1. TECTONIC PLATES ON VENUS

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: As per a new study, Venus, often referred to as Earth’s sister planet, may have experienced tectonic activity about 4.5 billion to 3.5 billion years ago.

EXPLANATION:

• This tectonic movement is believed to have played a crucial role in shaping Venus’s carbon dioxide- and nitrogen-rich atmosphere.
• The research raises the possibility that ancient Venus could have supported microbial life, indicating that Earth and Venus might have shared similar conditions in the distant past.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE STUDY:

• Tectonic Activity on Venus:
  • The study explores the idea that plate tectonics, a geological process responsible for shaping Earth’s surface, may have also operated on Venus billions of years ago.
  • Plate tectonics involves the movement of large pieces of a planet’s outer shell, leading to the formation of continents, oceans, and mountains.

• Impact on Venus’s Atmosphere:
  • The researchers suggest that this ancient tectonic activity could have influenced Venus’s atmosphere.
  • Today, Venus’s atmosphere is primarily composed of carbon dioxide (96.5%) and nitrogen (less than 3.5%).
  • The study proposes that these tectonic processes contributed to the planet’s unique atmospheric composition.

• Potential for Ancient Life:
  • The presence of tectonic activity on Venus in the distant past opens the possibility that microbial life could have existed there.
  • This finding underscores the similarities between Earth and Venus in terms of geological processes and conditions conducive to life.

• Changes Over Time:
  • While Venus and Earth share many similarities in terms of size, mass, density, and volume, they have evolved differently.
  • The study suggests that Venus may have transitioned from early tectonic activity to a “stagnant lid” model where the planet’s surface has a single, largely immobile plate, limiting gas release into the atmosphere.

• Planetary Transitions:
  • The research challenges the notion that planets maintain a single tectonic state throughout their existence.
  • It suggests that planets, including Earth and Venus, may transition between different tectonic states, which could impact their habitability.

• Future Exploration:
• • The upcoming NASA mission to Venus, DAVINCI, is expected to provide further insights and potentially confirm the findings of this study.
  • Researchers are also interested in understanding how and why Venus lost its plate tectonics over time.

CONCLUSION:

• In essence, this study highlights the intriguing possibility of tectonic activity on ancient Venus and its role in shaping the planet’s atmosphere and habitability.
• It underscores the dynamic nature of planets and how they can transition between different geological states.
• The upcoming mission to Venus offers an opportunity to gather more data and expand our understanding of Earth’s enigmatic sister planet.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/science-technology/earth-like-tectonic-plates-on-ancient-venus-may-explain-its-carbon-dioxide-nitrogen-rich-atmosphere-92513

2. DRAFT OF BILLS REPLACING CRIMINAL LAWS

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs postponed its adoption of a draft report on three Bills seeking to replace the existing criminal laws.

EXPLANATION:

• The panel has scheduled its next meeting for November 6, which gives members an additional week to review the draft report and offer their suggestions.
• The committee aims to have the report ready for the Winter Session of Parliament.

WHY THE DELAY?

• Late Release of Draft Report:
  • The English version of the draft report was shared one week before and the Hindi version was given to members of the Parliamentary panel only hours before it was set to be adopted.
  • This short notice didn’t sit well with some members.

• Opposition’s Discontent:
  • Three members have registered their objections.
  • They’re calling for various alterations in the proposed Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, meant to replace the Indian Penal Code, and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, which is set to replace the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).
  • More objections are anticipated.

• Dispute Over Hindi Nomenclature:
  • The use of Hindi names for the Bills has been a source of disagreement.
  • The panel’s draft report argues that since the text of the Bill is in English, it doesn’t go against the provisions of the Constitution, which specify that English should be used in the Supreme Court and High Courts, as well as for Acts, Bills, and legal documents.

• Inadequate Consultation:
  • The Opposition members have expressed concerns about the limited consultations on the proposed bills.
  • They believe that given the extensive changes in the criminal laws, it’s vital to have more talks with state governments and concerned parties.

• Request for More Time:
• • Opposition members have requested an extension of at least three months to finalize the committee’s report on the bills.
  • They’re worried that rushing through these laws for short-term political gains could undermine the legislative scrutiny process.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/parliamentary-panel-on-home-affairs-withholds-draft-report-on-bills-replacing-criminal-laws/article67466923.ece/amp/

3. AVAIN FLU

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: Scientists have detected the presence of avian flu for the first time in the Antarctic region, raising concerns for remote populations of penguins and seals.

EXPLANATION:

• Scientists from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) have identified the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as avian flu, in the Antarctic region for the first time.
• This discovery raises concerns for the welfare of remote populations of penguins and seals.
• The virus, which affects birds and can be deadly, was detected in brown skua (a predatory seabird) populations on Bird Island, South Georgia.
• It is suspected that it might have reached the region from South America.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FINDINGS:

• The virus may have been introduced to the Antarctic region from South America.
• Scientists have observed HPAI outbreaks in Europe, North America, South Africa, and South America, heightening concerns about its spread to vulnerable Antarctic wildlife.
• Threat to Wildlife:
  • Avian flu primarily affects birds, and highly pathogenic strains like H5 and H7 can cause high mortality in wild bird populations.
  • The virus can also be transmitted to mammals, particularly through predators and scavengers that feed on infected birds.

• Previous Outbreaks:
  • In 2022 and 2023, HPAI H5N1 rapidly spread in South America, impacting seabird populations.
  • It travelled southward, affecting 500,000 seabirds and causing significant outbreaks in marine mammals, resulting in the deaths of 20,000 South American sea lions.

• Response:
  • The BAS and the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) are closely monitoring the situation and have implemented enhanced biosecurity measures.
  • They are working together to manage the outbreak.

• Most Vulnerable Species:
  • According to the researchers’ risk assessment, gulls, skuas, birds of prey, terns, shorebirds, fur seals, sea lions, and other marine mammals are considered the most vulnerable species to avian flu.

• High-Risk Regions:
• • The sub-Antarctic islands located between the southern tip of South America and the Antarctic Peninsula, including the Falkland Islands, are identified as high-risk regions due to the presence of various vulnerable wildlife groups.

AVIAN FLU:

• Avian influenza or bird flu refers to the disease caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses.
• These viruses naturally spread among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species.
• Bird flu viruses do not normally infect humans.
• However, sporadic human infections with bird flu viruses have occurred.

CONCLUSION:

• The detection of avian flu in the Antarctic region raises concerns for the well-being of penguins, seals, and other wildlife.
• The virus’s potential impact on these vulnerable species highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring, research, and biosecurity measures to mitigate the spread of this disease.
• Steps should be taken to avoid the consequences on the unique ecosystems of the Antarctic region.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/first-cases-of-avian-flu-found-in-antarctic-region-92514

4. INDIA AND QATAR’S ENERGY SHARE

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: The death sentence given to eight former personnel of the Indian Navy by a court in Qatar presents the biggest challenge yet to New Delhi’s historically friendly ties with Doha.

EXPLANATION:

• In the relationship between nations, trade relations play a significant role.
• In the case of India and Qatar, the balance of trade is tilted heavily in the Qatar’s favour — which means imports from Qatar far outweigh India’s exports.
• The nature of the trade, which is dominated by a commodity that is very important to India, now and for the foreseeable future, also provides Qatar significant influence.
• It is India’s largest source of liquefied natural gas (LNG) — gas that has been super cooled to liquid form so that it can be transported by sea — accounting for more than half of overall import volumes of the fuel.
• Indeed, LNG is at the heart of the trade relationship, it makes up almost 50% of overall Indian imports (by value) from Qatar.

GAS IMPORT DEPENDENCY:

• India’s import dependency in natural gas is around 50%.
• Given the government’s concerted push to increase natural gas consumption, imports are only likely to rise in the coming years, even if domestic production of natural gas increases.
• Government-owned Petronet LNG, India’s largest LNG importer, has a long-term contract with Qatar for the import of 8.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG.
• India has set itself an ambitious target to increase the share of natural gas in the primary energy mix to 15% by 2030 from a little more than 6% at present.
• This is bound to result in a rapid increase in LNG imports over the next few years.
• Natural gas is seen as a significantly cleaner alternative to conventional petroleum fuels like diesel and petrol, and is usually cheaper than crude oil.
• For India, which has an import dependency of over 85% in crude, gas is both more affordable and a better transition fuel in the energy transition pathway.
• Given this situation with India’s energy security concerns and ambitions, the case of the retired Navy personnel presents a sensitive challenge for Indian diplomacy.

INDIA, QATAR, AND LNG:

• India’s total imports from Qatar in FY2022-23 were valued at $16.81 billion, of which LNG imports alone were worth $8.32 billion, or 49.5%.
• India’s other major imports from Qatar are also fossil fuel-linked commodities and products, such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), plastics, and other petrochemicals.
• On the other hand, India’s exports to Qatar were valued at just $1.97 billion in FY2022-23.
• The major exports include cereals, copper articles, iron and steel articles, vegetables, fruits, spices, and processed food products.
• India imported a total 19.85 million tonnes of LNG in FY23, of which 10.74 million tonnes, or 54%, came from Qatar.
• This means that apart from the 8.5 million tonnes of LNG that Qatar supplied as part of the Petronet LNG term contract, nearly 2.25 million tonnes of additional gas was purchased from Qatar.
• While Indian LNG importers, predominantly the public sector oil and gas companies continue to make efforts to diversify sourcing, it could be years before the high reliance on Qatar can be reduced to a meaningful extent.

THE GLOBAL LNG MARKET:

• The global LNG market is a seller’s market after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the sanctions that have disrupted Russian natural gas supplies to Europe.
• After the war broke out, prices, particularly of LNG spot cargoes, surged globally.
• The war has put Qatar, the world’s largest exporter of LNG, in a unique position of strength.
• According to industry experts, the extreme price volatility of the past couple of years in global LNG markets has established that term contracts, and not spot purchases.
• This has pushed LNG importers all over the world, including India, to scout for long-term contracts with major suppliers, of whom Qatar is the foremost.
• Over the past few weeks, Doha has announced 27-year LNG supply deals with French, Dutch, and Italian energy majors.
• In the preceding months, it had signed long-term contracts to supply LNG to China and Germany.
• Petronet’s term contract runs out in 2028, and negotiations for an extension are currently under way. India is also looking to sign more long-term LNG contracts.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/natural-gas-lng-india-qatar-relations-9002396/lite/

5. ISRAEL AND PALESTINIAN TRUCE

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the United Nations General Assembly called for an immediate humanitarian truce between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas and demanded aid access to the besieged Gaza Strip and protection of civilians.

EXPLANATION:

• The resolution drafted by the Arab states is not legally binding, but politically significant.
• It passed to a round of applause with 120 votes in favour, while 45 abstained including India and 14 including Israel and the United States voted against.
• The General Assembly voted after the Security Council failed four times in the past two weeks to take action.
• A two-thirds majority was needed for the resolution to pass, in which abstentions do not count.

ASSEMBLY STRESSES PREVENTING WIDER WAR:

• The assembly stressed the “importance of preventing further destabilization and escalation of violence in the region”.
• It called on “all parties to exercise maximum restraint and work toward this objective.”
• The General Assembly asked Israel to rescind its order for civilians in Gaza to move to the south of the enclave.
• Israel ordered some 1.1 million people in Gaza – almost half the population to move south on Oct. 12.
• The General Assembly also “firmly rejects any attempts at the forced transfer of the Palestinian civilian population.”
• Israel has vowed to wipe out Hamas, which rules Gaza, after the militants killed 1,400 people and took hundreds of hostages in the attack three weeks ago that surprised and shocked Israelis.
• Israel has struck Gaza from the air, imposed a siege and is preparing a ground invasion. Palestinian authorities say more than 7,000 have been killed.
• The General Assembly called for “the immediate and unconditional release of all civilians who are being illegally held captive.”
• The initial draft of the resolution put forward by Arab states called for an immediate ceasefire. The resolution adopted “calls for an immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities.”
• Israel has rejected calls for a ceasefire because it says Hamas would benefit.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE REFER TO THE ISRAEL AND HAMAS NEWS IN THE DNA OF OCTOBER 2023.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/un-overwhelmingly-calls-for-aid-truce-between-israel-and-hamas/article67467892.ece

THE CONTEXT: The impacts of climate change are disproportionately affecting the Global South, and the melting Arctic is no exception. As India takes greater steps towards leading the Global South, it should involve pushing for reforms and ensuring that climate protection is at the forefront of global Arctic policymaking.

ISSUES IN THE ARCTIC REGION:

• Rapid warming of ice: The Arctic is warming at a rate four times faster than the global average, leading to an unprecedented loss of sea ice, as well as the thawing of permafrost. It can lead to unleashing of vast quantities of stored carbon and emissions which can trigger multiple catastrophic and irreversible climate tipping points.
• Affect Indian monsoon: Recent research shows an intricate correlation between the melting of Arctic sea ice and extreme rainfall events during the Indian summer monsoon. Warming of Arctic can affect the monsoon which is crucial to agriculture and livelihoods of South Asia.
• Commercialization of Arctic region: Despite awareness about the importance of the Arctic, the climatic challenge is being exacerbated by rapid development and growing geopolitical tensions. For example, Russia is pouring resources into commercialising and expanding trade channels along the Northern Sea Route which signals its interest in short-term commercial exploitation, not long-term climate preservation. Other Arctic countries are also planning oil and gas development endeavours.
• Suspension of Arctic Council: The suspension of the Arctic Council due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine has made it more difficult to hold countries accountable and to monitor wider activity contributing to changes in the Arctic. Also, the Arctic Council does not prohibit the commercial exploitation of resources in the Arctic. It only seeks to ensure that it is done in a sustainable manner without harming the interests of local populations and in conformity with the local environment.

WHAT IS ARCTIC COUNCIL?

• Arctic Council was created with the signing of the Ottawa Declaration on 19 September 1996 in Canada and is mandated to protect the Arctic environment.
• Its eight members include: Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and United States.
• The standing Arctic Council Secretariat is located in Tromsø, Norway.
• It aims to promote cooperation, coordination and interaction among the Arctic States together with the indigenous communities and other Arctic inhabitants.

INDIA AND THE ARCTIC

• India holds one of the 13 positions as the Observer in the Arctic Council.
• India’s interests in the Arctic region are scientific, environmental, commercial as well as strategic. India launched its first scientific expedition to the Arctic Ocean in 2007.
• It opened a research base named “Himadri” at the International Arctic Research Base at Ny-Alesund, Svalbard, Norway in July 2008 for carrying out studies in disciplines like Glaciology, Atmospheric sciences & Biological sciences.
• In July 2018, the Ministry of Earth Sciences renamed the “National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research” to the “National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research.” It is a nodal organisation coordinating the research activities at the stations at the poles.
• In March 2022, the Ministry of Earth Science has unveiled India’s Arctic Policy, titled ‘India and the Arctic: building a partnership for sustainable development’.

THE WAY FORWARD

• Need for collective action: As impacts in one region can affect the rest of the world, therefore, consensus-based collective action to mitigate climate impacts in the Arctic is much needed.
• Expansion of Arctic Council: The Council does not have any member from the Global South, though some, including India, have observer status. There is a need of inclusion of more members from the global south as they are the most vulnerable to climate change.
• India’s role: The active involvement of India as a member of the Arctic Council to voice the environmental concerns can push for an end to further exploitation. India has ability to balance the aspirations of both Global North and Global South, as evidenced at the G20 Summit. It holds the potential to forge a united approach to safeguarding crucial global ecosystems, especially the Arctic. Also, to stay relevant in the Arctic region, India should take advantage of the observer status it has earned in the Arctic Council and consider investing more in the Arctic.
• Treat as global common: Instead of creating a potential battleground in the Arctic region, the parties concerned should utilise their expertise and create the required synergy to achieve shared goals. The Arctic region should also be treated as a global common like the Antarctic region, and a treaty on similar lines should be signed to protect the region.

THE CONCLUSION:

The protection of the Arctic region is, therefore, crucial to protect the world from the worst effects of the climate emergency. There is a need to generate unanimity to reform Arctic governance and protect the climate, and the countries involved should have a long-term vision and strategic goals as compared to immediate short-term gains.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1 What are the main functions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)? Explain different functional commissions attached to it. (2017)

Q.2 Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. (2015)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.1 Rising geopolitical tensions and environmental challenges have made the Arctic region an important concern for humanity. Discuss the role of Arctic Council in addressing these tensions and challenges.

Q.2 Critically examine the role which India can play to preserve and protect the integrity of the Arctic region from international politics and environmental concerns.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/breaking-the-ice-how-india-can-help-save-the-arctic-9001185/

THE CONTEXT: This week’s visit of Bhutan’s Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji to China, was unprecedented on several levels. Bhutan and China do not maintain diplomatic relations

MORE ON THE NEWS:

• The talks appeared to yield substantive progress, according to a joint statement, with both countries having also signed a cooperation agreement outlining the functioning of a new joint technical team for the delimitation and demarcation of the boundary.
• The two countries are inching towards the completion of a three-step road map on boundary delineation and demarcation.
• The Bhutanese Prime Minister asserted that no agreement with China would in any way go against India’s interests.

BOUNDARY ISSUE BETWEEN BHUTAN AND CHINA:

• Bhutan and China have disputes over territory in the north and in the west in the Himalayas.
• Territorial disputes revolve around the 495 square kilometres in north-central Bhutan and 269 square kilometres in western Bhutan. Since 2020, Beijing has extended its claim on 740 square kilometres in the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary in eastern Bhutan.
• Among all the contentious places, the key issue is a strategic plateau called Doklam – situated close to the tri-junction between India, Bhutan and China. Bhutan and China claim the region and India supports Thimphu’s position.

ISSUES FOR INDIA

• One such red line will involve keeping China away from southern Doklam’s ridges that overlook India’s “Siliguri corridor”.
• A second line will likely involve Thimphu going slow on normalising ties and opening itself up to a permanent Chinese diplomatic presence, while continuing with border talks.
• China asserts claims over roughly 764 square kilometres in the northwestern and central regions of Bhutan.

India- Bhutan Relation

• Diplomatic relations between India and Bhutan were established in 1968 with the establishment of a special office of India in Thimphu.
• The basic framework of India Bhutan bilateral relations is the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1949 between the two countries and revised in February 2007.
• The India-Bhutan Agreement on Trade, Commerce and Transit – which was first signed in 1972 and revised most recently for the fifth time in 2016 – establishes a free trade regime between the two countries.
• India has been extending economic assistance to Bhutan’s socio-economic development since the early 1960s when Bhutan launched its Five Year Plans.
• There is ongoing cooperation between India and Bhutan hydro-power sector is covered under the 2006 bilateral agreement for cooperation and its Protocol signed in 2009.
• There is close bilateral cooperation in the educational and cultural fields between India and Bhutan.
• India and Bhutan agreed to collaborate on the joint development of a small satellite for Bhutan, and the MoU between India and Bhutan on cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space signed on November 19, 2020.

SILIGURI CORRIDOR:

• The Siliguri Corridor, also known as the Chicken’s neck, is a narrow stretch,  just 17 km wide, of land located in West Bengal, that connects the north-eastern states to the rest of India.
• The corridor has borders connected to Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan, whereas it connects the northeast via Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Terai areas in West Bengal.
• The Siliguri Corridor has been a strategically important and vulnerable region. The BSF, Indo-China Border Police and even Assam Rifles have been guarding the corridor for India.
• The corridor has a significant road and rail network that connects West Bengal to eight north-eastern states. It has become a vulnerable area since Bengal’s partition in colonial times and the 1971 war that led to the creation of Bangladesh.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• India must pay attention to the domestic sentiment in Bhutan, develop a deeper understanding of Bhutanese perspectives, and connect with Bhutanese youth through education.
• India should avoid displaying any insecurity about emerging trends in Bhutan and its relationship with China, and instead approach this relationship with trust and confidence.

THE CONCLUSION:

India must approach the boundary negotiations with a greater understanding of Bhutan’s reasoning, and with confidence that India’s long-trusted neighbour will take both India’s interests and its own into consideration before any final agreement.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION:

Q) ‘China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour. (2017)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:

Q) “The ongoing Sino-Bhutan boundary talks open up a new challenge for India’s bilateral relations with the latter”.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/warming-ties-the-hindu-editorial-on-bhutan-china-relations-and-indias-concerns/article67458318.ece

1. NUTRIENT BASED SUBSIDY (NBS)

TAG: GS 3: AGRICULTURE

THE CONTEXT: The Union Cabinet approved the proposal of the Department of Fertilizers for fixing the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for Rabi Season 2023-24 on Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers.

EXPLANATION:

• The NBS rates are designed to ensure that farmers have access to affordable fertilizers, which are essential for increasing crop yields and improving farm incomes.
• The NBS rates for Rabi Season 2023-24 are as follows:
  • Nitrogen: Rs. 47.2 per kg
  • Phosphorus: Rs. 20.82 per kg
  • Potash: Rs. 2.38 per kg
  • Sulphur: Rs. 1.89 per kg
• In the upcoming Rabi season 2023-24, an expenditure of Rs.22,303 crore is expected on NBS.
• The subsidy on P&K fertilizers will be provided based on approved rates for Rabi 2023-24 to ensure smooth availability of these fertilizers to the farmers at affordable prices.

BENEFITS:

• The availability of fertilizers to farmers at subsidized, affordable and reasonable prices will be ensured.
• Rationalization of subsidy on P&K fertilizers in view of recent trends in the international prices of fertilizers and inputs.
• Farmers can purchase fertilizers at affordable prices, which helps to reduce their input costs.
• The NBS scheme promotes the use of balanced fertilizers, which is essential for improving soil fertility and crop yields.
• The NBS scheme helps to reduce the dependence of farmers on imported fertilizers.
• The NBS scheme helps to increase farm incomes and improve the livelihood of farmers.

NUTRIENT BASED SUBSIDY (NBS):

• The subsidy on P&K fertilizers is governed by NBS Scheme since 2010.
• Under the NBS scheme, the government provides a fixed subsidy per kilogram of nutrients (N, P, K, and S) contained in fertilizers.
• The subsidy rates are revised on annual basis to take into account the changes in the cost of production and import of fertilizers.
• Government is making available 25 grades of P&K fertilizers to farmers at subsidized prices through fertilizer manufacturers/importers.
• In accordance with its farmer friendly approach, the Government is committed to ensure the availability of P&K fertilizers to the farmers at affordable prices.
• In view of the recent trends in the international prices of fertilizers & inputs i.e. Urea, DAP, MOP and Sulphur, Government has decided to approve the NBS rates for Rabi 2023-24 on Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers.
• The subsidy would be provided to the fertilizer companies as per approved and notified rates so that fertilizers are made available to farmers at affordable prices.

RABI CROPS:

• These crops are sown around the Retreating Monsoon and Northeast monsoon season, which begins in October and are called rabi or winter crops.
• The harvest for these crops happens typically during April and May, during the summer season.
• These crops are not much affected by the rainfall.
• Major Rabi crops are wheat, gram, peas, barley etc.
• A warm climate is required for seed germination and cold climate for the growth of crops.

SOURCE: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1970773

2. ANCIENT LANDSCAPE UNDER THE ANTARCTIC ICE

TAG: GS 1: GEOGRAPHY

THE CONTEXT: A new study published in the journal Nature Geoscience has revealed the existence of an ancient landscape cut by rivers deep under the Antarctic ice.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE STUDY:

• The landscape is located in East Antarctica’s Wilkes Land region bordering the Indian Ocean, covers an area roughly the size of Belgium or the U.S. state of Maryland.
• It is thought to be at least 14 million years old, predating the initial growth of the East Antarctic ice around 34 million years ago.
• The study used satellite observations of the ice surface and ice-penetrating radar data from a plane flying over the site.
• The radar data revealed a series of valleys and ridges that are consistent with the features of a river-carved landscape.
• Some previous studies similarly have revealed ancient landscapes beneath Antarctica’s ice including mountains and highlands, though the landscape discovered in the new study was the first of its type.
• The landscape has been modified by different processes influenced by rivers, tectonics and glaciation over a very long period of geological time.
• Right before 34 million years ago, Antarctica’s landscape and flora likely resembled today’s cold temperate rainforests of Tasmania, New Zealand and South America’s Patagonia region.
• Antarctica was once part of the Gondwana supercontinent that also encompassed what is now Africa, South America, Australia, the Indian subcontinent and the Arabian Peninsula, but eventually split off and became isolated in a geological process called plate tectonics.
• Researchers think that when Antarctica’s climate was warmer, rivers flowed across the newly identified landscape toward a continental coastline that was created as the other land masses broke away.
• When the climate cooled some small glaciers formed on hills next to the rivers, with valleys deepening amid glacial erosion.
• Then the climate cooled more significantly, and an ice sheet grew which covered the whole continent, swamping any glaciers that had existed before.
• When that ice growth occurred, the conditions between the base of the ice and the landscape changed to become very cold – and in this way it was no longer able to erode our landscape. Instead, the landscape got preserved, likely for 34 million years.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE FUTURE

• The discovery of this ancient landscape has a number of implications for the future.
• Firstly, it shows that the Earth’s climate is more dynamic than previously thought. This suggests that we need to be better prepared for the possibility of rapid climate change in the future.
• Secondly, the discovery of the landscape could help us to better understand how the Antarctic ice sheet will behave in response to climate change.
• This information is essential for developing strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
• Thirdly, the discovery of the landscape could lead to new discoveries about life in Antarctica.
• The landscape could provide a habitat for microbes that have survived for millions of years beneath the ice.
• The study of these microbes could provide new insights into the origins and evolution of life.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/antarctica-forests-rivers-34-million-years-ago/article67456512.ece

3. INTERNATIONAL SOLAR ALLIANCE

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: The Sixth Assembly of the International Solar Alliance is going to be held in New Delhi from October 30 – November 2, 2023.

EXPLANATION:

• The International Solar Alliance (ISA), comprising 116 member countries dedicated to accelerating the adoption of solar technology globally, is set to release its first-ever “global solar stock-take report.”
• This report is inspired by the United Nations Conference of Parties’ (COP) inaugural “Global Stocktake,”. This report aims to evaluate the progress made by member countries in their transition to solar technology.
• The “Global Stocktake” is part of the Paris Agreement and is conducted every five years to assess the actions taken by countries to shift away from fossil fuels and combat global warming.

ABOUT ISA:

• The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an action-oriented, member-driven, collaborative platform for increased deployment of solar energy technologies as a means for bringing energy access, ensuring energy security, and driving energy transition in its member countries.
• The ISA was conceived as a joint effort by India and France to mobilize efforts against climate change through deployment of solar energy solutions.
• It was conceptualized on the sidelines of the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Paris in 2015. With the amendment of its Framework Agreement in 2020, all member states of the United Nations are now eligible to join the ISA.
• At present, 116 countries are signatories to the ISA Framework Agreement, of which 94 countries have submitted the necessary instruments of ratification to become full members of the ISA.

INVESTMENT TRENDS: 

• In 2020, the global solar sector attracted approximately $300 billion in investments, and this figure increased to about $380 billion in 2022. However, manufacturing remains concentrated in China.
• The stocktake aims to identify strategies for diversifying solar manufacturing and expanding it to other regions.

GLOBAL SOLAR INSTALLATIONS:

• As of 2022, global solar photovoltaic installations reached 1,133 gigawatts (GW), with an addition of 191 GW in 2022.
• China, although not an ISA member, accounts for approximately one-fourth of the total installations at around 350 GW. The United States, an ISA member, follows with 111 GW of solar capacity, and India ranks among the top five countries globally with 62 GW.

CONCLUSION:

• The ISA’s decision to compile and release a “global solar stock-take report” demonstrates its commitment to assessing the progress made in adopting solar technology by member countries.
• The report aims to provide an overview of investments, manufacturing trends, and challenges in the global solar sector.
• As solar energy gains prominence as a reliable and sustainable energy source, the ISA plays a pivotal role in advancing the transition to renewables and promoting solar technology on a global scale.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/international-solar-alliance-to-release-solar-stocktake-report/article67458458.ece/amp/

4. LAND DEGRADATION

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: As per the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) data, the world lost at least 100 million hectares of healthy and productive land each year from 2015-2019.

EXPLANATION:

• As per the UNCCD’s first data dashboard compiling national figures from 126 countries, land degradation across all regions of the world is becoming worse at an astonishing rate.
• At the planned assembly for the 21st session of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention delegates will review global progress made towards land degradation neutrality (LDN).
• Issues like enhancing drought resilience, promoting women’s land rights and combating sand and dust storms will also be addressed.
• The proportion of land degraded varied according to the region, UNCCD data showed.
  • Eastern and Central Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean regions experience the most severe degradation, affecting at least 20 per cent of their total land area.
  • Sub-Saharan Africa, Western and Southern Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean experienced land degradation at rates faster than the global average, the analysts observed.
  • Notably, in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean, 163 million hectares and 108 million hectares, respectively, succumbed to land degradation since 2015.

Proportion of degraded land, 2019

UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION (UNCCD):

• The 1994 UNCCD is the only legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management.
• India is a signatory to the United Nations Convention for Combating Desertification (UNCCD).
• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is the nodal Ministry of Government of India (GoI) that oversees implementation of the Convention in the country.
• The Convention addresses the arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas, known as the drylands, where some of the most vulnerable ecosystems and peoples can be found.
• Parties work together to improve the living conditions for people in drylands, to maintain and restore land and soil productivity, and to mitigate the effects of drought.
• The UNCCD is particularly committed to a bottom-up approach, encouraging the participation of local people in combating desertification and land degradation.
• The UNCCD is one of the three Rio Conventions—along with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
• It was called for in Agenda 21, the programme of action adopted at the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED, or Earth Summit).

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/environment/100-million-hectares-of-arable-land-lost-yearly-to-degradation-shows-un-report-92465

5. BRAZZAVILLE SUMMIT

TAG: GS 3: ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: Tropical forests are facing threat from fossil fuel, mining and extractive industry expansion.

EXPLANATION:

• Delegates of the Three Basins i.e., Amazon, Congo, Borneo-Mekong and Southeast Asia have gathered in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo to strengthen the South-South governance for these three critical ecosystems.
• According to a global report called the Three Basins Threat Report, Tropical Forests in Amazon, Congo, and Borneo-Mekong Basins are facing threats from fossil fuel, mining and extractive industry expansion.
• The Three Basins Summit is an unmissable opportunity to deepen collaboration between tropical forest countries and to stimulate the action and finance needed to protect and restore Earth’s vital forest ecosystems.

THREATS TO TROPICAL FORESTS:

• The report outlines the ongoing threats faced by these vital ecosystems, including extensive forest loss and a looming systemic breakdown.
• These threats have far-reaching consequences, affecting global climate stability, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of millions of indigenous peoples and local communities.
• Approximately 20% of intact tropical forests in these basins are within active and potential oil and gas concessions.
• In the Amazon and Congo basins, nearly 25% of forests are within active or potential mining concessions.
• In Indonesia, half of all nickel concessions overlap with natural forests, posing a fivefold risk of deforestation and degradation if these permits expand to cover the entire deposit area.

IMPACT:

• Over 200 million people, including a significant proportion of indigenous and local communities, are affected by these expansions.
• There will be fewer but strong tropical storms in the Ganga-Mekong basin.
• One-third Lost or degradation of Amazon Forest.

SPECIFIC INFORMATION:

• Amazon Basin: Almost 13% of undisturbed tropical forests overlap with existing or planned oil and gas blocks, and over 33% overlap with active and inactive mining concessions. More than 70 million hectares overlap with mining concessions, affecting the livelihoods of indigenous communities.
• Congo Basin: Over 39% of undisturbed Tropical Moist Forests overlap with oil and gas blocks, and nearly 27% overlap with mining concessions. The expansion of fossil fuels and mining threatens the unique cultures and future of indigenous communities.
• Southeast Asia: Nearly 20% of undisturbed Tropical Moist Forests are within oil and gas blocks designated for production or exploration. In Indonesia, 53% of natural forests are vulnerable to extractive concessions, and half of nickel mining concessions overlap with natural forests.

CALLS FOR ACTION:

• The report urges world leaders to prioritize the protection of forests in these basins and emphasizes the crucial role of indigenous peoples and local communities in the proposed solutions.
• It calls for an immediate moratorium on industrial activities in primary and intact forests to create space for sustainable economic development that aligns with planetary boundaries.
• Indigenous countries urgently call for 80 per cent protection by 2025.
•  They also emphasize the need for legal security for indigenous territories to safeguard their rights.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/forests/brazzaville-summit-of-the-three-basins-needs-to-find-ways-to-protect-world-s-tropical-forests-92472

THE CONTEXT: Recently, a petitioner had sought directives from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs prohibiting the employment of Pakistani actors, technicians, singers, musicians and lyricists in India. The Bombay High Court however, dismissed the petition seeking a total ban on Pakistani artists working in India.

BACKGROUND OF THE ISSUE:

• Over the last decade, art, culture and sports have been affected due to political tensions between India and Pakistan.
• In the early 2010s, the success of Pakistani serials had made room for Indian television channels to stream shows from across the border and for Pakistani stars to sign up projects in Bollywood.
• The September 2016 Uri attack put an end to these cross-border exchanges with resolutions from the Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees barring Pakistani artistes from working in the Indian film industry.
• In 2019, the Pulwama strikes brought forth a resolution by the All-Indian Cine Workers Association, upholding the 2016 ban.

WHY BANNING IS A RIGHT DECISION?

• Discrimination against Indian artists: It is being argued that allowing Pakistani artists to work in India could lead to discrimination against Indian artists. The favourable environment available to Pakistani artists in India is not reciprocated for Indian artists in Pakistan.
• Prevent commercial exploitation: The ban is essential to prevent the exploitation of commercial opportunities by Pakistani artists in India, which could potentially deprive Indian artists of similar opportunities.
• Enemy nation: Pakistan is a terrorist nation which treats India as an enemy. Supporting a terrorist nation which wants to harm our nation is not a good idea.

WHY BANNING IS NOT A RIGHT DECISION?

• Deprive both nation of cultural exchanges: Banning of artist is a backward step in promoting cultural harmony, unity and peace and these actions deprive both countries of cultural exchanges. Art has unifying nature and are instrumental in fostering a sense of unity and peace between nations.
• Parochial nationalism: Patriotism isn’t demonstrated by hostility towards foreign nationals, particularly those from neighbouring countries. Banning is a shrill narrative of parochial nationalism. Cultural or artistic life should not be disrupted in the country, given the fact that cross-border trade is still going on despite the latest round of tensions.
• Curtail freedom of expression: Artists are the most vulnerable because they operate in public spaces, and banning them curtails the freedom of expression of artists. Also, banning is based on the resolutions passed by private associations, although expressing a sentiment, lacked statutory force and could not be enforced through judicial orders. And enforcing such bans would contravene the fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 19(1)(a), 19(1)(g), and 21 of the Constitution.
• For global harmony: The court hailed the Indian government’s proactive measures to allow artists, in accordance with Article 51 of the Indian Constitution, which fosters global peace and security. Additionally, the court cited the example of allowing the Pakistani cricket team to participate in the World Cricket Cup held in India, asserting that entertaining such petitions would undermine such efforts.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Scope of soft diplomacy: Art, music, dance and so on are the activities which rise above nationalities, cultures and nations and truly bring about peace, tranquillity, unity and harmony between nations. These instruments can be used for soft diplomacy, and cultural similarities between both nations can be used for conflict resolution.
• Collaboration: There is a need of collaboration between different stakeholders to rise over differences and appreciate each other’s cultural brilliance.
• Cultural exchanges: Cultural exchanges are one of the most important ways for the exchange of ideas, values, traditions and other aspects of culture or identity to strengthen relationships, enhance socio-cultural cooperation or promote the national interest. For example, Urdu poetry and ghazals from Pakistan and shows like Coke Studio, and MTV unplugged have a wider range fan following in both countries.
• People to People: The main connecting agents are people and their personal relationship is vital to beat the differences. Hatred is not going to serve any purpose, and an artist represents freedom and the universal idea that humanity must be free to live without fear and violence. Therefore, the citizen’s diplomacy or people-to-people contact between India and Pakistan is significant in building peace between the two nations.

THE CONCLUSION:

Banning artists is not the long-term solution to resolve the conflict between the nations, and cross-border cultural cooperation should be promoted for reconciliation and hope for fostering better relations.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1 Keeping in view India’s internal security, analyse the impact of cross-border cyber-attacks. Also discuss defensive measures against these sophisticated attacks. (2021)

Q.2 Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India-Pakistan relations. To what extent the use of soft power like sports and cultural exchange could help generate goodwill between the two countries. Discuss with suitable examples. (2015)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.1 Cultural diplomacy and soft power are important instruments in regional and international cooperation and are of particular relevance for India-Pakistan relations. Comment.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/bombay-hc-is-right-banning-pakistani-artists-is-not-the-right-step-8996665/

1. EVOLUTION OF UNITED NATIONS

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: The Charter of the United Nations is the founding document of the United Nations. It was signed on 26 June 1945, in San Francisco, at the conclusion of the United Nations Conference on International Organization, and came into force on 24 October 1945.

EXPLANATION:

• The United Nations was founded amid a period of turmoil in international relations. The Second World War (1939-45) had just ended, coming a few years after the devastation caused by the First World War (1914-18).

THE BIRTH OF THE UNITED NATIONS:

• The United Nations (UN) was born on October 24, 1945, in the wake of World War II.
• The war had devastated much of the world and left millions of people dead. The leaders of the Allied powers were determined to prevent such a catastrophe from happening again.
• On August 14, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill signed the Atlantic Charter, which set out the principles of a post-war world order based on peace, security, and cooperation.
• In 1942, 26 countries signed the Declaration by United Nations, which pledged to fight together against the Axis powers and to establish a new international organization to maintain peace and security.
• In 1944, representatives of 50 nations attended the founding conference in San Francisco, where they drafted the UN charter.
• The required number of nations ratified the charter on October 24, 1945 (officially United Nations Day).
• The Charter was finalized at the United Nations Conference on International Organization in San Francisco, California, in 1945.
• The Charter was signed by 51 countries on June 26, 1945, and came into force on October 24, 1945.

ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE UN:

• While at the time of its formation, the UN consisted of only 51 member states.
• Independence movements and de-colonisation in the subsequent years led to an expansion of its membership. At present, 193 countries are members of the UN.
• The UN boasts of several significant achievements in the last 75 years.
• It has also expanded its scope to cover a large number of global issues such as health, environment, women empowerment, among others.
• Soon after its formation, it passed a resolution to commit to the elimination of nuclear weapons in 1946.
• In 1948, it created the World Health Organisation (WHO) to deal with communicable diseases like smallpox, malaria, HIV.
• At present the WHO is the apex organisation dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
• In 1950, the UN created the High Commissioner for Refugees to take care of the millions who had been displaced due to World War II.
• It continues to be on the frontlines of crises faced by refugees from countries across the world.
• In 1972, the UN environment programme was created.

FAILURES OF THE UN:

• The UN has also met with its share of criticisms.
• In 1994 the organisation failed to stop the Rwandan genocide.
• In 2005, UN peacekeeping missions were accused of sexual misconduct in the Republic of Congo, and similar allegations have also come from Cambodia and Haiti.
• In 2011, the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan was unsuccessful in eliminating the bloodshed caused by the civil war that broke out in 2013.
• Further, the UN has been seen as unrepresentative of its members, particularly countries in the Global South.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/united-nations-founded-history-1945-evolution-explained-8997530/

2. MIGRATION TO OECD COUNTRIES

TAG: GS 3: ECONOMY

THE CONTEXT: As per the ‘International Migration Outlook 2023, India saw the highest migration flows to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries in 2021 and 2022.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE REPORT:

• India replaced China as the main country of origin of new migrants to OECD countries in 2020.
• In 2021, for the second consecutive year, India, with 0.41 million new migrants, was the top country of origin.
• China, with 0.23 million new migrants, was at a distant second, followed by Romania with around 200,000 new migrants.
• In terms of nationalities, 0.13 million Indian citizens acquired the nationality of an OECD country in 2021.
• As in previous years, these acquisitions took place mostly in the United States (56,000), Australia (24,000) and Canada (21,000).
• Mexico again ranked second in 2021, with 0.19 million Mexicans granted nationality of another OECD country, virtually all of them becoming US citizens.
• Inflows of refugees from Ukraine reached the highest level on record, OECD-wide, due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
• In terms of workers, migration flows from India (+172 per cent), Uzbekistan (+122 per cent) and Turkey (+240 per cent) rose sharply, making them primary countries of origin after Ukraine.
• It pointed out that policy responses to displacement directly and indirectly impacted by climate change have been gaining interest from policy makers and the international community.
• Few OECD countries have introduced explicit policies to respond to climate-induced displacement.
  • In April 2023, Colombia’s Congress began discussing a bill to recognise climate-induced displacement, the first of its kind in Latin America.
  • Adopting a broad definition of climate-displaced people, it sought to prioritise access to housing, health services and education and to establish a national register of climate-displaced people.
  • The bill has received approval in the first of four rounds of discussion required to pass.

INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION OUTLOOK 2023:

• It is published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
• The 2023 edition of International Migration Outlook analyses recent developments in migration movements and the labour market inclusion of immigrants in OECD countries.
• It also analysed recent policy changes in migration governance and integration in OECD countries.
• This edition includes two special chapters on the labour market integration of migrant mothers and on fertility patterns among migrant populations in OECD countries.
• The Outlook also includes country notes and a detailed statistical annex.

ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT (OECD):

• It is a group of 38 member countries that discuss and develop economic and social policy.
• The most recent country to join the OECD is Costa Rica, which became a member on May 25, 2021.
• Members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) are typically democratic countries that support free-market economies.
• The stated goal of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is to shape policies that foster prosperity, equality, opportunity and well-being for all.
• The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) was established on Dec. 14, 1960, by 18 European nations, plus the United States and Canada.
• The organization is headquartered in the Chateau de la Muette in Paris, France.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/governance/nearly-half-a-million-indians-migrated-to-oecd-countries-in-2021-report-92454

3. GHOST PARTICLE DETECTOR

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: China is building an enormous telescope called “Trident” in the western Pacific Ocean to detect “ghost particles”, also known as neutrinos.

GHOST PARTICLES/ NEUTRINOS:

• To understand what a ghost particle or neutrino is, firstly, understand the importance of atoms.
• Atoms make up our universe. Anything that has mass is made up of atoms.
• For a long time, scientists thought atoms were the smallest particle in existence before discovering “subatomic” particles: protons (which have a positive charge), electrons (negative charge) and neutrons (no charge).
• Neutrinos are a type of electron but, like neutrons, they do not have any charge.
• They are among the most abundant and tiniest particles in our universe with trillions of neutrinos passing through you at any given second.
• Neutrinos were long believed to be massless, until scientists found evidence that they do have a very small mass.
• Neutrinos’ weak charge and almost non-existent mass have made them notoriously difficult for scientists to observe. They can only be “seen” when they interact with other particles.
• The rarity of interactions with other particles makes them almost impossible to track. That’s why they’re called ghost particles.

HOW DO SCIENTISTS DETECT GHOST PARTICLES?

• Ghost particles rarely interact with other particles.
• China is building its ghost molecule telescope underwater because they interact with water molecules.
• Scientists have observed ghost particles in fleeting instances when the particles create byproducts after traveling through water or ice.
• These “muons” create flashes of light that can be detected by sophisticated underwater telescopes and offer one of the few ways to study the energy and source of neutrinos.
  • Muons are similar to electrons but weigh more than 207 times as much. The muon is part of the lepton group.
• The largest neutrino-detecting telescope is the University of Madison-Wisconson’s “IceCube” telescope.
• Situated deep in the Antarctic, the telescope’s sensors span around 1 cubic kilometer. Whereas China telescope will span 7.5 cubic kilometers in the South China Sea.
• Scientists say that its size will allow it to detect more neutrinos and make it “10,000 times more sensitive” than existing underwater telescopes.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/china-largest-ghost-particle-detector-neutrinos-explained-8997219/

4. DOKLAM CONFLICT

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: India has cautioned Bhutan against compromising on the Doklam corridor under Chinese pressure as talks between Bhutan and China to settle their boundary disputes gain momentum.

EXPLANATION:

• Bhutan and China held their 25th round of boundary talks on August 18-19, 2023, in Beijing, China. The talks were the first in seven years, after the previous round was held in 2016.
• The talks were led by Bhutan’s Foreign Minister and China’s Vice Foreign Minister.
• Both sides agreed to expedite the boundary demarcation process and to work towards a comprehensive settlement of the boundary dispute.
• China also pushed for full diplomatic ties with Bhutan during the talks. However, Bhutan has so far resisted Chinese pressure to establish formal diplomatic relations.

BACKGROUND:

• The Kingdom of Bhutan and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) have never formally demarcated their 470-kilometre (292 mi) border, which has been disputed since the 17th century.
• Since 1984, both sides have held 24 rounds of formal talks in an attempt to resolve the dispute, but no solution has been reached.
• The Chinese government claims the Doklam Plateau as its territory, while the Bhutanese and Indian government’s claim it as a part of Bhutan.
• In June 2017, a Chinese construction team began building a road near Bhutan’s Doklam Plateau.
• The Bhutanese government objected to the construction, stating that it was violating Bhutan’s sovereignty.
• The Indian government also objected to the construction, stating that it was a violation of the trijunction agreement between India, China, and Bhutan.
• The two sides engaged in a standoff for over two months, before the Chinese government withdrew its troops in August 2017.
• The Doklam issue remains unresolved, and both sides continue to assert their claims to the territory.
• The issue is sensitive because it involves the strategic Siliguri Corridor, which connects India’s northeast to the rest of the country.
• The Chinese government could potentially use its control of Doklam to threaten the Siliguri Corridor and cut off India’s northeast from the rest of the country.

INDIA’S INVOLVEMENT

• India has a long history of supporting Bhutan’s territorial integrity.
• India also has a strategic interest in the Doklam Plateau, as it overlooks the Siliguri Corridor.
• In 2017, India intervened in support of Bhutan when China began building a road near the Doklam Plateau.
• India sent troops to deter China from continuing the construction.
• The Indian government has stated that it is committed to upholding the trijunction agreement between India, China, and Bhutan.

Doklam is important to India for a number of reasons:

• First, it provides India with a strategic advantage over China.
• The Doklam plateau overlooks the Siliguri Corridor, a narrow strip of land that connects India’s northeast with the rest of the country.
• China could potentially use its control of Doklam to threaten the Siliguri Corridor and cut off India’s northeast from the rest of the country.
• Second, Doklam is a key transit point for trade between India and Bhutan.
• India is Bhutan’s largest trading partner, and Doklam is a major route for goods that travel from India to Bhutan.
• If China were to control Doklam, it could disrupt this trade and damage the Bhutanese economy.

CHINA’S INVOLVEMENT

• The Chinese government claims the Doklam Plateau as its territory.
• China has stated that it is willing to negotiate with Bhutan to resolve the boundary dispute, but China has also stated that it will not give up its claims to the Doklam Plateau.
• The Chinese government has accused India of interfering in the boundary dispute between China and Bhutan.
• China has also stated that India’s presence in the Doklam Plateau is a violation of Chinese sovereignty.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/bhutan-china-want-deal-on-boundaries-soon/article67455065.ece

5. FAST RADIO BURSTS (FRB)

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT:  Scientists have measured the most distant fast radio burst named “FRB 20220610A” ever detected: an 8-billion-year-old pulse that has been travelling for more than half the lifetime of the universe.

FAST RADIO BURSTS (FRB):

• FRBs are enigmatic millisecond-duration bursts of radio waves that originate from galaxies billions of light-years away.
• Their origin is still a mystery, but scientists believe that they may be produced by neutron star mergers, supernovae, or other cataclysmic events.
• FRB 20220610A was discovered using the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) radio telescope.
• ASKAP’s wide field of view allowed the astronomers to pinpoint the location of the burst to within a few arcseconds.
• Follow-up observations with the Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile revealed that the source of FRB 20220610A is a faint galaxy that is 8 billion light-years away.
• This makes FRB 20220610A the most distant FRB ever detected, and the oldest FRB ever seen.

IMPLICATIONS OF THE DISCOVERY OF FRB 20220610A:

• FRBs can occur in a wide range of environments.
  • FRB 20220610A was detected in a faint galaxy, which is different from the majority of FRBs that have been detected so far.
  • This suggests that FRBs can occur in a wider range of environments than previously thought.

• FRBs may be more common than previously thought.
  • This is because FRB 20220610A is the most distant FRB ever detected, and therefore the hardest to see.
  • The fact that astronomers were able to detect FRB 20220610A suggests that there could be many more FRBs out there that have not yet been detected.

• FRBs can provide new insights into the early universe.
• • FRB 20220610A is estimated to be 8 billion light-years away, which means that the light from the burst began traveling to Earth when the universe was only half its current age.
  • This makes FRB 20220610A the oldest FRB ever seen.
  • By studying FRBs like FRB 20220610A, astronomers can learn more about the early universe and the conditions that existed at that time.

FUTURE RESEARCH ON FRBS:

• Astronomers are now continuing to study FRBs using a variety of telescopes and instruments. It is hoped that more can be known about the origin of FRBs, their evolution, and their role in the universe.
• One of the key goals of future FRB research is to identify the specific objects that produce FRBs. This will help scientists to better understand the physics of FRBs and their role in the universe.
• Another key goal of future FRB research is to use FRBs to probe the interstellar medium and the intergalactic medium.
• FRBs can travel through space relatively unhindered, so they can be used to study the distribution of matter in the universe.
• FRBs are a new and exciting area of research. By studying FRBs, astronomers can learn more about the universe and the objects that exist within it.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/scientists-trace-powerful-radio-signal-to-most-distant-galaxy-yet/article67453491.ece

1. VIENNA CONVENTION

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: Canada asked India to uphold its obligations under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

EXPLANATION:

• The Canadian government recalled 41 diplomats posted in India.
• As the tension between the two countries began with Canada accusing India of having a role in murder of the Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.

What is the Vienna Convention?

• The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations is an international treaty signed by 61 countries in 1961. At present 193 countries are party to the document.
• It puts forth a framework for diplomatic interactions between independent nations and aims to ensure the development of friendly relations among nations.
• The Vienna Convention provides special rules (privileges and immunities) for diplomats, which allows them to act without fear or harassment through enforcement of local laws and to communicate securely with their sending Governments.
• The Vienna Convention also has rules laid out for a withdrawal of a mission. It could take place on grounds of economic or physical security and breach of diplomatic relations.

• Diplomats are granted exemption from certain laws and taxes in the country they are posted.
  • The agents enjoy immunity from the criminal jurisdiction of the receiving State.
  • They are also provided with immunity from its civil and administrative jurisdiction.

Article 29 of the Vienna Convention:

• According to article 29 of the Convention, the person of a diplomatic agent shall be inviolable.
• The person shall not be liable to any form of arrest or detention.
• The receiving State shall treat him with due respect and shall take all appropriate steps to prevent any attack on his person, freedom, or dignity.

What is Article 11.1 of the Vienna Convention?

• Article 11.1 of the Vienna Convention is related to the size of international missions within other countries.
• According to the Article 11.1, In the absence of specific agreement as to the size of the mission, the receiving State may require that the size of a mission be kept within limits considered by it to be reasonable and normal.

Challenges related to Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations: 

• Misuse of diplomatic immunity: Diplomats have been known to take advantage of “diplomatic immunity” to cover up crimes like molestation, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Ex-Bahrainian Consul General used “diplomatic immunity” in 2013 to evade being arrested in connection with a Mumbai molestation case.
• Use of the Convention’s privileges for espionage: The Convention offers undercover intelligence operatives stationed in embassies, who are primarily engaged in espionage within the borders of their host countries, a safety net.
• The convention contains no definition for household or family:  Each country has its own official definition of what constitutes a family. When Western nations use their official definition of a family, many ambassadors from developing nations who have dependent college-bound children or elderly single parents encounter difficulties.

Source:https://www.livemint.com/news/india/explained-what-are-the-vienna-conventions-cited-by-canada-amid-diplomatic-row-with-india-11697809841429.html

2. GAGANYAAN MISSION

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 

THE CONTEXT: Gaganyaan’s first Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1) is successfully accomplished.

EXPLANATION:

• ISRO announced that the TV-D1 Mission is fully achieved, and the Crew Escape System performed as intended.
• The mission, launched using a special test vehicle (TV), saw the vehicle and Crew Escape System (CES), which enabled the CM to get to a safe distance before it began its drop to splashdown before recovery, sinking in the sea.

• TV-D1 Vehicle: The Liquid propelled single stage Test Vehicle uses a modified VIKAS engine with Crew Module (CM) and Crew Escape System (CES) mounted at its fore end.

Gaganyaan Mission: 

• Under the Gaganyaan Mission, ISRO will be sending three humans to an orbit of 400 km for a 3-day mission and bring them back safely to Earth.
• It is named after the Sanskrit word for craft or vehicle to the sky.
• If it succeeds, India will become only the fourth country to send a human into space after the Soviet Union, the US, and China.
• The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is developing a spacecraft called the Orbital Module, which is made up of a crew module and a service module.
• Orbital Module (OM): OM that will be Orbiting Earth. OM is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics systems with adequate redundancy considering human safety.
• Crew module (CM): It is a habitable space with Earth like environment in space for the crew. It is of double walled construction consisting of pressurized metallic Inner Structure and unpressurised External Structure with Thermal Protection System (TPS). It houses the crew interfaces, human centric products, life support system, avionics and deceleration systems. It is also designed for re-entry to ensure safety of the crew during descent till touchdown.
• Service module (SM): It will be used for providing necessary support to CM while in orbit. It is an unpressurized structure containing thermal system, propulsion system, power systems, avionics systems and deployment mechanisms.

Launch vehicle M3(LVM3) rocket:  The well proven and reliable heavy lift launcher of ISRO, is identified as the launch vehicle for Gaganyaan mission. It consists of solid stage, liquid stage and cryogenic stage. All systems in the LVM3 launch vehicle are re-configured to meet human rating requirements and christened Human Rated LVM3.

Significance of Gaganyaan mission: 

• The initiative would promote national research and development in specialized fields of science and technology.
• Certain vital technologies, such as the capacity to conduct re-entry missions, the crew escape system, the configuration of the crew module, the thermal protection system, the deceleration and flotation system, and the subsystems of the life support system needed for Mission Gaganyaan, have been created by ISRO.
• A unique microgravity platform in space for conducting research and serving as a test bed for upcoming innovations will be made available by the human spaceflight program.
• There is potential for technological spin offs in a number of fields, including waste management, water and food resource management, pollution, industrial safety, medicine, and agriculture.

Source:https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/gaganyaan-mission-isro-launch-test-vehicle/article67445115.ece/amp/

3. TENSIONS BETWEEN SERBIA AND KOSOVO.

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 

THE CONTEXT: EU and U.S. envoys urge Kosovo and Serbia to resume dialogue to ease soaring tension.

EXPLANATION:

• The envoys of the United States and the European Union have urged Serbia and Kosovo to start talking in order to reduce the escalating hostilities between the two countries.
• This visit follows a violent event that occurred recently in which approximately thirty Serb militants entered northern Kosovo, killing a police officer and causing a conflict with Kosovo police.
• The envoys stressed the need for de-escalation and normalization in order to settle their disputes and pave the way for both nations’ eventual EU membership.

Background of the tension:

• After the break-up of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, Kosovo sought independence.
• Kosovo is a mainly ethnic Albanian populated territory that was formerly a province of Serbia. It declared independence in 2008.
• Kosovo’s majority ethnic Albanians view Kosovo as their own country and accuse Serbia of occupation and repression.
• Serbia has refused to recognize Kosovo’s statehood and still considers it part of Serbia, even though it has no formal control there.
• Kosovo’s independence has been recognized by about 100 countries, including the United States.
• Russia, China and five EU countries, most of them with separatist regions of their own, have sided with Serbia.
• The deadlock has kept tensions simmering and prevented full stabilization of the Balkan region after the bloody wars in the 1990s.

Source:https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/eu-and-us-envoys-urge-kosovo-and-serbia-to-resume-dialogue-to-ease-soaring-tension/article67446725.ece

4. PAINTBRUSH SWIFT BUTTERFLY

TAG: GS 3: ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY 

THE CONTEXT: Paintbrush swift butterfly is seen for the first time in Himachal Pradesh.

EXPLANATION:

• Paintbrush swift butterfly that is rare in the western Himalayas, has been seen for the first time in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district.
• The State is home to around 430 butterfly species or about 25% of the total number of butterfly species found in India.
• The butterfly species was seen during a field study carried out as part of the Wild Bhattiyat Project, which was started by the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department’s Bhattiyat Forest Range.

About Paintbrush swift butterfly: 

• The scientific name of the Paintbrush swift butterfly is Baoris farri. It belongs to the species of the Hesperiidae family.
• The species has never been seen in Himachal Pradesh since its discovery in 1878.
• It is seen for the first time in the lower hills of the Dhauladhar mountain range.
• The paintbrush swift is identified based on two separated spots in the upper forewing cell. Other closely related species like the blank swift have no cell spot while the figure-of-eight swift has two conjoined cell spots.
• The species’ larvae feed on bamboo and some other grass species.

Habitat: Habitat distribution is common in northeast, central and south India, and rare in Uttarakhand.

Threats:  

• Butterflies depend on wild host and nectar plants which makes them particularly vulnerable to changes in their environment.
• Habitat loss and scarcity of larval host plants are major causes of the decline in the butterfly population.
• An increase in pesticide use, deforestation, and climate change are some of the other causes of habitat loss of butterflies.

Source:https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/paintbrush-swift-butterfly-is-photographed-for-the-first-time-in-himachal-pradesh/article67445928.ece

5. DAM SAFETY ACT (DSA)

TAG: GS 3: DISASTER MANAGEMENT 

THE CONTEXT: A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in North Sikkim’s South Lhonak Lake washed away one of the biggest hydropower projects in India.

EXPLANATION:

About Dam Safety Act (DSA): 

• India has almost 6,000 large dams and almost 80% of them are more than 25 years old and carry safety risks.
• A new Dam Safety Act (DSA) was passed in late 2021 for proper surveillance, inspection, operation and maintenance of the specified dams.
• The Act aims for preventing dam failure related disasters and provides for institutional mechanisms to ensure their safe functioning.
• The Act has provision for setting up an empowered institutional framework for dam safety both at the Central and State level.
• At national level, the Central Government has constituted the National Committee on Dam Safety which discharges functions to prevent dam failure related disasters and maintain standards of dam safety and evolve dam safety policies and recommend necessary regulations.
• The Central Government has also established the National Dam Safety Authority as a regulatory body for ensuring the nationwide implementation of dam safety policies and standards.
• At the State level, the Act provides for the constitution of the State Committee on Dam Safety (SCDS) and the establishment of the State Dam Safety Organization (SDSO) to ensure proper surveillance, inspection, operation and maintenance of all specified dams in that State and also to ensure their safe functioning.

What do the States need to do?

States are required to:

• classify dams based on hazard risk.
• conduct regular inspections.
• create emergency action plans.
• institute emergency flood warning systems.
• undertake safety reviews and period risk assessment studies.
• report and record incidents of dam failures.

Punitive provisions:

• Failure to comply with any provision of the Act is punishable with imprisonment and/or fines.
•  If such obstruction or refusal to comply with directions results in loss of lives or imminent danger, then the entity shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years.
• For example, in February 2023, the Sikkim High Court ordered the Gati Hydropower Project company to pay ₹70 lakh to two widowed mothers, for non-compliance with the Dam Safety Act.

Challenges: 

• The DSA does not promote risk-based decision-making and fails to incentivise transparency.
• Periodic reviews are either not carried out very regularly or, when they are, the results are not readily accessible to the general public.
• There is no standardization in the analysis and reporting of failures, despite the Act requiring dam builders to do thorough dam safety evaluations.
• There is no single agency that was tasked with tracking the data of Dam failure.
• A robust DSA should allow different stakeholders to access information easily, but India’s framework falls short in this field.

Source:https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/does-india-need-to-relook-the-dam-safety-act-explained/article67447034.ece

THE CONTEXT: Diplomatic tensions between India and Canada escalated earlier this month when India requested the withdrawal of diplomats and threatened to remove the diplomatic immunity of any Canadian diplomat who remained in the country after the specified date.

MORE ON THE NEWS:

• Tensions between the two countries escalated after the Canadian Prime Minister announced that there were “credible allegations” of the Indian government being behind the killing of a Canadian citizen who was a designated terrorist in India.
• While India has strongly denied the allegation, a full-blown diplomatic war has flared up between the two nations.
• Both nations expelled each other’s diplomats and visa services, citing security concerns.
• Canada has expressed concern that India had threatened to unilaterally revoke the diplomats’ official status, this action has been alleged in violation of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations.
• The MEA has retorted that the convention’s Article 11.1 does authorise India to “require that the size of a mission be kept within limits”.

WHAT IS THE VIENNA CONVENTION?

• The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations is an international treaty signed by 61 countries in 1961.
• It puts forth a framework for diplomatic interactions between independent nations and aims to ensure the ‘development of friendly relations among nations’.
• At present, 193 countries are party to the document.

What is Article 11.1 about?

• This particular segment pertains to the size of international missions within other countries.
• India insists that its actions are consistent with the tenets set forth in Article 11.1 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

INDIA-CANADA RELATIONS

• India and Canada have longstanding bilateral relations built upon shared traditions of democracy, pluralism and strong interpersonal connections.
• Canada is home to one of the largest communities of Indian origin, with approximately 4% of Canadians being of Indian heritage (1.3 million people).
• The deep cultural and political ties between Canada and India are strengthened by a growing network of official dialogues, agreements, memoranda of understanding and working groups.
• India is Canada’s 10th largest trading partner. Canada and India are working toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) to deepen the commercial relationship.

ISSUES ARISING OUT OF DIPLOMATIC TENSION:

• Impact on trade: Diplomatic tension can impact trade relations between both the countries and can accelerate global slowdown which is already affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine.
• Suffering of Ordinary people: Ordinary people will suffer as India and Canada cut down visa services. Apart from that, there are issues of human rights that both countries are pointing in each other countries. As Canada is pointing towards conditions of Sikhs and Muslims, while India expresses concerns over Hindu minorities in Canada.
• Khalistan issue: India has expressed repeated concerns about terrorism related to the Khalistan issue for decades. However, no serious actions have been taken by Canadian authorities.
• Issue of diplomats: Expelling of diplomatic immunity is being seen as a violation of global treaties such as the Vienna Convention which can taint India’s image of
• Geopolitical issues:The recent diplomatic tension can harden viewpoints of both the countries over the important issues as terrorism which can have geopolitical implications.

THE WAY FORWARD

• People to People: Both India and Canada should involve cultural exchanges, educational programs, and other initiatives that would help to strengthen the mutual understanding and respect between the two peoples.
• Addressing Khalistan Issue: To effectively address the Khalistan issue, Both India and Canada must adapt its diplomatic approach to address the issue of the Khalistani separatism.
• Inclusive Dialogue: There is a need to encourage open and inclusive dialogue between all the stakeholders including Indian government, sikh officials and Canadian authorities to address their grievances and misunderstandings.

THE CONCLUSION: With ongoing diplomatic tension between India and Canada, their relations have reached a low point. This needs to be resolved mutually with cooperation and collaboration beyond any political motive for a dynamic partnership.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION

Q. ‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries’. Comment with examples.  (2020)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q. India and Canada bilateral relations face multiple challenges. Comment in the light of recent developments.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/frosty-ties-the-hindu-editorial-on-the-worsening-india-canada-ties/article67442967.ece

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the G20 expert panel on strengthening Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) has discussed the need to shift the MDB’s focus from financing individual projects to prioritising programmes. This development  has once again brought the issue of reform in MDBs into the  forefront.

WHAT ARE MULTILATERAL DEVELOPMENT BANKS?

• Multilateral Development Banks are institutions whose members include multiple developed and developing countries, which have to fulfill certain lending obligations to facilitate developmental objectives.
• They provide financing and technical assistance to countries and organisations undertaking projects across sectors including transport, energy, urban infrastructure, and waste management.
• Usually, developed countries in MDBs contribute to the lending pool, while developing countries primarily borrow from these institutions to fund development projects.
• MDBs include the World Bank Group, the Asian Development Bank, the African Development Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, etc.

NEED FOR REFORMING WITHIN MDBS

• Climate crisis: The G20 expert group cites the issue of climate crisis that there is a lack mechanisms for mitigation of crisis, especially in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs).
• Existing perception of MDBs: The expert group also notes that the existing perception and practices of MDBs have adversely impacted their engagement with the private sector. MDBs are often seen as possessing bureaucratic hurdles which deters the private sector from being more involved in assisting with financing.
• Outdated framework of MDBs: The current legal and institutional framework of MDBs is outdated and inadequate to deal with the rapid changes and complexities of the current global order.
• Inefficient resource: MDBs face resource constraints in meeting the increasing demands for development financing. The current funding levels are not sufficient to address the scale of challenges faced by developing countries.

MDBs AND INDIA

• As a leader of global south: India, as a leader and partner of the Global South, has a stake and a role in shaping the reforms of MDBs to make them more responsive and effective in addressing these issues and opportunities.
• As a major beneficiary, India is also a major borrower and beneficiary of MDBs, especially the World Bank Group and the Asian Development Bank. India has received loans and grants from these institutions for various sectors such as infrastructure, health, education, agriculture, etc. MDBs have played a crucial role in India’s development journey by financing key infrastructure projects with longer gestation periods.
• As a contributor: India is also a contributor and shareholder of MDBs. India has provided capital and resources to these institutions to support their operations and lending capacity. India has also participated in their governance and decision-making

THE WAY FORWARD:

• To better deal with global challenges: According to the expert group, a reformed MDB ecosystem can equip stakeholders to better deal with global challenges in effective ways. Therefore, MDBs should operate more in sync with the developmental priorities of individual nations.
• Private sector role: Given that MDBs need to ramp up financing to $390 billion by 2030, the private sector can play a pivotal role in making that happen by reversing the current trend of disappointingly low private financial flows to EMDEs.
• Achieving SDG: According to the expert group, MDBs should focus their operations  financial as well as analytical on helping national governments to create and operationalise their respective country platforms for the highest priority sustainable development goals (SDG).
• Promoting Inclusive Growth and Shared Prosperity: MDBs can help Middle-income countries (MICs) address the challenges by supporting policies and programs that enhance productivity, competitiveness and

THE CONCLUSION:  MDBs are facing several challenges and limitations that affect their relevance and performance in the changing global context. Therefore, there is a need to reform and strengthen MDBs to make them more responsive and effective in addressing the emerging challenges and opportunities.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1 India has recently signed to become a founding member of the New Development Bank (NDB) and also the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). How will the role of the two Banks be different? Discuss the strategic significance of these two Banks for India. (2014)

Q.2 The World Bank and the IMF, collectively known as the Bretton Woods Institutions, are the two inter-governmental pillars supporting the structure of the world’s economic and financial order. Superficially, the World Bank and the IMF exhibit many common characteristics, yet their role, functions and mandate are distinctly different. Elucidate. (2013)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Discuss the challenges faced by the Multilateral Development Banks in mobilizing the resources. What steps can be taken to address these challenges? Explain.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/reforms-proposed-world-bank-multilateral-development-8990139/

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the third Belt and Road Forum(BRF) was convened in Beijing, China which has put the spotlight back on Chinese signature initiative of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Even though the BRI is criticised for ground realities, all eyes will be on the future of the Belt and Road Initiative.

OUTCOME OF THE BRF

• The BRF III is themed on “High-quality Belt and Road Cooperation: Together for Common Development and Prosperity”.
• Three high-level forums were held under the topics of Connectivity in an Open World Economy, Green Silk Road for Harmony with Nature, and Digital Economy as a New Source of Growth, respectively.
• Six thematic forums with focuses on Trade Connectivity, Maritime Cooperation, Clean Silk Road, Think Tank Exchanges, People-to-People Bonds, and Subnational Cooperation were respectively convened.

Chinese President announced the following major steps:

• Building a multidimensional Belt and Road connectivity network.
• Supporting an open world economy
• Carrying out practical cooperation
• Promoting green development
• Advancing scientific and technological innovation.
• Supporting people-to-people exchanges
• Promoting integrity-based Belt and Road cooperation
• Strengthening institutional building for Belt and Road international cooperation

WHAT IS BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE (BRI)?

• Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a large-scale infrastructure development programme launched by China in 2013.
• In October 2017, the Belt and Road Initiative was written into the Communist Party’s Constitution, signalling an all-out effort to realize the vision.
• The initiative aims to connect Asia with Europe and Africa through a network of railways, highways, ports, airports, and other infrastructure projects with the intent to promote trade, investment, and economic growth in participating countries.
• The BRI comprises two main components:

1. 1. The Silk Road Economic Belt : It focuses on improving connectivity and cooperation between China and countries in Central Asia, Europe, and West Asia.
   2. Maritime Silk Road: It focuses on strengthening maritime cooperation between China and countries in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Africa.

CHINA’S INTENT OF BRI

• From regional to global: Early debates in China reveal the intent behind the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It was intended to be a gateway for China to transition from a regional power with global influence to a global power with comprehensive strength. It is argued that the BRI was China’s bid to reboot globalisation and rectify its shortcomings.
• Infrastructure to counter rivals: A rising China also felt the need to develop new transport and trade arteries as alternatives to counter rivals to boost Chinese economy.
• Challenging other lending institutions: China intends to put its money all over the world through the initiative and having a strong economic hold by challenging other lending institutions.
• Building an economic order centred on countering the dollar: At the onset, China was pitching for the use of local currency in trade, with the intent of pushing out the dollar to build an economic order centred on China.

ACHIEVEMENT OF BRI

Since its introduction in 2017, the BRI has evolved into a comprehensive strategy for China, with greater involvement in projects.

• The Chinese government’s white paper on BRI (“The Belt and Road Initiative: A Key Pillar of the Global Community of Shared Future”) revealed that over 200 BRI cooperation pacts had been inked with over 150 nations.
• The document also stated that total two-way investment between China and partner countries from 2013 to 2022 touched $380 billion.
• Under China’s Marshall Plan, motorways, power plants, ports, railway networks, and digital infrastructure have been built.
• Some of the key projects are:

1. 1. Laos High-speed railway: Laos took on huge loans from China to partially finance a $6 billion high-speed railway connecting it with the underdeveloped, landlocked nation.
   2. Djibouti Naval base: China showered Djibouti with investment after bringing the small African nation into the BRI’s orbit, and a military base is the centerpiece of the project.

ISSUES WITH BRI:

• Debt sustainability: One of the most significant criticisms of the BRI is that it is a debt trap, which involves China lending money to developing countries for infrastructure projects that they cannot afford to repay. Critics argue that this leads to countries becoming trapped in a cycle of debt and dependence on China, which can undermine their sovereignty and increase their vulnerability to economic and political pressure from China.
• Social and environmental impact: There are also concerns regarding social and environmental impact of the infrastructure projects. A report from the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute on the BRI has highlighted issues related to ecological damage, displacement of people, disputes over payouts and labour unrest.
• Decentralised approach: The BRI is not a multilateral initiative but seen as a collection of bilateral projects. This decentralized approach leads to lack of coordination and create governance challenges. It lacks a centralized governing structure, making it difficult to address issues collectively.

INDIA’S POSITION

• India is among the first countries to oppose the project, India had signalled its strong displeasure ahead of the first BRF over the inclusion of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a BRI project.
• The CPEC passes through Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir and is the main reason for India not participating in the BRI. It is against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• India’s initiative: India need to participate actively with its partners in the region to offer alternative connectivity arrangements to its neighbours.
• Global initiative: There is a need of strengthening of global initiatives to counter BRI. With the emergence of alternative initiatives, such as the G7’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) and the EU’s Global Gateway Plan, could also shape the future of infrastructure development in developing countries.
• China’s role: The future of the BRI will depend on China’s ability to address the challenges and concerns raised by participating countries and to adapt to changing global conditions.

To ensure the long-term sustainability and success of the BRI, China may need to focus on promoting greater transparency and sustainability in BRI projects and work collaboratively with participating countries to address debt sustainability concerns.

THE CONCLUSION: The BRI faces significant challenges, including concerns about debt sustainability and the impact of China’s economic slowdown. Here, there is a need to provide an alternative to BRI, but the larger and stronger economies have to come together to find a way ahead.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS:

Q.1 The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same. (2018)

Q.2 “China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia”. In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour. (2017)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q.1 BRI has raised geopolitical concerns regarding Chinese control over critical infrastructure, and it is blamed for its “debt-trap diplomacy’’. Analyse.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-bri-at-10-some-hits-many-misses/article67435346.ece

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Cabinet approves Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for Rabi Crops for Marketing Season 2024-25 READ MORE
2. How quantum algorithms solve problems that classical computers can’t READ MORE
3. Parliamentary Panel examining Bill to increase minimum age of marriage for women gets another extension READ MORE  
4. Centre notifies transfer of 16 High Court judges, appointment of 17 READ MORE
5. OBCs and subcategories: Why this has been a hot-button issue for long READ MORE
6. Severe drought grips the Amazon rainforest: The impact, cause and grim future READ MORE
7. Israel using white phosphorus in Gaza? 5 things about the controversial weapon READ MORE
8. Flash floods in Kerala: A junked breakwater plan may have been Achilles’ heel READ MORE
9. Microalgae are adapting to warming climate, declining nutrient levels in seas with novel strategy READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. In India, reproductive autonomy remains a pipedream READ MORE
2. Why Supreme Court’s same-sex marriage verdict opens no doors for queer people READ MORE
3. Same-Sex Marriage: An opportunity lost, hope not forever READ MORE
4. Holes in the green cover READ MORE
5. Is climate change the reason for Sikkim flash floods? READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Revamp governance to make cities liveable READ MORE
2. Limits to women’s reproductive rights READ MORE
3. Same-Sex Marriage : Onus on legislature to initiate reforms READ MORE
4. Two decades on, India plans to strengthen diplomatic corps READ MORE
5. Federalism puzzle READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. India Improve nutrition delivery and don’t bristle at low rank READ MORE
2. Global Hunger Index a stark reminder to address hunger, poverty READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. The BRI at 10, some hits, many misses READ MORE
2. The old Middle East is not back READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. The measure of the working woman READ MORE
2. Fear factor: On the inflation battle READ MORE
3. Going beyond the International Year of Millets to achieve decade-long action READ MORE
4. Tackling urban poverty READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Accelerating green innovation through EVs READ MORE
2. India’s energy transition: Who will lead the way? READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. The explosion of digital uncertainty READ MORE
2. The final frontier READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Localise strategies to build climate resilience READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Cybercrime surge: Focus on persistent vigil, collaborative efforts READ MORE
2. Beyond ‘Black Mirror’s’ fiction – Impact of Generative AI on policing, security READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Consciousness chronicles, from duality to bliss READ MORE
2. Happy greetings READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. As the threat of climate change grows stark in the Himalayan regions, the Early Warning System should be deployed to avoid numerous disasters. Comment.
2. Despite the emergence of numerous education policies in the post-independence period, India has yet to generate an indigenous system of education that is propelled by rationality, scientific temper and empathy. Do you agree that transforming education into the practice of freedom is an effective way forward?
3. The Electoral Bonds scheme not only creates an uneven playing field for political parties but is a danger to our democracy. Comment.
4. The SHG federations with the existing panchayat-level committees have opportunities to contribute to the development process of the village to upgrade education, health, sanitation and infrastructure facilities. Comment.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• You cannot continue to victimise someone else just because you yourself were a victim once.
• Our real enemies are not men and women but suspicion, fear, hatred, violence and feeling of revenge and these enemies cannot be eliminated by military means.
• Discoms will be profitable only when they are unshackled from state controls and electricity distribution is deregulated.
• The goal should be to create more employers than employees, and it is hoped that “PM Vishwakarma” will help make this a reality.
• The SHG federations can work with the existing panchayat-level committees to contribute to the development process of the village to upgrade education, health, sanitation and infrastructure facilities.
• The SHG model is a flexible and comprehensive tool to steer holistic development services as opposed to only providing financial and livelihood services to SHG women.
• While women-led federations role in promoting empowerment and livelihoods promotion is well known, not much has been highlighted about the SHG federation’s work in providing non-financial and development services in their communities.
• As the threat of climate change grows stark in the Himalayan regions the Early Warning System should be deployed to avoid numerous disasters.
• The biggest concern for India right now is the decline in both merchandise exports and imports over the past eight months.
• If the Indian government remains convinced about not joining the RCEP, it must have strategic reasons, which is fine. But it must nevertheless address the ongoing outcomes of such a decision, and that’s where agility in policymaking comes in.
• Despite the emergence of numerous education policies in the post-Independence period, India is yet to generate an indigenous system of education that is propelled by rationality, scientific temper and empathy.
• Education has to set its epistemic and moral worth and the goals of education should be quality, equity and efficiency in learning outcomes.
• A level playing field in terms of educational opportunities and competition, coupled with affirmative action, can enhance classroom accountability.
• To integrate critical thinking, educational reform has to assimilate the willingness to be rationally critiqued and learning must inculcate the ability to question from different vantage points.
• One is the legalisation of anonymous donations, and the other is the violation of citizens’ right to information about the funding of parties.
• The legalisation of anonymous donations would amount to facilitation and legitimisation of corruption.
• In a democracy, the public have the right to know who funds parties because the funding may be used to influence policies.

50-WORD TALK

• While arguments on who bombed al-Ahli Hospital rage, it underlines the horrors ahead if war grinds on in densely-populated Gaza. The killing of innocent civilians is empowering extremists and defeating the international peacemaking crisis. Leaders on all sides must refrain from stoking a fire threatening to spread beyond the region.
• As the threat of climate change grows stark, events like the recent glacial lake outburst flood that caused death and devastation in Sikkim are becoming frequent. This underlines the urgency of installing early warning systems in the fragile Himalayan range. Governments can no longer afford to ignore such red flags.
• Faced with a moral, legal and ethical dilemma, the Supreme Court walked on eggshells to reject a 26-week-old pregnant woman’s plea to abort her foetus on the ground that it risked her psychologically. The issue will be debated in the coming days as a prudent balance between competing fundamental rights.
• GIFT City has many infrastructural marvels, and attractive tax incentives. But, it’s nowhere near being the next Singapore. It needs to come out of Gujarat government’s shadows and allow a restriction-free, socially liberal lifestyle that youthful, global workforce thrives on. Relax prohibition, improve connectivity, housing, open spas, and golf courses.

Things to Remember:

• For prelims-related news try to understand the context of the news and relate with its concepts so that it will be easier for you to answer (or eliminate) from given options.
• Whenever any international place will be in news, you should do map work (marking those areas in maps and exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers, etc. same applies to the national places.)
• For economy-related news (banking, agriculture, etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related to various economic aspects, for example, if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing price rises, shortage of essential supplies, banking rates, etc.
• For main exam-related topics, you should focus on the various dimensions of the given topic, the most important topics which occur frequently and are important from the mains point of view will be covered in ED. Try to use the given content in your answer. Regular use of this content will bring more enrichment to your writing.

1. GLOBAL MARITIME INDIA SUMMIT 2023

TAG: GS 3: ECONOMY, GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: Prime Minister has virtually inaugurated the third edition of the Global Maritime India Summit 2023 on 17^th October 2023.

EXPLANATION:

• The summit is the biggest Maritime Event in the country and will witness the participation of Ministers from across the globe representing countries from Europe, Africa, South America, and Asia (including central Asia, Middle East and BIMSTEC region).
• The summit is also to be attended by Global CEOs, Business leaders, Investors, Officials, and other stakeholders worldwide.
• Further, several Indian states will also be represented at the summit by the Ministers and other dignitaries.
• The three-day summit will discuss and deliberate key issues of the maritime sector:
  • Ports of the future
  • Decarbonisation
  • Coastal shipping and inland waterways
  • Shipbuilding, repair, and recycling
  • Finance, insurance, and arbitration
  • Maritime clusters
  • Innovation and technology
  • Maritime safety and security
• The first Maritime India summit was held in 2016 in Mumbai while the Second Maritime Summit was held virtually in 2021.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SUMMIT:

• ‘Amrit Kaal Vision 2047’, a blueprint for the Indian maritime blue economy was unveiled.
• The blueprint outlines strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing port facilities, promoting sustainable practices, and facilitating international collaboration.
• In line with this futuristic plan the foundation stone for projects worth more than Rs 23,000 crores was laid that are aligned with the ‘Amrit Kaal Vision 2047’ for the Indian maritime blue economy.
• The summit provides an excellent platform for attracting investment in the country’s maritime sector.
• The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of Tuna Tekra all-weather deep draft terminal, to be built at a cost of more than Rs 4,500 crores at Deendayal Port Authority in Gujarat.
• This state-of-the-art greenfield terminal will be developed in Public–Private Partnership (PPP) mode.
• The terminal, which is likely to emerge as an international trade hub, will handle next-gen vessels exceeding 18,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).
• It will act as a gateway for Indian trade via the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC).
• The Prime Minister also dedicated more than 300 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth more than 7 lakh crore for global and national partnerships in the maritime sector.

ABOUT THE SUMMIT:

• Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS) 2023 is a flagship event aimed at propelling the Indian maritime economy by promoting global and regional partnerships and facilitating investments.
• It is an annual meet of the Indian and international maritime community to address key industry issues and exchange ideas to bring the sector forward.
• Driven by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, GMIS 2023 brings together global maritime players, policy makers and regulators, key opinion leaders and industry leaders.
• The event includes an investor summit and an international exhibition to facilitate interaction and collaboration among the Indian and international maritime companies, policy makers, investors, and other stakeholders.
• To encourage dialogue and cooperation among key industry leaders, the event features a Global CEOs’ Forum.
• Further, to recognize partners that have made outstanding contributions to India’s development as a leading maritime center, the event will host Maritime Excellence Achievers’ ceremony.
• The 3-day event will be inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India and expected to be attended by the globally renowned industry players.

SOURCE: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1968331

2. SAME SEX MARRIAGE

TAG: GS 2: POLITY, GS 2: SOCIAL JUSTICE

THE CONTEXT: The Supreme Court upheld constitutionality of Special Marriage Act in present form and entrusts legislature to debate, decide on providing legal status to same-sex relationships.

EXPLANATION:

• The Constitution Bench ruled that courts cannot intervene in the matter as there is no fundamental right to marry.
• It held that only the legislature can recognise or regulate queer marriage.
• All five judges on the Bench unanimously accepting that laws and society discriminate against same-sex couples.
• But they failed to reach a consensus to provide even long-abiding relationships between queer couples the status of a legally recognised “civil union”.

OPINION OF THE MINORITY OF THE BENCH:

• Minority of the bench hold the view that queer people have a fundamental right to form a relationship, and the state should not fail to give such unions a legal status so that same-sex couples could avail the material benefits provided under the law.
• The right to enter into a union cannot be restricted on the basis of sexual orientation. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is violative of Article 15 of the Constitution.
  • Right to form a union was a feature of the fundamental right to choose partners and lead a dignified, meaningful life.
  • Equality cannot be denied to same-sex couples on the basis of their sexual orientation. Queer persons have a right to form abiding relationships.
• Legal recognition to same-sex relationships was a step forward towards “marriage equality”.
• They held that constitutional authorities should carve out a regulatory framework to recognise the civil union of adults in a same-sex relationship.
• The majority views of Justices disagreed on the point, holding that it was for the legislature, and not the Court, to formally recognise and grant legal status to non-heterosexual relationships.
• But all the five judges on the Bench agreed that the Special Marriage Act of 1954 was not unconstitutional for excluding same-sex marriages.
• They said that tinkering with the Special Marriage Act of 1954 to bring same-sex unions within its ambit would not be advisable. It is Parliament and State legislature to enact laws on marriage.

FORMATION OF THE COMMITTEE:

• The Bench nevertheless unanimously agreed that same sex couples face discrimination and harassment in their daily lives.
• The court urged the government to form a high-powered committee chaired by the Union Cabinet Committee to expeditiously look into genuine human concerns faced by same-sex partners.
• The Chief Justice suggested that the committee should look into whether queer couples could be treated as members of the same family for the purpose of ration card; succession; maintenance; opening of a joint bank account; arrangement of last rites of partners; access benefits of rights and benefits of employment, etc.

LEGAL BATTLE OF THE SAME SEX MARRIAGE:

• The legal battle for same-sex marriage in India began in 2001, when Naz Foundation (India) Trust filed a petition in the Delhi High Court challenging the constitutionality of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalized “carnal intercourse against the order of nature”.
• In 2009, the Delhi High Court ruled that Section 377 was unconstitutional in so far as it applied to consensual sexual activity between adults.
• However, the Supreme Court of India overturned the Delhi High Court’s ruling in 2013 and held that the decision to decriminalise homosexuality could only be made by Parliament and not the Court.
• In 2014, a group of LGBTQ+ activists filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of Section 377 once again.
• In 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that Section 377 was unconstitutional in its entirety.
• The Supreme Court’s ruling was a major victory for the LGBTQ+ community in India, and it paved the way for the legalization of same-sex marriage.
• In 2019, a group of LGBTQ+ activists filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking the legalization of same-sex marriage.
• The legal battle for same-sex marriage in India has been long and arduous However significant progress has been made in recent years.
• The Supreme Court’s ruling decriminalizing homosexuality and the Supreme Court’s recent judgement are both signs of progress.
• It is important to note that the legal battle for same-sex marriage is not just about the right to marry but right to equality and the right to be free from discrimination.
• The LGBTQ+ community in India faces discrimination in many areas of life, including employment, housing, and healthcare. The legalization of same-sex marriage would send a powerful message that the LGBTQ+ community is equal to any other community in India.
• The legal battle for same-sex marriage in India is a complex issue with many different perspectives. It is important to be respectful of all perspectives and to engage in civil discourse.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/sc-declines-to-legalise-same-sex-marriage-says-legislature-to-decide/article67431746.ece

3. LYMPHATIC FILARIASIS (LF)

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: Lao People’s Democratic Republic has eliminated lymphatic filariasis (LF), a disease that cripples and has significant social and economic impact on the affected communities according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

EXPLANATION:

• This is the country’s second neglected tropical disease (NTD) to be eliminated in six years, following the elimination of trachoma as a public health hazard in 2017.
• The WHO attributed the success to decades of hard effort by the Lao government, health-care workers, communities, and national and international partners.
• Lao PDR is now the second country after Bangladesh to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (LF) in 2023.
• Nineteen countries have been able to eliminate LF, according to the WHO progress report on the disease released on October 13, 2023.

LYMPHATIC FILARIASIS (LF):

• Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a neglected tropical disease.
• Over 882 million people in 44 countries worldwide remain threatened by lymphatic filariasis and require preventive chemotherapy to stop the spread of this parasitic infection.

CAUSE, TRANSMISSION AND SYMPTOMS:

• Lymphatic filariasis is caused by infection with parasites classified as nematodes (roundworms) of the family Filariodidea.
• There are 3 types of these thread-like filarial worms:
  • Wuchereria bancrofti, which is responsible for 90% of the cases.
  • Brugia malayi, which causes most of the remainder of the cases.
  • Brugia timori, which also causes the disease.
• Infection occurs when filarial parasites are transmitted to humans through mosquitoes.
• Infection is usually acquired in childhood and causes hidden damage to the lymphatic system.
• Lymphatic filariasis impairs the lymphatic system and can lead to the abnormal enlargement of body parts, causing pain, severe disability and social stigma.

ELIMINATION:

• Lymphatic filariasis can be eliminated by stopping the spread of infection through preventive chemotherapy with safe medicine combinations repeated annually.
• More than 9 billion cumulative treatments have been delivered to stop the spread of infection since 2000.
• As of 2018, 51 million people were infected – a 74% decline since the start of WHO’s Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis in 2000.
• Due to successful implementation of WHO strategies, 740 million people no longer require preventive chemotherapy.
• An essential, recommended package of care can alleviate suffering and prevent further disability among people living with disease caused by lymphatic filariasis.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/health/lao-pdr-becomes-second-country-in-2023-after-bangladesh-to-eliminate-lymphatic-filariasis-92355

4. BRIGHT TRANSIENT SURVEY BOT (BTSBOT)

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: For the first time, artificial intelligence (AI) has searched for, detected, confirmed, classified, and announced a supernova discovery without any human intervention.

EXPLANATION:

• This new AI tool called Bright Transient Survey Bot (BTSbot) has been developed by an international team of scientists, using over 1.4 million images from nearly 16,000 sources to train its machine-learning algorithm.
• It is reported that the new system allows automation of the entire star explosion discovery process, which not only eliminates human error but also dramatically increases speed.
• Removing humans from the loop provides more time for the research team to analyze their observations and develop new hypotheses to explain the origin of the cosmic explosions that we observe.
• This significantly streamlines large studies of supernovae and help to better understand the life cycles of stars and the origin of elements supernovae create, like carbon, iron and gold.

BRIGHT TRANSIENT SURVEY BOT:

• It is a machine-learning algorithm which has been trained by using over 1.4 million images from nearly 16,000 sources.
• It detected the newly discovered supernova named SN2023tyk in data from the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) which is believed to be a Type Ia supernova located around 760 million light-years from Earth.

WORKING MECHANISM:

• It automatically requested the potential supernova’s spectrum from Palomar Observatory – where another robotic telescope, the Spectral Energy Distribution Machine (SEDM) performed an in-depth observation to obtain the source’s spectrum.
• This new system not only allows automation of the entire search for new supernovae across the night sky but also eliminates human error and dramatically increases speed.
• It searched, detected, confirmed, classified, and announced the findings without any human intervention.

WHY IS IT COMPARATIVELY DIFFICULT FOR HUMANS TO DETECT?

• The current process of detecting and analysing supernovae involves humans working hand in hand with robotic systems.
• Though supernovae are bright and energetic events, they are not that common, and certainly not easy to spot.
• The traditional method involves relying on robotic telescopes repeatedly taking images of the same sections of the night sky to detect new sources of light after which humans take over.
• Subsequently, astronomers have to visually inspect large volumes of data.
• This time-consuming process is believed to be the reason why astronomers have only discovered a small fraction of all supernovae that occur in the universe.
• But automated software presents a list of candidate explosions to humans, who spend time verifying the candidates and executing spectroscopic observations.

SOURCE: https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/ai-finds-supernova-the-biggest-explosion-in-universe-first-without-human-help-2450230-2023-10-17

5. RICE FORTIFICATION

TAG: GS 3: AGRICULTURE

THE CONTEXT: The Supreme Court on October 14, 2023, directed the Centre to respond to concerns regarding the government’s iron fortified rice programme and its indiscriminate distribution to even those suffering from thalassemia and sickle cell disease.

EXPLANATION:

• The Supreme Court asked the government to apprise it in four weeks about the steps taken to comply with a provision of the regulations.
• Provision of the Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulations, 2018 provides that labels on bags containing fortified rice should carry an advisory that it is harmful for people suffering from thalassemia and sickle cell anaemia.
• The 2018 regulations provided that every package of food fortified with iron shall carry a statement, “People with thalassemia may take under medical supervision and persons with Sickle Cell Anaemia are advised not to consume iron fortified food-products”.
• The directions were given in response to a public interest litigation filed by Rajesh Krishnan and others, challenging the government’s iron fortified rice programme.

ISSUES WITH THE IRON FORTIFIED FOOD:

• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s statutory regulations has warned patients with thalassemia and sickle cell anaemia against consuming iron-fortified food or about using it only under strict medical supervision.
• Patients of haemoglobinopathies (a group of blood disorders that affect red blood cells) like thalassemia and sickle cell disease are contraindicated to eat iron, according to clause 7 (4) of the Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulation, 2018 and also based on global scientific evidence.
• Consuming iron could lead to adverse outcomes like organ failure for people with such conditions.
• This means that giving iron-fortified rice indiscriminately, without any screening for such patients, is a non-compliance of the government with their own warnings.
• A fact-finding visit by Alliance for Sustainable and Holistic Agriculture and Right to Food Campaign in the two states of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.
• It revealed that the labelling requirements and the operational guidelines were not being followed; importantly, in food schemes where the food distribution is unpackaged or even cooked, there were no written or verbal warnings.

FOOD FORTIFICATION:

• Food fortification refers to the addition of chemical / synthetic vitamins and minerals (like iron, folic acid, iodine, zinc, vitamins B12, A, D) that are not available naturally in particular foods and is used as a strategy to address malnutrition in India.

HOW IS RICE FORTIFIED WITH IRON?

• Under the fortification scheme, milled broken rice is ground to dust and a premix of vitamins and minerals is added to it.
• Thereafter, an extruder machine is used to produce fortified rice kernels (FRK) resembling rice grains.
• The kernels are then mixed in a 1:100 ratio with regular rice to produce fortified rice.
• The cost to the consumer is estimated to be less than 50 paisa per kg.
• According to the food ministry, the fortification programme aims to cover 291 aspirational and high burden (nutrient deficient) districts across the country by March 2023, for which 9 million tonnes of fortified rice has been produced.

FORTIFIED RICE PROGRAMME:

• Prime Minister in his Independence Day address in 2021, said the government aims to distribute fortified rice via the government schemes by 2024.
• Thereafter, a scheme for the distribution of fortified rice, containing prescribed micronutrients (Iron, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12) was launched in October 2021 in a phased manner in order to address the problem of anaemia in children and women.
• In April 2022, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the supply of fortified rice throughout the Public Distribution System (PDS), Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman-PM POSHAN (erstwhile Mid-Day Meal Scheme) and other welfare schemes in all states and Union Territories (UTs) by 2024 in a phased manner.
• The entire cost of rice fortification, which is around Rs 2,700 crore per annum, would be borne by the Centre as part of the food subsidy till its full implementation up to June 2024.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/food/no-health-warnings-on-iron-fortified-rice-sc-directs-govt-to-respond-in-4-weeks-92348

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. PM inaugurates Global Maritime India Summit 2023 READ MORE
2. SC declines to legalise same-sex marriage, says legislature to decide READ MORE
3. Kerala mulls planting bamboo along Munnar’s Gap Road to avert landslips READ MORE  
4. ST status for Meiteis was considered and rejected in 1982 and 2001, government records show READ MORE
5. How synergistic barriers are affecting progress on SDGs READ MORE
6. AI finds supernova, the biggest explosion in universe, first without human help READ MORE
7. India-Sri Lanka ferry service restarted after 40 yrs: Opportunities, challenges READ MORE
8. Scientists using AI to decode secrets of ancient Pompeii scroll READ MORE
9. Amazon forests threatened: 10% more wildfires than last year, environmental gains may be undone READ MORE
10. No health warnings on iron fortified rice: SC directs govt to respond in 4 weeks READ MORE  

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Why Supreme Court’s same-sex marriage verdict opens no doors for queer people READ MORE
2. Solve water woes to save TN growth target READ MORE
3. Is climate change the reason for Sikkim flash floods? READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Demolishing the frame from outside the Constitution READ MORE
2. Centralised procurement as a powerful health idea READ MORE
3. Law and custom: On the Supreme Court’s verdict on same-sex marriage READ MORE
4. Invoking the spectre of judicial legislation READ MORE
5. Empowered CAG: Guardian of public purse must stay independent READ MORE
6. Providing non-financial services to rural communities READ MORE
7. Electoral Bonds must be scrapped READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Food deprivation & hunger remain widespread in India READ MORE
2. Higher education at crossroads READ MORE
3. Transform learning READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. A ferry tale from the neighbourhood READ MORE
2. Building bridges READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. How to read India’s latest employment data READ MORE
2. Role of banks in a knowledge economy READ MORE
3. Gig workers law deepens industrial democracy READ MORE
4. Watch out for global headwinds READ MORE
5. Farm to fork: An overview of millet supply chains in India READ MORE
6. GM crops need more research READ MORE
7. Indian Agriculture has a problem. We farm too much for too little READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Climate lessons from G20 for Dubai COP28 READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. AI could redefine police techniques READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Localise strategies to build climate resilience READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Cybercrime surge: Focus on persistent vigil, collaborative efforts READ MORE
2. Beyond ‘Black Mirror’s’ fiction – Impact of Generative AI on policing, security READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. This Quote Means: ‘Women… are fuelled by a will to survive’, from Iran’s Nobel Peace Prize winner READ MORE
2. The Buddha’s wisdom can help to heal the mind READ MORE
3. Supreme intelligence READ MORE
4. Civil servants who say no to scams are national icons READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. As the threat of climate change grows stark in the Himalayan regions, the Early Warning System should be deployed to avoid numerous disasters. Comment.
2. Despite the emergence of numerous education policies in the post-independence period, India has yet to generate an indigenous system of education that is propelled by rationality, scientific temper and empathy. Do you agree that transforming education into the practice of freedom is an effective way forward?
3. The Electoral Bonds scheme not only creates an uneven playing field for political parties but is a danger to our democracy. Comment.
4. The SHG federations with the existing panchayat-level committees has opportunities to contribute to the development process of the village to upgrade education, health, sanitation and infrastructure facilities. Comment.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• The Constitution’s identity is endangered not just by a textual transformation but also in the subversion of its liberal, democratic environment.
• Our real enemies are not men and women but suspicion, fear, hatred, violence and feeling of revenge and these enemies cannot be eliminated by military means.
• Discoms will be profitable only when they are unshackled from state controls and electricity distribution is deregulated.
• The goal should be to create more employers than employees, and it is hoped that “PM Vishwakarma” will help make this a reality.
• The SHG federations can work with the existing panchayat-level committees to contribute to the development process of the village to upgrade education, health, sanitation and infrastructure facilities.
• The SHG model is a flexible and comprehensive tool to steer holistic development services as opposed to only providing financial and livelihood services to SHG women.
• While women-led federations role in promoting empowerment and livelihoods promotion is well known, not much has been highlighted about the SHG federation’s work in providing non-financial and development services in their communities.
• As the threat of climate change grows stark in the Himalayan regions the Early Warning System should be deployed to avoid numerous disasters.
• The biggest concern for India right now is the decline in both merchandise exports and imports over the past eight months.
• If the Indian government remains convinced about not joining the RCEP, it must have strategic reasons, which is fine. But it must nevertheless address the ongoing outcomes of such a decision, and that’s where agility in policymaking comes in.
• Despite the emergence of numerous education policies in the post-Independence period, India is yet to generate an indigenous system of education that is propelled by rationality, scientific temper and empathy.
• Education has to set its epistemic and moral worth and the goals of education should be quality, equity and efficiency in learning outcomes.
• A level playing field in terms of educational opportunities and competition, coupled with affirmative action, can enhance classroom accountability.
• To integrate critical thinking, educational reform has to assimilate the willingness to be rationally critiqued and learning must inculcate the ability to question from different vantage points.
• One is the legalisation of anonymous donations, and the other is the violation of citizens’ right to information about the funding of parties.
• The legalisation of anonymous donations would amount to facilitation and legitimisation of corruption.
• In a democracy, the public have the right to know who funds parties because the funding may be used to influence policies.

50-WORD TALK

• As the threat of climate change grows stark, events like the recent glacial lake outburst flood that caused death and devastation in Sikkim are becoming frequent. This underlines the urgency of installing early warning systems in the fragile Himalayan range. Governments can no longer afford to ignore such red flags.
• Faced with a moral, legal and ethical dilemma, the Supreme Court walked on eggshells to reject a 26-week-old pregnant woman’s plea to abort her foetus on the ground that it risked her psychologically. The issue will be debated in the coming days as a prudent balance between competing fundamental rights.
• GIFT City has many infrastructural marvels, and attractive tax incentives. But, it’s nowhere near being the next Singapore. It needs to come out of Gujarat government’s shadows and allow a restriction-free, socially liberal lifestyle that youthful, global workforce thrives on. Relax prohibition, improve connectivity, housing, open spas, and golf courses.

Things to Remember:

• For prelims-related news try to understand the context of the news and relate with its concepts so that it will be easier for you to answer (or eliminate) from given options.
• Whenever any international place will be in news, you should do map work (marking those areas in maps and exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers, etc. same applies to the national places.)
• For economy-related news (banking, agriculture, etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related to various economic aspects, for example, if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing price rises, shortage of essential supplies, banking rates, etc.
• For main exam-related topics, you should focus on the various dimensions of the given topic, the most important topics which occur frequently and are important from the mains point of view will be covered in ED. Try to use the given content in your answer. Regular use of this content will bring more enrichment to your writing.

THE CONTEXT: Recently, Indian Ocean Rim Association’s (IORA) Council of Ministers (COM) held in Colombo, Sri Lanka on October 11, 2023 that was attended by foreign ministers and senior officials of the 23-nation grouping of countries.

HIGHLIGHT OF IORA 2023 CONFERENCE

• The theme of Indian Ocean Rim Association’s (IORA) Council of Ministers (COM) is ‘Reinforcing Indian Ocean Identity’.
• Sri Lanka took charge as Chair from Bangladesh, and India is Vice-Chair, meaning that the troika of IORA is within the South Asian region.
• The conference witnessed the signing of three agreements on bilateral cooperation:

1. 1. Indian assistance for housing projects
   2. Modernising school
   3. A new joint project between the Indian National Dairy Development Board, Amul cooperative and the Sri Lankan Cargill Group to increase milk production in Sri Lanka.

ABOUT INDIAN OCEAN RIM ASSOCIATION’S (IORA)

• The Indian Ocean Rim Association includes 23 countries from Africa, West Asia, South Asia, South East Asia, Australia and littoral states situated in and around the Indian Ocean.
• IORA’s apex body is the Council of Foreign Ministers, which meets once a year and moves by rotation through members every two years.
• IORA’s membership includes 23 countries: Australia, Bangladesh, the Comoros, France, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, the Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, the UAE and Yemen.
• It also has 11 dialogue partners: China, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Türkiye, the U.K. and the U.S.

HOW WAS IT FORMED?

• Its genesis came from a speech of Nelson Mandela in Delhi in 1995 when he was invited as the guest for Republic Day. He said that India and South Africa should explore “the concept of an Indian Ocean Rim of socioeconomic cooperation and other peaceful endeavours” that could help developing countries within other multilateral institutions.
• IORA was formed in 1997 in Mauritius and named initially as Indian Ocean Region-Association for Regional Cooperation.

WHY DOES THE INDIAN OCEAN REGION MATTER?

• A third of the world’s population i.e 2.6 billion people live in the region, and 80% of global oil trade, 50% of the world’s containerised cargo and 33% of its bulk cargo passes through it.
• The region produces a combined total of $1 trillion in goods and services, and intra-IORA trade is estimated at around $800 billion.
• There is a need of maintaining the Indian Ocean as a “free, open and inclusive space” for maintaining sovereignty and territorial integrity. It can help in countering China and countering unviable projects or unsustainable debt” to countries in the Indian Ocean Region.

WHAT DOES IORA FOCUS ON?

• According to its charter, the IORA’s seven priority areas are

1. 1. Maritime safety and security
   2. Trade and investment facilitation
   3. Fisheries management
   4. Disaster risk management
   5. Academic
   6. Science and technology
   7. Tourism and cultural exchanges
   8. Gender empowerment.

• The IORA also runs a special fund in addition, disbursing $80,000-$150,000 for project grants to members, and has a particular focus on climate change.
• IORA has special focus on strategic issues and the importance of keeping a free and open sea lane, guarding against piracy.

WHY IORA MATTERS TO INDIA?

• Challenges in other regional organizations: India’s other regional organisations, like SAARC and BIMSTEC, face their own challenges. While the QUAD has made progress it remains largely U.S.-led, along with military allies Australia and Japan.
• Countering China: As, China is actively trying to rope in India’s neighbours with groupings like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Development Cooperation which exclude India. IORA can play a significant role in countering China.
• Avoid big power rivalries: IORA membership is based on consensus, hence it remains a safe space for India and other countries of the region to keep out the constant challenge of big-power rivalries.
• Excludes Pakistan: Pakistan has not been admitted to the grouping since it first applied in 2001, on the basis that it has not extended MFN (most favoured nation) status to India. This makes the IORA a less contentious space for India as well, compared to groupings like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

THE CONCLUSION: For ensuring a free, open, and inclusive rules-based Indian Ocean region for the benefit of all the countries of the region, there is a need to strengthen and utilize the maximum potential of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS:

Q.1 Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD)’ is the transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times – Discuss. (2020)

Q.2 The newly tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario. (2021)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS:

Q.1 Discuss the importance of IORA in maintaining ‘’free, open and prosperous” Indian Ocean Region.

Q.2 Critically examine the aims and objectives of IORA. What importance does it hold for India?

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/how-is-the-indian-ocean-rim-association-a-key-bloc-for-india-explained/article67421544.ece

1. QUANTUM ENGINE

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT:A team of physicists in Germany has developed a new type of quantum engine that works by flipping the identity of atoms.

EXPLANATION:

• The engine is still in its early stages of development, but it could have far-reaching implications for the future of energy production and computing.
• The new quantum engine is based on a theoretical concept called the Pauli engine, which was first proposed in 2003.
• The Pauli engine is a type of heat engine that converts the energy difference between two quantum states of a group of atoms into work.

HOW IT WORKS:

• The engine works by exploiting a fundamental difference between two types of subatomic particles: fermions and bosons.
• Fermions are particles that obey the Pauli exclusion principle.
  • It means that no two fermions can occupy the same quantum state at the same time.
• Bosons, on the other hand, do not obey the Pauli exclusion principle, which means that they can all occupy the same quantum state.
• The engine works by starting with a group of fermions that are cooled to very low temperatures.
• At these temperatures, the fermions will all occupy the lowest energy level possible.
• However, if the fermions are then exposed to a strong magnetic field, their energy levels will change, and they will be forced to occupy higher energy levels.
• This process is known as a Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC).
• Once the fermions have been converted to bosons, they can be used to power the engine.
• The engine works by exploiting the fact that bosons have a lower energy than fermions.
• By flipping the identity of the atoms back and forth between fermions and bosons, the engine can release energy.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS:

• The new quantum engine could have a wide range of potential applications.
• For example, it could be used to develop new types of batteries and fuel cells that are more efficient and have a higher energy density than current technologies.
• It could also be used to develop new types of quantum computers that are more powerful and faster than current computers.

CHALLENGES:

• One of the main challenges facing the development of the new quantum engine is that it is still very inefficient.
• The current prototype engine has an efficiency of only about 25%.
• However, the researchers believe that they can improve the efficiency of the engine significantly in the future.
• Another challenge is that the engine is very sensitive to temperature.
• It only works at very low temperatures, close to absolute zero.
• This means that the engine would need to be cooled using a cryogenic system, which would be expensive and complex.

CONCLUSION:

• The new quantum engine is a promising new technology with the potential to revolutionize energy production and computing.
• However, there are still a number of challenges that need to be overcome before the engine can be commercialized.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/pauli-engine-bec-bcs-crossover-quantum-thermodynamics/article67410557.ece/amp/

2. INDIAN OCEAN RIM ASSOCIATION

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT:The Indian Ocean Rim Association’s (IORA) Council of Ministers (COM) held in Colombo on October 11 was attended by foreign ministers and senior officials of the 23-nation grouping of countries with the theme “Reinforcing Indian Ocean Identity”.

WHAT IS THE IORA AND HOW WAS IT FORMED?

• The Indian Ocean Rim Association includes 23 countries from Africa, West Asia, South Asia, South East Asia, Australia and littoral states situated in and around the Indian Ocean.
• Its apex body is the Council of Foreign Ministers which meet annually.
• The grouping moves by rotation through members every two years.
• Sri Lanka took charge as Chair 2023 from Bangladesh, and India is Vice-Chair, meaning that the troika of IORA is within the South Asian region.
• IORA’s membership includes 23 countries: Australia, Bangladesh, the Comoros, France, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, the Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, the UAE and Yemen.
• It also has 11 dialogue partners: China, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Türkiye, the U.K. and the U.S.
• The IORA was formed in 1997 (then called the Indian Ocean Region-Association for Regional Cooperation) in Mauritius.
• Itsgenesis came from a speech Nelson Mandela gave in Delhi in 1995.

IMPORTANCE OF THE INDIAN OCEAN REGION:

• A third of the world’s population (2.6 billion people) live in the region.
• 80% of global oil trade, 50% of the world’s containerised cargo and 33% of its bulk cargo passes through it.
• The region produces a combined total of $1 trillion in goods and services and intra-IORA trade is billed at around $800 billion.
• IORA, remains a “safe space” for India and other countries of the region that wish to keep out the constant challenge of big-power rivalries.
  • India’s other regional organisations, like SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) and BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation), face their own challenges.
  • While the QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue), has made progress, it remains U.S.-led, along with military allies Australia and Japan.
  • Meanwhile, China is actively trying to rope in India’s neighbours with groupings like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Development Cooperation, China-South Asian Countries Poverty Alleviation and Cooperative Development Centre, which exclude India.
• IORA membership is based on consensus, and Pakistan has not been admitted to the grouping since it first applied in 2001.
  • Because it has not extended MFN (most favoured nation) status to India, making the IORA a less contentious space for India as well, compared to groupings like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

IORA’s FOCUS:

• According to its charter, the IORA’s seven priority areas are
  • Maritimesafety and security;
  • Tradeand investment facilitation;
  • Fisheriesmanagement;
  • Disasterrisk management;
  • Academic;
  • Science and technology;
  • Tourism and cultural exchanges; and
  • Gender empowerment.
• The IORA also runs a special fund in addition, disbursing $80,000-$150,000 for project grants to members, and has a particular focus on climate change.
• Strategic issues and the importance of keeping a free and open sea lane, guarding against piracy, have become an integral part of the discussions.
• Speaking at the conference this year, External Affairs Minister of India stressed the importance of maintaining the Indian Ocean as a “free, open and inclusive space” where there was “respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity”.

SOURCE:https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.thehindu.com/news/national/how-is-the-indian-ocean-rim-association-a-key-bloc-for-india-explained/article67421544.ece/amp/

3. AMUR FALCONS

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT:The Manipur Forest Department will carry out a head count of Amur falcons-the world’s longest travelling raptors- in Tamenglong district.

EXPLANATION:

• The district’s forest unit as well as Tamenglong based Rainforest Club Tamenglong (RCT) are all set to hold a series of programmes jointly to spread awareness among the villages.
• Tamenglong’s district magistrate also released an order, banning on hunting, catching, killing and selling of the birds and using of air guns during the raptors’ roosting period.

IMPORTANCE OF THE HEAD COUNT:

• The head count will provide valuable data on the population of Amur falcons in Manipur, which is essential for developing effective conservation strategies.
• The data will also help to identify any new or emerging threats to the birds.
• The head count is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of Amur falcons and the need to protect them.
• The head count is also a sign of the Manipur Forest Department’s commitment to conserving Amur falcons and other wildlife in the state.

THREATS TO THE AMUR FALCON:

• Habitat loss:
  • Amur falcons rely on a variety of habitats during their migration, including grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands.
  • However, these habitats are increasingly being lost to development, agriculture, and other human activities.

• Hunting:
  • Amur falcons are hunted for food and for sport in some parts of their range.
  • This is a major threat to the species, especially in areas where populations are already declining.

• Pesticide poisoning:
  • Amur falcons can be poisoned by pesticides that are used in agriculture.
  • This is a particular threat to the birds during their wintering grounds in Africa, where pesticides are often used intensively.

• Climate change:
• • Climate change is also a threat to Amur falcons.
  • As the climate warms, the birds are forced to change their migration patterns and habitats.
  • This can make it more difficult for them to find food and nesting sites.

AMUR FALCONS:

• The Amur falcons are locally known as Akhuaipuina.
• They usually arrive in Manipur in thousands, mostly in Tamenglong in mid-October from their breeding grounds in South Eastern Siberia and Northern China.
• Feeds on dragonflies that follow a similar migration path over Arabian Sea.
• These pigeon-sized birds undertake a yearly journey covering up to 22,000 km(longest sea crossing of any raptor).
• They leave the region at November-end after having enough food for their non-stop flight to Africa, where they spend their winters.
• They also cross over the Indian Ocean between Western India and tropical East Africa, a journey of more than 4,000 km, which also includes nocturnal flight.
• This bird is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
• Migrates west through India and across the Arabian Sea to Southern Africa
• Flyway: East-Asian Australasian and African Eurasian
• Population of more than 1,000,000 breeding individuals.

SOURCE: https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/manipur-to-conduct-census-of-amur-falcon-world-s-longest-travelling-raptors-101697291617259.html

4. DECLINE IN POLLINATION IN TROPICAL AREAS

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT:According to a new study led by researchers from the University College London and the Natural History Museum, tropical crops like coffee, cocoa, watermelon and mango, face a potential crisis due to the loss of insect pollinators.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE STUDY:

• According to the United States Department of Agriculture, three-fourths of the world’s flowering plants and about 35 per cent of the world’s food crops depended on animal pollinators to reproduce.
• Using a dataset containing 2,673 sites and 3,080 insect pollinator species, the researchers showed that the combined pressures of climate change and agricultural activities have led to large reductions in insect pollinators.
• The researchers looked at which pollination-dependent crops were most at threat till 2050.
• The number of insects that pollinate those plants declined by 61 per cent.
• The highest risk to crop production from pollinator losses will be in the tropical regions of sub-Saharan Africa, South America and Southeast Asia.
• In terms of total production potentially at risk, China, India, Indonesia, Brazil and the Philippines emerged as being most at risk.
• Among crops, cocoa was estimated to be at the highest risk, by a large margin, especially in Africa, followed by mango, particularly in India, and watermelon in China.
• The main factors driving this decline were identified to be destruction of habitat, improper land-use such as grazing, fertilisers and crop monoculture of farming, along with high pesticide use.

FACTORS DRIVING THE DECLINE OF INSECTS POLLINATION:

• Altered climate and change in land-use have reduced the number of insects pollinating key tropical crops.
• Destruction of habitat,
• Improper land-use such as grazing
• Fertilisers
• Crop monoculture of farming, along with high pesticide use.

WAYS TO PROTECT INSECT POLLINATORS:

• Protect and restore natural habitats, such as forests, grasslands, and wetlands.
• Reduce the use of pesticides, especially systemic pesticides, which can harm insect pollinators even at low doses.
• Plant pollinator-friendly plants in gardens and other urban areas.
• Support sustainable agricultural practices that promote biodiversity.
• Educate the public about the importance of insect pollinators and how to protect them.

POLLINATION:

• Pollination is the process of transferring pollen from the male part of a flower to the female part of a flower.
• This is essential for the reproduction of many plants, including many of the crops that we rely on for food.

POLLINATION PROCESS:

• There are two main types of pollination: self-pollination and cross-pollination.
• Self-pollination:
• • This is when pollen from the male part of a flower is transferred to the female part of the same flower. Self-pollination is common in some plants, such as beans and peas.

• Cross-pollination:
• • This is when pollen from the male part of one flower is transferred to the female part of another flower. Cross-pollination is common in many plants, such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

IMPORTANCE OF POLLINATION:

• Cross-pollination is important for crop production because it can lead to higher yields and better-quality crops.
• For example, cross-pollinated tomato plants produce more fruit and larger fruit than self-pollinated tomato plants.
• Insect pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and moths, play a vital role in the cross-pollination of crops.
• When insects visit flowers to feed on nectar, they pick up pollen on their bodies.
• When they visit another flower, they transfer the pollen to the female part of that flower.
• The loss of insect pollinators is a serious threat to global food security.
• It is estimated that insect pollination contributes over €153 billion to the global economy each year.
• The loss of insect pollinators could lead to higher food prices and reduced food availability, especially for poor and vulnerable populations.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/agriculture/tropical-crops-at-risk-from-pollinator-loss-due-to-climate-change-shift-in-land-use-finds-study-92306

5. INDIAN RAILWAYS UNLIKELY TO MEET ASSET MONETISATION TARGET

TAG: GS 3: ECONOMY

THE CONTEXT: As per reports, the Indian Railways is unlikely to meet the asset monetisation targets given to it for the four-year period ending 2024-25.

EXPLANATION:

The National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP), proposed a monetisation target of Rs 1.52 lakh crore for the railways till FY25 but it has been able to achieve only a lower single-digit percentage of this goal.

Figures:

• During the FY22- FY25 period Indian Railways had the second largest target under the NMP which is 26% of the total value over 4 year period.
• It has managed to achieve asset monetisation of around Rs 30,000 crore against the target of Rs 57,222 crore in FY23.

Reasons for the skewed response to NMP in Indian Railways:

• The station redevelopment projects which were initially proposed in a public-private partnership (PPP) mode are now implemented under engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) mode.
• Attempts to privatise train operations have also not seen the success as envisaged owing to the pandemic and also due to risky nature of contracts skewed towards the interest of
• Higher premiums being the deciding factor for the winning bid and restrictions on routes and train timings etc are some reasons
• Indian Railways is a monopsony which also enhances the risk perception.

National Monetisation Pipeline:

• Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs in August 2021 launched the asset monetisation pipeline of Central ministries and public sector entities as ‘National Monetisation Pipeline’.
• Under the ambitious NMP, the government identified 13 sectors – including airports, railways, roads, shipping, gas pipeline among others to be privatised as the government aims to monetise its brown-field infrastructure assets.
• It is considered as one of the key factors in fulfilling the government’s goal of providing universal access to high-quality and affordable infrastructure to its citizens.
• The NMP estimated aggregate monetisation potential of Rs 6 lakh crores through core assets of the Central Government, over a four-year period, from FY 2022 to FY 2025.

SOURCE: https://www.deccanherald.com/business/indian-railways-unlikely-to-meet-rs-1-52-lcr-asset-monetisation-target-2727924

THE CONTEXT: Recently, Hamas launched its lethal attacks on Israel; the assault has blown the efforts of the US and Israel to promote normalization of relations with Arab states, especially Saudi Arabia.

MORE ON THE NEWS:

• Recently, Israeli Prime Minister showcased maps at the United Nations General Assembly.
• One map depicted an isolated Israel in 1948, while the other showed Arab neighbours that now had peace agreements with Israel, Egypt, Sudan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Jordan. It also showed all the occupied Palestinian territories, the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, as integral parts of Israel.
• He specifically praised the normalization process with Saudi Arabia and emphasized that the Palestinians should not have veto power over this process.

WHAT IS SAUDI-ISRAEL NORMALISATION?

• Saudi Arabia has been a big proponent of the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative. The initiative includes the establishment of a Palestinian state and a solution for Palestine refugees for the normalisation process with Israel. Saudi demands for Israel withdrawal from Palestinian territory and Syria’s Golan Heights.
• The process of normalization has been on the Saudi table since 2020. The normalization process is a US-backed diplomacy where diplomatic activities between the USA, Israel, and Saudi Arabia have even stated broad contours of the agreement.
• Negotiations between Israel, Saudi Arabia and USA even pushed for the deadline to be completed within 2023.

Condition of Saudi for normalization:

• S. approval for a civilian nuclear programme that provides for uranium enrichment within the country
• Israeli commitment to a process leading to a two-state solution with the Palestinians
• An “iron-clad” U.S. security guarantee for the country like to be included in North Atlantic Treaty Organization
• Sales of advanced weapons ‘

Israel stand:

• Israel stand is still optimistic expecting a deal to be reached soon, and by bridging the gap, there is a chance that in the first quarter of 2024, details of the deal will be finalized.
• It is not objecting to Saudi Arabia’s desire to build a nuclear programme as far as it is for civilian nuclear programme for energy requirements.
• However, Israel has rejected concessions to the Palestinian Authority (PA) government as part of normalising relations, including a settlement freeze in the occupied West Bank.

Palestinian stand:

Palestine has put its own set of conditions in exchange for Saudi Arabia normalising ties with Israel.

• Reopening of the US consulate in occupied East Jerusalem, which former US President Donald Trump closed in 2019.
• Asked the US to back full Palestinian representation at the United Nations.
• Asked Israel to give the Palestine Authorities more control over some parts of the occupied West Bank and getting rid of illegal Israeli outposts.

Iran stand:

• Iranian President has warned Saudi Arabia against making any deal with Israel by making a statement that any such deal would be a “stab in the back of the Palestinian people and their resistance”.

ISSUES:

• Palestine issue not recognised: Palestine issue was not taken into regard during the normalization discussion of Israel and Saudi Arabia.
• US opposing nuclear programme: There are concerns regarding Saudi developing its own nuclear programme, considering that it poses an unacceptable proliferation risk.
• Challenges for US in Israel: PM of Israel heads an extreme right-wing coalition determined to accelerate the Jewish settlements in the Occupied West Bank and curb the judiciary’s independence which is against US principles as USA is a democratic country.
• Saudi condemn of Israel: Saudi has repeatedly called out Israel for deprivation of the Palestinian people of their legitimate rights and the repetition of systematic provocations of its sanctities.
• US not agreeing to Saudi’s condition: There are also obstacles to the U.S. sales of advanced weapons, largely due to Saudi Arabia’s poor human rights record at home and in Yemen.

IMPACT DUE TO GAZAH WAR:

• Impact on Palestine: The Gazah war has once again brought the Palestine issue to the forefront and at the centre of West Asian politics, and Saudi recognized the necessity of addressing the Palestine issue. Saudi Arabia has recognised that peace and stability in the region are not possible without Palestinian interests being addressed.
• Impact on Saudi-Israel negotiation process: Saudi criticized Israel’s action, which can have an impact on the rapprochement between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
• Blame on Iran: Some are blaming Iran, arguing that the Islamic Republic has instigated the Hamas attacks to block Saudi Arabia’s normalisation initiative with Israel. This argument has little credibility as Saudi-Iran ties have already been normalised under Chinese mediation.
• Impact wide areas: The global fallout from such a development would be quite profound. The Islamic mainstream would likely follow the Saudi lead. It would further marginalize the “Palestinians’ Cause” and may polarize and radicalize along with other opponents of Israel such as Iran and Syria, Hezbollah, Hamas and the Islamic State.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Concrete action for Palestine: There is a need to have concrete action to serve Palestine’s interests, and the international community must act now to activate a credible peace plan that enables a two-state solution.
• Faster normalization process: There is a need to act up on the faster normalization process between Israel and Saudi Arabia to bring peace and stability in the region and deepen ties between both the countries.
• Saudi can act as mediator: Saudi can act as mediator for the peace in the region. It will help in diplomatic ties with Israel that would balance the Saudi’s recent reconciliation with Iran and Syria. It helps it emerge as a more nationalist power than an Islamic one.

THE CONCLUSION: Gaza attack can have profound consequences for regional geopolitics and can cause a delay in the rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Israel. Promoting the Palestinian cause will now form an important part of this foreign policy approach.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1 “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss. (2018)

Q.2 ‘Too little cash, too much politics, leave UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the statement in the light of the US’ withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being ‘anti-Israel bias’.(2019)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION

Comment on the impact of Israel-Palestine conflict on the Israel-Saudi Arabia normalization process.

NOTE: Please refer to Mains Focus article of ‘Toofan al-aqsa jolts west asian geostrategic Architecture’ for more on the news.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/a-war-that-ends-the-saudi-israel-normalisation-process/article67417900.ece

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Ministry of Ayush’s endeavours towards Special Campaign 3.0 gear up READ MORE
2. Notification issued for Green Credit Program (GCP) and Ecomark scheme Under LiFE Initiative to Promote Sustainable Lifestyle and Environmental Conservation READ MORE
3. Indian Railways’ PSUs, RITES Ltd and IRCON granted Navratna status READ MORE  
4. India’s 1st CAR-T cell therapy developed by ImmunoACT gets CDSCO nod READ MORE
5. CJI says India’s abortion law is liberal, pro-choice and far ahead of other countries READ MORE
6. Government mulls partnerships to make semiconductor chips READ MORE
7. What is Australia’s Indigenous Voice referendum? READ MORE
8. Farmers lost $3.8 trillion to disasters over 30 years: FAO’s first-ever global estimation READ MORE  
9. More than half of world’s poor out of safety net coverage, says World Bank READ MORE
10. World’s water cycle severely impacted by climate change and human activities in 2022: WMO READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Parents and educators must reduce student stress READ MORE
2. Changed outlook READ MORE
3. Is climate change the reason for Sikkim flash floods? READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Testing the waters for General Elections 2024 READ MORE
2. Democracy dies when justice suffers READ MORE
3. 16th Finance Commission’s political challenge READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Hunger pangs: Alarming findings of 2023 global index READ MORE
2. India Ranks 111 in Global Hunger Index; Report Makers Reject Indian Government Objections READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Balancing policy: On Israel, Palestine and India’s line: India must pressure Israel to act responsibly in the face of terror READ MORE
2. A war that ends the Saudi-Israel ‘normalisation’ process READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Claudia Goldin’s quiet revolution: How she helped feminise economic enquiry READ MORE
2. Why we must cheer the Nobel for Goldin READ MORE
3. The economic mosaic: Chugging along at the ‘new-old normal’ growth rate READ MORE
4. DC Edit | Inflation falls, RBI still cautious READ MORE
5. Role of Banks in Promoting Risky Financial Assets READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Clearing the air: Contrary to general perception, there is no change in India’s stand on Palestine READ MORE
2. Meeting the Goals of the Paris Agreement READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. AI could redefine police techniques READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Localise strategies to build climate resilience READ MORE
2. India’s cyclone warning system is the model for disaster-proofing the country. Floods next READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. How the Khalistan movement is interlinked with Punjab’s growing drug problem, gun culture READ MORE
2. Beyond ‘Black Mirror’s’ fiction – Impact of Generative AI on policing, security READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Working and praying READ MORE
2. Narges’ Nobel and the all-pervasive fear of freedom READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Repeated elections have a cost, but the benefits of enhanced democracy that they trigger are far greater. Critically examine the statement in the light of recent debate about One Nation, One Election.
2. India is diverse, with different regions confronting diverse issues, and that impacts politics in the states. In light of statement, how far do you agree with this view that the concept of One Nation, One Election goes against the reality of India’s diversity?
3. Balancing growth and inflation is a complex endeavour, requiring a steady hand on the economic tiller. Discuss how India can this balance in the ongoing uncertain global economic landscape?
4. Assessing vulnerabilities is the first step in reducing disaster risk. In light of recent disasters in the Himalayan region, discuss how the climate resilience approach in infrastructure development can minimize the disaster risk in that region.
5. The bureaucracy delivers on episodic events like conducting elections, which have a clear exit date but when it comes to daily events such as provision of civic amenities, the result is deeply unsatisfactory. Do you think that the division of bureaucracy between the three levels of government is a likely reason for such unamenities?
6. Modern states have evolved from directly running factories to regulating economic activity and for that, the Indian government need to revisit the bureaucracy’s recruitment process and should focus on more domain expertise. Discuss.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable.
• Delhi’s history of intervening positively also led to the ironical consternation of the Maldivian opposition parties who started a disquiet campaign against the Maldivian Government’s traditional ‘India First’ policy to suggest a compromise to Maldivian sovereignty.
• Democracy weakens when the people’s choice is not based on who will represent their interests and fulfil their aspirations.
• Democracy is always in a state of flux and not in its ideal form.
• To strengthen democracy, politics needs to be more accountable.
• Having one election every five years will make political parties more unaccountable and free to fulfil the agenda of vested interests. That will weaken democracy and cost the nation far more than the direct and indirect costs of elections at present.
• Even if India had a perfect democracy, the ‘One Nation, One Election’ idea assumes homogeneity in the nation.
• A one-size-fits-all approach goes against the reality of the nation’s diversity and can lead to severe political backlash.
• The reality is that India has an imperfect democracy that needs to be strengthened.
• Elections are the times when the public can force political parties to become answerable.
• Repeated elections have a cost, but the benefits of enhanced democracy that they trigger are far greater.
• No farmers’ company can address climatic aberrations amidst a changing climate, broken landscapes, tattered ecologies and market volatilities unless supported by policies and incentives.
• Balancing growth and inflation is a complex endeavour, requiring a steady hand on the economic tiller.
• Ever since the artificial intelligence chatbot GPT technology burst on the global computer media scene suggesting its multifarious applications and uses in almost any area of human endeavour.
• If the ASEAN has to remain relevant, it needs to reinvent itself to suit the changing regional environment.
• Shortage of workers is pushing the demand for farm equipment. India can dominate the world market by leveraging its machine tools.
• The UN has the responsibility to resolve conflicts. But its failure should not be taken as an opportunity to abet terrorism in the name of freedom.
• It is crucial to re-evaluate building typologies and focus on developing climate-resilient designs.
• The bureaucracy delivers on episodic events like conducting elections, which have a clear exit date. But when it comes to daily events such as provision of civic amenities, the result is deeply unsatisfactory.

50-WORD TALK

• Instead of issuing defensive reactions to the Global Hunger Index, the government should instead engage with the root issue—nutrition. India might not have the empty-bellied hunger such indices imply, but it does have widespread and severe malnutrition and anaemia. Free foodgrain alleviates hunger, but balanced meals are what Indians need.
• Israel cannot carpet bomb Gaza into rubble. It has a right to defend itself and respond to terrorism, but indiscriminately targeting civilian areas isn’t the way. Israel will find it increasingly difficult to have the unambiguous support of its allies. It also risks ceding Middle East leadership role to Iran.

Things to Remember:

• For prelims-related news try to understand the context of the news and relate with its concepts so that it will be easier for you to answer (or eliminate) from given options.
• Whenever any international place will be in news, you should do map work (marking those areas in maps and exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers, etc. same applies to the national places.)
• For economy-related news (banking, agriculture, etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related to various economic aspects, for example, if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing price rises, shortage of essential supplies, banking rates, etc.
• For main exam-related topics, you should focus on the various dimensions of the given topic, the most important topics which occur frequently and are important from the mains point of view will be covered in ED. Try to use the given content in your answer. Regular use of this content will bring more enrichment to your writing.

1. INTENSIFIED MISSION INDRADHANUSH 5.0

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI 5.0), the flagship routine immunization campaign of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will conclude all 3 rounds on 14th October 2023.

EXPLANATION:

• IMI 5.0 ensures that routine immunization services reach the missed-out and dropped out children and pregnant women across the country.
• For the first time the campaign is being conducted across all the districts in the country and includes children up to 5 years of age (Previous campaigns included children up to 2 years of age).

INTENSIFIED MISSION INDRADHANUSH (IMI 5.0):

• Mission Indradhanush (MI) was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on 25th December 2014.
• It is a special catch-up campaign under the Universal Immunization Program (UIP).
• It is conducted in the areas of low immunization coverage to vaccinate all the children and pregnant women left out or dropped out from Routine Immunization.

AIM:

• IMI 5.0 campaign aims to enhance immunization coverage for all vaccines provided under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) as per the National Immunization Schedule (NIS).
  • Under UIP, immunization is being provided free of cost against 12 vaccine preventable diseases: Nationally against 11 diseases.
  • Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Rubella, severe form of Childhood Tuberculosis, Rotavirus diarrhea, Hepatitis B, Meningitis & Pneumonia caused by Hemophilus Influenza type B and Pneumococcal Pneumonia and sub-nationally against 1 disease – Japanese Encephalitis (JE vaccine is provided only in endemic districts).

SPECIAL FOCUS:

• Special focus is on improvement of Measles and Rubella vaccination coverage with the aim of Measles & Rubella elimination by 2023.
• It also focusses on use of U-WIN digital platform for Routine Immunization in pilot mode across all districts in the country.

GROUND EXECUTION:

• IMI 5.0 is being conducted in three rounds i.e., 7 -12 August, 11-16 September, and 9-14 October 2023 i.e., 6 days in a month with the inclusion of a Routine Immunization Day.
• All States/UTs except Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Punjab would conclude all the three rounds of IMI 5.0 campaign by 14th October 2023.
• These four states could not start the IMI 5.0 campaign in August due to some inevitable circumstances.
• These states have concluded 1st round and are currently conducting the 2nd round.
• They plan to conduct the 3rd round of IMI 5.0 campaign in the month of November 2023.
• As on 30th September 2023, over 34,69,705 children and 6,55,480 pregnant women were administered vaccine doses during the first 2 rounds of IMI 5.0 campaign across the country.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/imi-50-reaches-children-up-to-five-years-for-the-first-time/article67411672.ece

2. AMA ODISHA, NABIN ODISHA SCHEME

TAG: GS 2: GOVERNANCE, GS 2: SOCIAL ISSUES

THE CONTEXT: Ahead of the simultaneous General and Assembly elections in Odisha due in April-May 2024, Chief Minister (October 10, 2023) rolled out a scheme, ‘Ama Odisha, Nabin Odisha’ (our Odisha, new Odisha).

AMA ODISHA, NABIN ODISHA SCHEME:

• It is a flagship program of the Government of Odisha that was launched in October 2023.
• The Government have modified the earlier “Ama Gaon Ama Bikash” by giving it a new dimension in the form of “Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha”.
• The scheme has a budget of Rs 3,397 crore and will cover all 6,794-gram panchayats in Odisha.
• Each gram panchayat will receive Rs 50 lakh to implement projects under the scheme.

KEY COMPONENTS OF THE SCHEME:

• Promotion of Jagannath culture:
  • The scheme will support the development and renovation of Jagannath temples and other religious places in Odisha.
  • It will also promote Jagannath culture through festivals, arts, and other cultural activities.

• Strengthening of digital infrastructure:
  • The scheme will provide internet connectivity, science parks, and skill development centers to villages.
  • It will also help to establish works hubs in villages to provide employment opportunities to rural youth.

• Empowerment of women and youth:
  • The scheme will support the creation of self-help groups for women and skill development programs for youth.
  • It will also provide financial assistance to women and youth entrepreneurs.

• Improvement of rural infrastructure:
• • The scheme will support the construction of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure in villages.
  • It will also help to improve the quality of education and healthcare in rural areas.
• The Ama Odisha, Nabin Odisha scheme is a comprehensive program that aims to address the key challenges facing rural Odisha.
• The scheme is expected to create jobs, improve rural infrastructure, and promote sustainable development in the state.

POTENTIAL IMPACT OF THE AMA ODISHA, NABIN ODISHA SCHEME:

• The Ama Odisha, Nabin Odisha scheme has the potential to have a significant impact on rural Odisha. The scheme could help to:
  • Create jobs and boost the rural economy.
  • Improve rural infrastructure and access to education and healthcare.
  • Promote sustainable development and preserve Jagannath culture.
  • Empower women and youth.

CONTROVERSY OVER THE SCHEME:

• The Opposition party has questioned use of the ‘conch’ symbol in government advertisements for the Ama Odisha, Nabin Odisha scheme.
• The conch is the electoral symbol of ruling political party.
• The opposition party has also questioned the timing of the scheme, coming months before the 2024 polls.
• It also alleged that the use of the conch symbol in government ads shows that the govt. is trying to “manipulate public opinion” and state the possibility challenge the use of the symbol in court.
• The ruling government was also accused of not following proper guidelines while implementing the scheme.
• Earlier, the Orissa High Court had issued a notice to the Odisha government in response to a petition challenging the implementation process of the Ama Odisha, Nabin Odisha scheme.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-politics/odisha-govts-rural-development-scheme-controversy-8980142/

3. INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT (ICC)

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: The conflict between Israel and Palestinian forces since militant group Hamas’ assault have created a huge and rising death toll on both sides. The war falls under a complex international system of justice that has emerged since World War Two.

EXPLANATION:

• Internationally accepted rules of armed conflict emerged out of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, which have been ratified by all UN member states and supplemented by rulings at international war crimes tribunals.
• Here’s how they apply to the ongoing Israel-Hamas violence.

WHAT LAWS GOVERN THE CONFLICT?

• Internationally accepted rules of armed conflict emerged out of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, which have been ratified by all UN member states.
• A series of treaties governs the treatment of civilians, soldiers and prisoners of war in a system collectively known as the “Law of Armed Conflict” or “International Humanitarian Law”.
• It applies to government forces and organised armed groups, including Hamas militants.
• If alleged Palestinian perpetrators of atrocities in Israel and all alleged perpetrators of crimes on the occupied Palestinian territories are not brought to justice at home, the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague is the only international legal organ able to bring charges.
• The ICC’s founding Rome Statute gives it legal authority to investigate alleged crimes on the territory of its members or by their nationals, when domestic authorities are “unwilling or unable” to do so.
• Recently, the office of the prosecutor of the ICC confirmed that its mandate applies to potential crimes committed in the current conflict.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE ICC?

• The International Criminal Court (ICC), the world’s permanent war crimes tribunals, opened in The Hague in 2002.
• It has jurisdiction over war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide in its 123 member states or committed by its nationals.
• Many of the world’s major powers are not members, including China, the United States, Russia, India and Egypt.
• The ICC recognises Palestine as a member state, while Israel rejects the court’s jurisdiction and does not formally engage with it.
• The ICC has had an ongoing investigation into allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the occupied Palestinian territories since 2021.
• It has not issued any arrest warrants.
• Prosecutors said in 2021 there was a reasonable basis to believe that violations had been committed on all sides, including by Israeli troops, Hamas militants and other armed Palestinian groups.

ACTS THAT CAN VIOLATE WAR CRIMES LAW:

• The possible war crimes are the deliberate targeting of civilians, indiscriminate rocket attacks, and the taking of civilians as hostages by Palestinian armed groups, as well as the Israeli counter-strikes in Gaza that killed hundreds of Palestinians.
• Deliberate killings of civilians, hostage-taking, and collective punishment are heinous crimes that have no justification.
• The taking of hostages, murder and torture are explicitly banned under the Geneva Conventions, while Israel’s response could also be subject to a war crimes investigation.
• Israeli Defence Minister drew criticism from UN officials and human rights groups by announcing a tightened blockade to prevent food and fuel from reaching the Gaza Strip, home to 2.3 million people.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/what-war-crimes-laws-apply-to-the-israel-palestinian-conflict-8980317/

4. GLOBAL HUNGER INDEX (GHI)

TAG: GS 2: SOCIAL JUSTICE, GS 1: SOCIAL ISSUES

THE CONTEXT: India ranks 111 out of a total of 125 countries in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2023.

EXPLANATION:

• India ranked 101 out of 116 countries in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2021.
• The Union government, though, contested India’s performance for the third year in a row, citing flawed methodology.
• Its progress against hunger nearly halted since 2015.
  • India made significant strides between 2000 and 2015, with its score improving from 38.4 in 2000 to 35.5 in 2008 and 29.2 in 2015, over the past eight years.
• Afghanistan, Haiti and 12 sub-Saharan countries perform worse than India on the GHI.
• India’s ranking is based on a Global Hunger Index score of 28.7 on a 100-point scale where 0 is the best score (no hunger) and 100 is the worst. This categorises India’s severity of hunger as “serious”.

HOW IS THE METHODOLOGY FLAWED?

• The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD) questioned the GHI and called it a “flawed measure of hunger that doesn’t reflect India’s true position”.
• MoWCD said that data recorded on its Poshan Tracker portal showed child wasting prevalence of 7.2% among a total of 7.24 crore under-five-year-olds whose data was captured.
• Whereas the GHI used a value of 18.7% for child wasting.
• The latter, comes from the National Family Health Survey 5 (NFHS) 2019-2021, which is reported in the global repository, Joint Malnutrition Estimates Joint Data Set Including Survey Estimates, set up to ensure harmonised child nutrition estimates.
• The GHI uses the same data sources for all countries to calculate the respective country scores.
• This ensures that all the rates used have been produced using comparable methodologies.
• Introducing exceptions to this process for any country or countries would compromise the comparability of the results and the ranking.
• The second objection the MoWCD reiterated this year was the alleged use of a telephone-based opinion poll to calculate undernourishment, one of the indicators used in GHI.
• The GHI has maintained that it doesn’t use the poll but relies on data from India’s Food Balance Sheet to calculate undernourishment.

GLOBAL HUNGER INDEX:

• The Global Hunger Index is a peer-reviewed annual report, jointly published by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe.
• It is designed to comprehensively measure and track hunger at the global, regional, and country levels.
• The aim of the GHI is to trigger action to reduce hunger around the world.
• The GHI is an annual report and each set of GHI scores uses data from a 5-year period. The 2022 GHI scores are calculated using data from 2017 through 2021.
• GHI scores are based on the values of four component indicators:
  • Undernourishment
  • Child stunting
  • Child wasting
  • Child mortality

• Undernourishment:
  • The share of the population whose caloric intake is insufficient.
  • This makes up 1/3 of the GHI score.

• Child Stunting:
  • The share of children under the age of 5 who have low height for their age, reflecting chronic undernutrition.
  • This makes up 1/6 of the GHI score.

• Child Wasting:
  • The share of children under the age of 5 who have low weight for their height, reflecting acute undernutrition.
  • This makes up 1/6 of the GHI score.

• Child Mortality:
• • The share of children who die before their 5th birthday, reflecting in part the fatal mix of inadequate nutrition and unhealthy environments.
  • This makes up 1/3 of the GHI score.
• The GHI score is calculated on a 100-point scale reflecting the severity of hunger – zero is the best score (implies no hunger) and 100 is the worst.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-ranks-111-out-of-a-total-of-125-countries-in-global-hunger-index/article67412042.ece/amp/

5. INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION (IIP)

TAG: GS 3: ECONOMY

THE CONTEXT: The Industrial output rose in August 2023 as the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) increased by 10.3%, showed the official data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO).

EXPLANATION:

• According to the latest IIP data, the industrial growth in August 2023 is the highest in 14 months.
• The data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) showed that the manufacturing sector’s output increased by 9.3 per cent in August 2023.
• The Quick Estimates of Index of Industrial Production (IIP) are released on 12th of every month with a six week lag.
• It is compiled with data received from source agencies, which in turn receive the data from the producing factories/ establishments.
• The Quick Estimates of Index of Industrial Production (IIP) with base 2011-12 stands at 145.1. The Indices of Industrial Production for the Mining, Manufacturing and Electricity sectors for the month of August 2023 stand at 111.9, 143.5 and 220.5 respectively.

INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION (IIP):

• The All-India index of Industrial Production (IIP) is a composite indicator that measures the short-term changes in the volume of production of a basket of industrial products during a given period with respect to that in a chosen base period.
• The IIP is a quantum index, the production of items being expressed in physical terms.
• It is compiled and published monthly by the Central Statistical Organization (CSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation six weeks after the reference month ends.

REVISION OF IIP TO 2011-12 BASE YEAR:

• The Central Statistics Office (CSO) revised the base year of the all-India Index of Industrial Production (IIP) from 2004-05 to 2011-12 in 2017.
• The base year revision captures structural changes in the economy and improves the quality and representativeness of the indices.
• The revised IIP (2011-12) not only reflect the changes in the industrial sector but also aligns it with the base year of other macroeconomic indicators like the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Wholesale Price Index (WPI).

SOURCE: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1967120

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Mission Indradhanush 5.0 (IMI 5.0) campaign with special focus on improvement of Measles and Rubella vaccination coverage, will conclude all three rounds on 14 October 2023 READ MORE
2. INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION RISES TO 10.3% IN AUGUST 2023 READ MORE
3. India ranks 111 out of 125 countries in Global Hunger Index READ MORE  
4. What war crimes laws apply to the Israel-Palestinian conflict? READ MORE
5. Why Odisha govt’s new rural development scheme has triggered a controversy READ MORE
6. Dragonfly: The faces of wetlands in India READ MORE
7. IMI 5.0 reaches children up to five years for the first time READ MORE  
8. Biohydrogen’s role in India’s green hydrogen pathway READ MORE
9. Targeted methane mitigation can avoid 0.1°C warming in 2050, should be adopted with decarbonisation efforts: Report READ MORE
10. Joshimath sinking: Landslides in region not a new problem, says GSI report READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. The case for caste census in India | Explained READ MORE
2. Changed outlook READ MORE
3. Is climate change the reason for Sikkim flash floods? READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Should the 50 % legal ceiling on reservation be reconsidered? READ MORE
2. Administrators: All services need more officers, not just IFS. So do local govts. And recruit more specialists READ MORE
3. Pharma laxity: No tainted firm deserves leniency READ MORE
4. Make funding truly transparent and free of cash for fair polls READ MORE
5. ‘One Nation, One Election’ Will Further Weaken Indian Democracy READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Pro-choice, pro-women: A split SC verdict reflects a wider judicial-medical confusion about abortion rights. This must change READ MORE
2. India Ranks 111th Among 125 Countries in Global Hunger Index Report READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Non-state actors are a threat to world peace READ MORE
2. ASEAN must reinvent itself to stay relevant in region READ MORE
3. India-Maldives Ties: A Walk on Eggshells As New Delhi Faces the China Question READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Ways to make IBC more effective READ MORE   
2. Terms of Trade | Let’s discuss India’s growth forecast READ MORE
3. The right path: IMF raises India’s growth rate, validating that its economy is on a firm footing READ MORE
4. India’s farm machinery has global market READ MORE
5. By the farmers READ MORE
6. IMF and India READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Curbing air pollution: Centre, states need to work in close coordination READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. AI could redefine police techniques READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Localise strategies to build climate resilience READ MORE
2.  India’s cyclone warning system is the model for disaster-proofing the country. Floods next READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. How the Khalistan movement is interlinked with Punjab’s growing drug problem, gun culture READ MORE
2. Beyond ‘Black Mirror’s’ fiction – Impact of Generative AI on policing, security READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Lies, levels, life: Cultivating your best being READ MORE
2. Misery is a choice READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Repeated elections have a cost, but the benefits of enhanced democracy that they trigger are far greater. Critically examine the statement in the light of recent debate about One Nation, One Election.
2. India is diverse, with different regions confronting diverse issues, and that impacts politics in the states. In light of statement, how far do you agree with this view that the concept of One Nation, One Election goes against the reality of India’s diversity?
3. Balancing growth and inflation is a complex endeavour, requiring a steady hand on the economic tiller. Discuss, how India can this balance in the ongoing uncertain global economic landscape?
4. Assessing vulnerabilities is the first step in reducing disaster risk. In light of recent disasters in the Himalayan region, discuss how the climate resilience approach in infrastructure development can minimize the disaster risk in that region.
5. The bureaucracy delivers on episodic events like conducting elections, which have a clear exit date but when it comes to daily events such as provision of civic amenities, the result is deeply unsatisfactory. Do you think that the division of bureaucracy between the three levels of government is a likely reason for such unamenities?
6. Modern states have evolved from directly running factories to regulating economic activity and for that Indian government needs to revisit the bureaucracy’s recruitment process and should focus on more domain expertise. Discuss.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable.
• Delhi’s history of intervening positively also led to the ironical consternation of the Maldivian opposition parties who started a disquiet campaign against the Maldivian Government’s traditional ‘India First’ policy to suggest a compromise to Maldivian sovereignty.
• Democracy weakens when the people’s choice is not based on who will represent their interests and fulfil their aspirations.
• Democracy is always in a state of flux and not in its ideal form.
• To strengthen democracy, politics needs to be more accountable.
• Having one election every five years will make political parties more unaccountable and free to fulfil the agenda of vested interests. That will weaken democracy and cost the nation far more than the direct and indirect costs of elections at present.
• Even if India had a perfect democracy, the ‘One Nation, One Election’ idea assumes homogeneity in the nation.
• A one-size-fits-all approach goes against the reality of the nation’s diversity and can lead to severe political backlash.
• The reality is that India has an imperfect democracy that needs to be strengthened.
• Elections are the times when the public can force political parties to become answerable.
• Repeated elections have a cost, but the benefits of enhanced democracy that they trigger are far greater.
• No farmers’ company can address climatic aberrations amidst a changing climate, broken landscapes, tattered ecologies and market volatilities unless supported by policies and incentives.
• Balancing growth and inflation is a complex endeavour, requiring a steady hand on the economic tiller.
• Ever since the artificial intelligence chatbot GPT technology burst on the global computer media scene suggesting its multifarious applications and uses in almost any area of human endeavour.
• If the ASEAN has to remain relevant, it needs to reinvent itself to suit the changing regional environment.
• Shortage of workers is pushing the demand for farm equipment. India can dominate the world market by leveraging its machine tools.
• The UN has the responsibility to resolve conflicts. But its failure should not be taken as an opportunity to abet terrorism in the name of freedom.
• It is crucial to re-evaluate building typologies and focus on developing climate-resilient designs.
• The bureaucracy delivers on episodic events like conducting elections, which have a clear exit date. But when it comes to daily events such as provision of civic amenities, the result is deeply unsatisfactory.

50-WORD TALK

• The external affairs ministry’s statement has rightly made it clear that India’s condemnation of the Hamas terror attack on Israel and New Delhi’s stated support to two-states solution on Palestine are not mutually exclusive. Unnecessarily obfuscating the two issues only sullies public debate. India’s position has been nuanced but consistent.
• Supreme Court listing electoral bonds case for final hearing after six years is welcome. Issues at stake are vital for democracy— need for transparency in political funding and undue advantage to ruling party. From passage as Money Bill to legalization of anonymity—this haze-shrouded scheme calls for thorough judicial scrutiny.

Things to Remember:

• For prelims-related news try to understand the context of the news and relate with its concepts so that it will be easier for you to answer (or eliminate) from given options.
• Whenever any international place will be in news, you should do map work (marking those areas in maps and exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers, etc. same applies to the national places.)
• For economy-related news (banking, agriculture, etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related to various economic aspects, for example, if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing price rises, shortage of essential supplies, banking rates, etc.
• For main exam-related topics, you should focus on the various dimensions of the given topic, the most important topics which occur frequently and are important from the mains point of view will be covered in ED. Try to use the given content in your answer. Regular use of this content will bring more enrichment to your writing.

THE CONTEXT: More than three decades after the debate first started over fundamental reforms at the United Nations (UN), the issue appears to have resurfaced at the ongoing General Assembly session of the United Nations.

ABOUT THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL (UNSC)

• The UNSC is one of the six main organs of the United Nations established under the UN Charter in 1945, and it is headquartered in New York.
• The Security Council held its first session on 17 January 1946 at Church House, Westminster, London.
• The Council has 15 Members (Five permanent and ten non-permanent members). Each member has one vote, and all five permanent members have veto power. All members of the United Nations have to agree to accept and carry out the decisions of the Security Council.
• Five permanent members are the United States, Russia, France, China and the United Kingdom, and ten Permanent members are elected for a term of two years.
• The Security Council has a Presidency, which rotates and changes every month among the 15 members.

Under the United Nations Charter, the functions and powers of the Security Council are:

• to maintain international peace and security in accordance with the principles and purposes of the United Nations;
• to investigate any dispute or situation which might lead to international friction;
• to recommend methods of adjusting such disputes or the terms of settlement;
• to formulate plans for the establishment of a system to regulate armaments;
• to determine the existence of a threat to the peace or act of aggression and to recommend what action should be taken;
• to call on Members to apply economic sanctions and other measures not involving the use of force to prevent or stop aggression;
• to take military action against an aggressor;
• to recommend the admission of new Members;
• to exercise the trusteeship functions of the United Nations in “strategic areas”;
• to recommend to the General Assembly the appointment of the Secretary-General and, together with the Assembly, to elect the Judges of the International Court of Justice.

ISSUES PERSISTING IN THE UNSC

• Inadequate representation: One of the prominent issues in UNSC is the issue of equity among members who do not feel adequately represented. When the UN was founded in 1945, the Council consisted of 11 members out of a total UN membership of 51 countries, which means around 22% of the member states were on the Security Council. Today, there are 193 member-states of the UN, and only 15 members are on the Council representing fewer than 8%.
• Abuse of Veto power: As, only five members of the council enjoys the  veto power is being misused by them and has become a tool to block the work of the UNSC.
• Outdated institution: There has been much change in global situation after the formation of UNSC, however, the institution remains the same. UN’s Secretary-General too has pointed that Security Council reflects the geopolitical realities of 1945 and not of existing world .
• Unequal balance of power: The composition of the Council also gives undue weightage to the fewer countries. For example, Europe  accounts for barely 5% of the world’s population, but controls 33% of the seats in any given year . Even the countries with the highest financial contributors to the UN, such as Japan and Germany and countries with the highest representation of population, such as India, are being denied equal power.
• Unable to handle geopolitical challenges: The current mechanism of UNSC is unable to handle geopolitical challenges. One of the recent example in Ukraine conflict when a Permanent Member of the Security Council invaded a sovereign UN member-state, and the Council proved powerless to respond.

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR AMENDING THE UNSC MEMBERSHIP?

• The most important hurdle in the reform of the UNSC is the inflexibility of its structure, as the bar to amending the UN Charter has been set rather high.
• Changing the membership of the UNSC requires amending the UN Charter.
• Any amendment requires a two-thirds majority of the overall membership in the General Assembly and would further have to be ratified by two-thirds of the member states.
• Also, it should be approved by all the existing permanent members of the UNSC.
• The Charter was amended only once in the 1965 when the Security Council was expanded from 11 members to 15 by adding four more elected non-permanent members.

INDIA AND THE UNSC

• India has served eight times in the UNSC as a non-permanent member and is one of the largest individual contributors to the UN Peacekeeping Force. It is advocating for a permanent seat in the UN.
• Though, supported by a number of countries, it is facing a few hurdles apart from the structural issues in the UNSC:
  • • 1) Opposition by China: China does not support India’s being a permanent member as it does not want to dilute its status as the only Asian permanent member.
    • 2) Opposition by Pakistan: Pakistan see itself as India’s strategic rival on the subcontinent is a fixed opponent of India’s candidature.

THE WAY FORWARD

• Alternative solution: Another proposal suggests creating a second category of “semi-permanent members” to accommodate states, for example, for 10-year electable terms.
• Address the changing situation: There is a need to bring structural reform in the institution to effectively address the problems of today’s world.
• Proper functioning of General Assembly: Proper functioning of the General Assembly is as much important as the permanent members of the UNSC in ensuring reform of the United Nations system.
• Enlargement of the council: One proposed change is to admit more permanent and non-permanent members for equitable representation of all the regions. The candidates usually mentioned are Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan and members of African continent.
• Power balance: There is a need for power balance within the UNSC with the democratization of the UNSC to increase its legitimacy in governing international peace, security and order.

THE CONCLUSION

There is a long persistent demand of reform of the United Nations Security Council and the time is ripe for the reforms as it is the only global system that brings all countries together on a common platform.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/un-security-council-reform-is-a-song-in-a-loop/article67408819.ece

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS:

Q.1 Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in UN Security Council. (2015)

Q.2 What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India’s national self-esteem and ambitions’. Explain with suitable examples. (2019)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q.1 As India aims to lead the Global South, it needs to revitalise its engagement with its traditional partners in the “Global South” to ensure its inclusion in the UNSC as a permanent member. Discuss.

Q.2 The argument for including new members is that the UNSC has to acknowledge the contemporary geopolitical realities to promote global peace and security. Comment.

THE CONTEXT: The impacts of the ongoing conflict in West Asia are being felt in markets across the world and India is no exception. In this respect, there is a need to look into the impact on India and how policymakers respond to overcome the situation.

MORE ON THE NEWS

• Indian stock markets have shown weakness, and Foreign portfolio investors pulled out close to Rs 1,000 crores. Crude oil prices rose around 4% as fears of instability in the region gained prominence.
• Continuing conflict in the region is likely to add to the prevailing uncertainty in global markets already weighed down by tighter financial conditions.

ECONOMIC IMPACTS ON INDIA

• Implication on Crude oil prices: As India imports more than 80% of its requirements, one of the particular concerns is an escalation in the conflict engulfing the region could push crude oil prices higher.
• Inflation: Higher crude oil prices could push up inflation above the RBI’s estimate of 5.4% for the full year.
• Current account deficit: Higher crude oil prices and inflation can also have implications for the current account deficit. As per some analysts, the deficit is expected to rise in the second quarter from 1.1 per cent of GDP in the first quarter.

SOME OTHER CONCERNS FOR INDIA

• Impact on Diaspora: Indian diaspora in Israel have got affected due to the conflict and are stranded who needs to be evacuated safely. India has launched Operation Ajay is this regard for their successful evacuation.
• Impact on Remittances: West Asia region accounts for more than 50% of global remittances for India, and conflict in the region can impact the livelihoods and economy of the country.
• Impact on connectivity projects: This conflict may also have implications for the recently announced India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and even older projects as Chabahar port.

THE WAY FORWARD

• Can act as mediator: India has an image of peaceful country and has better diplomatic relations with both sides of the stakeholder countries. In this respect, it should act proactively by playing the role of a mediator for de-escalation of the conflict.
• Ensuring energy security: India should explore other options of energy security by substituting oil for some sort of renewable energy to ensure energy security with minimal impact on environment.
• Maintain enough Foreign Reserve: Foreign reserves of India needs to be enhanced to cope up with the situation of emergency. In this regard, various reserve management practices should be followed.
• Grab the opportunity: The time is quite significant for India to seize the opportunity as it can provide an alternative stable market with an efficient workforce with an increase in instability in the West Asia region.

THE CONCLUSION

The conflict situation in Israel has created turmoil which affects not only the West Asia region but also India which can have significant impact on Indian economy. In this regard, policymakers in India must act proactively to achieve both peace and economic stability.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION:

Q.1 “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss. (2018)

Q.2 The question of India’s Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India’s economic progress. Analyze India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian Countries. (2017)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.1 In what ways the ongoing West Asia conflict can affect the economic situation in India, and how should India respond to this situation?

Q.2 Indian Diaspora has an important role to play in West Asian economy and society. To what extent the use of soft power could help generate goodwill and stability in the region?

Note: Please refer to Mains Focus article of 9^th October ‘Toofan al-aqsa jolts west asian geostrategic architecture’ for more detailed analysis.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/fallout-from-flaring-of-west-asia-conflict-and-the-challenge-for-policymakers-8977070/

1. HABITAT RIGHTS

TAG: GS 2: POLITY, GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: The Baiga tribe, a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) in Chhattisgarh, was awarded habitat rights under the Forest Rights Act 2006.

EXPLANATION:

• The Baiga Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) became the second to get habitat rights in Chhattisgarh, after the Kamar PVTG.
• There are seven PVTGs in Chhattisgarh, who live in 17 of the state’s 33 districts.
• These are Kamar, Baiga, Pahadi Korba, Abujhmadiya, Birhor, Pando and Bhujia.
• A total of 19 Baiga villages with a population of 6,483 people (2,085 families) have been given the habitat rights.

WHAT ARE HABITAT RIGHTS?

• Habitat rights recognition provides the community concerned rights over their customary territory of habitation, economic and livelihood means, intellectual knowledge of biodiversity and ecology etc.
• Habitat rights safeguard and promote traditional livelihood and ecological knowledge passed down through generations.
• They also help converge different government schemes and initiatives from various departments to empower PVTG communities to develop their habitats.

LEGAL STATUS OF THE HABITAT RIGHTS:

• Habitat rights are given to PVTGs under section 3(1) (e) of The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 also known as the Forest Rights Act (FRA).
• According to Section 2(h) of FRA, “Habitat includes the area comprising the customary habitat and such other habitats in reserved forests.
  • It also includes protected forests of primitive tribal groups and pre-agricultural communities and other forest dwelling Scheduled Tribes.”

CAN HABITAT RIGHTS BE USED TO STOP ACTIVITIES LIKE MINING?

• The habitat rights will help the PVTG protect their habitat from developmental activities harmful to them.
• Forest Rights have legal protection under the Forest Conservation Act, the Land Acquisition law of 2013, and even the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities.
• If any kind of development activity is hampering their habitat rights, the tribal group concerned can take up the matter with the administration under the Forest Rights Act, and if not resolved, the matter can be taken to court.

WHICH TRIBES ARE TERMED PVTGs?

• According to the ministry of tribal affairs (MoTA), the following tribals will be declared as PVTG:
  • tribal communities who are technologically backward,
  • who have stagnant or declining population growth,
  • extremely low level of literacy, and
  • a subsistence level of economy.
• PVTGs have low health indices and largely reside in isolated, remote, and difficult areas in small and scattered hamlets/habitats.
• The ministry has identified 75 PVGTs in 18 states and one Union Territory.
• In 2019, the MoTA started a scheme for their protection and improvement in terms of social indicators like livelihood, health, nutrition and education to decrease their vulnerability.
• Out of 75 PVTG in India, only three have habitat rights.
• The Bharia PVTG in Madhya Pradesh was the first, followed by the Kamar tribe and now the Baiga tribe in Chhattisgarh.

GOVERNMENT SCHEME(S) FOR PVTGs:

• Ministry of Tribal Affairs implements a scheme in the name of ‘Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)’.
• It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme having a provision of 100% Central assistance to 18 states and Union territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
• The scheme of Development of PVTGs aims at socio-economic development of PVTGs in a comprehensive manner, while retaining their culture and heritage.
• As a part of the scheme, State Governments undertakes projects that are tailored to cater to sectors like education, health and livelihood schemes for the PVTGs.

SOURCE: https://m.timesofindia.com/city/raipur/chhattisgarh-baiga-tribe-gets-habitat-rights-under-fra/articleshow/104349103.cms

2. GI TAG FOR GOA CASHEW

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: Goa cashew has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, ensuring recognition and safeguarding for local cashew farmers.

EXPLANATION:

• The GI tag is a positive development for the local cashew industry in Goa.
• It will help to protect the interests of local farmers and promote the unique identity of Goa cashew.
• It will also help to promote Goa cashew in new markets and increase demand for the product.
• The GI tag is a boon for local cashew farmers, who will now be able to get a better price for their produce.
• It will also help to preserve the traditional cashew farming practices of Goa.

Here are some of the specific benefits that the GI tag will bring to local cashew farmers in Goa:

• Higher prices:
  • The GI tag will help to increase the demand for Goa cashew, which will lead to higher prices for farmers.

• Improved market access:
  • The GI tag will help to promote Goa cashew in new markets, which will give farmers a wider reach for their produce.

• Preservation of traditional practices:
  • The GI tag will help to preserve the traditional cashew farming practices of Goa, which are unique to the region.

• Increased employment opportunities:
• • The cashew industry in Goa is a major source of employment for local people.
  • The GI tag is expected to boost the cashew industry, which will lead to increased employment opportunities for farmers and other workers in the sector.

DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF CASHEW GROWN IN GOA:

• Balli-2:
  • It is a variety developed and released in 1999 from the ICAR Research Complex in Goa.
  • This is the first cashew variety released from Goa.
  • The average yield of Balli-2 is 7.0 kg/tree with a nut weight of about 7.6 g and the shelling percentage of 30.0%.

• Goa-1:
  • This is a high-yielding variety that was developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
  • It is one of the most popular varieties grown in Goa today.

• B-7:
  • This is another high-yielding variety that was developed by the ICAR.
  • It is known for its large nuts and good taste.

• Vengurla-4:
  • This variety is known for its early ripening and high yield. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

• Vengurla-7:
• • This variety is known for its large nuts and good taste. It is also resistant to pests and diseases.

CLIMATE AND SOIL:

• It is hardy tropical plant and does not exact a very specific climate.
• It can come up in places situated within 35° latitude on either side of the equator and also in the hill ranges up to 700 m MSL.
• It can grow well in places receiving rainfall from 50 cm to 250cm and tolerates a temperature range of 25°-49°c .
• It requires a bright weather and does not tolerate excessive shade.
• Cashew is cultivated on a wide variety of soils in India like laterite, red and coastal sandy soil.
• To a limited extent, it is also grown on black soils.
• It can be also grown in hill slopes in virgin organic matter rich soils.
• They do not prefer waterlogged or saline soils.

UNIQUE QUALITIES OF GOA CASHEW:

• Taste:
  • Goa cashew is known for its sweet, buttery flavours.
  • The nuts are also slightly crunchy and have a pleasant, nutty aroma.

• Texture:
  • Goa cashew is large, plump, and has a creamy white colour.
  • The nuts have a slightly crunchy texture.

• Aroma:
  • Goa cashew has a pleasant, nutty aroma.

• Nutritional value:
• • Goa cashew is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
  • The nuts are a good source of fiber, protein, and iron.
  • The nuts also contain essential vitamins such as vitamin E, vitamin B6, and vitamin K.
  • The nuts are also a good source of healthy fats such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

GI TAG:

• The Geographical Indication (GI) tag is a special sign that is granted to products that have a specific geographical origin and possess distinct qualities or characteristics that are attributable to that origin.
• The GI tag is a valuable form of intellectual property protection that can help to promote and preserve the unique identity of a product.

SOURCE: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/goan-cashew-with-unique-taste-identity-gets-gi-tag/articleshow/104148345.cms?from=mdr

3. ROYALTY RATES FOR THE STRATEGICALLY SIGNIFICANT MINERALS

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: The Centre has specified competitive royalty rates for the mining of three strategically significant minerals lithium, niobium, and rare earth elements (REEs).

EXPLANATION:

• The approval of the Union Cabinet of specification of rate of royalty will enable the Central Government to auction blocks for Lithium, Niobium and REEs for the first time in the country.
• Royalty rate on minerals is an important financial consideration for the bidders in auction of blocks.
• Further, manner for calculation of Average Sale Price (ASP) of these minerals has also been prepared by the Ministry of Mines which will enable determination of bid parameters.
• The Union Cabinet approved amendment of Second Schedule of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (‘MMDR Act’).

Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Amendment act, 2023:

• It was passed by the Parliament, which has come into force from 17th August, 2023.
• The Amendment, among other things, delisted six minerals, including Lithium and Niobium, from the list of atomic minerals.
• It will allow grant of concessions for these minerals to private sector through auction.
• Further, the amendment provided that mining lease and composite license of 24 critical and strategic minerals shall be auctioned by the Central Government.
  • It is listed in Part D of the First Schedule of the Act, including Lithium, Niobium and REEs (not containing Uranium and Thorium).

ROYALTY RATES:

• The Second Schedule of the MMDR Act provides royalty rates for various minerals.
• Item No.55 of the Second Schedule provides that royalty rate for the minerals whose royalty rate is not specifically provided therein shall be 12% of the Average Sale Price (ASP).
• Thus, if the royalty rate for Lithium, Niobium and REE is not specifically provided, then their default royalty rate would be 12% of ASP, which is considerably high as compared to other critical and strategic minerals.
• Also, this royalty rate of 12% is not comparable with other mineral producing countries.
• Thus, it is decided to specify a reasonable royalty rate of Lithium, Niobium and REE as below:

1. 1. Lithium – 3% of London Metal Exchange price,
   2. Niobium –3% of Average Sale Price (both for primary and secondary sources),
   3. REE- 1% of Average Sale Price of Rare Earth Oxide

IMPORTANCE OF CRITICAL MINERALS:

• Critical minerals have become essential for economic development and national security in the country.
• Critical minerals such as Lithium and REEs have gained significance in view of India’s commitment towards energy transition and achieving net-zero emission by 2070.
• Lithium, Niobium and REEs have also emerged as strategic elements due their usages and geo-political scenario.
• Encouraging indigenous mining would lead to reduction in imports and setting up of related industries and infrastructure projects.
• The proposal is also expected to increase generation of employment in the mining sector.

WAY FORWARD:

• Geological Survey of India (GSI) has recently handed over the exploration report of REE and Lithium blocks.
• Further, GSI and other exploration agencies are conducting exploration for critical and strategic minerals in the country.
• The Central Government is working to launch the first tranche of the auction of critical and strategic minerals such as Lithium, REE, Nickel, Platinum Group of Elements, Potash, Glauconite, Phosphorite, Graphite, Molybdenum, etc. shortly.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/how-new-royalty-rates-for-strategic-minerals-lithium-rees-can-help-cut-their-imports-8978912/

4. THE CONSTITUTION BENCH HEARINGS

TAG: GS 2: POLITY

THE CONTEXT: A Bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) will hear four long-standing nine-judge Constitution Bench matters on October 12, for issuing procedural directions like the appointment of a nodal counsel and allocation of time for the compilation of written submissions before the onset of final hearings.

EXPLANATION:

• Some of these cases have been pending for more than two decades now and involve crucial questions of law.
• Let’s discuss all the four cases one by one:

PROPERTY OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION V. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA:

• Issue:
  • Whether the phrase ‘material resources of the community’ under Article 39(b) of the Constitution includes privately owned resources?

• Background:
• • Taking note of the crumbling residential structures in the city of Bombay, the State government in 1986 amended the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Act, 1976.
  • It included Chapter VIII-A, which empowered the Mumbai Building Repair and Reconstruction Board (MBRRB) to acquire cessed properties with the consent of 70% of the residents for restoration purposes.
  • Section 1A of the Act stipulated that the legislation aimed to give effect to the policy of the State towards securing the Directive Principle of State Policy specified in Article 39(b) of the Constitution.
  • Aggrieved by the power conferred upon the MBRRB to forcibly take possession of such residential complexes, the Property Owners’ Association, a body representing over 20,000 landowners in Mumbai, filed this lawsuit.

MINERAL AREA DEVELOPMENT V. M/S STEEL AUTHORITY OF INDIA & ORS 1999:

• Issue:
  • It questions whether ‘royalty’ under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 is in the nature of a ‘tax’?

• Background:
• • The case pertains to a challenge to the Bihar Coal Mining Area Development Authority (Amendment) Act, 1992 and the rules framed thereunder.
  • The rules led to the imposition of additional taxes on land revenue incurred from mineral-bearing lands leased out to mining industries.
  • The mining industries argued that the State legislature was not competent to impose such taxes exercising their powers under Article 246 of the Constitution.

STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH V. JAI BIR SINGH 2002:

• Issue:
  • What is the definition of the term ‘industry’ under Section 2(j) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947?

• Background:
• • In this case, the question under consideration was whether the ‘social forestry’ department of a State would be covered by the definition of ‘Industry’ under Section 2(j) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.
  • The definition of the term ‘industry’ holds great significance, since any person who works in such an establishment is entitled to various protections under the Act.
  • Protections such as a mandatory notice period before dismissal from service, maximum hours of work, provisions for leave, and fixed compensation.
  • In 1978, a seven-judge Bench in Bangalore Water Supply v. R. Rajappa accorded a very broad definition to the term ‘industry,’ including even establishments functioning without a profit motive such as universities and charitable organizations within its ambit.
  • Such an expansive definition and the stringent labour standards that this entailed were subsequently opposed by various industry bodies.
  • In 1982, the Parliament passed an amendment to the Act creating several exceptions to the definition; however, the amendment never came into force.

STATE OF UP & ORS. V. M/S LALTA PRASAD VAISH 2007:

• Issue:
  • Interpretation of Section 18-G of the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951.

• Background:
• • In 1999, a notification was issued under the U.P. Licences for the Possession of Denatured Spirit and Specially Denatured Spirit Rules, 1976.
  • It imposed a licence fee at 15% ad valorem on the sale made by any wholesale vendor to holders of licence under the U.P. Excise Act, 1910.
  • Subsequently, the petitioner challenged the imposed license fee alleging that the State had no power to regulate the manufacture and sale of denatured spirits in view of Section 18-G of the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951.
  • Section 18-G permits the Union government to regulate certain products related to scheduled industries to ensure that they are distributed fairly and are available at reasonable prices.
  • At the same time, Entry 33 of List III of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution confers concurrent powers on both the State and the Union governments to legislate with regard to the product of any industry.
  • The Parliament declares that control of such industry by the Union is expedient in the public interest.

CONSTITUTION BENCH:

• A Constitution Bench is constituted whenever a case requires the interpretation of key constitutional provisions or if there is a significant legal question to be decided.
• Article 145(3) of the Constitution, which deals with the rules of the Court, provides for the setting up of Constitution Benches.
• It stipulates that a minimum of five judges need to sit to decide a case involving:
  • substantial question of law as to the interpretation of the Constitution, or
  • hearing any reference under Article 143, which deals with the power of the President to consult the Supreme Court.
• Constitution Benches wield great power in shaping India’s rule of law framework.
• There is also a great deal of finality attached to the verdicts since the only way to get such a verdict overruled is to:
  • first convince a subsequent five-judge bench that the view previously taken was wrong,
  • have the matter referred to a larger bench of seven or nine judges, and
  • convince the larger bench to overrule the previous judgment of the Constitution Bench.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/the-cases-before-the-new-cji-led-nine-judge-constitution-bench-explained/article67402840.ece

5. OPERATION AJAY

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: Recently, Operation Ajay has been launched to facilitate the return of Indian citizens from Israel as the conflict escalated with Israel retaliating against Hamas’s attack.

EXPLANATION:

• The first batch of registered Indians in Israel were sent emails informing about India’s Operation Ajay which will repatriate Indians willing to be back home.

OPERATION AJAY:

• Operation Ajay is an evacuation (some reports say repatriation) operation.
• Indian Navy ships will be deployed if the need arises.
• There are around 18,000 Indians in Israel including students, professionals and traders.
• Special charter flights and other arrangements are being put in place.
• A 24-hour control room in New Delhi is monitoring the situation in Israel and Palestine.
• The first batch of Indians is expected to be brought back from Israel in a special flight.
• This will be the second evacuation this year, after Operation Kaverithat brought back several thousand Indian citizens from conflict-torn Sudan in April-May.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-to-launch-operation-ajay-to-evacuate-nationals-from-israel/article67409408.ece

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Cabinet approves royalty rates for mining of three critical and strategic minerals- Lithium, Niobium and Rare Earth Elements (REEs) READ MORE
2. Cabinet approves establishment of an autonomous body Mera Yuva Bharat READ MORE
3. ‘Operation Ajay’ set to evacuate Indian nationals from Israel READ MORE  
4. Cauvery Committee retains water release recommendation of 3,000 cusecs to T.N. READ MORE
5. The cases before the new CJI-led nine-judge Constitution Bench | Explained READ MORE
6. Order on cleaning rivers not followed, NGT issues notice to Chief Secretaries of all States, Ministry of Jal Shakti READ MORE
7. India, China agree to maintain momentum of ‘dialogue and negotiations’ READ MORE  
8. How new royalty rates for strategic minerals lithium, REEs can help cut their imports READ MORE
9. What the GI tag can mean for the cashew industry in Goa READ MORE
10. India’s first bamboo-based biorefinery to start operations in March READ MORE
11. Chhattisgarh Baiga tribe gets habitat rights under FRA READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Globally, 9 million girls face extreme risks of climate disaster and child marriage every year: Report READ MORE
2. Changed outlook READ MORE
3. Even temporary global warming above 2°C will affect life in the oceans for centuries READ MORE
4. Is climate change the reason for Sikkim flash floods? READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Women’s quota — rhetoric and reality READ MORE
2. CrPC, IPC changes fall short of expectations READ MORE
3. RTI Act: Time to make it more effective READ MORE
4. Transparency Law | CIC’s evolution from defender to bystander READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Learning for the future READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. UN Security Council reform is a song in a loop READ MORE
2. Are reunifications the key to world peace? READ MORE
3. Global Leadership Is Not Just About Drafting a Statement READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. India may face economic trouble as fertility levels drop READ MORE   
2. The labour market is tougher on women. This is what the Economics Nobel for 2023 acknowledges READ MORE
3. Good, do better: For India, to be the fastest growing major economy isn’t enough. Real change needs 8% growth READ MORE
4. Focus on economy’s basics for 8% growth READ MORE
5. India Needs Stronger Exports to Hold the Line READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Curbing air pollution: Centre, states need to work in close coordination READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Generic drugs are everywhere – and that’s a problem READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. How the government covered up the severity of Teesta floods by blaming them on a ‘cloudburst’ READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. How the Khalistan movement is interlinked with Punjab’s growing drug problem, gun culture READ MORE
2. Beyond ‘Black Mirror’s’ fiction – Impact of Generative AI on policing, security READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. The inescapable meaning of life READ MORE
2. Dealing with failure READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. India’s economy is navigating a labyrinth of interconnected challenges, and addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach encompassing domestic policy reforms. Comment on the statement in light of global economic uncertainties and supply chain disruptions.
2. The challenges against world leadership cannot be addressed if the global institutions are not reformed with time. Analyse the statement in the light of recent global challenges.
3. If global institutions are not reformed as per occurring challenges, then instead of solving problems, they risk becoming part of the problem. In the light of statement, discuss the need for reforms in the United Nations.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Unlike carbon-based fuels, the wind and the sun and the earth itself provide fuel that is free.
• China’s Tibet policy is primarily based on ruthless exploitation hidden under the façade of mega infrastructure projects which are showcased to the rest of the world as a sign of development in this region.
• Goldin’s Nobel and her own awarded work which took decades of research provides a tremendous intellectual platform for a wider level of global policy discussion and action on issues of gender wage gap, women and work, and more.
• Based on its achievements in key fields of technology, India is not in the global game. Yet, as a geopolitical pivot whose importance is derived not by its national power but its sensitive location, India is being courted by all three geostrategic players.
• The inclusion of the African Union as the new G-20 member was a pyrrhic victory compared with the six new members added to the BRICS (these include all global major energy exporters and importers) given that 50 of the 54 African nations attended the 2023 BRICS summit.
• India’s economy is navigating a labyrinth of interconnected challenges and addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach encompassing domestic policy reforms, diversification of export markets and enhancing economic resilience to global shocks.
• India’s ability to overcome global economic uncertainties and supply chain disruptions hurdles will be critical in ensuring continued economic growth and stability in an ever-evolving global landscape.
• Non-urban India has remained blindsided for decades in terms of superannuation, benefits, and social security. Rural India will now catch up with its urban counterpart at a quicker pace.
• The Central Information Commission’s job is to strike a balance between people’s right to know and the State’s legitimate need for limited secrecy.
• Right to Information (RTI) has brought transparency and systemic reforms but there is need to prevent its misuse and plug in loopholes.
• Climate change is exacerbating the risks. Because of global warming, more and more glaciers are melting.
• We must be careful in granting permission for the design of our mega hydro projects. We must do proper environment assessment of these projects and ensure that these withstand any water discharge that may happen in case of a glacier outburst.
• An increase in investment in traditional sectors such as mining and utilities because they trigger wider economic activities.
• Frequent tweaks of irritants aside, the GST regime needs a holistic reform plan, including a road map to bring in excluded items such as electricity, petroleum and alcohol.

50-WORD TALK

• A radical re-imagination of growth and developmental opportunities offering a wider platform for Indian (and other developing countries’) women (especially those at the margin in the employment landscape) through a greater, more assertive policy can be a starting point for subsequent transformations to happen across other nations too.
• The disaster in Sikkim is only the latest in a string of related incidents. But it must serve as an urgent reminder at all levels of the state and Central governments that the fragile condition of the Himalayas as the effects of climate change escalate will pose a continued and imminent danger to residents of India’s hill states.

Things to Remember:

• For prelims-related news try to understand the context of the news and relate with its concepts so that it will be easier for you to answer (or eliminate) from given options.
• Whenever any international place will be in news, you should do map work (marking those areas in maps and exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers, etc. same applies to the national places.)
• For economy-related news (banking, agriculture, etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related to various economic aspects, for example, if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing price rises, shortage of essential supplies, banking rates, etc.
• For main exam-related topics, you should focus on the various dimensions of the given topic, the most important topics which occur frequently and are important from the mains point of view will be covered in ED. Try to use the given content in your answer. Regular use of this content will bring more enrichment to your writing.