this number rises to around 11.65 crore.
Introducing the Women’s Urban Employment Guarantee Act (WUEGA)
The proposal outlines a comprehensive plan to address urban unemployment

through the implementation of a Women’s Urban Employment Guarantee Act
(WUEGA). This act aims to provide employment opportunities specifically targeted
towards women in urban areas.
 Programme Management and Decentralization: The proposal suggests that

women should form at least 50% (ideally 100%) of the programme
management staff under WUEGA. This approach not only ensures women’s
active participation but also strengthens the constitutional mandate of
decentralization by involving local communities in decision-making
processes.
 Ensuring Accessibility and Supportive Infrastructure: The proposal
emphasizes the importance of providing essential worksite facilities,
including childcare facilities, to enable women’s participation in the program.
It also advocates for the availability of work within a 5-km radius and
proposes free public transportation for women to facilitate their commute to
worksites.
 Diversifying Employment Opportunities: The proposal highlights the need
to diversify urban works to cater to local needs and wider consultation. It
mentions existing examples such as plantation and harvesting reeds on
floating wetlands and suggests supplementing the list based on local
requirements.
 Incentives and Welfare Measures: This section discusses the creation of
incentives, such as automatic inclusion in welfare boards, to encourage
women’s participation in the program. It proposes utilizing welfare boards to
provide maternity entitlements, pensions, and emergency funds for program
participants.
 Skill Development and Apprenticeships: The proposal emphasizes the
importance of addressing skill gaps among women to facilitate their
transition from school to work. It suggests implementing apprenticeship
programs for college students from various disciplines, providing them with
opportunities to join as program functionaries and improve their job
readiness.
 Information Facilitation Centers and Capacity Building: Here, the proposal
suggests establishing Information Facilitation Centers at each urban local
body, run by women who have completed Class 10, to provide computer
training facilities and bridge the gap in skills. It also advocates for regular

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capacity-building initiatives to empower these centers and enhance women’s
job readiness.
 Social Audit and Monitoring Mechanisms: The proposal recommends the
establishment of a social audit unit within WUEGA, comprising at least 50%
women staff, for independent monitoring of the program. It suggests that
social audits could serve as opportunities for women who have completed
Class 12 to join part-time or full-time roles and enhance their job readiness
through acquiring various skill sets.
Successful Women-Led Initiatives in Waste Management
 The article highlights successful women-led initiatives, such as the end-to-end

waste management program in Karnataka’s gram panchayats. It emphasizes
that women not only manage waste collection but also drive ‘Swacch’
vehicles, leading to the acquisition of driving licenses and contributing to the
success of the initiative.
Wayforward
 The article discusses the financial implications of the proposed program,

estimating that the wage component funded by the Union government would
cost around 1.5% of the GDP. When adding material and administrative
costs, the total cost is expected to be around 2% of the GDP. It advocates for a
phased rollout of the scheme with periodic assessments to smoothen costs.
 Here, the article suggests that the proposed women’s employment program
could serve as a foundation for a broader urban employment program
encompassing both genders. It argues that the benefits of such a program
outweigh fiscal concerns and calls for a shift towards ensuring income
assurance, especially for women.
3. JORC classification vs. UNFC
In a bid to spur private investment in India’s mining sector, representatives of

Vedanta Group pushed the Mines Ministry to consider the adoption of Joint Ore
Reserve Committee (JORC) classification, as opposed to the currently used United
Nations Framework Classification (UNFC).
A Mineral is any substance occurring naturally in or on the Earth, in or under water

or in tailings, residue or stock piles, having been formed by or subjected to a
geological process and includes sand, stone aggregates, gravel, clay, and soil but
excludes, water, oil and gas .

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Indian Mineral Industry Code (IMIC)
 The IMIC indicates the required minimum standard for Public Reporting of
Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves.
 Published by - National Committee for Reporting Mineral Resources and
Reserves in India (NACRI)
 Published on- July 05, 2019
 A resource classification code is necessary to assess resources and reserves in
a mineral block, to prepare geological reports to facilitate its auction for both
exploration and mining, and for a mining company to evaluate its assets.
United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC)
 UNFC – It is a global classification and management system applicable to

mineral, petroleum, nuclear fuel, renewable energy and anthropogenic
resources, as well as injection projects for geological storage.
 Criteria - It is a three digit code based system with 3 axes:
o Geological Assessment
o Feasibility Assessment
o Economic viability
 Features- Under UNFC, all resources including mineral occurrences and
mineral zones that have very low level of confidence in terms of estimation of
quantity and quality are also reported.
 The highest category of resources under UNFC system will have the code
(111) and lowest category the code (334).
 India’s current resource classification rules is based on the UNFC.
 Issues - It fails to provide any degree of economic certainty, which in turn has
hindered the flow of private investment in the sector.
JORC classification
 The JORC Code is produced by the Australasian Joint Ore Reserves

Committee (Committee).
 It sets minimum standards for Public Reporting of minerals Exploration
Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves.
 The JORC Committee is a member of CRIRSCO, the Committee for Mineral
Reserves International Reporting Standards to ensure international
consistency in the development of reporting standards.
 The JORC classification require the reporting of reserves, which are
economically viable deposits with high geological confidence confirmed
through studies at least to a pre-feasibility level.

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4. Subduction Zone discovered beneath Gibraltar Strait
 Scientists in Portugal have uncovered a concerning revelation about the fate

of the Atlantic Ocean, highlighting a potential ‘Ring of Fire’ (a Subduction
Zone).
 Researchers caution that the Atlantic may be on the brink of closure due to
subduction activity.
Subduction Zones
 Subduction zones occur at convergent plate boundaries, where two tectonic

plates move toward each other.
 This convergence is often between an oceanic plate and a continental plate
or between two oceanic plates.
 Subduction Process:
1. Collision of Tectonic Plates: When two tectonic plates collide, the denser
oceanic plate is forced beneath the less dense continental plate or another
oceanic plate.
2. Partial Melting: As the oceanic plate descends into the mantle, it generates
intense heat and pressure, causing partial melting of the mantle material.
3. Volcanic Activity: The molten material formed by the subduction process
rises through the Earth’s crust, leading to volcanic eruptions at the surface.
4. Formation of Volcanic Arcs: These eruptions often occur in chains known as
volcanic arcs, which parallel the subduction zone. Ex. Andes in S. America;
Cascade Range in North America.
Implications of this Activity
 Earthquakes: Subduction zone earthquakes can be particularly destructive

and may trigger tsunamis due to the displacement of large volumes of water.
 Trench Formation: The surface expression of a subduction zone is often a
deep oceanic trench, where the descending plate bends and plunges into the
mantle.
 Mountain Building: Over time, the continuous subduction of oceanic crust
can lead to the uplift and deformation of the overriding plate, resulting in the
formation of mountain ranges adjacent to the subduction zone. These
mountains may exhibit complex geological structures, including folds and
faults.
 Recycling of Oceanic Crust: As oceanic plates are subducted, they are
gradually consumed by the mantle, releasing minerals and elements that are
eventually returned to the surface through volcanic activity.

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5. Hate Speech: Interpreting Section 153A IPC
 The Supreme Court reiterated that to constitute an offence under Section

153A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the essential ingredient is to create a
sense of enmity and disharmony amongst two or more groups or
communities.
 Quite often, politicians are arrested under section 153 A of IPC for alleged
hate speech.
Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)
 Section 153A of the IPC deals with the offence of promoting enmity between
different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence,
language, etc.
 The primary is to prevent the promotion of disharmony or feelings of enmity,
hatred, or ill-will between different groups in society.
 It was enacted in 1898 and was not in the original penal code.
Prohibited Acts:
The section prohibits several acts:
1. Engaging in activities that promote or attempt to promote feelings of enmity

or hatred between different religious, racial, linguistic, or regional groups.
2. Committing acts prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony between
different groups or communities.
3. Doing anything that disturbs or disrupts public tranquillity or creates unrest
among various groups.
Essential Elements:
To constitute an offence under Section 153A, the following essential elements must
be established:
1. Promotion of enmity or hatred between different groups.

2. Such promotion must be based on religion, race, place of birth, residence,
language, etc.
3. The intention behind the act must be to disrupt public tranquillity or to create
disharmony among groups.
Punishment:

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 Jail Term: Any individual found guilty of committing an offence under
Section 153A may be punished with imprisonment for a term which may
extend to 3 years, or with a fine, or with both.
 Cognizable and Non-Bailable: The offence is a cognizable offence and the
punishment for the same may extend to three years, or with fine, or with
both. Further, the offence is non-bailable in nature, wherein the accused is
tried by the magistrate of the first class.
 Burden of Proof: It lies with the prosecution to demonstrate that the
accused’s words, actions, or conduct were aimed at promoting enmity or
hatred between different groups based on the specified grounds.
GS 2 : Polity, Governance, International Relations
1. UNDP’s Human Development Report 2023/2024
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) recently released its Human
Development Report 2023/2024 “Breaking the gridlock Reimagining cooperation in
a polarized world”.
Key Highlights of the report:
HDI Advancements:
 India's HDI (Human Development Index) value increased from 0.633 to

0.644 in 2022, placing it in the medium human development category.
 The rise in HDI is attributed to improvements in life expectancy, education,
and Gross National Income (GNI) per capita.
 Life expectancy rose to 67.7 years, expected years of schooling reached 12.6,
mean years of schooling increased to 6.57, and GNI per capita saw an
increase from $6,542 to $6,951.
Global Ranking:
 India secured the 134th position out of 193 countries in the HDI ranking,
reflecting progress compared to previous years.
 Despite advancements, India lags behind some South Asian neighbors such
as Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and China.
Gender Inequality Reduction:
 India demonstrated progress in reducing gender inequality, with a value of

0.437, surpassing global and South Asian averages.

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 However, challenges persist, notably in the significant gender gap in the
labor force participation rate.
Global Context:
 The UN report highlights a global trend of rising inequality, posing

challenges to inclusive development.
 Despite overall progress, the world remains divided and faces challenges
exacerbated by political polarization and conflict.
Future Prospects:
 There is a call for collective action to address inequality and ensure equitable
development globally.
 India's progress in human development underscores the importance of
investing in social infrastructure beyond GDP growth.
Other key facts:
 The concept of human development, pioneered by economists like Mahbub

al Haq and Amartya Sen, emphasizes the importance of enhancing people's
choices and well-being beyond economic indicators.
 UNDP is an organ of the UN, that was established in 1965, to eradicate
poverty, reduce inequalities, and foster inclusive growth.
2. Rajya Sabha Elections
The recent Rajya Sabha election in several States raised concerns about the sanctity
of election process as it witnessed cross-voting by MLAs.
How are Rajya Sabha elections held?
 Indirect election- As per Article 80, the members of Rajya Sabha elected
indirectly by the elected members of the Legislative Assembly of each State
and the respective Union Territories.
 Proportional Representation System- Each MLA’s vote is counted only once
(Single Transferable Vote) with members casting their votes in order of
preference.
 Preference Voting- MLAs submit a list of candidates based on their
preferences. The first preference carries the most weight.

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 Quota requirement- A candidate must secure a certain number of votes (the
“quota”) to be elected.
 Elimination process- If no candidate reaches the quota, the candidate with
the fewest votes is eliminated. Their votes are redistributed based on
subsequent preferences.
 By-elections- In case of a member’s death, disqualification, or resignation, by-
elections are held to fill the vacant seat.
What are the issues with the Rajya Sabha elections?
 Cross voting- It occurs when members vote for a candidate from a party
different from the one to which they belong which questions the integrity of
election process.
 Open ballot system- To prevent cross-voting, an amendment to the
Representation of the People Act, 1951 in 2003 introduced an open ballot
system for Rajya Sabha elections.
 Members are required to show their ballot paper to the authorized agent of
their party. Failure to do so may result in disqualification of the vote.
Independent MLAs are barred from showing their ballots to anyone.
 Outside the purview of anti-defection law- The Tenth Schedule of the

Constitution, introduced in 1985, contains the anti-defection law, but this law
is not applicable to Rajya Sabha elections.
 Election Commission’s stand- It drew reference to Supreme Court judgments
and specified that the provisions of the Tenth Schedule, with respect to voting
against the instruction of the party, will not be applicable for a Rajya Sabha
election.
 It also specified that the political parties cannot issue any ‘whip’ to its
members for such elections.
What lies ahead?
 There is a need to being in amendments and strengthen the Constitution

against such voting practices since ruling parties benefit from cross voting.
 The Supreme Court can take proactive measure by initiating a suo motto
Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in response to the threat posed by cross voting.

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3. Understanding the world of the informal waste picker
 On March 1, International Waste Pickers Day, waste pickers across the world
will pay homage to fellow pickers who were murdered in Colombia in 1992.
Who are informal waste pickers?
 The International Labour Organization defines the informal sector in waste

management as ‘individuals or small and micro-enterprises that intervene in
waste management without being registered and without being formally
charged with providing waste management services’
 Informal waste pickers, often overlooked and marginalized, play a crucial but
unseen role in India’s waste management systems. They are vital yet often
forgotten members of the waste value chain ecosystem, deserving recognition
and understanding.
 These workers are the primary collectors of recyclable waste, playing a
critical role in waste management and resource efficiency by collecting,
sorting, trading and sometimes even reinserting discarded waste back into
the economy.
 Yet, they face systemic marginalisation due to non-recognition, non-
representation, and exclusion from social security schemes and legal
protection frameworks.
What data shows?
 While reliable estimates of informal waste pickers are difficult to come by, the
Centre for Science and Environment reported that the informal waste
economy employs about 5%–2% of the urban population globally.
 Many are women, children and the elderly, who are often disabled, are the
poorest of the urban poor, and face violence and sexual harassment often. The
Periodic Labour Force Survey 2017-18 indicates that there are nearly 1.5
million waste pickers within India’s urban workforce, with half a million
being women.
Challenges Faced by Waste Pickers
 Work Conditions: Waste pickers labor for 8 to 10 hours daily, collecting 60 kg

to 90 kg of waste, often without safety equipment, exposing themselves to
hazards.
 Health Issues: They suffer from dermatological and respiratory problems,
alongside regular injuries, due to their hazardous work conditions.

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 Socioeconomic Factors: Low income, irregular work, and harassment
exacerbate their precarious livelihoods, compounded by their subordinate
position in the caste hierarchy.
Impact of Private Sector Participation in waste collection
 Exclusion: Private sector involvement in waste management alienates waste

pickers, depriving them of their rights and exacerbating their vulnerability.
 Marginalization: As noted by the Alliance of Indian Waste Pickers (AIW)
2023 report, Private actors employ expensive machinery, marginalizing
informal waste pickers by offering competitive rates to waste generators,
forcing them into hazardous scavenging activities.
 Loss of Rights: Private players and municipal authorities often cordon off
dump sites, further limiting waste pickers’ access and exacerbating their
vulnerability.
Importance of Waste Pickers in Plastic Management
 Global Contribution: Waste pickers globally collect and recover up to 60% of

all plastic waste, contributing significantly to its recycling efforts, as
highlighted in the 2022 World Economic Forum report.
 Underappreciated Role: Despite their crucial contribution to sustainable
recycling, waste pickers’ work is undervalued, and they struggle to earn a
decent livelihood.
 Quantitative Impact: Reports by the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) and Pew state that informal waste pickers collected 27
million metric tonnes of plastic waste in 2016 alone, representing 59% of all
plastic material collected for recycling, thereby preventing it from ending up
in landfills or oceans.
 Relevance in India’s Context: In India, where per capita plastic waste
generation is rising, waste pickers’ role becomes even more critical, especially
considering that the country is among the top 12 responsible for 52% of the
world’s mismanaged waste, as per a recent CPCB report.
 Harnessing Traditional Knowledge: Waste pickers possess traditional
knowledge about waste handling, which could significantly enhance the
effectiveness of the EPR system if integrated properly.
 Rethinking EPR Norms: In light of this, there is a need to reconsider the
formulation of EPR norms to ensure the inclusion and empowerment of
millions of informal waste pickers within the new legal framework.
Understanding Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

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 Objective: EPR aims to enhance plastic waste management by transferring
the responsibility of waste management from municipal authorities to
commercial waste producers.
 Promises of EPR: EPR holds the potential for social inclusion for waste
pickers and other informal grassroots actors by promoting accountability
among commercial waste producers.
Analysis of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Guidelines
 Stakeholder Identification: The EPR guidelines in India recognize various

stakeholders, including the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB),
producers, brand owners, industry, industry associations, civil society
organizations, and citizens.
 Uncertainty Regarding Inclusion: It remains unclear whether these
stakeholders include informal waste pickers or their representing
organizations, raising questions about the extent of their involvement in the
EPR framework.
 Discrepancies with Solid Waste Management Rules 2016: While the Solid
Waste Management Rules 2016 mandate the inclusion of waste pickers in
municipal solid waste management systems, informal waste pickers are
evidently missing in the prioritization within the EPR guidelines.
 Omission in EPR Guidelines 2022: The EPR Guidelines 2022, published by
the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, have blatantly
ignored the role of informal waste pickers in waste management and
recycling, further exacerbating their exclusion from the formal waste
management framework.
Challenges in Implementation
 Redirection of Waste: Despite its promises, EPR often redirects waste away
from the informal sector, posing a threat of large-scale displacement for
informal waste pickers.
 Concerns Raised by WIEGO: Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing
and Organizing (WIEGO) have noted the potential negative impacts of EPR
on informal waste pickers, highlighting the need for careful consideration
and mitigation of such effects.
In conclusion, acknowledging waste pickers’ crucial role in plastic recycling is

imperative for sustainable waste management. Efforts should focus on integrating
them into formal systems like the Extended Producer Responsibility mechanism
while addressing their socio-economic vulnerabilities for a more equitable and
environmentally sound future.

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4. SC’s Stand on Stay Order
The Supreme Court has recently issued guidelines concerning interim orders of stay
in High Court.
Interim order
 Temporary relief- Interim orders are temporary in nature and only provide
immediate relief.
 Benefits-It is intended to address immediate concerns, maintain the status
quo, or prevent irreparable harm until a final judgment can be rendered.
 These reliefs are designed to address urgent situations and ensure that justice
is done while the case is ongoing.
 Delays trail procedure- If a High Court in a case had to consider the
challenge against an order framing charges by the trial court, it would first
grant a stay of trial and then grant a date for hearing arguments on framing
charges.
What are the guidelines issued by Supreme Court for interim relief?
 Limited duration- Ex-parte ad-interim relief should be granted for a specific

period.
Ex-parte ad-interim relief is granting interim order without hearing the affected
parties
 Hear both sides-High courts should hear both parties before granting or
vacating interim relief.
 Vacation of interim orders-Even if interim relief is granted after hearing both
sides, the aggrieved party is not prevented from applying for vacating the
same on available grounds.
 Priority for vacating orders-Applications for vacating stay orders should be
given priority.
 Ensure transparency- If a party applies for vacating an interim order due to
suppression of facts, it should be taken up promptly to prevent the misuse of
interim relief.
 Reversal of Asian resurfacing case, 2018- The 2018 ruling mandated that
interim orders automatically expire after 6 months unless extended by the
high courts.
 The direction for the automatic expiration of interim orders cannot be issued
under Article 142 of the Constitution.

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Article 142 empowers the Supreme Court of India with a discretionary power to
pass any such order that it deems as ‘necessary for complete justice’, in any matter
pending before it.
Why Supreme Court reversed 2018 judgement?
 Need of the 2018 ruling- The intention was to address the problem of undue
delays in trials caused by stays.
 Not achieve its goal- The 2018 judgment did not achieve its goal of reducing
case pendency in ensuring speedy disposal of matters.
 Discretion for lower courts- The Supreme Court should refrain from laying
down precise timelines for deciding cases, as lower courts are more aware of
grass root issue it must be given discretion in handling cases.
 Caseload dynamics-The Court acknowledged that different courts have
varying patterns when it comes to their pending caseload, hence the
concerned court is best positioned to determine which cases require
immediate attention.
 Prevent injustice-It recognizes the need for flexibility and acknowledges that
imposing precise timelines for deciding cases can sometimes lead to injustice.
 Against separation of powers- The power of deciding timelines for judicial
proceedings is a decision for Parliament, the intervention of judiciary would
amount to court created legislation.
What lies ahead?
 The Supreme Court through the guidelines for interim relief aims to strike a
balance between granting interim relief and ensuring fair and just legal
process.
 The recent guidelines underscores the importance of allowing lower courts
flexibility in managing cases, recognizing their awareness of local issues.
5. Defamation in the Digital Age
 In a recent legal development, the Supreme Court of India intervened in a

defamation case involving Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
 This case highlights the intricate intersection of online communication, legal
frameworks, and freedom of expression in the digital era.
Right to Free Speech
 Freedom: Article 19(1) (a) guarantees the freedom of speech and expression to
all citizens. It is the first condition of liberty and plays an important role in
forming public opinion.

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 Restrictions: As per Article 19(2), restrictions can be imposed upon the
freedom of speech and expression in the interests of:
1. Sovereignty and integrity of India,

2. Security of the state,
3. Friendly relations with foreign states,
4. Public order, decency or morality, or
5. In relation to contempt of court,
6. Defamation, or
7. Incitement to an offense
 Online Discourse: The proliferation of social media platforms necessitates a

nuanced understanding of free speech rights in the digital realm, balancing
individual liberties with societal interests.
 Immunity for Politicians: For politicians, while they enjoy the right to free
speech, they are also subject to certain limitations. Criticism of the
government or its policies is generally allowed as long as it does not incite
violence or hatred.
Legal Conundrum over Digital Defamation
 Background: Kejriwal faced defamation charges for retweeting a video by a

YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, alleging defamatory statements against the BJP’s IT
cell.
 Legal Proceedings: The Delhi High Court upheld the summons issued to
Kejriwal, citing the widespread impact of retweets by public figures.
 Constitutional Considerations: The right to free speech, protected under
Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution, is subject to reasonable restrictions,
including defamation laws under Article 19(2).
 Retweeting vs. Endorsement: The court’s intervention underscores the
distinction between retweeting and endorsing content. While retweeting may
not always signify endorsement, public figures are held to a higher standard
of responsibility for their online actions.
 Defamation Laws: Indian law, as delineated in Section 499 of the Indian
Penal Code, criminalizes statements intended to harm an individual’s
reputation. However, applying these laws to online communication poses
unique challenges.
Legal Precedents and Interpretations
 Shreya Singhal vs. Union of India (2015): Section 66A of The IT Act, 2000,
had criminalised sending “offensive messages” utilizing “a computer

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resource or a communication device”. This provision was quashed by the SC
given the ambiguity in the definition of the term “offensive”.
 Subramanian Swamy vs. Union of India (2016): The Supreme Court
affirmed the constitutionality of criminal defamation laws, balancing the right
to reputation with freedom of expression.
 Kaushal Kishore vs. Union of India (2017): The Court clarified that
additional restrictions on free speech must align with Article 19(2) and cannot
be arbitrarily imposed.
Implications for Online Discourse
 Scope of Defamation: Online retweets amplify the dissemination of allegedly

defamatory content, raising questions about liability and accountability.
 Responsibility of Public Figures: Public figures like Kejriwal face heightened
scrutiny for their online activities, given their influence and reach on social
media platforms.
Conclusion
 This defamation case underscores the evolving dynamics of communication

in the digital age.
 As online discourse continues to shape public opinion, striking a balance
between freedom of expression and legal safeguards against defamation
remains a pressing challenge.
 The Supreme Court’s intervention provides an opportunity to reassess
existing laws and norms governing online speech, ensuring that rights and
responsibilities are harmonized in the digital realm.
6. White Revolution 2.0
Recent Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2022-23 highlights the

growing importance of White Revolution 2.0 as the top food item both in urban and
rural areas is milk.
Why there is a need of white revolution 2.0?
 Inflation- The all-India modal price of milk has risen significantly, from Rs 42
to Rs 60 per litre over the last five years.
 Reduction in demand- Higher prices may result in consumers cutting back
on their milk consumption, impacting the overall demand for dairy products.

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 Increased production cost- The costs associated with fodder, feed, and raw
materials have seen a significant increase, prompting dairies to raise
procurement prices paid to farmers.
 Impact on consumers- Inflation and increased production cost falls on
consumers, as there is a limit on how much more consumers can pay for milk
before it causes demand destruction.
How India can implement white revolution 2.0?
 New breeding technologies- The genetic improvements like sex sorted

semen, embryo transfer and in vitro fertilisation can produce more female
calves and high yielding cows from existing genetic resources.
 Sex sorted semen- There is a 90%-plus probability of only female calves being
born, as against 50:50 with conventional semen.
 Adoption of embryo transfer (ET) technology- It exploits the high genetic
merit (HGM) of existing cows, resulting in multiple calves from a single
HGM cow.
 In vitro fertilization (IVF) - It is the method of mature ova outside the cow's
body, leading to higher embryo production and more calves.
 Bovine breeding centres- This would breed a nucleus herd of high-genetic-
merit bulls and cows through production of superior semen and in vitro-
fertilized embryos for artificial insemination (AI) or transferring to farmers'
animals.
 Animal Nutrition- There is a need to encourage farmers to cultivate high-
yielding protein-rich green fodder grasses.
 Lower feed cost- This can be done by reducing the reliance on expensive
compound like cattle feed and oil-meal concentrates.
 Balanced diet- Farmers are encouraged to implement Total Mixed Ration
(TMR) plants to provide a balanced diet in a ready to eat farm, saving farmers
the cost of purchasing and storing fodder separately.
 Lower overall cost- The government should emphasis on lowering the
overall costs of producing milk at the farm-gate, rather than solely relying on
increasing procurement prices.
7. Legislators Immunity against Criminal Prosecution
 The Supreme Court is set to decide if legislators (MPs and MLAs) enjoy
immunity from bribery charges in connection with votes made in Parliament
and Legislative Assemblies.
Legislators Immunity: Background and Context

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 Constitutional Provisions: Articles 194(2) (for MLAs) and 105(2) (MPs) of the
Constitution grant legislators immunity from legal proceedings concerning
their speeches and votes in Parliament and Legislative Assemblies.
 P.V. Narasimha Case: In 1998, the Supreme Court upheld this immunity in
the case of P.V. Narasimha Rao v State (CBI/SPE), ruling that legislators are
shielded from criminal prosecution for bribery linked to their parliamentary
actions.
Reasons for Reconsideration
 Sita Soren’s Case: The appeal by JMM MLA Sita Soren, accused of accepting
bribes during Rajya Sabha elections, prompted a reevaluation of the
Narasimha verdict.
 Interpretation Issues: Concerns were raised about the broad interpretation of
immunity and its implications for combating bribery in legislative bodies.
Arguments Supporting Immunity
 Absolute Protection: Advocates contend that legislators enjoy complete

immunity from legal action under constitutional provisions. They argue that
the Speaker holds authority to address moral infractions through expulsion.
 Interpretation of Articles: The dissenting opinion in Narasimha sought to

narrow the scope of immunity, but proponents stress adherence to the literal
interpretation of constitutional language.
Arguments against
 Completion of Offence: Critics argue that the offence of bribery is

consummated upon acceptance of the bribe, irrespective of subsequent
actions. They advocate holding legislators accountable from the moment the
bribe is accepted.
Legitimate Legislative Actions: Distinguishing between legitimate and illegitimate

actions, advocates assert that actions stemming from criminal conduct, such as vote-
buying, should not be shielded by immunity.
Legal Interpretation and Statutory Compliance
 Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988: Critics highlight inconsistencies between

the Narasimha ruling and the provisions of the PCA, emphasizing the need
for alignment with anti-corruption legislation.

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Intent and Performance: Solicitor General Mehta underscored the disconnect
between the Narasimha verdict and the intent of the Prevention of Corruption Act,
particularly regarding the timing of criminal liability.
Way Forward
 Balancing Integrity and Immunity: The court’s ruling will determine the
delicate balance between upholding legislative immunity and ensuring
accountability for criminal acts.
 Interpretative Scrutiny: A nuanced interpretation of constitutional provisions
is essential to address the evolving complexities of legislative conduct and
accountability.
Conclusion
 The Supreme Court’s forthcoming decision on legislators’ immunity from

bribery charges holds significant ramifications for India’s legal landscape.
 Balancing constitutional provisions, legislative intent, and anti-corruption
imperatives, the court’s ruling will shape the accountability framework for
lawmakers and the integrity of the legislative process.
8. SC's stand on Parliamentary Privileges
Recently the Supreme Court ruled that legislators cannot claim immunity from
criminal prosecution for bribery related to their speech and votes in the House.
What are the provisions that grant legislators immunity from prosecution?
 Article 105 –It deals with the powers, privileges, etc. of the Houses of
Parliament and of the members and committees thereof.
 Article 105(2)- No MP shall be liable to any proceedings in any court in
respect of anything said or vote given by him in Parliament and no person
shall be liable in respect of the publication by or under the authority of either
House of Parliament of any report, paper, votes or proceedings.
 This provision exempts MPs from any legal action for any statement made or
act done in the course of their duties.
 Article 194(2)- A corresponding provision giving immunity to members of
state legislatures is contained under Article 194(2).
 Defamation – The defamation suit cannot be filed for a statement made in the
House
 Immunity to non-members- Attorney General of India or a Minister who
may not be a member but speaks in the House.

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 Role of Speaker- In cases where a member oversteps or exceeds the contours
of admissible free speech, the Speaker of the House will deal with it, as
opposed to the court.
What is the current issue?
 Sita Soren case- Sita Soren, a member of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha
(JMM), revolves around bribery allegations related to the 2012 Rajya Sabha
elections.
 The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed a chargesheet against Sita
Soren in response to the bribery accusation.
 In 2014, Sita Soren filed a plea in the Jharkhand High Court seeking the
quashing of criminal proceedings against her, it was dismissed by the Court
leading her to appeal the case in the Supreme Court.
 The three judge bench noted that P.V.Narashimo Rao case is directly related
to this case, due to narrow margin in the decision the case was referred to a
larger bench underscoring that the issue was “substantial and of general
public importance”.
 Recently Supreme Court ruled that parliamentary privileges do not grant
legislators higher immunity from general criminal law.
What are the key highlights of the verdict?
 No violation of the doctrine of stare decisis- The petitioners argued that

overturning the established law in the P.V. Narasimha Rao case would violate
this doctrine.
Doctrine of stare decisis is a legal principle that obligates judges to adhere to prior
verdicts while ruling on a similar case.
 Flexibility of doctrine- The doctrine is not an “inflexible rule of law” and that
a larger bench is well within its limits to reconsider a prior decision in
appropriate cases.
 Statutory origin- Unlike the United Kingdom’s House of Commons, India’s
parliamentary privileges do not stem from “ancient and undoubted” rights
established through historical struggles between Parliament and the
monarchy.
 Legislative privileges have to conform to Constitution- The Court
emphasizes that claims to privilege must be subject to judicial review to
ensure they align with constitutional norms.
 Fails two fold test- The Court held that the constitutional immunity from
prosecution for bribery related to voting o speech fails to fulfil two fold test.

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o Collective functioning- The privilege claimed must be linked to the
overall functioning of the House.
o Essential duties- The necessity for the privilege should relate to the
legislator’s essential duties.
 Influence legislators- Articles 105 and 194 grant privileges to lawmakers to

facilitate debate and deliberation within the legislature but, this purpose is
undermined when bribery influences a member’s voting or speech.
 Bribery is not immune- It is not immune because it is not essential to the
casting of the vote or decision-making, the same principle applies to bribery
related to speeches in the House or committees.
 Completion of bribery offence-The offense of bribery is considered complete
when a legislator accepts an illegal gratification, regardless of whether it is
followed by voting or making a speech as desired by the bribe giver.
 Over turned P.V.Narasimha case- The recent ruling ensures that legislators
cannot escape accountability for bribery, regardless of their subsequent
actions.
Previously the legislators were immune when accepting a bribe and voting as
agreed. However, if they accepted a bribe but voted independently, they could be
prosecuted.
 Parallel jurisdiction of Courts and Houses- The court’s jurisdiction to

prosecute criminal offenses and the House’s authority to address breaches of
discipline operate independently.
 Accountability-Bribery charges can be treated by the House as contempt or a
breach of privilege, but this does not exclude judicial proceedings. Hence the
legislator can be held accountable through both House proceedings and
judicial processes.
 Corruption erodes democracy-Corruption and bribery by members of the
legislature erode the very foundation of Indian parliamentary democracy.
 Disrupt moral principles-When a legislator is influenced to vote not based
on their genuine beliefs or stance on an issue, but due to monetary
inducements, it undermines probity in public life.
 Verdict applies to Rajya Sabha elections- The recent verdict confirms that
voting in Rajya Sabha elections falls within the ambit of Article 194(2) as the
parliamentary privileges extends beyond law making on the floor of the
House, it encompasses other powers and responsibilities of elected members,
even when the House is not in session.
Kuldip Nayar case (2006) held that elections to the Rajya Sabha are not proceedings
of the legislature but a mere exercise of franchise and therefore fall outside the
ambit of parliamentary privileges under Article 194.

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What lies ahead?
 The ruling underscores the importance of constitutional scrutiny in

determining the boundaries of legislative privileges.
 Supreme Court with its recent verdict made clear that Parliament is not the
sole judge of its privileges, allowing for judicial review of the House and its
members' actions
 Sita Soren vs Union of India is a significant step towards strengthening
legislative accountability and upholding the rule of law.
 By outlining a clear stance in relation to parliamentary privilege concerning
bribery cases the court reaffirms principles of moral uprightness and
openness within public life.
9. Association for Democratic Reforms’ (ADR) analysis on Criminalization of

Politics
The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and the National Election Watch,
both NGOs, have recently analysed the affidavits of Rajya Sabha candidates.
Key highlights of the research:
 36% have declared criminal cases against themselves, while their average
assets were ₹127.81 crore.
 Most candidates possess at least a graduate degree and are aged between 51-
70, but only 19% are women.
Criminalization of Politics (CoP):
 The Criminalization of Politics (CoP) means the entry of criminals and

corrupt individuals into politics, exploiting their power to advance personal
interests to the detriment of the nation and its citizens.
Judgments against CoP include:
 Public Interest Foundation v. Union of India (2019), where the Supreme

Court (SC) mandated political parties to disclose candidates' criminal records
on various platforms and instructed the Election Commission of India (ECI)
to ensure effective dissemination of this information.
 Lily Thomas v. Union of India (2013): SC declared that MPs or MLAs
convicted of a crime leading to a prison term of 2 years or more would be

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disqualified from office, barring them from elections or holding office during
an appeal.
 Association for Democratic Reforms v. Union of India (2002) led to SC
directives for the ECI to prevent candidates with criminal backgrounds from
receiving party tickets and to mandate the disclosure of criminal records in
nomination papers.
 In State of Uttar Pradesh v. Raj Narain (1975), SC had affirmed the
fundamental right of citizens to know their representatives' antecedents,
requiring election affidavits to detail candidates' assets, liabilities, educational
qualifications, and criminal records.
10. Holistic Progress Card (HPC): Revolutionizing Student Assessment
 The traditional report cards of students are undergoing a transformation with

the introduction of the Holistic Progress Card (HPC) by the National Council
for Educational and Research Training (NCERT).
 This innovative approach aims to evaluate not just academic performance but
also various aspects of a child’s holistic development.
Holistic Progress Card (HPC)
 360-Degree Evaluation: Departing from the conventional marks or grades-

based assessment, the HPC adopts a comprehensive evaluation approach.
 Student-Centric Assessment: Students are actively engaged in the
assessment process through class activities, allowing them to demonstrate
diverse skills and competencies.
 Peer and Self-Assessment: Students participate in evaluating their own and
their classmates’ performance, fostering self-awareness and peer
collaboration.
Key Features of the HPC
 Classes Involved: The HPC was created for the foundational stage (Classes 1
and 2), preparatory stage (Classes 3 to 5), and middle stage (Classes 6 to 8).
Efforts are currently underway to develop a similar framework for the
secondary stage.
 Parameters of Evaluation: Besides academics, students are evaluated on self-
awareness, relationships, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and
creativity. Students reflect on their progress after each activity by circling
statements like “I learned something new,” “I expressed creativity,” or “I
helped others.”
 Method of Evaluation:

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1. Self-Assessment: Included in the HPC for all students from Class 1 to
Class 8. In middle school (Classes 6 to 8), students set academic and
personal goals with specific timelines at the start of the year. The
middle stage HPC also involves an “ambition card” where students list
their goals for the year and areas for improvement, along with the skills
and habits needed to achieve them.
2. Parental Involvement: Parents provide feedback on homework
completion, classroom engagement, and the child’s ability to balance
screen time with extracurricular activities at home, thus connecting
home and school.
3. Peer Evaluation: Students evaluate their classmates’ participation in
learning and engagement after each classroom activity.
Implementation and Adoption
 Rollout across States: The HPC has been sent to all states and Union
Territories, with several already adopting it for Classes 1 to 8.
 Regional Customization: States have the flexibility to modify the HPC to suit
their regional requirements while adhering to the overarching principles.
Rationale behind the Change
 Focus on Higher-Order Skills: The shift from rote memorization to higher-

order skills evaluation aligns with the objectives of NEP 2020 and NCF SE.
 Promotion of Holistic Development: The HPC aims to communicate
students’ strengths and areas of improvement, fostering self-esteem and self-
awareness.
Benefits and Implications
 Comprehensive Evaluation: The HPC promotes a holistic assessment

approach, encompassing academic achievements and critical skill
development.
 Shift to Formative Assessment: By emphasizing formative assessment, the
HPC encourages competency-based evaluation and continuous improvement.
 Insights for Teachers and Parents: Teachers and parents gain valuable
insights into each student’s learning journey, enabling personalized support
and guidance.
Conclusion
 The introduction of the Holistic Progress Card marks a significant step

towards redefining student assessment in India.

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 By prioritizing holistic development and competency-based evaluation, the
HPC aims to nurture well-rounded individuals capable of thriving in a
rapidly evolving world.
11. Election Commission partners with banks, post offices for voter awareness
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has recently partnered with the Indian
Banks’ Association (IBA) and the Department of Posts (DoP) through an MoU to
boost voter awareness for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
About the MoU:
 This MoU aims to leverage the extensive networks of these organizations to

promote voter education and conduct training on SVEEP (Systematic Voters'
Education and Electoral Participation), ECI's flagship programme since 2009.
 SVEEP is a flagship programme of ECI, launched in 2009, that focuses on
enhancing voter awareness, education, and participation.
 Moreover, NCERT has incorporated chapters on electoral literacy in school
textbooks.
Voter education:
 The Voter education is crucial for enabling voters to make informed choices,
providing information on the voting process, the government, key national
issues, the value of democracy, and gender equality.
 The need for voter education in India is highlighted by the low voter turnout
in the 2019 General Election, where 30 crore of 91 crore electors did not vote,
a lack of awareness among the masses, and the importance of informed
voting for a democratic election process.
12. Expert committee on Arbitration reforms
An expert committee on reforms in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996,

recently submitted its final report to the government.
Committee on Arbitration Reforms:
 The committee led by former law secretary Dr T.K. Viswanathan was

constituted in 2023 by the Ministry of Law and Justice.
 This was to examine the working of the arbitration law and to recommend
reforms to it.
 It was asked to suggest changes to enhance the arbitration process through
by reduction in court intervention, cost-effectiveness, and ensure timely
resolution.

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o Arbitration is a process under which the parties concerned, instead of
approaching the courts, opt for private dispute resolution through
arbitrators.
o The Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 was enacted to consolidate
domestic arbitration, international commercial arbitration, and
enforcement of foreign arbitral awards.
 It included Additional Solicitor General, members from Department of
Economic Affairs, Niti Aayog, public industries, and legal counsels.
 A consultation paper sought recommendations on a framework of an
efficient, effective, and economical model arbitration system based on the
requirements of users.
Key Recommendations of the Report:
Separate Division:
 Resolution of corporate disputes can be fast-tracked by creating a separate

Arbitration Division in every High Court with regular proceedings and
decisions taken expeditiously.
Model Procedure:
 The committee recommended a model procedure based on prevalent best

practices, which can be used by the arbitral tribunals as a guide.
 A separate Model law for domestic disputes, based on UNCITRAL (United
Nations Commission on International Trade Law) can be referred.
 The enforcing Court should dispose of the petition in nine months and
adjournments in proceedings must be granted only for exceptional reasons or
in case of stay on enforcement.
 While courts oversee the legitimacy and integrity of the arbitral process, its
role must be limited to overall supervision, and reviewed in the post-award
stage.
Cost and fee structure:
 It also proposed a framework for the cost of arbitration and the fees charged
by arbitrators.
 The arbitrators’ fees were fixed under the Fourth Schedule in 2015 but
should be revised.
 The Committee suggested the government provide different fee structures
for small and medium-value claims and revise the rates periodically without
amendments.
 The committee proposed the deletion of the Fourth schedule dealing with
fee schedule.
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Process of appointing arbitrators:
 No upper age limit had been prescribed for accepting an appointment as

arbitrator.
 There is an urgent need to institutionalize the process of appointment of
arbitrators and minimize court intervention at the first stage.
 Any decision to challenge an arbitral award must be based on an honest
assessment of the prospects of success, as weighed against the estimated cost
of litigation.
 A bona-fide administrative suggestion shall not challenge an arbitral award
and must be given finality.
 The legal personnel involved in the arbitral process must identify the
grounds of challenge, and assess the prospect of success under the
supervision of a senior law officer.
Methods for Review:
 Periodic reviews must be conducted on the outcome of challenges to arbitral

awards.
 A standing committee of officers may be appointed to immediately examine
an award after it is delivered, to decide on acceptance, settlement, or against
challenging it.
 Fortnightly reviews of all arbitral awards must be undertaken to ensure that
the timeline for challenging an award does not expire.
 It did not prescribe limits on the number of arbitrations an arbitrator can
take, leading to delays in award.
13. Self Help Groups
In India, women self-help groups have been a source of empowerment, fostering

economic independence, social stature and community resilience.
How SHGs evolved in India?
 A Self-Help Group is an informal association of individuals who come

together to improve their living conditions.
 It is a self-governed and peer-controlled group comprising people with
similar socio-economic backgrounds and a shared desire to achieve a
common purpose.

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As per National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) data, there are around 9 million
SHGs with nearly 100 million women members, averaging 14 SHGs per village.
 Primary purpose- To pool financial resources for joint economic activities and
provide reasonable-interest loans to members for starting small businesses.
 Historical origin- The concept of SHGs began in the 1970s, notably with the
formation of the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) in Gujarat.
 Linkage to banks- In 1992, SHGs were linked to banks for small loans,
leading to the SHG Bank Linkage Project (SHG-BLP) for setting up livelihood
opportunities.
 Swarna Jayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana- It was launched in 1999 to
recognize the potential of SHGs in promoting self-employment in rural areas.
 NRLM- In 2011,SHGs were integrated into the National Rural Livelihoods
Mission (NRLM), becoming core implementers of the government's objective
to ensure livelihood opportunities for the poor.
 Community Investment Fund- It was launched in 2014 that provided SHGs
with up to Rs 50,000 per year for designing and implementing local
livelihood programs.
 Formal village groups- The integration into NRLM and the creation of the
Community Investment Fund marked a transformation of SHGs from
informal alliances to formal village groups.
What is the significance of SHGs?
 Functional capacity enhancement- It improves the functional capacity of

poor and marginalized individuals by providing them with skill
development, employment generation and increased income opportunities.
 Conflict resolution- SHGs acts as forums for collective leadership and
mutual dialogue fosters a sense of community cohesion and shared
responsibility.
 Credit access- They play a pivotal role in providing collateral free loans to
their members, the interest rates on these loans are market driven ensuring
fairness and sustainability in financial transactions.
 Microfinance prowess- SHGs are recognized as the world's largest
microfinance project, with millions of groups availing substantial loans.
 Risk mitigation- The SHGs serve as a collective guarantee system providing
assurance for members seeking loans from organized sources.
 Financial inclusion- It facilitate the inclusion of marginalized individuals
into the formal banking system that enables the poor to save money in banks
promoting financial literacy and inclusion.
 Economic empowerment- The members can utilize the loans obtained
through SHGs to start micro-enterprises.

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 Poverty alleviation- SHGs contribute to the overall goal of poverty
alleviation by focusing on employment generation, income enhancement and
financial inclusion.
 Women empowerment- Women can utilize their skills and talents to start
businesses and become financially self-reliant.
How the SHGs has shaped India over years?
 Credit discipline- It is highlighted by a repayment rate of more than 96%

contrasting with challenges faced by India’s commercial banks often dealing
with massive non-performing loans.
 Growth- As per Economic Survey 2022-23, SHGs have shown impressive
growth rates, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.8% in credit
linkages and 5.7% in credit disbursement per SHG over the last ten years.
 Government support- The government's active pursuit of SHGs is evident in
their inclusion in policies and programs, reflecting a recognition of their
organizational effectiveness at the grassroots level.
 Diversified roles- The SHGs manage local community kitchens, running
health services, overseeing slum redevelopment initiatives, and managing
agri-nutri gardens.
 Poltical will- SHGs have become a significant influence in politics, with
political parties incorporating them into women-focused manifestos.
 National significance- Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized their
role in transforming from "Self-Help Groups" to "Nation Help Groups,"
showcasing their national significance.
 Financial commitment from States- State governments, especially in Uttar
Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Odisha,
have provided substantial budgetary support, totalling Rs 5 lakh crore,
directly to SHGs.
 Vote bank- SHGs have become a vehicle for seeking votes from women,
reflecting their increasing participation in elections.
14. Urban Frame Survey using Bhuvan
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has recently

signed an MoU with the ISRO to support the Urban Frame Survey (UFS).
About the MoU:
 The collaboration aims to modernize UFS by integrating Geo ICT tools on the
Bhuvan platform, including the development of mobile apps for Geo-
tagging.

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 It also envisages development of a web portal for data visualization and
editing, a QGIS plug-in for accessing regions, and the use of High-
Resolution Satellite Imagery for demarcating boundaries.
Urban Frame Survey:
 It will be conducted in 5-year phases to provide a sampling frame in the

urban sector for NSSO's Socio-Economic Surveys.
 The UFS, overseen by the Field Operations Division (FOD) of NSSO, moved
to a digital format in the 2017-22 phase using the Bhuvan platform, covering
over 5300 towns.
 The current 2022-2027 phase plans to survey approximately 8134 towns
utilizing Bhuvan's Mobile, Desktop, and Web Based GIS solutions.
15. Press and Registration of Periodicals Act (PRP Act) 2023
The Press and Registration of Periodicals Act (PRP Act), 2023, came into effect on
replacing the old PRB Act, 1867.
Key Provision of the PRP Act 2023:
 The Act governs the registration of newspapers and periodicals.

 It introduces the Press Sewa Portal, an online system for registration.
 The portal replaces manual processes, simplifying the registration system.
 All applications related to the printing and publication of periodicals are to be
processed online.
 The system offers features like e-sign, digital payment, and QR code-based
certificates.
Changes Introduced:
 Books and journals are excluded from the registration requirement.

 The new Act mandates online registration for periodicals before publication.
 The process aims to reduce discrepancies and enhance transparency.
Implementation:
 The Press Registrar General of India (PRGI) office will oversee the Act's
implementation.
 The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting launched the Press Sewa Portal
for application processing.
 Online applications include registration, ownership transfer, and annual
statements.

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Benefits:
 Reduces manual processing challenges and hardships for publishers.

 Streamlines the application process, ensuring faster processing.
 Enhances transparency and reduces delays in communication.
16. President approves Uttarakhand’s UCC Bill
Under Article 201 of the Indian Constitution, the President gave assent to the
‘Uniform Civil Code Uttarakhand 2024’ Bill passed by the Uttarakhand Legislative
Assembly, on March 11 2024.
Uniform Civil Code
 The UCC is mentioned in Article 44 of the Constitution as part of the

Directive Principles of State Policy, that the state should work to establish a
uniform civil code for all citizens across India.
o However, the Constitution’s framers left it to the government’s
discretion to implement the UCC.
Goa is the only state in India with a UCC, following the Portuguese Civil Code
of 1867.
What are the SC Observations?
 The Supreme Court has emphasized the importance of Governors promptly

acting on Bills sent to them for assent after passage by Legislative
Assemblies. Bills should be returned “as soon as possible” to prevent undue
delay, with significant constitutional intent behind this directive.
Governor’s Discretion
The Governor holds several options upon receiving a Bill:
 Granting Assent.
 Requesting the Assembly to reconsider specific provisions or the entire Bill.
Obligatory reservation for the President’s consideration, especially in cases

posing a threat to the state high court or contravening constitutional provisions,
DPSP, national interest, or Article 31A regarding compulsory property acquisition.
Although within the Governor’s authority, withholding assent is seldom practiced
due to its contentious nature.
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17. India ‘one of the Worst Autocratisers’: V-Dem Democracy Report
 India, previously categorized as an “electoral autocracy” in 2018, has further

declined to become one of the “worst autocratizers,” according to the
‘Democracy Report 2024’ by the Gothenburg-based V-Dem (or Varieties of
Democracy) Institute.
Key highlights on India
 Deteriorating Status: India, previously downgraded to an electoral autocracy

in 2018, has further declined to become “one of the worst autocratizers.”
 Historical Comparison: India’s level of “liberal democracy” has regressed
significantly, reaching levels last seen in 1975 during the state of emergency
declared by Indira Gandhi.
 Regime Classification: India falls into the category of electoral autocracy,
characterized by multiparty elections alongside insufficient levels of freedom
of expression and fair elections.
 Erosion of Democratic Freedoms: The report highlights the gradual
deterioration of freedom of expression, media independence, and attacks on
civil society under the current government.
V-Dem Democracy Report
 Publication: The V-Dem Institute releases the Democracy Report annually,

offering insights into the state of democracy worldwide, focusing on
democratization and autocratization.
 Regime Classification: Countries are categorized into four regime types
based on their scores in the Liberal Democratic Index (LDI), encompassing a
spectrum from liberal democracy to closed autocracy.
Liberal Democratic Index (LDI)
 Comprehensive Assessment: The LDI evaluates both liberal (individual and

minority rights) and electoral aspects (free and fair elections) of democracy.
 Indicators: It comprises 71 indicators, encompassing the Liberal Component
Index (LCI) and the Electoral Democracy Index (EDI), capturing various
dimensions of democratic governance.
1. LCI: Measures aspects like protection of individual liberties and

legislative constraints on the executive.
2. EDI: Considers indicators ensuring free and fair elections such as
freedom of expression and association.
 Components of the LDI include:

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1. Egalitarian Component Index: Assesses the extent of equality among
different social groups within a democracy.
2. Participatory Component Index: Evaluates the health of citizen groups and
civil society organizations, indicating the degree of citizen engagement.
3. Deliberative Component Index: Gauges whether political decisions are
driven by public reasoning focused on the common good or influenced by
emotional appeals, solidarity attachments, or coercion.
4. Publication Schedule: The Democracy Report is typically published annually
in March, presenting a comprehensive analysis of global democratic trends.
Key Findings from the Democracy Report 2024:
 Collaborative Effort: The report is a collaborative endeavour involving 4,200

scholars from 180 countries, leveraging 31 million datasets spanning from
1789 to 2023 to assess the democratic status of 202 countries.
 Global Trends:
1. Autocratization: In 2023, 42 countries, representing 35% of the world’s

population, were undergoing autocratization.
2. Population in Autocracies: Currently, 71% of the world’s population,
amounting to 5.7 billion people, resides in autocracies, marking a significant
increase from 48% a decade ago.
3. Decline in Democracy: The level of democracy experienced by the average
individual globally has regressed to 1985 levels, with Eastern Europe, South,
and Central Asia experiencing the sharpest declines.
18. Concern over denial of bails in District Courts
Chief Justice of India expressed concern over the 'bail as a rule, jail an exception'
principle losing ground in trial courts.
Bail
 Bail is the provisional release of an accused person in a criminal case,

pending judgment.
 The term originates from the old French verb ‘bailer,’ meaning ‘to give’ or ‘to
deliver.’
 Aim: To balance personal freedom with public interest.
 It is addressed under Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
 It involves the deposit of security to ensure the accused's release.

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Types of Bail
 Regular bail: Granted to those arrested or in police custody, can be applied

for under sections 437 and 439 of CrPC.
 Interim bail: Granted for a short period before the hearing of regular or
anticipatory bail.
 Anticipatory bail: Granted under section 438 of CrPC by session court or
High Court to those who anticipate arrest for a non-bailable offence.
Conditions For Grant of Bail In Bailable Offences
 Bail can be granted if there are sufficient reasons to believe the accused has
not committed the offence or further enquiry is needed.
 The offence should not be punishable with death, life imprisonment, or
imprisonment up to 10 years.
Conditions For Grant of Bail In Non-Bailable Offences
 Bail is not a right but at the discretion of the court for non-bailable offences.
 Conditions include if the accused is a woman or a child, lack of evidence,
delay in lodging FIR, or if the accused is gravely sick.
Cancellation of Bail
 The court can cancel bail and order arrest if necessary, under sections 437(5)
and 439(2) of the CrPC.
19. CAA Rules, 2024
The Ministry of Home Affairs has recently notified the rules for implementation of
the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, which was enacted by Parliament in 2019.
Key provisions of Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019
 It is a legislative enactment that the Parliament has passed in 2019 to amend

the Citizenship Act of 1955.
 Aim- To grant citizenship to persecuted minorities from neighbouring
Muslim majority countries of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
 The specified class of illegal migrants from the three countries - Afghanistan,
Bangladesh and Pakistan - will not be treated as illegal migrants, making
them eligible for citizenship.

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 Eligibility- It allows Indian citizenship for Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi,
and Christian religious minorities who fled from the neighbouring countries
of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan before 31st December 2014 due to
"religious persecution or fear of religious persecution".
 Residence requirement- The amendment reduced the residence requirement
for naturalisation from 11 years to 5.
 Overseas Citizens of India (OCI)- The Act allows cancellation of OCI
registration if the person has violated any law notified by the central
government.
A foreigner may register as an OCI under the 1955 Act if they are of Indian origin or
the spouse of a person of Indian origin
 Exemption from CAA – Autonomous councils created under the 6th

Schedule of the Constitution and Inner Line Permit region are exempted from
the purview of CAA.
 Autonomous councils- The exception applies to
 Inner Line Permit (ILP)- It is regulated under Bengal Eastern Frontier

Regulations 1873, the permit is required for a visit by people from other parts
of the country in North-eastern states.
The ILP is in place in parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and

Manipur.
What are the CAA rules, 2024 notified by Ministry of Home Affairs?
 Dedicated portal-An online system for application, processing, and grant of

citizenship for persecuted minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and
Afghanistan under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
 Eased citizenship- The members of the specified communities by excluding
the requirement of a “valid passport” of their origin countries or a valid visa
from India.
 Eligible applicants- It include individuals of Indian origin, spouses of Indian
citizens, minor children of Indian citizens, individuals with registered Indian
citizen parents, and Overseas Citizens of India Cardholders among others.
 Application process- Requires submission of Form VIIIA, an affidavit, and a
declaration of proficiency in an Eighth Schedule language.
Eighth Schedule lists 22 official languages of India
 Eligibility certificate- It should be issued by a “locally reputed community

institution” confirming that he/she belongs to “Hindu/ Sikh/ Buddhist/

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Jain/ Parsi/ Christian community and continues to be a member of the above
mentioned community.”
 Visa replacement- A certificate issued by an elected member of a local body
can be a replacement for a visa.
 Empowered Committee-A committee led by the Director (Census
Operations) and including various officials will review applications.
 District-Level Committee- It will be headed by Senior Superintendent or
Superintendent of Post which will also involve in the scrutiny process.
 Oath of Allegiance-Applicants must renounce their previous citizenship and
take an oath of allegiance.
What are the shortcomings of the CAA, 2019?
 Religious centric approach- The United Nations High Commissioner for

Human Rights (OHCHR) has called the Act as “fundamentally
discriminatory” as it discriminates against citizenship on the basis of religion.
 Exclusion of Muslims- The Muslim sects like Shias and Ahmedis has faced
religious persecution in Muslim majority countries like Pakistan but they
were not included in this new provision, they fear that the CAA, along with
the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC), could lead to their
marginalization.
 Limited scope- The exclusion of other religious minorities belonging to other
religions, namely Myanmar, Tibet, and Sri Lanka, was also believed to be
discriminatory to a large extent.
 Against Article 14- The approach of granting citizenship based on religion is
argued to be against the secular principles enshrined in the Indian
Constitution, particularly Article 14 which ensures equality before the law.
 Against secularism- 42nd Amendment Act 1976 added the term ‘secular’ in
the Constitution’s preamble mandates that the state must treat all religions
with equal respect and not favour any particular religion in its policies.
 Impact freedom of religion- CAA could impinge upon the freedom of
religion under Article 24 and Article 25 by creating incentives for religious
conversion in order to benefit from the citizenship provisions of the Act.
 Technical challenges- Joint Parliamentary Committee report 2019 said that
the CAA did not use the term ‘minority’ but specified six non-Muslim
religious groups, which goes against the secular categorization of minorities
like SC and ST in the Indian Constitution.
 Violation of Assam accord- The CAA’s modification of the cut-off date from
1974 to 2014 for citizenship eligibility is seen as conflicting with the Assam
Accord, which set the date at 1971.
Section 6A was introduced as part of the Assam Accord, setting March 24, 1971, as
the cut-off date for identifying foreigners in Assam.

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What is the view of judiciary on CAA, 2019?
 The Act was challenged in the Supreme Court as the Act’s special treatment
of certain religious minorities from neighbouring Muslim-majority countries
lacks a “reasonable classification” under Article 14, as it excludes persecuted
groups like Tamil Hindus in Sri Lanka and Rohingyas in Myanmar.
 The CAA was challenged as it undermines the Assam Accord, which sets
March 24, 1971, as the cut-off date for recognizing aliens, without religious
differentiation.
 Centre’s stand- The Parliament has the authority to enact legislation
addressing issues such as persecution on the ground of religion, particularly
in neighbouring countries with theocratic constitutional positions.
 The Court refused to stay the operation of the law, it suggested that the
government clarify the intent of the Act to avoid public confusion.
 Section 6A of Citizenship Act- A five-judge bench reserved its verdict on the
validity of Section 6A, recognizing its historical significance.If the cut-off date
is upheld, the CAA’s different timeline could be considered in violation of the
Assam Accord.
 Recently the petitioners have moved the Supreme Court seeking a stay on the
new rules, as it eliminate the independent scrutiny of citizenship applications
by District Collectors and recommendations from State governments.
 The petitioners argue that the government should have waited for the
Supreme Court’s final decision before implementing the rules.
What lies ahead?
 The SC can strike down a classification under the CAA Act if it is found to be
arbitrary.
 The court recently struck down the electoral bonds scheme on the ground
that it was “manifestly arbitrary” setting a precedent that may impact the
CAA’s judicial review.
20. Law Commission report on 'Trade Secrets and Economic Espionage'
The 22nd Law Commission, led by Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, recently released its
289th report on 'Trade Secrets and Economic Espionage'.
About the Trade Secrets (TS):
 Trade Secrets (TS) are intellectual property (IP) rights on confidential

information, which derive value from secrecy and can be sold or licensed.
 Unlike other IP forms, they can be protected indefinitely.

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 Key characteristics include the information being commercially valuable due
to secrecy, known only to a limited group, and protected through reasonable
efforts like confidentiality agreements.
 Types of trade secrets encompass processes to enhance manufacturing
efficiency, formulas such as recipes or chemical compositions, databases of
customer information, programs for improved information management, and
business operations data on logistics, marketing, and pricing.
About the Economic espionage (EE):
 Economic espionage (EE) involves the illegal acquisition of sensitive

financial, trade, economic, or technological information through methods like
bribery, cyber-attacks, and wiretapping.
 It includes both industrial and commercial espionage.
21. Kovind Committee report on Simultaneous Elections
The High level committee on One Nation, One Election recently submitted its report
to the President.
One Nation, One Election
 It means that the voters will cast their vote for electing members of the Lok
Sabha and the state assemblies on a single day, at the same time or in a
phased manner as the case may be.
 Simultaneous Elections- It refers to structuring the Indian election cycle by
synchronizing the elections to Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
 Historical context- Simultaneous elections were previously implemented in 7
states in 1957 to streamline the electoral process and enhance administrative
efficiency.
 Decline of simultaneous election-The simultaneous elections which was
implemented in 1957 ceased after 1967 due to various factors such as
constitutional provisions allowing dismissal of state governments and the
collapse of coalition governments.
 Current scenario- The elections to the state assemblies and the Lok Sabha are
held separately (whenever the incumbent government’s 5-year term ends or
whenever it is dissolved).
Why the government is in favour of conducting simultaneous elections?
 Financial burden- Frequent elections burden the government exchequer with

additional expenditure. If the expenditure incurred by political parties is also
added, these figures will be even higher.

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 Uncertainty- Asynchronous elections cause uncertainty and instability,
adversely affect supply chains, business investments and economic growth.
 Disruption of government machinery- The staggered nature of elections
disrupts the functioning of government machinery, leading to administrative
challenges and hardships for citizens.
 Impact of Model Code of Conduct- The frequent imposition of the Model
Code of Conduct (MCC) can cause policy paralysis and slows down the pace
of the developmental programmes.
 Voter’s fatigue- Staggered elections induce ‘voters’ fatigue’ and present a
significant challenge in ensuring their participation.
 Disrupt duties - The frequent use of government officials and security forces
adversely affect discharge of their duties.
Key highlights the committee’s recommendations
 Constitutional amendments- The committee suggests amending the

Constitution to enable simultaneous elections in two steps.
 First step- It involves simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and State
Assemblies without requiring state ratification.
 Second step- It involves synchronizing local body elections with national and
state elections, requiring ratification by at least half of the states, which would
be held within 100 days.
 Article 82(1)- It is introduced by the committee in the Constitution to
establish the process for transitioning to simultaneous elections.
 Amendment to tenure- Articles 83 and 172 must be amended to redefine the
terms "full term" and "unexpired term" for Lok Sabha and state Assemblies,
respectively, in case of dissolution before completion.
 The new provisions ensure that the replacement Lok Sabha or state Assembly
serves only the unexpired term before dissolution upon completion of
simultaneous elections.
 Election preparation-To prepare single electoral roll and electoral photo
identity cards for use in elections to all the three tiers of government, the
Constitution should be amended which requires ratification by not less than
one-half of the states.
 Conduct fresh elections- In the event of a hung House, a no-confidence
motion, or any such event, fresh elections should be held to constitute the
new Lok Sabha or State Assembly for the unexpired term of the House.
 Logistics planning- To meet logistical requirements, the Election
Commission of India will plan and estimate logistical requirements
(manpower, polling personnel, EVM/VVPAT etc.,) so that free and fair
simultaneous elections are held in all the three tiers of the government.

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22. How women in India have fared
Steps taken for women’s development in India
 International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8, 2024, prompts a

reflection on the status and progress of women globally, particularly in India.
 The United Nations Development Programme’s ‘Gender Social Norms Index’
sheds light on prevailing biases against women, spanning political,
educational, economic, and physical integrity dimensions.
Educational Empowerment in India
 India’s strides in education reflect a departure from traditional gender norms,

with inclusive policies ensuring free education for all children, irrespective of
gender or socio-economic background.
 Notably, about 12 crores of girls have availed themselves of this opportunity,
paving the way for increased female literacy and empowerment.
 Despite advancements, gender disparities persist in higher education,
particularly in STEM fields, where women remain underrepresented both as
students and faculty members.
Entrepreneurship and Professional Pursuits
 Women entrepreneurs in India are breaking barriers across various sectors,

ranging from entertainment and advertising to biotechnology and medicine.
 While traditional sectors like entertainment witness significant female
participation, women with science and technology backgrounds are
venturing into innovative and profitable enterprises.
 In healthcare, women are excelling in specialized fields such as
ophthalmology, neurology, and maternal health, contributing to societal well-
being and economic growth.
Political Representation
 India’s political landscape showcases significant strides towards gender

equality, with notable examples like Pratibha Patil and Draupadi Murmu
serving as Presidents.
 Compared to other countries, India has demonstrated substantial progress in
women’s political leadership, setting a positive example for gender inclusion
in governance.
Global Perspective

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 Despite global gender biases prevalent in both low and high Human
Development Index (HDI) countries, India stands out as a beacon of progress.
 Examples from neighboring countries and beyond highlight the presence of
women in key political positions, emphasizing India’s comparative
advancement in gender equality.
Issues
 STEM Gender Gap: Persistent underrepresentation of women in STEM fields

poses a challenge to achieving gender parity in higher education and
scientific research.
 Political Participation: While progress has been made, women’s
representation in political spheres still falls short of equitable levels,
hindering inclusive governance.
 Societal Norms: Deep-rooted gender biases and stereotypes continue to
impede women’s advancement in various spheres, necessitating concerted
efforts for societal transformation.
Significance
 India’s journey towards gender equality holds significance on a global scale,

inspiring other nations to prioritize women’s empowerment and inclusive
development.
 Achieving gender parity is not only a matter of social justice but also crucial
for fostering sustainable economic growth and societal progress.
Solutions
 Education Reform: Implement targeted initiatives to bridge the gender gap in

STEM education and promote female participation in scientific research and
academia.
 Political Empowerment: Enhance efforts to increase women’s representation
in political institutions through affirmative action and gender-sensitive
policies.
 Awareness and Advocacy: Foster public awareness campaigns to challenge
gender stereotypes and promote a culture of gender equality and inclusivity
from grassroots to policymaking levels.
23. NITI For States’ Platform
The Minister of Communications, Railways, and Electronics and Information

Technology launched NITI Aayog's NITI for States platform and the Viksit Bharat
Strategy Room.

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NITI for States’ Platform:
 This platform serves as a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for Policy and
Good Governance, integrating a wide array of knowledge resources.
 It features over 7,500 Best Practices, 5,000 Policy documents, 900+ datasets,
1,400 data profiles, and 350 NITI publications, covering sectors like
Agriculture, Education, Energy, and more.
 The platform's design focuses on user-friendliness and accessibility,
supporting governance digitalization and enhancing officials' decision-
making through actionable insights.
 It provides vital support to governance officials at various levels, including
district collectors and block-level functionaries, by offering access to state
and UT best practices.
Viksit Bharat Strategy Room:
 It is designed as an interactive space and allows comprehensive

visualizations of data, trends, and policies for a holistic understanding of
governance challenges.
 It features voice-enabled AI and video conferencing facilities to foster multi-
stakeholder collaboration.
 The Strategy Room operates on a plug-and-play model, enabling easy
replication across different governance levels.
 It benefits from collaborations with key government initiatives like Integrated
Government Online Training (iGOT) Karmayogi, National Data and
Analytics Platform (NDAP), National E-Governance Division (NeGD), and
PM Gatishakti Bharat Informatics Solutions for Area Planning and
Analysis (BISAG-N).
24. Defence Ministry denotifies civil areas of 10 cantonments
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) recently issued a notification to denotify civil

areas of 10 cantonments across India, merging them with the state municipalities.
 Previously, MoD had urged state governments to consider this merger.
About the Cantonments:
 A cantonment is an area primarily dedicated to housing military troops,

evolving to include civilians to provide support and logistic services.

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 Civilian rights within cantonments are severely restricted, and these areas,
also known as military quarters, include offices, military housing, schools,
and defence installations.
 Unlike military stations, which only accommodate armed forces and are
established by executive order, cantonments were initially created for the
stationing of military personnel.
 The term "cantonment" comes from the French word "canton," meaning
"corner" or "district," and typically refers to a temporary military or winter
encampment.
 The history of cantonments in India dates back to the British East India
Company (EIC), with the first cantonment established in 1765 at Barrackpore,
near Calcutta, following the Battle of Plassey in 1757.
 The Cantonments Act was promulgated in 1924.
25. Gender Pay Gap
World Bank Group report found that globally, women earn just 77 cents for every
dollar paid to men highlighting the gender pay gap.
How the gender pay gap is measured?
 The International Labour Organisation terms the gender pay gap as a

“measurable indicator” of inequality between women and men.
 As per ILO gender pay gap is defined as the gap between the average wage
level of all women and all men working in the labour market for a monthly
salary, hourly or daily wage.
 It is the average wage difference between all working women and men, not
just for “equal work.”
 Differ from equal pay- It differs from “equal pay for equal work,” which
mandates equal pay for men and women with the same qualifications doing
the same job.
 Calculation variance- There is no single method for calculating the gap.
Different organizations use different metrics, such as hourly or weekly wages,
leading to varied findings.
 Gender inequality- Despite methodological differences, a gender pay gap is
present in most countries and industries, indicating a persistent issue of
inequality.
Why there is a gender pay gap?
 Low labour force participation- Women are often underrepresented in the

workforce compared to men due to societal expectations and traditional
gender roles.

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 Occupational segregation-Women are more likely to be employed in lower-
paying jobs or industries, while men dominate higher-paying sectors such as
engineering and computer science, this leads to differences in average
earnings.
 Underrepresentation - ILO’s Women in Business and Management report
found that women are less likely to hold management or leadership positions,
especially at higher levels which can affect salary levels and contribute to the
gender pay gap.
 Part-time work-Women are more likely than men to work part-time, often
due to caregiving responsibilities. Part-time work typically offers lower
wages and fewer benefits compared to full-time positions.
 Motherhood penalty- Women may experience a decline in earnings when
they take breaks from their careers to have and care for children which leads
to reduced opportunities for advancement or discrimination in the
workplace.
 Gender stereotype-Historical gender roles have often assigned the role of
primary breadwinner to men, while women have been expected to prioritize
caregiving and domestic responsibilities which can influence workplace
dynamics and lead to women being undervalued or overlooked for higher-
paying positions.
 Low investment in education- Women may have limited access to quality
education or may face barriers such as cultural norms or financial constraints
that discourage them from pursuing higher education or specialized training.
 Safety- Safety concerns in the workplace and during commute can
disproportionately affect women and influence their career choices.
 Service sector- The pay discrimination increased significantly with the
growth of the services sector in the 20th century.
 Age related patterns- Analysis of employment data based on age reveals that
women's earnings tend to dip in their mid-30s and 40s compared to men in
similar positions and professions, it is often attributed to factors such as
career breaks taken by women to care for children or elderly relatives, as well
as barriers to career advancement and salary negotiation.
 Work-family balance- Claudia Goldin, a renowned economist argues that
men have historically been able to prioritize their careers while women have
been expected to prioritize family responsibilities.
 Slow pace of progress- Policies like parental leaves and work flexibility are
slowly narrowing the earnings gap, but the progress towards closing the gap
has been slow.

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26. Rajya Sabha’s Role as a part of Basic Structure
The Supreme Court recently said the elections to the Rajya Sabha performs an
integral function as a part of the Basic Structure of the Constitution.
Basis of the Supreme Court Judgement:
 It stated that the Council of States required “utmost protection” and the
right to vote should be carried out freely without fear or persecution.
 The Rajya Sabha performs an integral function in the working of our
democracy and its role constitutes a part of the basic structure of the
Constitution.
 Therefore, the role played by elected members of the State legislative
Assemblies in electing members of the Rajya Sabha under Article 80 is
significant.
 Article 80 lays down the maximum strength of Rajya Sabha as 250, out of
which 12 members are nominated by the President and 238 are
representatives of the States and UTs.
 The free and fearless exercise of franchise by elected members of the
legislative Assembly while electing members of the Rajya Sabha was
necessary.
o This protects the dignity and efficient functioning of the State
legislative Assembly.
 The court said parliamentary privilege was not to be restricted to only law-
making on the floor of the House.
 It is extended to other powers and responsibilities of elected members,
which took place in the Legislature or Parliament even when the House was
not sitting.
About the Basic Structure of the Constitution:
 The doctrine is a legal principle developed by the Supreme Court through

various judgments, most notably in the case of Kesavananda Bharati v. State
of Kerala (1973).
 It holds that certain fundamental features or principles of the Constitution
are inviolable and cannot be amended by the Parliament, even through
constitutional amendments.
 In the Kesavananda Bharati case, the SC held that while the Parliament has
the power to amend the Constitution, it cannot alter its basic structure.
 The court ruled that if an amendment seeks to "damage or destroy" the basic
features of the Constitution, it would be declared unconstitutional.

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 The concept of the basic structure is not explicitly mentioned in the text of
the Constitution but has been inferred by the judiciary as inherent to the
constitutional scheme.
 Some of the features identified as part of the basic structure include judicial
review, rule of law, federalism, secularism, democracy, and the separation of
powers.
 The doctrine acts as a check on the Parliament's power to amend the
Constitution and prevents it from altering the foundational principles that
underpin the Indian democracy.
 It ensures that the core values and principles of the Constitution remain
intact and are not subject to arbitrary changes by the ruling majority.
 Critics argue that it gives unelected judges significant power to strike down
constitutional amendments, and contrary to the principle of parliamentary
sovereignty.
 However, proponents argue that it is essential for maintaining the integrity
and stability of the Indian Constitution, and protection from abuse by
transient political majorities.
27. Combating Misinformation in India
 Weeks ahead of the election, the Ministry of Electronics and Information

Technology on Wednesday notified the Press Information Bureau’s Fact
Check Unit (FCU) as the designated body to flag misinformation about
Central government departments to social media platforms.
PIB
 Under the GoI (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961, the Ministry of

Information and Broadcasting (MIB) is entrusted with the responsibility of
disseminating information about government policies, schemes, and
programs through various mediums of communication.
 In fulfilling its role, the Ministry publicizes the policies, initiatives, schemes,
and programs of the Government of India through press releases, press
conferences, webinars, publication of books, etc.
 To carry out this crucial function, the Ministry has several attached and
subordinate offices, including the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
Fact Check Unit (FCU)
 The Fact Check Unit’s mandate arises from the IT Rules, 2021, which stipulate
that social media platforms risk losing legal liability protections if they fail to
address notified misinformation promptly.

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 The unit verifies claims about government policies, regulations,
announcements and measures.
 Through an established rigorous fact-checking procedure, the PIB Fact Check
Unit helps in dispelling myths, rumours and false claims, and provides
accurate and reliable information to the public.
Operational Framework
 The FCU, led by senior DG/ADG level officer of the Indian Information
Service (IIS), operates under the supervision of the Principal Director
General of PIB.
 Its mandate includes verifying claims related to government policies,
regulations, and announcements through a rigorous fact-checking process.
 The Unit reports to the Principal Director General, PIB who functions as the
Principal Spokesperson of the Government of India.
Fact-Check Mechanism
 Query Handling: Users submit requests via WhatsApp, email, or a web

portal, which are processed as ‘Queries’ by the Unit.
 Verification Process: Actionable Queries relevant to the Government of India
undergo thorough verification using official sources and technological tools.
 Publication of Fact Checks: Verified information is categorized as Fake,
Misleading, or True, and published on the Unit’s social media platforms for
public awareness.
Categories of Fact-Checked Content
1. Fake: Factually incorrect information intentionally or unintentionally

disseminated to deceive or manipulate the audience.
2. Misleading: Information presented with partial truths, selective facts, or
distortion to mislead recipients.
3. True: Information verified to be factually accurate after rigorous
investigation.
28. Gaza and Haiti on the brink of famine
Gaza and Haiti are facing imminent famine due to severe hunger caused by conflict
and crisis.
Status of food security in Gaza and Haiti

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 Gaza food crisis- It is due to ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza,
nearly every resident is struggling for food, with half the population facing
severe hunger soon.
 As per report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC),
famine could strike Gaza between mid-March and May if hostilities continue
and essential supplies are not provided.
 Haiti food insecurity- It is due to the crisis caused by criminal gangs,
approximately 1.4 million people are on the brink of famine, with over 4
million in need of food assistance.
 United Nations warns Haiti as catastrophic hunger has been recorded for first
time.
Operation Indravati was launched by India to evacuate its citizens stranded in war-
torn Haiti
What is famine?
 Famine occurs when a country has such a severe food shortage that its
population faces acute malnutrition, starvation, or death.
 Classification- It is decided using a UN scale called the Integrated Food
Security Phase Classification (IPC).
 Five tier scale- The IPC utilizes a five-tier scale to assess food access and
hunger levels.
 Famine- It is the highest phase (Phase 5), is declared when an entire

population or subgroup faces absolute food inaccessibility, leading to
potential short-term death.
 Criteria for famine- To officially declare as famine 3 things need to happen in
a specific geographic area
o At least 20% of households face an extreme lack of food
o At least 30% of children suffer acute malnutrition
o Two adults or four children per 10,000 people die each day "due to
outright starvation or to the interaction of malnutrition and disease".
 Famine declaration- A declaration of famine would be made by top United
Nations officials based on the IPC criteria.
 Risk of famine- Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia,
Pakistan, Somalia, Syria and Yemen are at the risk of famine.
Famine was previously declared by IPC in Somalia (2011) and South Sudan (2017)
What are the common causes of famine?

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 Conflict- It often leads to population displacements and disrupts people's
traditional ways of dealing with food scarcity.
 Natural hazards- Events such as drought, flooding, and cyclones, as well as
human and animal diseases and crop pests, affect food access and
availability.
 Decline in economy- It greatly impacts access to food, through disruptions to
food trade, food price inflation, and currency volatilities.
 Human epidemics- Diseases such as measles outbreaks present a major
challenge to food security and nutrition.
 Animal diseases- It can also affect the food availability of households whose
livelihoods depend on their livestock.
 Pests- Desert Locusts or Fall Army Worm, can devastate crops and cause
higher levels of acute food insecurity.
 Inadequate humanitarian response-When a shock occurs, and the
humanitarian response is not sufficient, well-coordinated, or fast enough, the
affected populations can only cope for a short period
What lies ahead?
 Famine declaration by UN officials carries no binding obligations on UN

members or states,
 The famine declaration serves to focus global attention on the problem.
29. Supreme Court's Stay on Govt’s Fact Check Unit
Supreme Court had stayed the operation of the amended IT rules which introduced
Fact Check Unit (FCU) to identify “fake news” on social media.
FCU under Public Information Bureau (PIB)
 Launch year- 2019

 Ministry- Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
 Location- It is based in the National Media Centre (New Delhi).
 Mandate- To counter misinformation related to government policies,
initiatives, and schemes.
 Coverage- Any matter that does not pertain to the Union Government is not
taken up for evaluation or fact-checking by the PIB unit.
 Function-It addresses complaints either voluntarily or upon receiving

references through various channels such as WhatsApp, email, postal mail,
and the PIB's website.
 Fact check mechanism- It is based on the “FACT model” — Find, Assess,
Create, and Target.

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 Evaluation of complaints- It is done by a two-step process.
o The received complaints are researched against authoritative
government sources such as websites, press releases, and government
social media accounts.
o The unit then checks complaints with the concerned Ministry, and
creates content for social media.
 Tools- Technological tools like reverse image search and video analysis are
used to verify the authenticity of viral content.
 Categories- After rigorous fact checking procedure the unit classifies
information into Fake, Misleading, and True.
 Report- The unit reports to the Principal Director General, PIB who
functions as the Principal Spokesperson of the Government of India.
What is the recent notification by the Centre regarding FCU?
 Notification- The Centre recently notified fact check unit under the Press
Information Bureau as the authorised unit for the Union government.
It has been notified under the recently amended Information and Technology Rules
of 2021.
 About- To flag “fake, false or misleading online content related to the

government".
 Check accuracy-The unit will take a call on whether online information
related to the Central Government is accurate.
 Label content- The body will have the authority to label content related to the
government on online platforms like Facebook and Twitter as “fake” or
“misleading”.
 Safe-harbour provision- The online intermediaries will have to take down
the content labelled as fake by the FCU or lose their legal immunity against
third-party content online.
 Block content- Social media sites will have to take down such posts, and
internet service providers will have to block URLs of such content.
 The Bombay High Court recently refused to stay the setting up of a Fact
Checking Unit (FCU) under the recently amended Information Technology
Rules.
 Supreme Court overturned a previous decision by the Bombay High Court,
granting a stay on the establishment of the Fact Check Unit.
Why Supreme Court stayed the operation of FCU?
 The petitioners argues that FCU could potentially be misused by the

government to control information available to voters, impacting free speech.

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 The court recognized the potential impact of the Fact Checking Unit on free
speech guaranteed by the Constitution of India.
 Split verdict- It was delivered by the Bombay High Court about the validity
of Rule 3(1)(b)(5) of IT rules 2021, with one judge striking down the rules and
another upholding them, a third judge’s decision is pending.
Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code)

Amendment Rules 2023 amended IT rules, 2021
 The Supreme Court stayed the FCU operation until Bombay High Court
arrives at a final decision on the challenge to the amended IT rules.
 Centre’s stand- It would be limited to government business and would not
include criticism of the prime minister.
What lies ahead?
 The FCU under PIB would function the same way except the powers
ascertained to them by the Centre’s recent notification as it is stayed by the
government.
 The Supreme Court's decision to set aside the Bombay High Court's order
and its recognition of the constitutional implications of the Fact Check Unit
underscore the importance of protecting fundamental rights, including
freedom of speech and expression.
 The outcome of the Bombay High Court case would affect the legality of
similar FCUs in other states (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttarakhand)
 This legal battle highlights the judiciary's role in safeguarding democratic
principles and ensuring accountability in governance.
30. India-Brazil 2+2 Ministerial Dialogues
India and Brazil recently explored ways to expand cooperation in various areas at
their first ‘2+2’ defense and foreign ministerial dialogue.
Key Highlights of the Meet:
 The first-ever 2+2 political and military dialogue was held between India,
and one of its key BRICS partners, Brazil, in New Delhi.
 The discussions focused on defense, space, energy, critical minerals, tech,
counter-terrorism, and regional, multilateral, and other issues of mutual
interest.

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 The dialogue comes after private companies from the two countries signed an
MoU to jointly fulfil the acquisition of the C-390 Millennium multi-mission
aircraft.
 This would be done by the Indian Air Force in its upcoming Medium
Transport Aircraft (MTA) procurement project.
 The local aerospace industry in India would be encouraged to initiate the
development of an industrialization plan for the project.
 A key area of India-Brazil bilateral relations lies in the realm of submarine
maintenance and technology.
 Brazil currently operates Scorpene-class submarines, while India possesses a
well-established domestic submarine program.
 Negotiations are underway between the two navies to potentially sign a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
 It may address ways to minimize the expenses associated with repair and
maintenance of Brazil’s Scorpene submarines.
 This could involve knowledge sharing, joint training programs, or even
exploring co-maintenance facilities.
 The agreement may also pave the way for enhanced technical cooperation
and training between the two navies.
 This could involve Indian expertise in submarine maintenance and
operations being shared with their Brazilian counterparts.
 Brazilian Army Commander visited India and expressed a keen interest in
procuring state-of-the-art surface-to-air Akash missile systems.
Location of Brazil:
 Brazil is located in South America and occupies half the continent’s

landmass.
 It is the fifth-largest country in the world, and contains most of the Amazon
River Basin- the world’s largest river system and the world’s most-extensive
virgin rainforest.
 Brazil faces the Atlantic Ocean along its Eastern Coastline and shares inland
borders with every South American country except Chile and Ecuador.
 It borders Uruguay to the south; Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia to the
southwest; Peru to the west; Colombia to the northwest; and Venezuela,
Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana to the north.
31. Ethanol 100
Union minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas recently flagged off the high-octane,
eco-friendly fuel- Ethanol 100 with a target of 20% ethanol-petrol blend by 2025-26.

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Ethanol 100 program:
 India commenced the sale of ETHANOL 100 across 183 Indian Oil outlets in
Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, New Delhi, and Tamil Nadu.
 The oil marketing companies (OMCs) scaled up distribution of E20 to 12,000
outlets within a year following the government’s push for a blend of 20%
ethanol in petrol by 2025-26.
 Such initiatives saved Rs 85,000 crore in Foreign Exchange and reduced CO2
emissions significantly, equating to the effect of planting 1.75 crore trees
over the past decade.
About Ethanol 100:
 Ethanol 100 stands as a cleaner, greener alternative to gasoline, with its

high-octane rating, typically between 100-105.
 E100 fuel is not 100 percent ethanol but includes 93-93.5% ethanol blended
with 5% petrol and 1.5% co-solvent, which is a binder.
 Previously, the specifications for E100 fuel in India mandated using 100%
ethanol as fuel.
 However, due to safety concerns, the specifications were revised to mandate
the blending of ethanol with some amount of petrol.
 When using 100% ethanol as fuel, flames are not visible until one enters the
vehicle, the addition of petrol gives flames a yellow colour.
Significance of Ethanol:
 ETHANOL 100 is positioned as a cleaner alternative to gasoline, offering

lower emissions and high performance for engines.
 ETHANOL 100 fuel has the potential to transform our transportation sector
and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
 This reflects the government's strategy to bolster the agriculture sector and
cut import reliance.
 It is significant for India to be among the few countries to offer ETHANOL
100, which is compatible with a range of vehicles, including flex-fuel
vehicles.
 The consistent supply of ethanol, supported by robust industry, allays
availability concerns and affirms commitment to decarbonization.
32. Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Fisheries scheme
Department of Fisheries has successfully inaugurated the integration of the Kisan

Credit Card (KCC) Fisheries scheme onto the JanSamarth Portal.

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Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Fisheries scheme:
 In 2018-19, the Government of India extended the Kisan Credit Card (KCC)
facility to fisheries and animal husbandry farmers, aiding them in meeting
their working capital needs.
 It is a short-term credit option for farmers to meet their needs for fisheries.
 Farmers individual or joint Liability Groups or Self Help Groups including
tenant farmers engaged in Dairy, Poultry, Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture,
Marine Fisheries are eligible for availing loan under this scheme.
 Under the KCC scheme, farmers receive loans at a 7% lending rate, including
a 2% interest subvention per annum by the Government of India.
 Additionally, an extra 3% per annum is provided as an additional incentive
for prompt repayment, according to existing guidelines.
About JanSamarth portal:
 JanSamarth is a unique online platform that directly connects lenders with

beneficiaries.
 It connects certain central government schemes, allowing citizens to apply
for loans and subsidies online.
 It also helps citizens check their eligibility for schemes, and provides
guidance on subsidy eligibility through smart analytics.
 The portal offers four loan categories: education, agri infrastructure, business
activity, and livelihood.
33. Uses of Cannabis
Bhang, obtained from the Cannabis sativa plant or true hemp, is popularly
consumed on the occasion of Holi across India.
Cannabis
 It refers to a group of three plants with psychoactive properties.

 The Mexican term 'marijuana' is frequently used in referring to cannabis
leaves or other crude plant material in many countries.
 Plants – Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis.
 Products derived- From the cannabis plant, three main products are obtained
namely fibre, oil, and narcotics.
 Literary references- There are evidences of medical use of marijuana which
can be found in ancient Indian texts such as the Atharvaveda and the
Sushruta Samhita, dating back to around 1500 BCE.
 Atharvaveda- It hails bhang an edible preparation of marijuana as one of the
five sacred plants.

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 Sushruta Samhita- Marijuana was recommended for health ailments
including phlegm, catarrh and diarrhoea.
 Cultural significance- It has deep cultural roots in India, with historical ties
to Hindu mythology and rituals.
 Charas- It is produced by rubbing the resin of the flower from the plant
sustains the livelihood of the farmers in the hills.
 Bhang- It is derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, holds cultural
significance in India, particularly during the festival of Holi where they are
ground into a powder, filtered and then mixed with cold, flavoured milk or
thandai.
Bhang is essentially a green-coloured paste made from seeds and leaves of the
female cannabis plants — they have higher potency and Tetrahydrocannabinol
(THC) content than their male counterparts.
What are the uses of cannabis?
 Medicinal value- Research indicates marijuana’s potential in treating

diseases like cancer, AIDS, and epilepsy, with Cannabidiol (CBD) showing
promise as a therapeutic agent.
Marijuana was first used as an anesthetic by a Chinese surgeon.
 Treat haematoma- Cannabis ash is applied on animal’s skin to treat

conditions like haematoma a condition in which blood clots outside of the
blood vessels.
 Cure cattle shivering- In Himachal Pradesh, boiled cannabis leaves is used to
create a solution that cures shivering in cattle.
 Insect bite relief- Cannabis leaves are heated, crushed, and applied as a paste
to alleviate irritation and pain caused by honey bee or wasp stings.
 Agriculture- Treating paddy seed with bhang is effective in paddy seed
germination and this treatment is common in temperate areas of Jammu and
Kashmir, where temperature during nursery raising is low.
 Natural pesticide- In Jammu and Kashmir, farmers use cannabis plants to
control threadworms by placing the uprooted cannabis plant in standing
water of paddy nursery or crushed cannabis leaves is used in case of severe
infestations
 Industrial uses- Hemp seed oil derived from cannabis is derived in varnish
industries as a substitute for linseed oil and manufacturing of soft soap.
 Rope making- Post-maturation, the crop is dried, after which the seeds are
collected. The fibre, known for its strength, is then separated from the stems
and branches, the extracted fibre is stronger than jute making it suitable for
making durable ropes.

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Why India should legalise cannabis?
 Historical usage-Marijuana has been used in traditional Indian and Chinese

medicine for centuries, with ancient texts documenting its medicinal
applications1.
 Global regulation-Over 18 countries have legalized medical marijuana, with
varying degrees of regulation, and studies suggest that legalization does not
lead to increased drug use or crime.
 Dominance of black market- Studies suggest that drug result in the
circulation of poor quality or adulterated drugs, increasing the risks of
overdose and poisoning.
 Job creation- If cannabis is legalized a new industry dealing with cultivation,
processing, packing, and distribution of marijuana would emerge.
 Reduce illegal trade- There will be laws regarding the possession,
cultivation, and supply of marijuana in the market by the government and
not by drug dealer which would reduce the crimes related to illegal trade.
 Increase government revenue- Economists have advocated for legalizing and
regulating it like other goods as taxing cannabis could generate significant
revenue.
 Supporting local farmers-In states like Himachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu,
where cannabis plants grow, legalizing marijuana would benefit local farmers
who currently face challenges due to its banned status.
 Proper regulation- Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United
Nations has stated that while cannabis consumption is not necessarily
associated with significant problems for most users but regulation is
necessary to mitigate potential risks and ensure responsible use.
34. Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2024
The Indian Patent Office has recently announced the implementation of the Patent
(Amendment) Rules 2024, aimed at enhancing efficiency and streamlining
procedures in the patent system.
Patent (Amendment) Rules, 2024:
 These rules introduce several provisions aimed at simplifying the process of

obtaining and managing patents, thereby facilitating a conducive
environment for inventors and creators.
 It is expected to accelerate economic development of the nation through
science and technology to fulfil the Viksit Bharat Sankalp.

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Key Changes:
Shortening Timelines:
 Timelines for filing requests for examination and opposition procedures have
been reduced, promoting quicker resolution of patent matters.
 Time limit for providing foreign application filing details in Form 8 has been
reduced from six months after filing the application to three months after
receiving the first examination report.
Examination Requests Timeline:
 Time limit for filing request for examination has been reduced from 48
months to 31 months from the date of priority of application or from the
date of filing of application, whichever is earlier.
Introduction of Grace Period:
 A new provision, Rule 29A, introduces a grace period, allowing applicants

to avail of specified time extensions under Section 31.
Certificate of Inventorship:
 Unique provision for New ‘Certificate of Inventorship’ has been introduced

to acknowledge the contribution of inventors in the patented invention.
 Rule 70A enables patent controllers to issue certificates of inventorship
upon request, promoting transparency and acknowledgment of inventors'
contributions.
Renewal Fee Discounts:
 Patentees have the option to make advance renewal fee payments, which
come with a 10% reduction in fees.
 This initiative aims to incentivize proactive compliance with renewal
obligations.
 The reduced renewal fee is applicable for payments made electronically and
in advance for a minimum period of four years.
Working Statement Submission:
 Frequency to file the statements of working of patents in Form 27 has been

reduced from once in a financial year to once in every three financial years.

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 Further, the provision to condone delay in filing of such statement for a
period up to three months upon a request in prescribed manner has been
incorporated.
Pre-Grant Opposition Procedures:
 The process for filing and resolving Pre-grant representations through

opposition under section 25(1) has been refined and clarified, including clear
methods for handling representations and setting fees for their submission.
 This aims to deter fraudulent oppositions while promoting genuine
oppositions.
Benefit of new rules:
 The rules will complement existing efforts to promote patents, aligning with
initiatives like the National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy 2016,
which encompasses:
o The National Intellectual Property Awareness Mission (NIPAM).
o The Patent Facilitation Programme.
o Expand Knowledge Capacity & Skill Building through initiatives like
the Scheme for Pedagogy & Research in Intellectual Property Rights
(IPRs) for Holistic Education and Academia (SPRIHA).
 Additionally, they will support the establishment of the Centre of
Excellence in Intellectual Property and the Patent Analysis Management
System (PAMS) by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
(MeitY).
About Patent:
 A patent is an exclusive right granted to an inventor that gives them control

over who can use their invention.
 It protects an invention by preventing others from making, using, selling, or
offering for sale the invention without prior permission.
 Time period: 20 years from the date of filing of application.
 India has ratified the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
Criteria to get a patent:
 Novel: The invention must be new.

 Inventive step: The invention must involve a technical advancement.
 Industrial application: The invention must be capable of industrial use.
 Non-obvious: The invention must be non-obvious.
 Technical information: The invention must disclose technical information to
the public in a patent application.

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35. All about MGNREGA
The Centre has recently notified new wage rates for MGNREGA, with Goa
seeingthe highest hike.
MGNREGA
It is a bottom-up, people-centred, demand-driven, self-selecting and rights-based

programme.
 MGNREGA - The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment

(MGNREG) is the largest public employment program in the world.
 Implementation- By Ministry of Rural Development in India.
 Legal provision- The scheme is based on MGNREGA Act, 2005 which makes
a legislative commitment to provide right to work.
 Aim- To enhance the livelihood security of people by guaranteeing 100 days
of wage-employment in a financial year to a rural household whose adult
members volunteer to do unskilled work.
 Core objectives-
o Providing not less than one hundred days of unskilled manual work as
a guaranteed employment in a financial year to every household in
rural areas as per demand, resulting in creation of productive assets of
prescribed quality and durability
o Strengthening the livelihood resource base of the poor
o Proactively ensuring social inclusion
o Strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions
 Category-The act also seeks to create durable assets and there are 4 types of
categories of MGNREGA public works activities.
 Fund allocation- The central government provides 100% funding for wages
for the unskilled manual work, and covers 75% of the material cost. 25% of
the material cost is borne by state governments.
 Wage- The wage rates are fixed according to changes in the CPI-AL
(Consumer Price Index- Agriculture Labour), which reflects the increase in
the inflation in the rural areas. The wages under the scheme are usually done
through Direct Benefit Transfer.
 Household- The Act defined household as members of a family related to

each other by blood, marriage or adoption and normally residing together
and sharing meals or holding a common ration card.
 Geotag-Assets developed under MGNREGA are geo-tagged and displayed
on a public website, GeoMGNREGA, to enhance transparency.

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 Women empowerment- Roughly one-third of the stipulated work force must
be women.
 Unemployment allowance- It mandates that work should be provided within

15 days of demanding work failing which the workers are entitled to an
unemployment allowance.
 Gram Sabha- It is the principal forum for wage seekers to raise their voices
and make demands.
o It determines the order of priority of works in the meetings of the Gram
Sabha keeping in view potential of the local area, its needs, local
resources
o It monitors the execution of works within Gram Panchayat, it is the
primary forum to conduct social audits.
 Social Audit- Auditing of MGNREGA works is mandatory, which lends to
accountability and transparency.
 Amarjeet Sinha committee- It was constituted in 2023 to review the
implementation of the MGNREGA scheme.
What are the issues with MGNREGA?
 Low wage rates- If MGNREGA wage rates are lower than state minimum
wages, it disincentivizes workers from participating in the program.
 Fund deficit- Insufficient funds and irregular flow of funds hamper the
effective implementation of MGNREGA, especially during peak seasons
when demand for work is high.
 Delayed payments- Regular late payments create financial instability for
workers and erode trust in the program.
 Limited banking infrastructure- Banking infrastructure is limited in rural
areas exacerbates the problem of delayed payments and adds unnecessary
burden on workers.
 Faulty MIS data- Over-reliance on technology without addressing its
shortcomings contributes to corruption and reduces transparency and
accountability.
 Excessive centralisation- It diminishes the role of local governance
institutions, reducing their ability to address issues and serve their
communities effectively.
What lies ahead?
 The government should address the challenges by increasing fund allocation,

reducing delay in payments etc., which would foster and deepen the
grassroots democracy.

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 Despite several criticisms since its inception MGNREGA remains relevant as
a safety net for the most vulnerable in India.
 The World Bank in its World Development Report, 2014 termed MGNREGA
as a stellar example of rural development underscores India’s commitment to
alleviate rural poverty.
GS 3 : Economy, Science and Technology, Environment
1. Establishment of International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
 The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister, has approved the

establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) with headquarters
in India.
International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
 Objective: The IBCA aims to spearhead efforts towards the protection and
conservation of the 7 major big cats: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard,
puma, jaguar, and cheetah.
 Funding: The Government of India has pledged an initial support of Rs. 150
crore for the first five years. Additionally, the alliance will explore
contributions from bilateral and multilateral agencies, financial institutions,
and donor agencies to augment its corpus.
 Membership: Membership to the alliance will be open to 96 “range”
countries, which are nations containing the natural habitat of the seven big
cats.
 Activities: The alliance’s activities will include advocacy, partnership
building, knowledge dissemination through an e-portal, capacity building,
eco-tourism promotion, and financial resource mobilization.
Governance Structure
 Composition: The governance structure of IBCA includes a General

Assembly comprising all member countries, a Council of elected member
countries, and a Secretariat.
 Appointment: The General Assembly appoints the Secretary General of
IBCA upon the recommendation of the Council.
 Framework: The alliance’s governance framework, drafted on the lines of the
International Solar Alliance (ISA), will be finalised by the International
Steering Committee (ISC).

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India’s Role in Big Cat Conservation
 Big Cat Diversity: India is home to five of the seven major big cats: tiger, lion,
leopard, snow leopard, and cheetah.
 Conservation Efforts: India has undertaken significant conservation efforts,
as reflected in the increase in tiger and lion populations. For instance, India
now hosts about 70% of the world’s tiger population, and the Asiatic lion
population in Gir National Park has shown steady growth.
 Cheetah Reintroduction: Cheetahs, once extinct in India since 1952, have
been reintroduced into the wild. Eight cheetahs were imported from Namibia
and released into the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh in November
2022.
2. RBI updates the Framework related to Regulatory Sandbox scheme
Recently, there have been significant updates made to the guidelines for the
Regulatory Sandbox (RS) scheme by the RBI.
Regulatory Sandbox (RS) scheme
 Regulatory Sandbox (RS) scheme involves live testing of new financial

products or services in a controlled regulatory environment with potential
relaxations for testing purposes.
 It allows regulators, innovators, financial service providers, and customers
to test new financial innovations, collecting evidence on benefits and risks.
 It facilitates the development of innovation-friendly regulations, enabling the
delivery of low-cost financial products.
 It enables Dynamic Regulatory Environments that adapt to emerging
technologies
What is the objective behind this decision of RBI?
 Through this decision, RBI aims to encourage responsible innovation in

financial services and ensure compliance with digital personal data
protection norms.
o This new adopted framework will enable on-tap proposals, replacing
the previous structure where RBI presented the challenges to a cohort
of technology firms and required them to devise solutions within a
specified time frame.
 Secondly, through this decision, the central bank (RBI) remains committed to
supporting innovation and technology in the financial sector.

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o For example, recenty, the Paytm Payments Bank, due to its failure to
comply with RBI norms, stifled innovation.
Key Highlights of the RBI’s Updated guidelines on Regulatory Sandbox scheme:
 Framework Alignment with Digital Personal Data Protection Act: The

updated framework requires sandbox entities to ensure compliance with
provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
 Diverse Range of Target Applicants: The target applicants for entry to the RS
are fintech companies, including startups, banks, financial institutions, any
other company, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) and partnership firms,
partnering with or providing support to financial services businesses.
 Digital Personal Data Protection Norms Compliance: Under the updated
guidelines, participating entities will have to comply with digital personal
data protection norms.
 Origins of Regulatory Sandbox Framework: The RBI had issued the
‘Enabling Framework for Regulatory Sandbox’ in August 2019, after wide
ranging consultations with stakeholders.
What is the Significance of Regulatory Sandbox?
 Learning by doing: RS provides empirical evidence on benefits and risks of

emerging technologies, enabling regulators to make informed decisions.
 Testing viability: RS allows testing of product’s viability without large-scale
roll-out, enabling modifications before broader market launch.
 Financial inclusion: RS can improve pace of innovation and technology
absorption, leading to financial inclusion and improved financial reach.
 Evidence-based decision-making: RS reduces dependence on industry
consultations for regulatory decision-making.
 Better outcomes for consumers: RS leads to increased range of products,
reduced costs, and improved access to financial services.
What are the challenges along with Regulatory Sandbox scheme?
 Flexibility and time: Innovators may face constraints in the sandbox process,
but time-bound stages can mitigate this.
 Bespoke authorizations: Transparent handling of applications and clear
decision-making principles can address risks associated with discretionary
judgments.
 Legal waivers: The RBI or its RS does not provide legal waivers.
 Regulatory approvals: Successful experiments in the sandbox may still
require regulatory approvals for wider application.

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 Legal issues: Transparency and clear criteria in the RS framework can
mitigate legal issues like consumer losses, ensuring clarity on liability for
risks.
Conclusion: The RBI’s updated Regulatory Sandbox guidelines promote

responsible financial innovation. Addressing time constraints and ensuring
transparent post-sandbox approvals are vital for fostering a conducive environment
for ongoing advancements in the financial sector.
3. Despite policy backing and funding, care for rare diseases not optimal
In recent years, India has witnessed significant strides in addressing rare diseases,
marked by the introduction of the inaugural National Policy on Rare Diseases in
March 2021. This policy represents a pivotal moment for patients and families
grappling with the challenges posed by rare diseases.
Policy Overview:
 The National Policy on Rare Diseases outlines a comprehensive framework

aimed at reducing the exorbitant costs associated with treatment while
fostering indigenous research initiatives.
 Central to the policy’s objectives is the establishment of a national hospital-
based registry dedicated to tracking rare diseases.
 This registry is envisioned to provide crucial epidemiological data, informing
research funding priorities and enhancing treatment strategies.
Implications and Challenges:
 Despite the optimism surrounding the policy, the reality on the ground
reveals persistent challenges.
 Rare diseases, estimated to affect nearly 1/5th of India’s population, continue
to lack adequate treatment options, with less than 5% having accessible
therapies.
 Moreover, the absence of a standardized definition for rare diseases in India
complicates policy formulation and resource allocation efforts.
Gaps in Fund Utilization:
 One glaring issue is the underutilization of funds allocated for rare disease
treatment.

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 Despite substantial financial allocations, a significant portion of funds
remains unutilized, leaving many patients without access to life-saving
treatments.
 The gap between fund allocation and utilization underscores the urgent need
for enhanced accountability and transparency in healthcare resource
management.
Way forward: Patient advocacy groups have emerged as powerful agents for
change, advocating for expedited treatment and sustainable funding solutions.
Efforts to bolster awareness, early detection mechanisms, and robust registry
systems are crucial steps towards strengthening India’s response to rare diseases.
4. Genome India project
The Department of Biotechnology announced the completion of the Genome India

Project the largest initiative to conduct sequencing of 10,000 genomes of the Indian
population.
Genome sequencing
 Genome- It is defined as an organism’s complete set of Deoxyribose Nucleic

Acid (DNA), including all of its genes.
 Each genome contains all of the information needed to build and maintain
that organism.
 In humans, a copy of the entire genome — more than 3 billion DNA base
pairs — is contained in all cells that have a nucleus.
 The discovery that DNA is structured as a “double helix” was the spark in the
long, continuing quest for understanding how genes dictate life.
 Genome sequencing- It is the state-of-art, robust and high throughput
technique to sequence the entire genome of an organism.
What are the advantages of the project?
 Study genetic diversity- The diverse genetic makeup of India, with over
4,635 anthropologically defined population groups, adds complexity and
richness to the dataset.
 Understand disease- The data will help to compare and contrast the impact
of genetic variations on physical health as India is the “largest genetic lab in
the world.”
 Rich dataset- The project has successfully created a reference genetic
database and a biobank containing blood samples from across the country.
 Reference genetic database- The completion of sequencing 10,000 genomes
culminates in the establishment of a 'reference' Indian human genome which

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serves as a foundational template offering insights into the genetic makeup of
the population
 Database storage- The project generated an extensive dataset of 8 petabytes,
requiring 80 GB storage for each sequence making the dataset accessible to
researchers.
 Digital public good- The data will be stored at the Indian Biological Data
Centre in Faridabad, serving as a "digital public good.", it aims to foster
advancements in diagnostics, therapies, and disease understanding.
 Personalised health care- A specific genetic mutations have been identified
within the Indian population.
 Precision medicine- An Indian genome database will aid in understanding

the genetic makeup to develop targeted treatments, especially for rare
diseases resulting from genetic anomalies.
 Drug discovery- The database can contribute to the development of new
diagnostics in potentially identify resistance-indicating variants.
o mRNA vaccines- It is based on genetic mutations and identifying
populations with specific resistance or susceptibility to certain
medicines.
 Gene therapy advancements- The database holds immense potential for
understanding genetic predispositions to diseases like cancer and lung
diseases, it is also considered vital in comprehending infectious diseases like
COVID-19.
 Indigenization- The project address the unique genetic challenges by
deploying Indian solutions using Indian data for Indian problems,
showcasing the country's commitment to utilizing its diversity for scientific
advancements.
 Technological advancement- The Genome India Project highlights the
remarkable progress in genomic sequencing technology because the 1 st whole
genome project required 13 years and 3 billion dollars to complete the project
whereas this project is completed in 3-4 months.
What are the challenges?
 Expensive medicines- The genome sequencing has opened up new

complexities, despite advancements the accessibility and affordability of
medicines for rare genetic conditions remain a challenge.
 Monogenic disease-The Human Genome Project, completed in 2003,
promised to decode the secrets of the genome and pave the way for
personalized medicine but subsequent decades have revealed that only a
small fraction of diseases are monogenic (caused by a single gene).
 Privacy issues- The issue of disclosing and managing incidental and
secondary findings.

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 Huge dataset management- The massive dataset generated (8 petabyte),
poses significant challenges in terms of storage, management, and data
security.
 Genetic discrimination- Some regions or ethnic groups may be
underrepresented, affecting the project's dataset.
 Limited representation- The 10,000 genomes is a significant achievement but
it may not fully capture the immense genetic diversity present in India's
population of 1.4 billion people.
There are over 4,600 distinct groups, and achieving comprehensive representation
is challenging.
What lies ahead?
 As Genome India Project moves forward, its impact on healthcare, genetics,

and scientific research is poised to be transformative, ushering in a new era of
understanding and utilizing the genetic diversity within the country.
 The findings of the project should not remain confined to academia but
involve collaborations with scientists, students, technology companies,
ethicists, and social scientists.
5. GST collections up 12.54% in February 2024
 India’s GST revenues saw a robust growth of 12.54% in February, exceeding

₹1.68 lakh crore.
 This marked the fourth-highest monthly collection since GST’s inception.
 The Goods and Services Tax (GST) system in India has been a pivotal
component of the country’s tax structure since its implementation in July
2017.
 Analyzing the trends and performance of GST revenues offers insights into
the economic health and growth trajectory of the nation.
Gross Revenues Overview
 Yearly Comparison: The fiscal year 2023-24 witnessed a noteworthy increase,

reaching ₹18.4 lakh crore, indicating an 11.7% rise from the previous year.
 Yearly Uptick: This year’s growth stands as the third highest since the
implementation of GST.
 Domestic Transactions: Revenues from domestic transactions surged by
13.9%.
 Imported Goods: Revenue from goods imports also saw a notable increase,
rising by 8.5%.

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State-wise Breakdown
 Overall Collection Analysis: After accounting for refunds, February’s GST

collection amounted to ₹1.51 lakh crore, indicating a substantial 13.6% growth
from the previous year.
 State Variability: States exhibited diverse performances, with some
experiencing declines while others exceeded national growth averages.
 Declining Revenues: Five states witnessed contractions, with Mizoram and
Manipur showing significant decreases.
 Outperforming States: Twelve states, including Jammu and Kashmir, Assam,
and Maharashtra, surpassed the national average growth rate.
Compensation Cess Details
 Components of GST Intake: February’s gross GST intake included CGST,

SGST, and IGST, amounting to ₹84,098 crore.
 Cess Collections: Compensation cess collections amounted to ₹12,839 crore,
with additional revenue from imported goods.
 Revenue Distribution: The Central government allocated substantial sums to
CGST and SGST from IGST collections.
 Revenue Allocation: After regular distributions, CGST received ₹73,641
crore, while SGST received ₹75,569 crore.
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
 Definition: GST is an indirect tax that has replaced many indirect taxes in
India such as excise duty, VAT, services tax, etc.
 Legislation: The GST Act was passed in Parliament on 29th March 2017 and
came into effect on 1st July 2017. It is a single domestic indirect tax law for the
entire country.
 Tax Structure: It is a comprehensive, multi-stage, destination-based tax that is
levied on every value addition.
 Taxation Points: Under the GST regime, the tax is levied at every point of
sale. In the case of intra-state sales, Central GST and State GST are charged.
All the inter-state sales are chargeable to the Integrated GST.
Components of GST
 CGST: It is the tax collected by the Central Government on an intra-state sale

(e.g., a transaction happening within Maharashtra).
 SGST: It is the tax collected by the state government on an intra-state sale
(e.g., a transaction happening within Maharashtra).
 IGST: It is a tax collected by the Central Government for an inter-state sale
(e.g., Maharashtra to Tamil Nadu).
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Advantages of GST
 GST has mainly removed the cascading effect on the sale of goods and
services.
 Removal of the cascading effect has impacted the cost of goods.
 Since the GST regime eliminates the tax on tax, the cost of goods decreases.
 Also, GST is mainly technologically driven.
 All the activities like registration, return filing, application for refund and
response to notice needs to be done online on the GST portal, which
accelerates the processes.
Issues with GST
 High operational cost.

 GST has given rise to complexity for many business owners across the nation.
 GST has received criticism for being called a ‘Disability Tax’ as it now taxes
articles such as braille paper, wheelchairs, hearing aid etc.
 Fuels are not under GST, which goes against the ideals of the unification of
commodities.
6. Significance of Hydrogen Powered Ferry
India recently launched its first indigenously developed hydrogen fuel cell ferry.
What are the special features of hydrogen fuel cell ferry?
 'Harit Nauka' initiative- The ferry is a part of this initiative which was
launched in 2024 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as per the Maritime
Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
 Manufactured- By Cochin Shipyard Limited.
 Deployed in service- At Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.
 Features- The ferry can carry 50 people, in its air-conditioned passenger area,
the boat has five hydrogen cylinders that can carry 40kg of hydrogen and
support 8 hours of operations. The vessel is also fitted with a 3-kW solar
panel.
 Fuel cell- It utilises utilizes a 50-kW Proton-Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel
cell which is a type of hydrogen fuel cell with Lithium-Ion Phosphate
batteries.
 Hydrogen fuel cell system- It was developed by KPIT Technologies, Pune in
collaboration with CSIR labs.
Significance of hydrogen fuel cell ferry

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 Environment friendly-The hydrogen fuel cell-powered vessel has zero
emission, zero noise and is energy-efficient.
 Zero emission- Fuel cell technology allows for efficient conversion of
chemical energy in hydrogen into electricity, with water being the only
byproduct.
 Quick refuelling- The hydrogen fuel cells do not require recharging, for the
continuous operation it must be provided with uninterrupted supply of fuel
and oxygen.
 Zero noise- The hydrogen fuel cell-powered vessel produces zero emissions
and operates silently, making it environmentally friendly and suitable for
urban areas.
 Durability- The passenger area is constructed with high-quality fiberglass
reinforced plastic, similar to metro train coaches it enhances durability while
keeping the vessel lightweight.
 Sustainability- The ferry features a 3-kW solar panel, contributing to the
vessel's energy needs and enhancing its sustainability.
 Flexibility- The advantage of using a PEM fuel cell with a Lithium-Ion
Phosphate battery is that the system can adjust the power output according to
the power demand.
o When the vessel needs to accelerate, the battery can provide extra
power.
o When the vessel needs to slow down, the battery can store the excess
power generated by the fuel cell.
 Benefits of PEM cell- PEM fuel cells are popular in automotive applications
because they operate at a lower temperature, and are lighter and more
compact.
 Cost effective- There are no moving parts, hence the ferry requires less
maintenance than combustion vessels.
 The ferry is a milestone for the field of nuclear fusion and green energy, as it
represents the necessary heat and stability required for viable fusion reactors.
 Emerging green fuel- The ferry has given India an early mover advantage to
tap the potential of hydrogen as an emerging green fuel in the marine sector.
 Boost National Green Hydrogen Mission- It aims to make India the global
hub for production, usage, and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives,
such as green ammonia and green methanol.
India recently launched its first indigenously developed hydrogen fuel cell ferry.
Special features of hydrogen fuel cell ferry
 'Harit Nauka' initiative- The ferry is a part of this initiative which was
launched in 2024 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as per the Maritime
Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

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 Manufactured- By Cochin Shipyard Limited.
 Deployed in service- At Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.
 Features- The ferry can carry 50 people, in its air-conditioned passenger area,
the boat has five hydrogen cylinders that can carry 40kg of hydrogen and
support 8 hours of operations. The vessel is also fitted with a 3-kW solar
panel.
 Fuel cell- It utilises utilizes a 50-kW Proton-Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel
cell which is a type of hydrogen fuel cell with Lithium-Ion Phosphate
batteries.
 Hydrogen fuel cell system- It was developed by KPIT Technologies, Pune in
collaboration with CSIR labs.
7. Harnessing AI to Address India’s Water Crisis
 Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a pivotal tool in addressing various

challenges, including India’s pressing water crisis.
 While the public’s perception of AI remains mixed, its potential to
revolutionize water management cannot be overstated.
River Inter-Linking
 Background: As India grapples with the challenges of climate change and

unpredictable weather patterns, the need to mitigate water deficits has
become a critical priority for policymakers. One proposed solution is the
ambitious river-linking project, aimed at connecting flood-prone rivers with
those facing water deficits.
 Objective: The goal of the river-linking initiative is to optimize water
distribution across regions, ensuring maximum benefits for the most people
while minimizing environmental impact and resource depletion.
Assessing River Inter-Linking using AI
 Computational Modeling: Researchers from institutions such as IIT-ISM,

Dhanbad, and NITs in Tripura and Goa have leveraged AI tools to develop
computational models for analyzing the proposed Pennar-Palar-Cauvery link
canal.
 Multi-Objective Optimization: The AI models employ a multi-objective
approach, aiming to achieve multiple objectives simultaneously. For example,
optimizing crop yield while minimizing water usage and environmental
impact.
 Data Utilization: These models utilize extensive datasets, including water
level measurements, crop-sowing patterns, and economic factors such as
minimum support price and cost-benefit analysis for farmers.

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 Predictive Analysis: By analyzing historical data and making predictions
based on AI algorithms, researchers can identify optimal strategies for crop
selection and water management, ultimately maximizing agricultural
productivity while conserving water resources.
Key Findings and Recommendations
 Optimizing Farm Returns: The AI-based models suggest that by making

adjustments to crop selection and water management practices, it is possible
to improve farm returns without depleting groundwater or wasting water
resources.
 Need for Detailed Data: Collecting more detailed and accurate data will
enhance the effectiveness of AI-based models, enabling more focused and
accurate predictions for optimizing water usage and agricultural
productivity.
Way Forward
 Improved Data Collection: Enhanced data collection efforts will further

refine AI-based predictions, enabling more precise and focused solutions to
water management challenges.
 Collaborative Efforts: Collaboration between academia, government
agencies, and technology experts is crucial in harnessing AI’s full potential for
sustainable water management.
 Public Awareness: Educating the public about the benefits of AI-driven
water management solutions can garner support and facilitate
implementation at scale.
Conclusion
 The integration of AI into the river-linking initiative holds immense potential

for addressing water scarcity challenges in India.
 By harnessing the power of AI-driven predictive modelling, policymakers can
make informed decisions to optimize water distribution, enhance agricultural
productivity, and mitigate the impacts of climate change on water resources.
 As India’s development journey progresses, leveraging AI technologies will
be instrumental in achieving sustainable water management practices and
ensuring water security for future generations.

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8. Stage II of India’s 3-stage nuclear programme
Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnessed the core-loading of the indigenous

prototype fast breeder reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu marking a
significant step in India's nuclear power program.
PFBR
 Developed by- Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVANI).

 Design- Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR).
 Location- Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.
 Nuclear Fuel Complex- It is entrusted with the responsibility of fabrication of
core subassemblies for Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) and 500 MWe PFBR.
 BARC- Bhabha Atomic Research Centre contributes to the research &
development and manufacture of fuels for fast reactors, technology for
reprocessing of fuels, waste management and health and safety of the work
force.
 Expansion- The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) proposed building 4
more FBRs with a capacity of 600 MWe each.
 Fissile material- Mixed oxide of Uranium and Plutonium-239 (By-product
from stage-I).
 Coolant- Liquid sodium, a highly reactive substance used in 2 circuits to
transfer heat and produce electricity.
 Breeder reactor- It generates more Pu-239 than it consumes.
Why PFBR delayed?
 Impact of sanction- Sanctions following India’s ‘Smiling Buddha’ nuclear test

led to the use of mixed carbide fuel instead of enriched uranium, affecting
power output and operating conditions.
 Loss of expertise-Many experts involved with the Fast Breeder Test Reactor
(FBTR) were retiring by the time PFBR was approved in 2003, leading to a
loss of expertise.
 Fund deficit- The project faced cost overruns, and the need for additional
funds and extensions contributed to delays.
 Procurement Delays- An audit revealed that BHAVINI’s dependency on the
Nuclear Power Corporation of India resulted in significant delays in
component procurement.
 Operational challenges- The experts expected that the reactor vessel could be
preheated to 150oC in about a month based on theoretical calculations and
tests with a mock-up, but the process took more than a year in reality.
 Technical difficulties- The coolant liquid sodium is highly reactive, it
requires careful handling due to leaks, blockages or temperature fluctuations.

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 Fukushima Daiichi disaster 2011- It shifted global public opinion against
nuclear power, affecting new facility construction.
Challenges with PFBR?
 Safety concerns- Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) are known to be more

challenging to handle than other reactor types, raising safety concerns.
 Regulatory dependency- The Atomic Energy Regulatory Body (AERB) has
faced criticism for lacking independence, there have been calls for an
independent statutory atomic regulator to enhance safety oversight.
 Public reaction- The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has faced public
skepticism and concerns about its handling of safety issues.
 Radioactive by-products- The thorium fuel cycle, while promising for its
abundance, produces radioactive byproducts (caesium-137, actinium-227,
radium-224, radium-228, and thorium-230) that require careful handling and
storage.
What lies ahead?
 Nuclear power is seen as a strategic component in India's energy mix,

providing a reliable and continuous source of electricity while supporting
national goals related to energy security and sustainability.
 The proposed expansion of FBRs indicates a commitment to advancing
nuclear technology in India despite challenges.
 Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited announced plans to commission
a nuclear power reactor every year suggest a proactive approach to meeting
energy demands and contributing to the country's energy transition.
9. New Initiatives for Cooperative Sector
Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of several major
initiatives for the cooperative sector at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
Key Initiatives:
 World's Largest Grain Storage Scheme in Cooperative Sector: A pilot

project in 11 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACSs) across 11 states. It
aims to significantly enhance grain storage capacity in the cooperative sector,
addressing the long-standing issue of post-harvest grain losses.
 Foundation Stone for Additional PACSs: An additional 500 PACSs across
the country. These additional PACSs are meant for the creation of godowns

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and other agriculture-related infrastructure, which will further support the
farmers and the agricultural sector.
 Computerization of PACSs: An initiative for the computerization of 18,000
PACSs to bring transparency, modernize operations, and create business
opportunities.
 New Bye-Laws for PACSs: The Ministry of Cooperation has prepared new
Bye-Laws for PACSs, enabling them to engage in 20 different activities
including dairy, water management, and storage capacity increase.
Co-operative Society:
 It is a voluntary association of people who work together to promote their

economic interests.
 These societies are based on the principles of mutual and self-help, and their
primary goal is to support their members.
 Within the top 300 cooperative societies globally, three Indian societies are
featured:
 Amul,
 Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), and
 Krishak Bharati Cooperative Limited (KRIBHCO).
Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS):
 PACS are the Village-level arms of the short-term cooperative credit

structure.
 They deal directly with rural (agricultural) borrowers, give short-term and
medium-term agriculture loans, and also undertake distribution and
marketing functions.
Organizational Structure of PACS:
 General Body of PACS: Exercise the control over board as well as

management.
 Management Committee: Elected by the general body to perform the work as
prescribed by the society’s rules, acts, and by-laws.
 Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary: Work for the benefit of the
members by performing their roles and duties as assigned to them.
 Office Staff: Responsible for performing day-to-day work.
Steps taken to promote Co-operatives Societies:
 Sahkaar se Samriddhi scheme: It is a transformative effort aimed at

harnessing the potential of cooperatives in driving India's economic growth.
It is led by Union Ministry of Cooperation.

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 97th (Amendment) Act, 2011: It granted constitutional status to Cooperative
Societies.
 It inserted Part IX B ‘The Cooperative Societies’, Article 43B in Part IV
as a Directive Principle of State Policy for the promotion of cooperative
societies.
 Separate Ministry of Cooperation: It was established on July 2021 by the
Union Government by transferring the existing entries related to cooperation
and cooperation in the business of the erstwhile Ministry of Agriculture,
Cooperation and Farmers Welfare.
 Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Act, 2023: This act came
into force on August 3, 2023. It includes provisions from the 97th
Constitutional Amendment and aims to strengthen governance, increase
accountability, and reform the electoral process.
 Income tax surcharge reduction: The surcharge on income tax for cooperative
societies with income from Rs 1 crore to Rs 10 crore has been reduced from
12% to 7%.
 Tax rate reduction: The Union Budget 2023-24 announced a reduction in the
tax rate for new cooperatives.
 TDS limit increase: The Union Budget 2023-24 increased the cash withdrawal
limit for cooperatives from Rs 1 crore to Rs 3 crore per year without being
subjected to TDS.
 GeM portal registration: Cooperatives are now allowed to register as
"buyers" on the GeM portal for national public procurement.
 Cooperative Sugar Mills: Cooperative Sugar Mills will not have to pay
additional income tax on payment of higher sugarcane prices to farmers up to
the fair and remunerative price or the state-advised price.
10. ADITI Scheme to Fund India’s Defence Start-ups
 The recently launched ADITI scheme by the Union Minister of Defence marks
a new era in promoting innovations in critical and strategic defence
technologies.
ADITI Scheme
 Scheme Objective: Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with

iDEX (ADITI) is aimed at fostering innovations in critical and strategic
defence technologies.
 Development Goals: The scheme targets the development of approximately
30 deep-tech critical and strategic technologies within the proposed
timeframe.
 Eligibility Criteria: Start-ups can avail grant-in-aid of up to Rs 25 crore for
their research, development, and innovation efforts in defence technology.
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 Budget Allocation: ADITI is backed by a budget of Rs 750 crore spanning
from 2023-24 to 2025-26.
 Framework: It operates within the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence)
framework under the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of
Defence.
Features of the Scheme
 Bridge-building Initiative: ADITI aims to establish a ‘Technology Watch

Tool’ to bridge the gap between the modern Armed Forces’ expectations and
requirements and the capabilities of the defence innovation ecosystem.
 Incentives for Innovators: iDEX has been expanded to iDEX Prime, offering
increased assistance from Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 10 crore, motivating young
innovators to participate.
 National Transformation: Initiatives like ADITI, iDEX, and iDEX Prime are
instrumental in propelling India towards becoming a knowledge society.
 Youth Empowerment: The scheme aims to nurture youth innovation,
propelling the country forward in the realm of technology.
11. INS Jatayu: India’s new Naval Base in Lakshadweep
 The Naval Detachment Minicoy will transition into INS Jatayu, an upgraded
naval base, symbolizing India’s commitment to bolstering security
infrastructure in the strategic Lakshadweep Islands.
 This development underscores the Indian Navy’s strategic imperative to
fortify its presence in the region.
INS Jatayu
 Upgrade to Naval Base: INS Jatayu will be elevated to a fully-fledged naval

base, equipped with essential infrastructure such as an airfield and housing
facilities.
 Strategic Location: Situated amidst vital Sea Lines of Communications
(SLOCs), the Lakshadweep Islands hold immense strategic importance,
serving as a gateway to the Indian Ocean.
 Enhanced Operational Capability: The transformation of Naval Detachment
Minicoy into INS Jatayu signifies a significant augmentation of the Navy’s
operational capabilities in the region.
 Geopolitical Dynamics: Against the backdrop of evolving geopolitical
dynamics, particularly China’s increasing influence in the Indian Ocean
Region, the establishment of INS Jatayu assumes greater significance.

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A Strategic Asset: Lakshadweep Archipelago
 Geographical Context: Lakshadweep, comprising 36 islands, lies strategically

between the Indian mainland and the Maldives, serving as a vital link in
India’s maritime security architecture.
 Maritime Highways: Minicoy, in particular, is strategically positioned along
key maritime highways, including the Eight Degree Channel and the Nine
Degree Channel.
Future Prospects and Challenges
 Operational Implications: The establishment of INS Jatayu will bolster the

Navy’s operational reach and responsiveness, enabling effective anti-piracy
and anti-narcotics operations in the western Arabian Sea.
 Ecological Considerations: The fragile ecology of the island poses challenges
for infrastructure development, necessitating meticulous planning and
environmental clearances.
 Operational Expansion: The proposed airfield at INS Jatayu will facilitate
operations for various aircraft, bolstering the Navy’s surveillance capabilities
and extending its operational reach.
12. Calculation of Green Credit
The government has issued guidelines outlining methodologies for calculating

credits generated through ‘Green Credit Programme’ (GCP) from tree plantation on
degraded land, including scrub land, wasteland, and river catchment areas in each
state and Union Territory.
Methodology for Credit Calculation:
 The Forest Department of every State and Union territory will identify
degraded land parcels, including open forest and scrub land, wasteland and
catchment areas, under their administrative control and management.
o These identified parcels will be made available for tree plantation by
individuals or entities.
 Identified land parcels for plantation must be free from encumbrances and
have a minimum size of five hectares.
 Any person or entity desirous of undertaking tree plantation for the purposes
of generation of Green Credit may apply to the Administrator.
 After submitting the application, the applicant will be allocated a land
parcel.
 Subsequently, the applicant is required to formulate a detailed proposal
outlining the tree plantation plan for the generation of Green Credit.

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 Additionally, the applicant must cover charges for plantation and an
administrative fee.
 Upon completion of these formalities, the Administrator will instruct the
Forest Department to initiate tree plantation.
Implementation Process:
 Afforestation will be carried out by the forest department on behalf of

industries, companies or any private entity after getting the cost of tree
plantation and administrative expenses.
 The plantation will adhere to specified working and management plans and
must be completed within two years from the date of payment.
Completion and Evaluation:
 Upon completion of tree plantation, the forest department shall submit a

report in this regard to the administrator and issue a certificate of
completion of tree plantation to the applicant.
 The administrator, following an assessment of the plantation activity, may
generate and issue green credits based on the total number of trees planted
in the assigned land parcel.
Calculation:
 Green credits will be calculated at the rate of one green credit per tree grown
through the tree plantation on such land, with a minimum density
requirement of 1100 trees per hectare, based on local silvi-climatic and soil
conditions.
Utilization of Green Credits:
 Generated credits can be utilized for reporting under environmental, social,

and governance (ESG) leadership indicators or corporate social
responsibility (CSR).
 Green credits may also be exchanged for meeting the compliance of the
compensatory afforestation in case of diversion of forest land for non-
forestry purposes.
About Green Credit Programme (GCP):
 The GCP is a part of the government's Lifestyle for Environment (LIFE)

movement.
 The program aims to create a market for actions that go beyond carbon
emission reductions.

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o GCP leverages a competitive market-based approach for Green Credit
to incentivise environmental actions of various stakeholders.
 Green Credit refers to a unit of an incentive provided for a specified activity
having a positive impact on the environment.
 The green credits are tradable and can be made available for trading on a
domestic market platform.
 The programme is independent of the carbon credit provided under the
Carbon Credit Trading Scheme.
 An environmental activity generating green credit may yield climate co-
benefits, including the reduction or removal of carbon emissions.
 Furthermore, an activity generating green credit under the Green Credit
Programme may also qualify for carbon credit through the same initiative.
 Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), headquartered
in Dehradun, administers the GCP, overseeing implementation,
management, monitoring, and operation.
13. India’s Solar Slowdown: Trends and Projections
 Following two years of robust growth, India’s solar capacity additions

sharply declined by 44% in 2023, the lowest since 2016.
 What triggered this slowdown, and will this trend persist? Let’s explore.
Solar Capacity Addition in 2023
 Decline in Capacity: India added 7.5 gigawatts (GW) of solar power capacity
in 2023, a significant drop from the previous year’s record of 13.4 GW. This
marked the lowest levels since 2016, except for the pandemic-affected 2020.
 Large-scale Projects Hit Hard: Capacity additions in large solar power
projects declined by over 50% to 5.8 GW from 11.7 GW in 2022. However,
rooftop solar power capacity continued to grow by 1.7 GW, consistent with
2022 levels.
 Cumulative Capacity: India’s cumulative solar power capacity reached 72
GW by the end of 2023, with large-scale projects contributing over 60 GW.
Reasons for the Decline
 Regulatory Hurdles: Solar power producers faced regulatory hurdles,

including stricter grid connectivity rules and a Supreme Court directive in
2021 mandating the relocation of overhead power cables to protect the Great
Indian Bustard habitats.
 Challenges in Compliance: Compliance with amended grid code provisions
became more demanding, leading to delays in project execution. Land
acquisition challenges also persisted, further delaying project timelines.

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Outlook for 2024
 Temporary Setback: The decline in solar capacity addition in 2023 appears to

be a temporary setback. The pipeline for 2024 is robust, with 105.3 GW of
capacity planned, including an additional 70.6 GW awaiting auction.
 Delayed Projects: Large-scale projects that were delayed and granted
extensions from December 2022 to June 2023 will contribute significantly to
capacity additions in 2024.
Impact of ‘Make in India’
 Reduction in Imports: India’s solar capacity initially relied on imported cells

from China. However, the imposition of customs duties on imported solar
modules and cells led to a significant decline in imports.
 Promoting Local Manufacturing: The introduction of the Approved List of
Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) enabled local manufacturers to
participate in government bids. However, the ALMM mandate was
suspended until April 2024 to maintain momentum in solar installations.
Alignment with India’s Energy Targets
 Renewable Energy Capacity: In 2023, India’s renewable energy capacity

exceeded 180 GW, with solar contributing 40%. Despite missing the initial
targets due to the pandemic, India achieved 60 GW of large-scale solar
projects a year later.
 Future Targets: India aims to achieve a renewable energy target of nearly 600
GW by 2032, with solar accounting for 365 GW. To meet this target, 30 GW of
fresh solar capacity must be added annually for the next 8 years.
Various Policy Initiatives
 Solar Park Scheme (2014): Initiated in, the Solar Park Scheme aims to develop
a series of solar parks, each with a capacity of around 500 MW, across various
states.
 Rooftop Solar Scheme (2016): The Rooftop Solar Scheme endeavours to
harness solar power by installing solar panels on residential rooftops.
 National Solar Mission (2010): The National Solar Mission stands as a crucial
endeavor by both the Indian government and state authorities to foster
sustainable development and tackle energy security challenges.
 SRISTI Scheme (2018): The SRISTI Scheme is formulated to encourage the
implementation of rooftop solar power projects in India, promoting
sustainability.

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 International Solar Alliance (2015): Formed in 2015, the International Solar
Alliance serves as a collaborative platform promoting the adoption of solar
energy technologies through member-driven initiatives.
 Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (2019): Launched by the
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in 2019, the PM-KUSUM
scheme aims to facilitate the deployment of off-grid solar pumps in rural
areas and reduce reliance on the grid in connected regions.
Conclusion
 Despite the temporary slowdown, India remains committed to expanding its

solar capacity to meet its ambitious renewable energy targets and contribute
to global sustainability efforts.
14. Bengaluru’s Water Crisis
Bengaluru, India’s 3rd most populous city is facing the worst potable water crisis in
its nearly 500-year history.
What is the issue?
 Bengaluru was once known as the “the necklace of lakes”.

o Important lakes of Bengaluru - Dharmambudhi Lake, Shoolay Lake,
Akkithimanhalli Lake, Sampangi Lake, Bellandur Lake, Hebbal Lake,
Madiwala lake, Ulsoor lake, Lalbagh Lake, Agara Lake, etc.
o Important rivers of Bengaluru - Vrishabhavathi, Arkavathi, Dakshina
Pinakini, Chinnar, Suvarnamukhi, Cauvery and Netravathi rivers.
 At present, the city is facing a severe water shortage.
What led to severe shortage of water in Bengaluru?
 Lack of rainfall - There hasn't been enough rain thereby causing the water
levels in the Cauvery River to drop.
 As per the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Management Centre, the water
levels in Cauvery Basin reservoirs like Harangi, Hemavathi, KRS, and Kabini
are at 39% of their total capacity.
 Geography – Bengaluru is part of the semi-arid zone and falls in the rain
shadow of the Western Ghats, without a perennial source of water.
 Tributaries of the Cauvery, such as the Arkavathy and Vrishabhavathi that
flowed through parts of the city were seasonal.
 Changing climatic conditions - The plunging groundwater levels, with more
than 3,000 borewells drying up, have caused the current water crisis is also
adding to the issue of water shortage.

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 Urbanisation and industrialization - Population explosion, Encroachment,
unplanned urbanisation, unfriendly industrial policies have also resulted in
this problem.
o Bengaluru, up until 1961, had 262 lakes which has now come down to
81.
 Pollution - In Bengaluru (once known as the city of 1,000 lakes), many lakes
are polluted and marked as Category D or E lakes.
 Other issues - Poor Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) in the city has also added
to the problem.
 The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), which is
primarily responsible for supplying the city with water has acknowledged
the city’s excessive reliance on the Cauvery and the lack of co-ordinated
water management.
o Bengaluru requires 2,100 million liters per day (MLD) of potable water,
of which 1,450 MLD comes from the Cauvery River.
Day Zero refers to the “day when a city’s taps run completely dry, forcing people to
stand in queues to collect their daily quota of water.”
What efforts have been taken in this regard?
 The Karnataka government has banned the use of drinking water for
gardening and other purposes.
 It has ordered supply of water in huge tankers to Bengaluru from adjoining
towns.
 A substantial budget of Rs 131 crore is allotted by civil bodies for drilling
borewells in priority zones.
 To control water prices, all private water tankers and borewells are instructed
to register with the BWSSB.
 In the 2024-2025 budget speech, CM Siddaramaiah announced that the
BWSSB would start Phase-5 of the Cauvery project, aiming to provide 110
liters of drinking water daily to 12 lakh people.
 The project is expected to be completed by May 2024.
 Karnataka Water Policy 2022 had suggested strategies like re-cycling, re-use
of treated waste water and rain water harvesting, industrial water use
planning and other such measures.
India was one of the first signatories to the First World Convention on Waterbodies
and Conservation held in Ramsar, Iran in 1971.
What lies ahead?

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 RWH - According to a vision document, ‘Mattondu Cauvery’ prepared by
the Centre for Public Problem Solving, harvesting just 10% of rainwater in the
Bangalore Metropolitan Region will increase the water supply in the region
by nearly 100%.
 Minor changes can be made to the building code to enable open spaces to be
more permeable to water can help promote groundwater recharge.
 Innovative measures- The BWSSB in a document titled “Blueprint for the
Future” had suggested some innovative measures for water management
o Establishment of a forum called Water Future Hub would connect local
companies with national and international experts to share knowledge
and capabilities that can develop new ideas, innovative solutions to
address future water challenges.
o Establishing a Water Centre will promote concepts like water
conservation, rainwater harvesting and water reuse among people.
 People centered planning - Approaches towards water governance should be
more human-centric rather than tech-centric to help common people
understand what is happening with respect to water planning.
 Local water management - There is a need to identify local watersheds, mark
their boundaries, and create a water balance plan to use the local water more
effectively.
 Use of treated water - Given Bengaluru’s limited water resources,
systematic use of treated water for most purposes is crucial in bringing down
the demand for fresh water.
 Dual piping should be mandatory in all new constructions to ensure treated
water is used for tertiary purposes.
 Lake rejuvenation – It is crucial in ensuring better water seepage to recharge
the groundwater tables.
15. Mission Gaganyaan
Recently Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicised the final shortlist of candidates
to be astronauts on board the maiden human spaceflight mission called Gaganyaan
of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Gaganyaan
 Aim- To send a team of astronauts into space on a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) of
400 km for 3 days and safely return them by landing in the Indian Ocean.
 Objective- To demonstrate indigenous capability to undertake human space
flight mission to LEO.
 Origin- In 2006, India started work on an orbital vehicle mission that was
later named Gaganyaan.

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 Mission program- As a part of this program two unmanned missions and
one manned mission are approved by Government of India.
 Unmanned mission- It will demonstrate the levels of technology
preparedness before manned mission.
 Demonstrator missions- It includes Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT), Pad
Abort Test (PAT) and Test Vehicle (TV) flights.
 Space Capsule Recovery Experiment- It was conducted in 2007 where a

satellite previously placed in orbit descended from an altitude of 635 km and
safely splashed down into Bay of Bengal.
 CARE- The Crew Module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment was
successfully conducted in 2014 where ISRO launched a prototype of the crew
module onboard on LVM-3 rocket.
 Domestic development and testing- ISRO worked deligently to human rate
various components ensuring their reliability met stringent standards for
crewed spaceflight.
 Second phase of unmanned mission- A second unmanned flight is planned

with a pressurized crew module, which will carry the robot Vyommitra to
record all parameters to study the impact of the flight on humans.
 Manned mission- Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group

Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander
Shubhanshu Shukla are India’s astronauts-designate for Gaganyaan.
 Launch vehicle- LVM-3, it is a well proven and reliable heavy lift launcher of
ISRO.
LVM-3 was earlier called as GSLV Mk-III
 HLVM 3- All systems in LVM3 launch vehicle are re-configured to meet

human rating requirements and christened Human Rated LVM3.
o It will be capable of launching the Orbital Module to an intended Low
Earth Orbit of 400 km.
 Crew Escape System- HLVM3 consists of Crew Escape System (CES)
powered by a set of quick acting, high burn rate solid motors which ensures
that Crew Module along with crew is taken to a safe distance in case of any
emergency either at launch pad or during ascent phase.
 Orbital module- It will orbit the Earth which consists of

o Crew module
o Service module

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 Human space flight centre- It was launched in 2019 in Bangalore with a
primary mandate to spearhead ISRO's Gaganyaan programme, the crew
training is provided here.
ISRO signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Glavkosmos, a

subsidiary of the Russian space agency Roscosmos, for the training of the crew.
What are the benefits of undertaking Gaganyaan Mission?
 Future explorations- It will make a progress towards a sustained and

affordable human and robotic programme to explore the solar system and
beyond.
 Technology advancement- Advanced technology capability for undertaking
human space exploration, sample return missions and scientific exploration.
 International collaboration- To actively collaborate in global space station
development & to carry out scientific experiments of interest to the nation.
 Job creation- It provides for an ample scope for employment generation and
human resource development in advanced science and R&D activities.
 Foster scientific temper- It will provide unique opportunity to inspire and
excite Indian youth and steer many students towards career in science and
technology.
 Global leader -The programme will strengthen international partnerships
and global security through the sharing of challenging and peaceful goals.
What are the challenges in Gaganyaan mission?
 Space debris management- The increasing amount of space debris poses a

significant threat to spacecraft in LEO, it requires advanced tracking systems
and collision avoidance maneuvers to prevent potential collisions with debris.
 Cabin depressurization risk- Robust spacecraft design with protective
shielding and ealy warning systems are essential as collision with small
debris can pose a risk of depressurization in the crew module.
 Complexity- Replicating earth like conditions in a confined space like crew
module is challenging.
 Resource management- Lightweight and compact systems for life support,
food production and waste recycling are essential to optimize the use of
available payload capacity.
 Technological innovations- It is necessary continuously to overcome the
challenges and complexities associated with the mission, research and
development effort must focus on creating reliable, compact and energy
efficient systems to sustain human life in the harsh conditions of space.
What lies ahead?

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 Gaganyaan is a significant step for India, aiming to achieve self-sufficiency in
human spaceflight.
 It will boost India to achieve its vision of an indigenous space station by 2035
and to land an Indian on the moon by 2040.
16. India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement
India-European Free Trade Association has signed a Trade and Economic

Partnership Agreement (TEPA).
What are trade agreements?
 Trade agreement is any contractual arrangement between states concerning

their trade relationships.
 They may be bilateral or multilateral.
 It includes Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Preferential Trade Agreement
(PTA), Regional Trade Agreement (RTA), etc.
What is an FTA?
 A free trade agreement is an arrangement between two or more countries

where they agree either to end or reduce customs duties on maximum
number of goods traded between them, besides cutting down non-trade
barriers on a significant value of imports.
 Goal- To facilitate cross-border transactions, increase investment prospects,
promote mutual trade, and improve the ease of business.
 The World Trade Organisation (WTO) is the global watchdog for exports
and imports-related issues. India has been a member since 1995.
 Benefits of FTAs
o Zero-duty entry into partner country markets helps in the
diversification and expansion of export markets.
o Level playing field vis-a-vis competitors who may have already
entered FTAs with partner countries.
o FTAs enable preferential treatment in the partner country market over
non-FTA member country competitors.
o Attracting foreign investment to stimulate domestic manufacturing.
o Access to raw materials, intermediate products and capital goods for
value-added manufacturing.
o Long-term efficiency and consumer welfare goals.
Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA)?

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 TEPA is a modern and ambitious Trade Agreement.
 The agreement has 14 chapters, including trade in goods, rules of origin,
intellectual property rights (IPRs), trade in services, investment promotion
and cooperation, government procurement, technical barriers to trade and
trade facilitation.
India runs a trade deficit with most of its top trade partners, except for the US. India
also runs a trade deficit with EFTA at USD 14.8 billion in the last fiscal.
Highlights of TEPA
 EFTA has committed to promote investments to

o increase the stock of foreign direct investments by USD 100 billion in
India in the next 15 years
o facilitate the generation of 1 million direct employment in India,
through such investments (except foreign portfolio investment)
 EFTA covers 99.6% of India’s exports. The EFTA’s market access offer covers
100% of non-agri products and tariff concession on Processed Agricultural
Products (PAP).
 India covers 95.3% of EFTA exports of which more than 80% import is Gold.
 Sectors such as dairy, soya, coal and sensitive agricultural products are kept
in exclusion list which means there won’t be any tariff cuts by India on these
sectors.
 TEPA has provisions for Mutual Recognition Agreements in Professional
Services like nursing, chartered accountants, architects etc.
 Commitments related to Intellectual Property Rights in TEPA are at TRIPS
level. India’s interests in generic medicines and concerns related to
evergreening of patents have been fully addressed.
For EFTA Countries
 Market access - EFTA countries gain market access to a major growth market
(India).
 Diversify the supply chain - India will strive to diversify the EFTA’s supply
chains while rendering them more resilient.
For India
 Attract FDI - India will attract more foreign investment from EFTA, which
will ultimately translate into an increase in good jobs.
 Boost the service sector - It is expected to stimulate India’s services exports in
sectors such as IT services, business services, sporting and recreational
services, education services and audio-visual services.

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 Promote exports - It will empower exporters access to specialized inputs and
create conducive trade and investment environment thereby providing
opportunities for services sector to access more markets.
 Opportunity to integrate with EU - TEPA paves way for Indian companies to
look into Switzerland as a base for extending its market reach to EU.
 Encourage domestic manufacturing - TEPA will give impetus to “Make in
India” and Atmanirbhar Bharat in sectors such as infrastructure,
manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food processing, transport,
financial services and insurance.
 Creates employment - TEPA would accelerate creation of direct jobs for
India’s young aspirational workforce, including better facilities for vocational
and technical training.
 Facilitates technology collaboration - TEPA facilitates tech collaboration and
access to world leading technologies in precision engineering, health sciences,
renewable energy, Innovation and R&D.
What are the issues?
 Abolition of tariffs by Switzerland - Switzerland, which is India’s biggest

trade partner among EFTA countries, decided to eliminate import duties on
all industrial goods for all countries from January 1, 2024.
 This is a concern for India as industrial goods accounts for 98% of India’s
merchandise exports to Switzerland in FY2023 and Indian goods will face
stiffer competition.
 Agricuture tariffs - Exporting agricultural produce to Switzerland remains
challenging due to the complex web of tariffs, quality standards, and
approval requirements.
 EFTA has not shown any inclination to make agriculture tariffs zero on most
basic agricultural produce.
17. First national report on AMR Surveillance in India’s fisheries, livestock

sectors
 The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) jointly published the
surveillance data of the Indian Network for Fishery and Animal
Antimicrobial Resistance (INFAAR) for 2019-22.
 This report marks the first comprehensive analysis of antimicrobial resistance
(AMR) trends in India’s fisheries and livestock sectors.
INFAAR

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 Network Formation: INFAAR, established under ICAR, comprises 20
laboratories, including 17 ICAR Research Institute Laboratories, one Central
Agriculture University Laboratory, one State Agriculture University
Laboratory, and one State Veterinary University.
 Collaborative Support: Technical assistance from FAO and the United States
Agency for International Development (USAID) enhances INFAAR’s
capabilities for data collection and analysis.
 Expansion Goals: INFAAR aims for further expansion to encompass more
laboratories and enhance surveillance coverage.
Antibiotic Use and AMR Trends
 Impact of Antibiotics: Antibiotic usage in food animal production

contributes to AMR development, necessitating surveillance to inform policy
decisions.
 Production Systems: Three key aquaculture systems—freshwater, brackish-
water, and marine—were surveyed, covering diverse environments.
 Panel of Antibiotics: Antibiotics tested included amikacin, ampicillin,
amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, aztreonam, cefotaxime, cefepime, cefoxitin,
ceftazidime, chloramphenicol, co-trimoxazole, enrofloxacin, gentamicin,
imipenem, meropenem, and tetracycline.
Surveillance Methodology
 Sample Collection: Samples collected from 3,087 farms spanning 42 districts

in 12 states of India, including fish or shrimp tissues and pond or seawater
samples.
 Bacterial Isolates: A total of 6,789 bacterial isolates were analyzed, including
4,523 freshwater, 1,809 shrimp, and 457 mariculture isolates.
 Resistance Profiles: Resistance profiles were analyzed for Staphylococcus
aureus, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species (CONS), Escherichia coli,
Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio sp., and Aeromonas species.
Key Findings:
(1) Resistance Patterns in Fisheries Sector
 Species Specific Resistance: Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and

coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species exhibited high resistance against
penicillin across all systems.
 Variation across Environments: Freshwater fish showed notable resistance to
ciprofloxacin, while marine samples demonstrated higher resistance to
cefotaxime.

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 Shrimp Aquaculture: Notable resistance against ampicillin and cefotaxime
was observed in shrimp samples, indicating a concerning trend.
(2) Resistance Patterns in Livestock Sector
 Animal Origins: E. coli and Staphylococcus isolates from cattle, buffalo, goat,
sheep, pig, and poultry were characterized for AMR profiles.
 Poultry Resistance: Poultry-origin isolates exhibited higher resistance rates
across various antibiotics compared to other food animals.
(3) Multidrug Resistance Analysis
 Emergence of MDR: Approximately 39% of aquaculture-origin E. coli isolates

and 15.8% of poultry isolates exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR).
 ESBL and AmpC Producers: Detection of extended spectrum β-lactamase
(ESBL) and AmpC type β-lactamase producers underscores the complexity of
AMR challenges.
Key Recommendations by the Study
 Baseline Data: The report provides foundational data for understanding

AMR trends and evaluating intervention effectiveness.
 Judicious Use: High resistance to critical antibiotics underscores the
importance of prudent antibiotic use in food animal production.
 Policy Implications: The findings will inform policy and decision-making for
AMR containment in India’s fisheries and livestock sectors.
Conclusion
 The INFAAR surveillance report sheds light on the evolving landscape of

antimicrobial resistance in India’s fisheries and livestock sectors.
 By highlighting resistance patterns and advocating for responsible antibiotic
usage, this initiative paves the way for effective AMR containment strategies
and sustainable agricultural practices.
18. Resolution on sustainable lifestyles adopted by UNEA
The UNEA (United Nations Environment Assembly) at its 6th Session in Nairobi,
Kenya, recently adopted a resolution on sustainable lifestyles, put forward by
India.

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About the resolution:
 The resolution aims to encourage global efforts towards adopting

environment-friendly lifestyles and practices.
 The resolution acknowledges the potential of behavioral changes towards
sustainable lifestyles in achieving sustainable development goals.
 It emphasizes the role of initiatives like the One Planet Network Programme
on Sustainable Lifestyles and Education.
 Private sector, industry, local authorities, communities, and Indigenous
Peoples are recognized for their role in promoting sustainable lifestyles.
 The resolution emphasizes the importance of informed choices and education
at all levels, as referenced in SDG 4.7.
 The resolution requests support from the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP) in developing and implementing national or regional
action plans for promoting sustainable lifestyles.
 It also calls for facilitating dialogues on sustainable lifestyles practices,
including ecocentric approaches, and submitting progress reports to UNEA.
About Mission LiFE:
 It was initiated by India’s Prime Minister at COP26 in Glasgow in 2022, to put

individual conduct at the forefront of the story of global climate action.
 It focuses on 3 main strategies: nudging individuals towards eco-friendly
actions, enabling industries to respond to sustainable demands, and
influencing government policies to support sustainable consumption and
production.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released Global Resources

Outlook 2024 report titled, ‘Bend the trend: Pathways to a liveable planet as
resource use spikes’.
About the Report:
 The "Global Resources Outlook 2024" report by UNEP focuses on the

importance of resource management in tackling the triple planetary crisis:
climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.
 It highlights how the global production and consumption of resources have
increased more than three times over the last 50 years.

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 It underscores the significant role of upper-income countries in driving the
demand for resources.
 It points out the critical impacts of resource extraction and processing on
GHG emissions, particulate matter pollution, biodiversity loss, and water
stress.
 Its forecasts suggest resource exploitation could surge by almost 60% from
2020 levels by 2060.
Key Highlights of the Report:
 The report shows a vast global inequality, with low-income countries

consuming six times less material than wealthy countries but causing ten
times less climate impact.
 It notes a more than threefold increase in global resource production and
consumption over the last 50 years, growing at an average of more than 2.3%
annually, significantly contributing to the triple planetary crisis.
 Mainly driven by upper-income countries, over 55% of GHG emissions and
40% of particulate matter pollution come from the extraction and processing
of resources like fossil fuels, minerals, and biomass.
 Additionally, 90% of land-related biodiversity loss and water stress, plus a
third of GHG emissions, are linked to the agriculture and forestry sectors.
 Fossil fuels, metals, and non-metallic minerals (e.g., sand, gravel, clay)
contribute to 35% of global emissions.
 The report warns that resource exploitation could surge by nearly 60% by
2060, increasing from 100 to 160 billion tonnes, underscoring the urgent need
for sustainable resource management.
20. Pros and Cons of Tiger Safari in India
Recently Supreme Court bans tiger safari in core areas of Jim Corbett National Park
in Uttarakhand.
Tiger safari
 A "tiger safari" typically refers to a designated area within or near a tiger

reserve where visitors can observe tigers and other wildlife in their natural
habitat.
 NTCA,2012- The concept of a tiger safari in the wild was first envisaged in
the Guidelines for Tourism issued by the National Tiger Conservation
Authority (NTCA) in 2012, which provided for such establishments in the
buffer areas of tiger reserves.

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 Guidelines evolution- In 2016, the NTCA issued guidelines for Tiger Safaris
specifically for injured, conflicted, or orphaned tigers, emphasizing that tigers
should not be sourced from zoos.
The guidelines said that a tiger safari can be proposed only by tiger reserves that
have already utilised 100% of their tourist carrying capacity.
 Central Zoo Authority (CZA)- A significant change occurred in 2019 when

NTCA permitted zoos to provide animals for tiger safaris, with the CZA
being responsible for animal selection.
 Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972- It does not explicitly define tiger safari, the
act states that no construction of commercial tourist lodges, hotels, zoos, and
safari parks shall be undertaken inside a sanctuary except with the prior
approval of the National Board constituted under the Act.
What is the Supreme Court’s view on tiger safari?
 Illegal tree felling-The Court criticized the Uttarakhand State government for
the illegal felling of over 6,053 trees for the Pakhrau Tiger Safari, citing a
Central Empowered Committee report.
 Complete investigation-The court also gave CBI three months to complete its
investigation into alleged irregularities inside the Corbett tiger reserve, as
directed by the Uttarakhand High Court.
 Tiger safari rules- The tiger safari would now be allowed only in the
peripheral and buffer zones of the Jim Corbett National Park.
 The Court said it was inclined to approve the establishment of the Tiger
Safari at Pakhrau” in the buffer area of Corbett tiger reserve.
 However, safari parks are meant only for “injured, conflicted, or orphaned”
local tigers, and not those sourced from zoos.
 Create a committee- The Supreme Court has ordered the formation of a
committee to suggest ways to repair ecological damage in Jim Corbett
National Park caused by illegal construction and tree felling within 3 months.
 Role of committee-The committee will assess environmental damage,
identify responsible officers, recommend restoration measures, and evaluate
the feasibility of tiger safaris in buffer areas, keeping ecocentrism in mind.
What lies ahead?
 The Supreme Court’s stance aligns with conservation goals, indicating that
tiger safaris should not simply be zoos within tiger reserves which reflects a
commitment to maintaining the integrity of wild habitats and prioritizing the
well-being of wild tiger populations.
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 It is essential for authorities to carefully consider site-specific factors and
develop guidelines that balance conservation objectives with the needs of
local communities and the welfare of wildlife.
 The establishment of tiger safari parks should not become a routine practice
but rather be proposed based on careful evaluation of carrying capacity and
other ecological factors within each tiger reserve.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released Global Resources

Outlook 2024 report titled, ‘Bend the trend: Pathways to a liveable planet as
resource use spikes’.
About the Report:
 The "Global Resources Outlook 2024" report by UNEP focuses on the

importance of resource management in tackling the triple planetary crisis:
climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.
 It highlights how the global production and consumption of resources have
increased more than three times over the last 50 years.
 It underscores the significant role of upper-income countries in driving the
demand for resources.
 It points out the critical impacts of resource extraction and processing on
GHG emissions, particulate matter pollution, biodiversity loss, and water
stress.
 Its forecasts suggest resource exploitation could surge by almost 60% from
2020 levels by 2060.
Key Highlights of the Report:
 The report shows a vast global inequality, with low-income countries

consuming six times less material than wealthy countries but causing ten
times less climate impact.
 It notes a more than threefold increase in global resource production and
consumption over the last 50 years, growing at an average of more than 2.3%
annually, significantly contributing to the triple planetary crisis.
 Mainly driven by upper-income countries, over 55% of GHG emissions and
40% of particulate matter pollution come from the extraction and processing
of resources like fossil fuels, minerals, and biomass.
 Additionally, 90% of land-related biodiversity loss and water stress, plus a
third of GHG emissions, are linked to the agriculture and forestry sectors.
www.vishnuias.com
 Fossil fuels, metals, and non-metallic minerals (e.g., sand, gravel, clay)
contribute to 35% of global emissions.
 The report warns that resource exploitation could surge by nearly 60% by
2060, increasing from 100 to 160 billion tonnes, underscoring the urgent need
for sustainable resource management.
22. India’s 1st Green Hydrogen Plant in Stainless Steel Sector
India's first Green Hydrogen Plant in the Stainless-Steel Sector was virtually
inaugurated by the Union Minister for Steel and Civil Aviation in Hisar, Haryana.
About the plant:
 This plant aims to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 2,700 Metric

Tonnes annually and 54,000 tons of CO2 over the next 20 years.
 It is the world’s first off-grid Green Hydrogen plant for the stainless-steel
industry and the first to include both rooftop and floating solar plants.
Abou the steel industry:
 The steel industry, often seen as a barometer for economic development, is

crucial as both a raw material and intermediary product, with the Indian
steel sector divided into major, main, and secondary producers.
 This sector's growth is propelled by the domestic availability of raw
materials like iron ore and cost-effective labor.
Government initiatives for steel industry:
 The Steel Scrap Recycling Policy 2019 promotes a circular economy and
environment-friendly recycling of steel.
 The National Steel Policy 2017, targeting a 300 Million TPA steel
production capacity by 2030 with significant contributions from EAF
(Electric Arc Furnace) route.
 The Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) program, a regulatory instrument to
reduce Specific Energy Consumption in energy-intensive industries,
complemented by a market-based mechanism for trading excess energy
savings.
 13 task forces were established in 2023 to create a roadmap for green steel in
India.
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23. Living Animal Species (Reporting and Registration) Rules, 2024
The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change notified the Living
Animal Species (Reporting and Registration) Rules, 2024, under the Wild Life
(Protection) Act, 1972.
Key Highlights of Living Animal Species (Reporting and Registration) Rules,

2024:
 Rules were notified under Section 63 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act
(WPA), 1972, specifically for the purpose of Section 49M of the WPA, 1972.
 Section 49M mandates the registration of possession, transfer, birth, and
reporting of death of living scheduled animal species listed in Appendices of
CITES or Schedule IV of WPA, 1972.
 This section was introduced through the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment
Act, 2022.
 Mandatory electronic registration is required for anyone in possession of any
animal species within 6 months.
 Owners must report the birth of an offspring of animal species and apply for
its registration within 7 days.
 Transfer of animals must be reported and registered within 15 days.
 People involved in captive breeding must maintain stock through regular
health check-ups of animals and report any escapes.
Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022 and CITES:
 The 2022 Amendment aimed to implement CITES.

 Schedule IV of the WPA includes specimens of flora and fauna listed under
CITES.
 It also designates a management authority to grant export or import permits
for the trade of species.
About Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972:
 It provides a legal framework for the protection of wild animal species,

management of their habitats, and regulation of trade in animal products.
 Last amended in 2022, and these amendments came into effect on 1st April
2023.
Recent Developments:
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 Gazette Notification dated 28th February 2024 announced the Rules for the
purposes of Section 49M.
 PARIVESH 2.0 portal is the designated platform for registration of
possession, reporting of births, transfers, and deaths of protected animal
species.
About Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna

and Flora (CITES):
 It is administered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

 Secretariat: Geneva, Switzerland
 It is drafted following a resolution adopted in 1973 by the International
Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and entered into force in 1975.
 Members: As of now, CITES has 184 Parties, including India.
 Objective:
o To ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and
plants does not threaten their survival.
o To protect endangered species from over-exploitation through
international trade.
 CITES is a legally binding agreement on its Parties, requiring them to adopt
their own domestic legislation to ensure that CITES is implemented at the
national level.
Appendices I, II, and III:
 Appendix I: Lists species that are the most endangered among CITES-listed
animals and plants. These species are prohibited from international trade,
except in extraordinary circumstances for non-commercial purposes.
 Appendix II: Includes species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but
in which trade must be controlled to avoid utilization incompatible with their
survival.
 Appendix III: Contains species that are protected in at least one country,
which has asked other CITES Parties for assistance in controlling the trade.
Recently the 1st phase of India’s Atmospheric Research Testbed in Central India
(ART-CI) was inaugurated at Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh.
Atmospheric Research Testbed
www.vishnuias.com
 Fund- Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
 Implementation by - Indian Institute of Tropical Metrology, Pune.
 ACROSS scheme- ART-CI is the component under Atmosphere & Climate
Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS), central
sector scheme, pertains to the atmospheric science programs of MoES.
 About-It is an open-field observational and analytical research program
aimed at studying vital cloud processes associated with the Indian monsoon,
particularly focusing on the Monsoon Core Zone (MCZ) in central India.
The core monsoon zone is a region in India that stretches from Gujarat in the west
to West Bengal in the east
 Need- To conduct comprehensive observations of weather and cloud

parameters, crucial for understanding monsoon patterns.
 Location significance- The selection of Silkheda in Madhya Pradesh as the
site for ART is strategic as it is positioned directly in the path of major rain-
bearing synoptic systems, it facilitates direct monitoring and tracking of these
systems.
 High quality data- The pristine environment, devoid of anthropogenic
pollutants, makes it an ideal location for deploying sensitive meteorological
instruments, ensuring high-quality data collection.
 First phase- It will have remote sensing-based and in-situ measurements
using 25 meteorological instruments have commenced.
 Second phase- ART will deploy instruments such as a radar wind profiler
and balloon-bound radiosonde, and soil moisture and temperature
measuring equipment.
At 72 metres, ART will house India’s tallest meteorological tower.
What are the objectives of ART-CI?
 Understand monsoon dynamics-To better understand on processes

governing monsoon convection and land atmospheric interactions over the
monsoon core region.
 Measure parameters- To measure relevant meteorological parameters using
the state-of-the-art observational systems.
 Observational campaigns- To organize intense observational campaigns
along with weather prediction model runs for testing hypotheses and to
improve physical parameterizations in the models related to convection and
land surface processes.
 Address research needs- There is an urgent need to understand more on
monsoon convection, its diurnal variation and land-atmospheric interactions.
www.vishnuias.com
 Outreach and training- The testbed will be made into an international facility
for intense observational campaigns and testing physical parameterization
schemes including sensitivity runs.
 Improve weather predictions- To use ART-CI data to test, validate, and
constrain numerical models for improving predictions of intense convective
storms and high-impact mesoscale weather events observed predominantly
over the Central India region.
 Data dissemination- The data collected at this facility will be shared for
research to national and international scientific community within the data
policy of the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
How ART-CI is significant to India?
 Agricultural dependence- About 45% of India’s labour force is employed in

agriculture, which relies heavily on rain, especially in the Monsoon Core
Zone (MCZ) spanning central India2.
 Monsoon significance- The southwest monsoon brings 70% of India’s annual
rainfall, critical for Kharif crops cultivated during July and August.
 Study rainfall patterns: ART helps study the synoptic systems like low
pressures or depressions originating in the Bay of Bengal, which significantly
influence the monsoon rainfall in the MCZ.
 Weather forecasting- The long term data from ART will improve weather
models, leading to more accurate rainfall predictions, benefiting the
agricultural sector.
 Rainfall correlation- The rainfall in central India is closely linked to the
overall monsoon performance across the country, making it a key area for
study.
 Climate change-With changing climate patterns, understanding monsoon
behaviour in this region helps in adapting to erratic rainfall strengthened low
pressure systems.
 Research advancements- The Atmospheric Research Testbed (ART) enables
scientists to gather long-term data, improving weather models and rainfall
predictions.
25. AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters
 The Indian Army Aviation Corps inaugurated its first unit of AH-64E Apache
Attack Helicopters into its fleet at Jodhpur Air Base.
AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters
 The AH-64E Apache also known as ‘Apache Guardian’ is widely recognized

as the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopter.
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 It originates from the United States and is manufactured by Boeing.
 In February 2020, India sealed a deal with Boeing for the acquisition of six
AH-64E for the Army, with an additional six helicopters contracted
subsequently.
 Several countries have acquired the AH-64E, including India, Egypt, Greece,
Indonesia, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Netherlands, Qatar, Saudi
Arabia, Singapore, UAE, and the UK.
Combat Features
 Engineered with an open systems architecture to integrate cutting-edge

communications, navigation, sensor, and weapon systems.
 Boasts enhanced thrust and lift capabilities, joint digital interoperability,
improved survivability, and cognitive decision aiding.
 Incorporates a new integrated infrared laser for simplified target designation
and upgraded infrared imagery blending infrared with night vision
capabilities.
Strategic Significance of the Induction
 Enhancing Combat Capability: The induction of Apache helicopters marks a

significant advancement for the Army Aviation Corps, providing formidable
firepower and maneuverability in combat scenarios.
 Complementing Indigenous Capabilities: The Apaches will complement the
indigenous Light Combat helicopter (LCH), strengthening the Army’s aerial
combat capabilities.
 Replacing the ageing arsenal: The Apache fleet is set to will replace the
Russian Mi-35 attack helicopters in service.
26. Equity Issues in IPCC Reports
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recently released 6 th Synthesis report

which updated and compiled IPCC’s sixth assessment cycle.
IPCC assessment reports
 Working groups-
o Physical science
o Climate adaptation
o Mitigation action
 Synthesis report- It consolidates findings from three working groups.
www.vishnuias.com
 6th synthesis report- It integrates the main findings of the Sixth Assessment
Report (AR6) based on contributions from the three Working Groups, and the
three Special Reports.
 Model pathways- The IPCC uses this method to estimate what it will take to
limit the warming of the earth’s surface, they are drawn using Integrated
Assessment Models (IAMs) that describe human and earth systems.
 IAMs- They are complex models that examine possible futures of the energy
and climate system and economies aiming to guide policy on climate action.
 Model components- They include macroeconomic models for GDP growth,
energy models for consumption projections, vegetation models for land-use
changes, and earth-system models based on physics.
Key highlights of future emission scenarios presented by IPCC
 Per-Capita GDP disparities- The study predicts that by 2050, per-capita GDP
in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and West Asia (together
constitutes 60% of the world population) will remain below the global
average.
 Inequities in consumption- There is an expected continued disparity in the
consumption of goods, services, and energy between the Global North and
South.
 Mitigation burden- Developing countries are projected to have a greater
burden of carbon sequestration and deployment of Carbon Capture and
Storage technologies.
 Unprecedented global warming-Human activities have caused global
warming, with a significant rise in mean surface temperature and CO2 levels.
Fossil fuel use remains the primary driver, contributing significantly to GHG
emissions.
 Climate related disasters- The report underscores the staggering disparity in
vulnerability, with individuals in highly vulnerable regions facing a
significantly higher risk of mortality from climate-related disasters.
 Emission reductions- There is a urgent, deep, and sustained cuts in
greenhouse gas emissions are necessary to limit warming to 1.5ºC.
Achieving collective net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050 demands drastic reductions: a

48% cut by 2030, 65% by 2035, and 99% by 2050
 Utilize technology- Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies may

complement emission reductions but must be deployed judiciously due to
sustainability concerns.
 Fossil fuel phase-out-The report emphasizes the need for a substantial
reduction in fossil fuel use and the elimination of fossil fuel subsidies.
www.vishnuias.com
 Protect ecosystems- The commitment to halt deforestation by 2030 and
implementing biodiversity frameworks are urgent imperatives as
safeguarding forest offers significant mitigation potential.
 Shift demand - Energy conservation and shifting dietary patterns can yield
substantial emission reductions, particularly in high emission sectors like
transportation and agriculture.
 Adaptation efforts- It must be intensified to address escalating climate risks,
especially for vulnerable population, integrated climate resilient development
pathways are vital for synergistic mitigation and adaptation action.
 Role of finance- Increased finance, technology transfer, and international
cooperation are crucial for accelerating climate action.
What are the flaws in current modelling approach?
 Shortcomings- IAMs focus on least-cost assessments, it fail to adequately

account for historical responsibilities and differential capabilities among
nations.
 Least-cost assessments- IAMs often focus on finding the cheapest ways to
reduce emissions, like setting up solar plants or afforestation projects whose
costs are usually lower in countries like India compared to the U.S.
 Inequitable distribution- The developing countries are envisioned to bear a
disproportionate burden of both mitigation efforts and carbon removal
technologies which places additional strain on regions grappling with
developmental challenges with existing socio-economic disparities.
 Flawed approach- The unjust distribution of climate burdens undermine the
principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities enshrined
in international agreements.
Article 3 of UNFCCC emphasizes that countries should protect the climate system
for the benefit of present and future generations, based on equity and considering
their respective capabilities.
 Equity overlooked- The report fail to account for the historical responsibility
of the Global North and the developmental energy needs of the Global South.
What lies ahead?
 The report serves as a critical guide for the upcoming Global Stocktake at
COP28 and highlights the urgency of action within this decade.
 IAMs should consider fairness which means wealthier countries should take
on more immediate and significant climate action, reflecting their greater
financial capacity and historical emissions.
www.vishnuias.com
 Developed regions should accelerate toward net negative emissions, allowing
less developed regions to access the remaining carbon budget.
 There is a need for equitable and environmentally sound construction of
IPCC scenarios, highlighting a significant gap in emissions modelling that
needs to address equity and climate justice.
Recently the 1st phase of India’s Atmospheric Research Testbed in Central India
(ART-CI) was inaugurated at Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh.
Atmospheric Research Testbed
 Fund- Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).

 Implementation by - Indian Institute of Tropical Metrology, Pune.
 ACROSS scheme- ART-CI is the component under Atmosphere & Climate
Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS), central
sector scheme, pertains to the atmospheric science programs of MoES.
 About-It is an open-field observational and analytical research program
aimed at studying vital cloud processes associated with the Indian monsoon,
particularly focusing on the Monsoon Core Zone (MCZ) in central India.
The core monsoon zone is a region in India that stretches from Gujarat in the west
to West Bengal in the east
 Need- To conduct comprehensive observations of weather and cloud

parameters, crucial for understanding monsoon patterns.
 Location significance- The selection of Silkheda in Madhya Pradesh as the
site for ART is strategic as it is positioned directly in the path of major rain-
bearing synoptic systems, it facilitates direct monitoring and tracking of these
systems.
 High quality data- The pristine environment, devoid of anthropogenic
pollutants, makes it an ideal location for deploying sensitive meteorological
instruments, ensuring high-quality data collection.
 First phase- It will have remote sensing-based and in-situ measurements
using 25 meteorological instruments have commenced.
 Second phase- ART will deploy instruments such as a radar wind profiler
and balloon-bound radiosonde, and soil moisture and temperature
measuring equipment.
At 72 metres, ART will house India’s tallest meteorological tower.
What are the objectives of ART-CI?
www.vishnuias.com
 Understand monsoon dynamics-To better understand on processes
governing monsoon convection and land atmospheric interactions over the
monsoon core region.
 Measure parameters- To measure relevant meteorological parameters using
the state-of-the-art observational systems.
 Observational campaigns- To organize intense observational campaigns
along with weather prediction model runs for testing hypotheses and to
improve physical parameterizations in the models related to convection and
land surface processes.
 Address research needs- There is an urgent need to understand more on
monsoon convection, its diurnal variation and land-atmospheric interactions.
 Outreach and training- The testbed will be made into an international facility
for intense observational campaigns and testing physical parameterization
schemes including sensitivity runs.
 Improve weather predictions- To use ART-CI data to test, validate, and
constrain numerical models for improving predictions of intense convective
storms and high-impact mesoscale weather events observed predominantly
over the Central India region.
 Data dissemination- The data collected at this facility will be shared for
research to national and international scientific community within the data
policy of the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
How ART-CI is significant to India?
 Agricultural dependence- About 45% of India’s labour force is employed in

agriculture, which relies heavily on rain, especially in the Monsoon Core
Zone (MCZ) spanning central India2.
 Monsoon significance- The southwest monsoon brings 70% of India’s annual
rainfall, critical for Kharif crops cultivated during July and August.
 Study rainfall patterns: ART helps study the synoptic systems like low
pressures or depressions originating in the Bay of Bengal, which significantly
influence the monsoon rainfall in the MCZ.
 Weather forecasting- The long term data from ART will improve weather
models, leading to more accurate rainfall predictions, benefiting the
agricultural sector.
 Rainfall correlation- The rainfall in central India is closely linked to the
overall monsoon performance across the country, making it a key area for
study.
 Climate change-With changing climate patterns, understanding monsoon
behaviour in this region helps in adapting to erratic rainfall strengthened low
pressure systems.
www.vishnuias.com
 Research advancements- The Atmospheric Research Testbed (ART) enables
scientists to gather long-term data, improving weather models and rainfall
predictions.
28. Free trade has two faces and the one offering harmony must prevail
 Recently, the discussion acknowledged free trade’s nuanced and

multifaceted nature, highlighting its potential benefits for peace and
economic development while recognizing historical and
contemporary challenges in promoting equitable outcomes.
Evolution of Free Trade ideology:
 19th Century Political Reformers and Free Trade: Free trade was the
rallying cry of 19th-century political reformers (Particularly Adam Smith
who was inspired by Thomas Hobbes), who saw it as a vehicle for defeating
despotism, ending wars, and reducing crushing inequalities in wealth.
 The era’s economic cosmopolitanism encapsulated progressive causes such
as anti-militarism, anti-slavery, and anti-imperialism.
 US Populists and Opposition to Tariffs: US populists in the late 19th century
staunchly opposed the gold standard but were also against import
tariffs, which they thought benefited big business and harmed ordinary
people.
 They pushed to replace tariffs with a more equitable progressive income tax.
 Socialists’ View on Free Trade in the Early 20th Century: Then, during the
early part of the 20th century, many socialists viewed free trade, supported
by supranational regulation, as the antidote to militarism, wealth gaps and
monopolies.
 Liberal Reformers’ Perspective on Protectionism: The 19th-century liberals
and reformers were free traders because they thought protectionism served
retrograde interests, including landed aristocrats, business monopolies and
warmongers.
 They believed economic nationalism went hand in hand with imperialism
and aggression.
 Historian Marc-William Palen cites a 1919 essay by the economist Joseph
Schumpeter, who depicted imperialism as a “monopolistic symptom of
atavistic militarism and protectionism—an ailment that only democratic free-
trade forces could cure.”
Perception and misconceptions of Free trade:
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 Controversial Term-Free trade has been controversial in economics, with
many people arguing that it contributes to rising inequality.
 However, there is a grain of truth in the anti-trade stance, as growing trade
did contribute to rising inequality and the erosion of the middle class in the
US and other advanced economies in recent decades.
 Blind Spot of Globalization – If free trade got a bad name, globalisation’s
boosters ignored its downsides or acted as if nothing could be done about
them.
 This blind spot empowered political leaders like Donald Trump
to weaponize trade and demonize racial and ethnic minorities, immigrants,
and economic rivals.
 Diverse Opposition: Antipathy to trade is not limited to right-wing
populists but also includes radical leftists, climate activists, food safety
advocates, human-rights campaigners, labor unions, consumer
advocates, and anti-corporate groups.
 US President Joe Biden has distanced himself from free trade, believing that
building a secure, green, equitable, and resilient US economy must take
precedence over hyper-globalization.
 Obstacle to Social Justice: All progressives believe that free trade stands in
the way of social justice.
Instrumentalisation of Trade:
1) Instrumentalized for Authoritarian end:
 Under American Revolution: A particularly egregious example

is Antebellum America, where free trade entrenched slavery.
 During the drafting of the US Constitution in 1787, America’s slave-owning

southerners ensured that the text would prohibit the taxation of exports. They
understood that free trade would ensure that plantation agriculture remained
profitable and safeguard the slavery system on which it was based.
 When the North defeated the South in the US Civil War, slavery was
abolished, and free trade was replaced with protectionism, which suited
Northern business interests better.
 Under British imperialism: After the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846, the
British government nominally abandoned protectionism and led Europe to
sign free-trade agreements.
2) Instrumentalized for militaristic ends:
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 In Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, free trade was imposed through the
barrel of a gun whenever the British encountered weak potentates ruling over
valuable commodities and markets.
 The British fought the infamous Opium Wars of the mid-19th century to
force Chinese rulers to open their markets to British and other Western goods
so that Western countries, in turn, could buy China’s tea, silk, and porcelain
without draining their gold.
 The opium was grown in India; a British monopoly forced farmers to work
under horrendous conditions that left long-term scars.
 Free trade served repression and war, and vice versa.
Post-World War II trade regime:
 The American architects of the International Trade Organization followed in

the footsteps of Cordell Hull—President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s secretary of
state—believing they were pursuing world peace through free trade.
 Hull was an economic cosmopolitan and a supporter of the 19th-century
radical free-trade advocate Richard Cobden.
 The post-war order was meant to be a system of global rules that eliminated
bilateralism and imperial privileges.
 While the US Congress ultimately failed to ratify the ITO, some of its key
principles—including multilateralism and non-discrimination—survived in
the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), the precursor to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) of today.
 Under GATT, commercial diplomacy replaced wars, and many non-Western
countries—like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and China—expanded their
economies rapidly by leveraging global markets.
What are the present challenges to the Trade regime?
 Rise of Corporate Influence: Big corporations and multinational companies

gained substantial power during this period, influencing trade negotiations to
serve their interests.
 Neglect of Important Issues: Environmental concerns, public health, human
rights, economic security, and domestic equity were overlooked as trade
negotiations prioritized corporate interests.
 Departure from Original Vision: Trade deviated from the original vision of
figures like Cobden and Hull, who likely envisioned it as a force for peace
and prosperity, instead becoming a source of conflict.
 Shift in Trade Dynamics: The dominance of corporate influence shifted the
focus of international trade away from broader societal welfare towards
maximizing profits and corporate interests
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Conclusion:
The lesson of history is that turning trade into a positive force

requires democratizing it. This means that trade should work for the benefit of
the broader public interest, not just for a select few. This is an important lesson to
remember as the reconstruction of the world trade regime would occur in the years
ahead.
29. State of Global Climate Report
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has officially confirmed 2023 to be

the hottest year on record.
Key highlights of the report
 Published by- World Metrological Organization

 Warmest year-2023 was the warmest year on record with global average
temperatures reaching 1.45°C above pre-industrial levels.
In 2023, ocean heat content reached its highest level in the 65-year observational
record
 Green House Gases-Concentrations of the three main greenhouse gases –

carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide – reached record high observed
levels.
 Short term climate drivers- A prolonged period of La Niña from mid-2020 to
early 2023 gave way to El Niño conditions which were well established by
September 2023, contributing to the observed rise in global mean sea-surface
temperatures during 2023.
 El Nino impact- An ongoing El Niño event contributed to below-normal
monsoon rainfall in India and record-breaking heat in southern India during
January and February.
 Sea level rise- The global mean sea level reached a record high, the rate of sea
level rise in the past ten years (2014–2023) has more than doubled since the
first decade of the satellite record (1993–2002).
 Cryosphere- The profound changes seen in the cryosphere clearly illustrate
the global scale of climate change.
The cryosphere comprises the frozen parts of Earth – glaciers and ice sheets, sea-ice,
snow, and permafrost.
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 Antarctic sea-ice extent- It has reached an absolute record low in February,
the annual maximum extent was around 1 million km² below the previous
record low maximum.
 Loss of ice-Preliminary data from the global set of reference glaciers for the
hydrological year 2022-2023 show they experienced the largest loss of ice on
record (1950–2023), driven by extremely negative mass balance in both
western North America and Europe.
Glaciers in Switzerland lost around 10% of their remaining volume in the past two
years.
 Snow cover- Seasonal snow cover in the Northern Hemisphere has been
experiencing a long-term decline in the late spring and summer.
 Extreme weather- It lead to severe socio-economic impacts with events such
as extreme heat, wildfires, flood etc.,
 Wildfires- It affected parts of Hawaii, Canada and Europe which led to loss
of life, the destruction of homes and large-scale air pollution.
 Flood- It is associated with extreme rainfall from Mediterranean cyclone
Daniel affected Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Libya with particularly heavy
loss of life in Libya.
Tropical cyclone Freddy was one of the world’s longest-lived tropical cyclones.
 Drought- The Greater Horn of Africa region, which had been experiencing
long-term drought, suffered substantial flooding in 2023, particularly later in
the year following heavy rains associated with El Niño and the positive
Indian Ocean Dipole
 Economic loss- The largest reported economic loss from a single event in
2023 was from Hurricane Otis, which hit the Pacific coast of Mexico within 15
hours it had intensified to a category 5 system.
 Marine heat waves (MHWs)- It have become more frequent, intense, and
longer lasting since the late 20th century, El Nino events tend to cause wide-
spread MHWs in the eastern Tropical Pacific.
 Vulnerable population- Food security, population displacement and impacts
on vulnerable populations continue to be of mounting concern in 2023, with
weather and climate hazards exacerbating the situation in many parts of the
world.
 Climate finance- The global adaptation financing gap is widening, falling
well short of the estimated 212 billion dollars per year needed up to 2030 in
developing countries alone.
 Renewable energy growth- There was a nearly 50% increase in renewable
capacity additions in 2023, totaling 510 gigawatts – the highest in two decades
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What lies ahead?
 Increasing support for National Meteorological and Hydrological Services

(NMHS) is crucial for providing essential information services.
 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) need to be based on science to
effectively cut greenhouse gas emissions and transition to renewable energy
sources.
 The need of the hour is to secure adequate financing at COP-29 which is
scheduled to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan to support the implementation of
national climate plans, including funding for mitigation and adaptation
measures, technology transfer, capacity-building initiatives, and resilience-
building efforts, particularly in developing countries.
30. Changing cancer nomenclature can improve treatment outcomes: doctors
 An updated classification system could aid patients in comprehending the

reasoning behind their treatment.
 While two individuals may share the same type of cancer, their therapies
could vary due to differences in the biological mechanisms driving their
tumors.
What motivates the need for change?
 Not limited to cancers of a single organ: With technological improvements,

doctors are also able to find which genetic mutations are responsible for a
tumor in many cases and target them with drugs.
o All cancers from the same organ don’t always share the same
mutations, and these mutations aren’t limited to cancers of a single
organ
 Access life-saving drugs sooner: This development in precision oncology
requires cancers to be classified based on their molecular and genetic
characteristics rather than the organ in which they originate, a team of
researchers from France has written in a paper.
o This way, according to them, cancer patients can also access life-saving
drugs sooner. Oncologists spend a lot of time testing new drugs in
clinical trials in a sequential manner, leading to “delay in treatment
access”.
Has sequential testing caused delays?

o A 2012 clinical trial conducted in the U.S. explored the efficacy of the
drug nivolumab across various cancer types, including melanoma and
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kidney cancer. Nivolumab targets a specific protein receptor found in
certain tumors, and it showed promising results by alleviating
symptoms in individuals with tumors expressing this protein
 Challenges Due to Traditional Organ-Based Classification-

o Hindered by the traditional classification-Despite promising
outcomes, the next logical step of testing nivolumab in individuals with
tumors expressing the protein, regardless of cancer origin, was
hindered by the traditional classification of cancers based on their
organ of origin (e.g., breast, kidney, lung).
o Multiple trials needed: As a consequence, researchers were compelled
to conduct separate trials for each type of cancer, leading to significant
delays in drug accessibility for patients with tumors expressing the
targeted protein.
o Time taking trails: Each trial requires substantial time and resources,
from recruitment to data analysis, prolonging the process of drug
approval and availability for specific cancer subtypes.
Significance of categorizing cancers based on their genetic characteristics-
 Faster drug development and availability: By targeting specific genetic

mutations rather than specific cancer types, clinical trials for drugs can
encompass all cancer types with those mutations. This approach potentially
expedites the trial process, leading to faster drug development and
availability.
 Reduces confusion among the patient: The revamped classification system
not only accelerates clinical trial timelines but also enhances patient
understanding of treatment rationale. Patients often receive different
therapies for the same cancer due to diverse underlying biological
mechanisms. Aligning cancer names with biological mechanisms reduces
confusion and helps patients comprehend the reasoning behind their
treatment plans.
 Personalized treatment: Physicians, including Dr. Jobanputra, emphasize the
importance of educating patients about the molecular characteristics of their
cancers. As the approach to cancer treatment becomes more personalized,
understanding these molecular aspects becomes crucial as they directly
impact prognosis and treatment costs.
 Reducing the timing in trial-naming cancers based on their biological
characteristics rather than their anatomical origin can significantly reduce the
time required to conduct clinical trials. This shift eliminates the need for
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separate trials for each cancer type defined by organ of origin, streamlining
the research process
Challenges in Implementing the Proposed Cancer Classification Change:
 Limited Access to Genetic Testing: The accessibility and affordability of

genetic testing are major hurdles, particularly in regions like India where
many patients cannot afford these tests.
o Without widespread access to such tests, implementing a classification
system based on molecular alterations becomes impractical.
 Financial Barriers to Genetic Testing: The cost of genetic testing in Indian
labs and abroad is prohibitively high for many patients, further exacerbating
the issue of limited access.
o Addressing these financial barriers is crucial for ensuring equitable
access to precision oncology.
 Lack of Patients in Clinical Trials: Clinical trials based on molecular
signatures require a significant number of patients with each type of cancer to
produce meaningful results.
o Without adequate representation across cancer types, there is a risk of
generalizing results, limiting the effectiveness of precision oncology
approaches.
 Time-taking Process: Transitioning to a new diagnostic nomenclature based
on molecular alterations will likely occur gradually and require careful
implementation.
o While the proposed change has the potential to improve drug
accessibility, its full realization will take time and concerted effort to
overcome various challenges.
Conclusion: Categorizing cancers based on genetic characteristics can streamline

treatment, improve drug accessibility, and enhance patient understanding.
However, challenges like limited access to genetic testing and lack of patient
representation in trials must be addressed.
31. WMO’s State of the Climate Report, 2023
 The World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) recent State of the Climate

report highlights unprecedented climatic shifts, with numerous indicators
reaching record levels.
World Meteorological Organization
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 It is an intergovernmental organization and a specialized agency of the UN
for meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology and related
geophysical sciences.
 It was established in 1950 and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
 It origin traces to the International Meteorological Organization (IMO),
which was founded in 1873.
 Currently it has a membership of 191 countries. India is also a member.
Key Highlights of the State of the Climate Report, 2023
[1] Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)
 Record-High Concentrations: GHGs like carbon dioxide, methane, and

nitrous oxide reached record levels in 2022, contributing to global warming.
The concentration of GHGs observed in 2022 is the latest year for which
consolidated global values are available (1984–2022).
 Long-term Trend: The rise in GHG concentrations underscores the urgent
need for concerted efforts to mitigate their impact.
[2] Surface Temperature
 Historic Spike: Global surface temperatures in 2023 surged to 1.45 degrees

Celsius above pre-industrial levels, marking the highest recorded
temperature. This temperature rise is attributed to the combined effects of
rising GHG concentrations and the onset of El Nino in 2023.
 El Nino Influence: The onset of El Nino exacerbated temperature extremes
globally, amplifying the impacts of climate change.
[3] Ocean Heat Content (OHC)
 Unprecedented Heat: Ocean heat content reached its highest level in the
observational record of 2023. The ocean heat content (OHC) refers to the total
amount of heat the oceans store.
 Long-term Trend: The continual increase in OHC underscores the ongoing
challenge of ocean warming and its implications for marine ecosystems.
[4] Marine Heat Waves (MHWs)
 Widespread Occurrence: The global ocean experienced a significant increase

in marine heatwave (MHW) coverage in 2023. The average daily marine
heatwave coverage reached 32%, surpassing previous records set in 2016.
 Duration and Intensity: Prolonged MHWs pose threats to marine
biodiversity, ecosystems, and fisheries, highlighting the urgency of climate
action.
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[5] Antarctic Sea-Ice Extent
 Record Low: Antarctic sea-ice extent plummeted to 1.79 million km2 in

February 2023, the lowest since satellite observations began in 1979. The
extent remained below average throughout the year, signalling ongoing
trends of sea-ice loss in the Antarctic region.
 Persistent Decline: The continued decline in Antarctic sea-ice extent
underscores the vulnerability of Polar Regions to climate change.
[6] Glacier Mass Balance
 Unprecedented Loss: Glaciers worldwide experienced the largest annual loss

of ice on record in 2022-2023. The annual mass balance, which measures the
amount of mass gained or lost by glaciers, dropped to a new low of ‘–1.2
metre water equivalent’.
 Regional Disparities: Glacial mass balance varied across regions, with North
American and European glaciers particularly affected by ice loss.
Significance of the report
 The figures presented in the WMO report underscore the magnitude of

climate change impacts on various Earth systems.
 Urgent action is needed to address rising GHG emissions, mitigate
temperature extremes, protect marine environments, and preserve critical
cryospheric regions.
32. Top 1% Indians’ income share is higher now than under British-rule
 In 2022, 22.6% of the national income went to the top 1% of Indians. Cut to
1951, their share in the income was only 11.5% and even lower in the 1980s
just before India opened-up its economy at 6%.
India’s top 1% income and wealth shares (22.6% and 40.1%) are at their highest
historical levels in 2022-’23 and the country’s top 1% income share is among the
very highest in the world as per World Inequality Lab.
Key findings from the ‘Income and Wealth Inequality in India’ report by the
World Inequality Lab-
 Increase in Share of Top 10%: The share of the top 10% of Indians in national
income rose from 36.7% in 1951 to 57.7% in 2022.
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 Decline in Share of Bottom 50%: The bottom 50% of Indians earned only
15% of the national income in 2022, compared to 20.6% in 1951, indicating a
decrease in their share.
 Decrease in Share of Middle 40%: The middle 40% of Indians experienced a
significant decline in their share of income from 42.8% to 27.3% over the
period.
 Rapid Widening of Income Gap: The gap between the rich and the poor has
widened rapidly in the last two decades.
Historic Peak for Wealthiest 1%: In 2022, the share of national income that went to
the wealthiest 1% of Indians reached a historic peak, surpassing levels observed in
developed countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
Income group-wise share in national income, and the adult population in each
bracket as of 2022-23-
 Distribution Across Income Percentiles: Approximately one crore adults

were in the top 1%, ten crore in the top 10%, 36 crore in the middle 40%, and
46 crore were in the bottom 50% of the income pyramid.
 Concentration of Wealth at the Top: The top 0.001% of the income pyramid,
comprising about 10,000 richest Indians, earned 2.1% of the national income,
highlighting extreme wealth concentration.
 High Shares of National Income: The top 0.01% and top 0.1% of income
earners earned disproportionately high shares of the national income,
accounting for 4.3% and 9.6%, respectively. This reflects significant income
inequality, with a small segment capturing a large portion of the country’s
wealth.
Richest 1% of Indians’ share in the national income
 Pre-Independence (1930s): The top 1% of earners had a significant share of

national income, surpassing the 20% mark.
 Post-Independence: After independence and the merger of princely states
with Independent India, the share of the top 1% steadily declined, reaching
close to 6% in the 1980s.
 Post-liberalization: Following liberalization reforms, the income share of the
top 1% surged again, presently hovering around the 22.5% mark.
 Comparison with British Rule: The current income share of the top 1% is
much higher than their share under British rule, highlighting a return to
historical levels of income concentration.
The income share of India’s top 10% and top 1%, compared with select countries
in 2022-23-
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 India’s Income Growth: India’s income levels are not growing as rapidly as
other comparable economies.
 High Share of Top 1%: Despite slower overall income growth, the top 1% of
earners in India have a disproportionately high share of national income.
 Comparison with Advanced Countries: In 2022-23, the income shares of
India’s top 1% were higher than those recorded in advanced countries like the
United States, China, France, the United Kingdom, and Brazil.
China and Vietnam’s average incomes grew at a much faster pace than India’s
 Economic Policies: China and Vietnam implemented economic policies that

focused on export-oriented growth, attracting foreign investment, and
promoting industrialization. These policies contributed to rapid economic
expansion and increased average incomes in both countries.
 Liberalization and Reforms: Both China and Vietnam underwent significant
economic liberalization and reforms, allowing for greater market integration,
privatization of state-owned enterprises, and relaxation of trade barriers.
These reforms stimulated economic growth and led to higher average
incomes.
 Investment in Infrastructure: China and Vietnam invested heavily in
infrastructure development, including transportation networks, energy
systems, and telecommunications. This infrastructure investment facilitated
economic development and improved productivity, leading to higher average
incomes
Income inequality in India can be attributed to various factors:
 Historical Factors: Historical disparities in wealth distribution, exacerbated

by colonial rule and feudal systems, have contributed to persistent income
inequality.
 Economic Growth Patterns: India’s economic growth needs to be more
inclusive, with benefits disproportionately accruing to certain segments of
society, particularly urban and educated populations. This uneven growth
exacerbates income inequality.
 Structural Issues: Structural factors such as unequal access to education,
healthcare, and employment opportunities perpetuate income disparities.
Marginalized groups such as Dalits, Adivasis, and women often face barriers
to accessing quality education and formal employment, limiting their income-
earning potential.
 Land Ownership and Agriculture: Unequal distribution of land ownership
and disparities in agricultural productivity contribute to income inequality,
particularly in rural areas where agriculture remains a primary source of
livelihood.
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 Labor Market Dynamics: Informal employment, low wages, and lack of job
security in the informal sector contribute to income inequality. Additionally,
skill mismatches and technological advancements may widen the income gap
by favoring skilled workers over unskilled laborers.
 Lack of Financial Inclusion: Limited access to formal financial services and
lack of asset ownership, such as land or property, among marginalized
communities further perpetuate income inequality.
 Corruption and Cronyism: Corruption, crony capitalism, and unequal access
to resources and opportunities exacerbate income inequality by favoring
vested interests and hindering equitable wealth distribution.
Conclusion: India witnesses unprecedented income inequality with the top 1%

accruing a higher share of national income than under British rule. Structural
factors, uneven economic growth, and limited access to resources perpetuate
income disparities, requiring comprehensive policy interventions for equitable
growth.
33. Solar Waste Management
As per the study by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the amount of solar
waste produced by the country is expected to reach 600 kilo tonnes by 2030.
Solar waste
 It is the electronic waste generated by discarded solar panels which is sold as

scrap in the country.
 Solar waste refers to the waste generated during the manufacturing of solar
modules and waste from the field (project lifetime).
 Manufacturing waste- It includes scrap produced during production and
waste from photovoltaic (PV) modules failing quality tests.
 Field waste- It consists of waste generated during transportation and
handling, damage incurred by solar modules during their lifetime, and end-
of-life waste when modules are no longer usable.
 According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, India is projected
to become the 4th largest producer of solar panel waste by 2050, with
cumulative volumes ranging from 4.5 to 7.5 million tonnes.
 Photo Voltaic (PV) waste poses environmental risks, particularly through the
leaching of harmful metals such as lead, cadmium, and silver into soil and
groundwater.
Photovoltaic cell is an electronic device that converts the energy of light directly into
electricity by means of the photovoltaic effect.
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Key highlight of the study
 Title- Enabling a Circular Economy in India’s Solar Industry – Assessing the

Solar Waste Quantum.
 Current solar capacity- As of March 2013, India’s solar capacity stands at 66.7
GW, it has increased by 23 times in the past 10 years.
 It is slated to jump to 292 GW of installed solar capacity by 2030 which
highlights the importance of solar waste.
 Focus- The study focussed on the waste from the field category and excluded
waste generated during manufacturing.
 Increase in solar waste- By 2030, India's current installed solar capacity is
estimated to generate around 340 kilo tonnes (kt) of waste, 3 times more than
the present.
 By 2050, this figure is expected to increase dramatically to about 19,000 kt.
 State wise distribution of waste- Approximately 67% of the projected waste
by 2030 is expected to be produced by five states namely Rajasthan, Gujarat,
Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.
 Waste composition- It is expected to contain critical minerals such as silicon,

copper, tellurium, and cadmium, which are important for the country's
economic development and national security.
 The 340 kt waste expected to be produced by 2030 would consist of 10 kt of
silicon, 12-18 tonnes of silver, and 16 tonnes of cadmium and tellurium.
What are the recommendations suggested by the study to deal with solar waste
management?
 Comprehensive database- Policymakers are urged to maintain a

comprehensive database of installed solar capacity to estimate future waste
generation accurately.
 Incentivise recyclers- The government should provide incentives for
recyclers to encourage effective management of solar waste.
 Market creation- There is a need to create a market for solar recycling,
focusing on both end-of-life modules and other sources of waste generated
during the lifecycle.
 Recycling methods- The study describes two methods of study
Challenges with solar waste management
 High cost- Estimates indicate that there is a negative cost differential ranging
from 5% to 15% between the value of materials recovered from recycled solar
panels and the cost of transportation and recycling, hence it requires
additional support in the form of incentives.
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 Reliance on producer plans- Depending solely on plans from solar panel
waste producers for waste management may pose uncertainties due to
changes in ownership, financial stability, or adherence to the proposed
recycling strategies.
 Mixed materials-PV panels contain mixed and difficult-to-separate materials,
posing challenges for efficient recycling.
 Infrastructure deficit- The existing waste management facilities, such as
Treatment Storage and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs), may not be equipped to
handle the specific requirements of solar panel waste effectively.
 Issues with conventional recycling- They are effective in recovering
materials like aluminium and glass, but they may not yield materials of high
enough quality to be used in the production of new solar panels, particularly
in applications requiring high-grade glass.
What lies ahead?
 Governments and industry stakeholders should invest in developing

specialized recycling facilities capable of handling solar panel waste.
 Collaboration between government agencies, industry players, research
institutions, and waste management experts can facilitate knowledge sharing
and the development of best practices for solar panel waste management.
 Public-private partnerships may also be leveraged to improve infrastructure
and resource allocation.
 Implementing Extended Producer Responsibility schemes can incentivize
manufacturers and producers to take responsibility for the entire life cycle of
their products, including end-of-life management.
34. Water for Peace
The theme of 2024 World Water day observed on March 22, 2024 is Water for Peace.
Why there is water crisis in India?
As per World Resources Institute, 17 countries face ‘extremely high’ levels of water
stress which is threatening to result in conflict, unrest and peace among people,
India is not an exception to these problems.
 Around 72% of all water withdrawals are for use in agriculture, 16% by
municipalities for households and services, and 12% by industries.
 Groundwater depletion- Groundwater tables are declining in nearly every
state and major city, with alarming overuse in States like Punjab, Rajasthan,
Delhi, and Haryana.
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How water insecurity affects women?
 Gendered Burden-Water collection is often seen as a woman’s responsibility,

leading to a disproportionate time burden on them.
 Effects on education- Girls’ school attendance and academic performance
suffer due to the time spent on water collection.
 Health risks- Lack of access to adequate water often leads to the practice of
open defecation exposes individuals, particularly women, to various
waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea, typhoid, and cholera.
 Hygiene- Women who engage in open defecation may also face challenges
related to menstrual hygiene management.
 Psychological stress- The lack of privacy and dignity associated with openly
defecating in public spaces can cause embarrassment, anxiety, and feelings of
insecurity among women, impacting their overall well-being and mental
health.
 Safety concern-Women who engage in open defecation are at a greater risk of
experiencing non-partner sexual violence
 Impact on health- Women who engage in open defecation are at a greater
risk of experiencing psychosocial stress and non-partner sexual violence.
What can be done to conserve water?
 Sustainable agriculture- It’s crucial to promote sustainable agricultural

production and maintain environmental integrity.
 Rainwater harvesting-Implementing both in-situ and ex-situ rainwater
harvesting (RWH) can combat water scarcity and support irrigation.
 Comprehensive waterbody assessment- It's suggested to conduct a thorough
assessment of every waterbody to understand its condition, including water
availability, quality, and ecosystem services, this can guide targeted
interventions for water management and conservation.
 Waterbody revival- There’s a need for protocols to revive and create ponds
and waterbodies, which are essential for ecosystem services and water
quality.
35. Pakistan’s Piracy of Indian Basmati Rice Varieties
Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) scientists and exporters have red-
flagged the “illegal” cultivation of its improved basmati rice varieties in Pakistan.
What is the issue?
 Illegal cultivation- Indian Agricultural Research Institute’s (IARI) improved

basmati rice varieties are being unlawfully grown in Pakistan.
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 Violates IPR- IARI-bred basmati rice varieties in Pakistan constitutes an
infringement of intellectual property rights as they are protected under
India's Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, which restricts
their cultivation and distribution to Indian farmers only.
 Market competition- India's basmati rice exports are likely to fall in 2024 as
Pakistan is offering the grain at competitive prices amid a rebound in
production which indicates a competitive challenge from neighbouring
countries in the basmati rice market.
 Loss of quality- IARI basmati rice varieties are known for their superior
quality and yield characteristics, unauthorized cultivation in Pakistan may
result in quality dilution if not grown under controlled conditions, potentially
affecting India's reputation as a supplier of premium basmati rice.
 Undermine GI protection- Basmati rice is a Geographical Indication (GI)
product, and its cultivation is restricted to specific regions in India, any
cultivation of basmati rice outside these designated areas, such as in Pakistan,
undermines the GI protection and authenticity of Indian basmati rice.
What India can do to address the illegal cultivation?
 Diplomatic engagement- India should engage diplomatically with Pakistan,

it can involve raising concerns through bilateral channels and urging Pakistan
to enforce intellectual property laws to prevent such infringements.
 International forums- India can raise the issue of Intellectual Property Rights
violation at World Trade Organization (WTO) so that it can garner support
for addressing the violations.
 Legal measures- India should explore legal options to enforce its rights under
domestic and international laws which may involve pursuing legal action
against entities in Pakistan involved in the unauthorized cultivation and
distribution of IARI basmati rice varieties.
 Proper monitoring- Strengthening monitoring mechanisms to detect and
prevent the illegal trade of IARI basmati rice varieties is essential.

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Articles of the day

GS 1 : Heritage,culture ,Geography of the World and Society

GS 2 : Polity, Governance, International Relations

1. UNDP’s Human Development Report 2023/2024

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